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CWA # 1748
The World This Week
The World This Week #318
PM Modi’s Visit to Trinidad and Tobago & Ghana, One big beautiful bill, and Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting
The World This Week #318 Vol 7, No 27, 6 July 2025

  GP Team
6 July 2025

PM Modi’s Visit to Trinidad and Tobago: 
A Significant Visit for a Road to Strategic Partnership
M Kejia 

What happened?
On 3 July, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago for a two-day official visit as a part of his  five-nation tour. PM Modi was welcomed by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, along with 38 ministers and four MPs at the airport. This visit was the first bilateral visit at the PM level to Trinidad and Tobago after a gap of 25 years.

On 3 July, PM Modi highlighting the historic cultural ties, pointed out that Indians first arrived in Trinidad and Tobago 180 years ago. He notedthat 45 per cent of Trinidad and Tobago's population is of Indian origin, with their primary roots from  eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. 

On 4 July, PM Modi held bilateral meetings with President Christine Carla Kangaloo and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. 

On 4 July, Modi addressed a Joint Session of the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago. The address focused on shared cultural heritage and bilateral cooperation. 

On 4 July, India and Trinidad & Tobago signed six MoUs. Some of the key MoUs include agreement on Programme of Cultural Exchanges for the period 2025-2028, MoU on Cooperation in Sports MoU on Co-operation in Diplomatic Training; MoU on the re-establishment of two ICCR Chairs of Hindi and Indian Studies at the University of West Indies (UWI), Trinidad and Tobago, MoU on Indian Pharmacopoeia and an agreement on Indian Grant Assistance for Implementation of Quick Impact Projects (QIPs).
 
On 4 July, PM Modi announced that India will offer Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards to the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago. 
On 4 July, PM Modi was conferred with ‘The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’, the country's highest civilian honour.

What is the background?
First, the historical relations between India and T&T. . India and Trinidad and Tobago share deeply rooted historical and cultural ties, primarily developed through the migration of Indian bound labourers during British colonial rule. The first ship, Fatel Razack, arrived in Trinidad on 30 May 1845, carrying 225 Indian labourers from the regions now known as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Over the next 70 years, approximately 147,000 Indians arrived in Trinidad and Tobago, which resulted in creation of one of the largest and most enduring Indian diasporas in the Caribbean. Formal diplomatic relations were established in 1962, after Tobago’s independence, and the two countries have maintained friendly relations. Despite strong cultural bonds, high-level bilateral visits have been limited.

Second, India’s trade ties with Trinidad and Tobago., India and Trinidad and Tobago maintain moderate but growing trade relations. India imports liquefied natural gas (LNG), methanol, and ammonia from Trinidad. India exports pharmaceuticals, textiles, and engineering goods. During the fiscal year 2022–23, bilateral trade stood at approximately USD 245 million. 

Third, cultural ties between India and T&T.. Indian festivals like Diwali and Phagwa (Holi) are national holidays in Trinidad and Tobago. There are institutions such as the Indian Cultural Centre in Port of Spain, which is operated by the Indian High Commissionthat offer classes in Hindi, yoga, classical Indian music, and dance. Hindi is taught in some schools, and local media also features Indian cultural content., Also, Trinidadian artists and scholars regularly participate in Indian cultural festivals. On the educational front, T&T students have benefited from 85 Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) slots annually and Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) fellowships to study in India, particularly in areas like IT, public administration, and health. 

What does this mean?
First, India’s economic interests in T&T. The six MoUs open new avenues for Indian businesses, particularly in pharmaceuticals, infrastructure development, and technology sectors. India's expertise in digital solutions, healthcare, and manufacturing can find new markets in the Caribbean. The agreements create opportunities for Indian companies to participate in Trinidad and Tobago's development projects.

Second, India engaging in energy partnership beyond traditional suppliers. Trinidad and Tobago are rich in energy resources, particularly natural gas and petroleum products, which offer India opportunities for energy cooperation and diversification of energy sources. This benefits from India's strategy of securing energy partnerships beyond traditional suppliers.

Prime Ministers visit to Ghana: 
A step towards comprehensive partnership
Kasvi Batra 

What happened? 
On 2 July, PM Narendra Modi arrived in Accra, Ghana for his two-day official state visit.

On the same day, PM Modi met Ghana’s president Dr. John Dramani Mahama at Jubilee House. During the meeting, the two leaders agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Partnership with a focus on expanding cooperation in digital technology, infrastructure, people to people ties, and security collaboration. The two leaders also expressed their commitment to further strengthening the development partnership, especially through India led Infrastructure and Capacity Building Projects with India offering to share its experiences in health, pharma, digital public infrastructure. 

On the same day, four key Memorandum Of Understanding (MOUs) were signed pertaining to Culture, Traditional Medicine Cooperation (Between Ghana’s Institute of Traditional Alternative Medicine and Indian Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda), Joint Commission Mechanism for engagement between foreign ministers and Standards (between Bureau of Indian Standards and Ghana Standards Authority)

On the same day, PM Modi was conferred with the national honour of Ghana - Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana - by President Mahama. 

On the 3 July, PM Modi addressed a special session of Parliament in Ghana in which he highlighted the historical bonds between India and Ghana, and called for collective global south voice in global governance and lauded Ghana’s vibrant parliamentary system.

What is the background?
First, a brief note on Ghana and India’s relations and previous bilateral visits. India opened its first representative office in Accra in 1953 prior to Ghana’s independence and established full-fledged diplomatic relations in 1957. Both countries were founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement.

There have been various high-level visits between India and Ghana in the past 68 years - Some of the Presidential visits from Ghana to India include President Kufuor (August 2002 & April 2008), President Rawlings (1993), and President Nkrumah (1961). From the Indian side President Pranab Mukherjee in 2016 and Prime Minister Mr. P.V. Narasimha in 1995 made official visits to Ghana. 

Second, India’s Developmental Assistance to Ghana. India has provided assistance in developmental projects to Ghana through Concessional Lines of Credit (CLOCs) and Grants. Till date India has extended around 450 million dollars in assistance for various projects. Some of them include Rural Electrification Project (2003), India-Ghana Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence for ICT (2003), and Jubilee House Presidential Complex (2008). India has also extended Buyers’ Credit of US$ 398.33 million for the Tema-Akosombo railway line in November 2016 and US$ 158.62 for the Tamale-Walewale Road Project, which enables Ghana to access loans from Indian banks to import goods and services, while promoting Indian exporters by mandating procurement fromIndia. 

Third, India and Ghana’s Traditional Medicine Cooperation. In 2011 India and Ghana signed a MoU on Cooperation in the field of traditional systems of medicine and homeopathy with the objective of providing support in developing Ghana’s traditional medicine education and regulatory systems. Previously, Ghanaian students had received AYUSH scholarships to study Ayurveda and homeopathy in India. Further, Ghana’s Centre for Plant Medicine Research (CPMR) collaborates with Indian researchers for herbal drug development.

Fourth, trade and socio-cultural relations between India and Ghana. . Indian companies like Tata, L&T, NIIT, and several pharma firms have significantly invested in Ghana, totaling 820 projects worth US$ 1.92 billion (1994–2024). India is one of Ghana’s top trading partner ranking with it contributing 2.67% to Ghana’s total FDI. India and Ghana possess a preexisting framework for cultural exchange programmes which were signed in 1981 and 2018.. 

What does it mean?
First, the deepening of India’s-Ghana Relations. Elevation of bilateral ties to comprehensive partnership and exploration of new frontiers in defence and critical minerals  indicate a deepening of strategic convergence and a shared commitment to long-term, multifaceted cooperation.

Second, the visit reaffirms India’s west Africa focus . By promoting the idea of 'Security through Solidarity,' India shows its commitment to stronger regional ties, especially in a region crucial for its energy needs (like Nigerian crude oil) and minerals (such as Ghanaian gold and bauxite).

One Big Beautiful Bill Act: 
One bill, several issues at stake
Merin Treesa Alex

What happened? 
On 1 July, the Senate passed H.R. 1/One Big Beautiful Bill Act, by a narrow 51–50 vote. Vice President J.D. Vance casted the tiebreaking vote after over 24 hours of amendment debates. On the same day, Elon Musk criticised the bill, calling it a “disgusting abomination,” and called for the formation of a new political party

On 3 July, the House of Representatives passed the bill 218–214, with nearly all 212 Democrats opposing it. The bill increases military spending and funds major migrant deportation programs.
 
On 4 July, President Trump signed the bill into law, calling it a “birthday present for America.”. Several provisions initially included in the bill were ultimately removed.

On 28 June, Trump warned Senate Republicans that failing to pass the bill would be an “ultimate betrayal.” The White House stated that the bill's passing would lead to economic growth nationwide

The Big Beautiful Bill is a domestic policy bill focused on tax cuts and a budget reconciliation package for fiscal year 2025. It was introduced as H.R. 1 and spans over 900 pages. It extends and makes the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 permanent, as it is set to expire in 2025. The bill also imposes a one per cent tax on migrant remittances sent to families, which applies only to cash transfers; bank and card transfers are exempt.

What is the background?
First, a brief note on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). TCJA was signed into law in December 2017 during President Trump’s first term, which lowered individual tax rates and decreased the top marginal rate from 39.6 per cent to 37 per cent. Further, it doubled the standard deduction to USD 12,400 (single filers) and USD 24,800 (married filers), eliminated personal exemptions, and revoked the Affordable Care Act’s mandate penalty. The state and local tax (SALT) deduction was capped at USD 10,000, and the Child Tax Credit was doubled to USD 2,000. Additionally, the TCJA reduced the corporate tax rate from 35 per cent to 21 per cent. Also it allowed 100 per cent bonus depreciation for certain capital investments and limited the interest expense deductions.

Second, a brief note on Trump’s aversion to social welfare programs. During his first term, Trump, proposed budget cuts for safety net programs, including USD 800 billion from Medicaid, which provides health coverage to low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities, and reduced the funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, food stamps), which helps meet basic food needs. These proposals faced strong opposition from Democrats in Congress.

Third, a brief note on Trump’s push for a conventional source of energy. In the first term, Trump withdrew from the Paris climate agreement in 2017, which portrayed his priority towards conventional energy in contrast to global climate commitments. He emphasised the “America First Energy Plan,” which focused on expanding fossil fuels and deregulating environmental rules such as the Clean Power Plan proposed by the Obama administration. He also approved pipelines to increase energy infrastructure, supporting domestic production. Trump’s energy policy was explicitly rooted in fossil fuels. In 2024, Trump, during his election campaigning, stated that solar and wind energy projects were too expensive and had limited outputs. He strongly opposed Biden’s EV subsidies and vehicle efficiency rule, stating that they are a danger to the automobile industry and claimed that all are manufactured in China.  

Fourth, a brief note on Trump's focus on military and immigration enforcement. During his first term, defence budgets increased from USD 619 billion to USD 740 billion (2021), funding nuclear upgrades, F-35 jets, naval ships, the Space Force, military pay raises, and veteran healthcare. Immigration policies included building 452 miles of border wall and implementing the “Remain in Mexico” policy, which affected more than 71,000 asylum seekers. During, President Trump’s second term, the administration promised to reinstate this policy and end the catch-and-release policy introduced by the Biden administration.

What does it mean?
First, the bill would widen the wealth gap, with TCJA becoming permanent, saving wealthy households USD 12,000 annually and increasing the SALT cap to USD 40,000 from USD 10,000, benefiting high earners and corporations. The new tax provisions, like the no tax on tips and overtime, could provide a short-term relief, as they would expire after 2028

Second, low-income and disabled Americans are likely to face heightened vulnerability. The budget for Medicaid would face cuts of 18 per cent, and the renewed work requirements for parents with children over 14 limit access to food and healthcare for millions and would increase the costs for low-income households by USD 1,600 yearly.

Third, the impact of bill’s termination of Inflation Reduction Act clean energy credits on EV manufacturers. This proposition of the bill would adversely impact EV manufacturers like Tesla and Rivian. This move signals a shift away from sustainability toward conventional energy like fossil fuels.

Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting:
Countering China’s rare earth dominance
Brighty Ann Sarah

What happened? 
On 1 July, the Secretary of State of the United States and the Foreign Ministers of Australia, India, and Japan convened at Washington, D.C. on July 1, 2025, for the 10th Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. The 2025 meeting, hosted by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This was the second Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of the year, following the  meeting in January.

The July 2025 session unveiled a comprehensive agenda centered on four pillars: maritime and transnational security, economic prosperity and security, critical and emerging technologies, and humanitarian assistance and emergency response. The launch of the Quad Critical Mineral Initiative under the umbrella of economic prosperity and security emerged as the highlight of the meeting. However, official agreements are yet to be signed.

The militarization of the East China Sea and South China Sea was also among the serious considerations. The launch of the first-ever Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission, aimed at heightening interoperability and knowledge sharing, the first Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI) workshop and the space-based intelligence sharing operations of the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) were highlighted as proactive measures towards ensuring maritime security in the region. 

The members also condemned international terrorism in the light of the Pahalgam attack, and criticized North-Korea's ballistic missile launches and nuclear ambition.

What is the background?
First, a brief note on Quad. The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, Quad, is a strategic mini-lateral forum comprising the United States, Japan, India, and Australia, upholding the directive of a “free and open Indo-Pacific” as their operational focus. The Quad was formalised in 2007 and revived during the first term of the Trump Presidency, driven by shared concerns over China’s aggressions and encroachments in the South-China Sea and Indian Ocean regions. The administration's 2017 National Security Strategy emphasized the Indo-Pacific as a priority, framing the Quad as a counterbalance to China’s influence. Since 2019, the annual Foreign Ministers Meetings have gained momentum, with the 2024 meeting in Tokyo.

Second, China’s dominance in global critical mineral and rare-earth supply chains. China dominates the ownership and supply of critical minerals globally, wielding 60 per cent of global rare earth production. This makes the production of everyday electronic devices, clean-energy technologies, and even defence technology heavily reliant on China. The United States relies on China for approximately 74 per cent of its rare earth imports, particularly for its defence infrastructure. Australia is a major producer, with 4.2 million tonnes of rare earth elements (REEs) and substantial lithium, cobalt, and nickel reserves. India also possesses nearly 6.9 million tonnes of REEs. However, China remains their major source of refining and processing services.

Third, China’s counter-measures in response to Trump’s tariffs. On 4 April, in response to the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, China imposed export restrictions on seven of the seventeen rare-earth minerals and magnets, severely impacting the electric vehicle, semiconductor, and defence industries. Although the restrictions were eased after several rounds of negotiations and the adoption of a new trade framework, it exposed persisting vulnerabilities in the global supply chain, and the absence of reliable alternatives despite the critical nature of the industry.

Fourth, the presence of critical minerals in the Indo-Pacific.  The Indo-Pacific region holds significant reserves of critical minerals. Indonesia has the world's largest nickel reserves and has substantial levels of cobalt, crucial to the production of electric vehicles. Malaysia and Vietnam, among others, possess considerable amounts of REE as well. The Indo-Pacific ocean bed also harbours vast reserves of mostly untapped critical resources. Despite the abundance of critical mineral resources, there lacks sufficient mining and processing infrastructure to fully exercise the potential of the region

What does it mean?
First, the urgency of Quad member states to recalibrate the global critical mineral supply chain. China’s latest export restrictions have highlighted the strategic leverage it holds in the critical minerals sector, and how it can be wielded to counter U.S. measures. Despite the minor bilateral frictions between the US and the other members, the collective agreement in the Critical Minerals Initiative is a proactive attempt to confront the gaps and build an alternate force in the critical mineral industry.

Second, the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative could emerge as a major contender to China’s dominance in the industry by tapping into the resources of the Indo-Pacific through regional partnerships, collective action and utilising the diverse capabilities of the Quad countries. In addition to providing mineral security to the region, the increasing importance of the rare earth industry globally would afford the region substantial economic growth as a reliable competition to China if operationalized successfully.

TWTW Regional Roundups

News from around the world
Padmashree Anandhan, Fleur Elizabeth Philip, Naomi Miriam Mathew, Rohini Reenum, Femy Francis, Anu Maria Joseph, Lekshmi M.K, M. Kejia Reddy, Aparna A Nair, Santhiya. M, Chittrothu Vaihali, and Swati Sood. 

CHINA THIS WEEK
China: Launches its first domestically built aircraft carrier “Shandong”
On 03 July, Reuters reported that China’s first domestically built aircraft carrier, Shandong, arrived in Hong Kong. The event coincided with the 28th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return from the British rule and was seen as a showdown of China’s military prowess.  The aircraft was accompanied by three People's Liberation Army vessels, including missile destroyers, the 315-meter-long. 70,000 tonne Shandong showcased J-15 fighter jets and Z-18 helicopters. The arrival of Shandong highlights China’s expanding maritime ambitions. The tradition of Hong Kong hosting advanced warships dates back to the 1990’s and the spectators gathered around the shoreline to witness the new warship, Shandong, and compare it with previous US naval warships.

China: Trump administration resumes exports of chip-design software to China
On 03 July, Business Standard reported that as a result of the new China–US trade deal, the Trump administration has lifted few of the export license requirements for chip design software sales to China. The original restrictions imposed in May were a response to China’s rare earth mineral export restrictions. Under the new agreement US has agreed to resume exports of chip-design software, ethane, and jet engines. The EDA software restrictions were part of broader US efforts to curb China’s semiconductor and AI development ambitions.

China: Imposes anti-dumping duties on EU brandy
On 04 July, CGTN reported on the announcement from the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China regarding a five-year anti-dumping tariff on brandy imports from the EU. The ruling concludes the investigation initiated in January 2024, which found that EU brandy imports constituted dumping and threatened China’s domestic industry. China’s dumping margins were determined to be between 27.7 percent and 34.9 percent.  The Ministry of Commerce stated that it would not impose duties on imports from EU industry associates and enterprises that comply with the accepted price undertakings. 

China: Unveils its jet-powered Ekranoplan, the “Bohai Sea Monster” which will combine features of ships, airplanes, and hovercraft.
On 30 June, Naval News reported that China has built a new large jet-powered Ekranoplan, the ‘Bohai Sea Monster’, which marks one of its most ambitious projects. Ekranoplans or Wing-in-Ground effect vehicles fly just above water and are expected to combine the features of ships, airplanes, and hovercraft. This aircraft is known for its stealthy, high-speed, low-altitude transport, which was once dominated by soviet engineering. The new model created by China has four jet engines, a flying boat hull, and a twin tail configuration, which could have a military purpose, possibly for Island resupply or amphibious operations. This development underscores the growing influence in naval and air operations to achieve its strategic goals.

EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC THIS WEEK
South Korea: National Assembly approves USD 23.3 billion extra budget bill 
On 4 July, the National Assembly approved an extra budget bill worth KRW 31.8 trillion ($23.3 billion) in a 168-3 vote with 11 invalid ballots during a plenary session. Only lawmakers of the ruling Democratic Party (DP), which currently holds a parliamentary majority, and other minor parties participated in the vote. The main opposition People Power Party (PPP) boycotted the vote. The latest extra budget raised to 1.3 trillion won from the 30.5 trillion won budget initially proposed by the government.  The DP was seeking to pass the extra budget bill before the current special parliamentary session ends.

Japan: Germany looks to forge military-industrial cooperation with Japan
On 1 July, Japantimes reported that amid the concerns of growing Russian threat and a potential U.S. troop reduction in Europe, Germany is aiming to forge military-industrial cooperation with Japan. EU want to upgrade their military technology and capacity such as missile technology, manned aircraft and drones for a potential war hence it is attempting to forge relation with a trustworthy country like Japan. Japan and Germany face similar threats with recruitment and retention issues. This cooperation include plans to hike military spending from 2.4% of gross domestic product in 2025 to 3.5% by 2029. Also, the two countries would look to expand ties in the areas of economic security, space and technology.

SOUTHEAST AND SOUTH ASIA
Nepal: Rashtriya Swatantra Party launches countrywide signature campaign to protest against the arrest of its party president
On 2 July, the Rashtriya Swatantra Party, the fourth-largest party in Nepal’s parliament, launched a countrywide signature campaign to protest the arrest of its party president, Rabi Lamichhane. The campaign claimed that his imprisonment is politically motivated. He has been charged with defrauding funds from credit cooperatives across the country to operate a now-defunct television channel. Except for the Sano Paila cooperative case, all other cases against Lamichhane have entered judicial proceedings. 

Bangladesh: Political parties reach consensus on judicial overhaul and presidential clemency
On 2 July, Vice Chairman of the National Consensus Commission (NCC), Prof. Ali Riaz, announced that political parties have reached consensus on two issues – firstly, setting up of permanent High Court benches in every division, and secondly, amending the presidential clemency provision. This shall require amendments to Articles 100 and 49 of the Constitution of Bangladesh. 

Bangladesh: Operational control of Chittagong Port to be handed over to Bangladesh Navy 
On 2 July, Shipping Adviser to the Interim government, Brigadier (retd) Shakhwat Hossein, announced that the Bangladesh Navy would manage all operations at Chittagong Port for the next six months, pending a final handover of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to three foreign port logistics companies. Senior naval officers have begun scouting for a “sub-bottom profiler and a side-scan sonar,” required for sea-depth surveys. 

Sri Lanka: Starlink begins operations in the country
On 2 July, Elon Musk announced that Starlink, the SpaceX-operated satellite internet service, is now available in Sri Lanka. With this development, Sri Lanka becomes the third market to allow Starlink’s services in South Asia after Bhutan and Bangladesh. Starlink awaits regulatory clearance in Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and India. 

Pakistan: PM Sharif calls for “low-emission corridors,” at the ECO summit
On 4 July, at the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) summit which is taking place in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, PM Sharif urged for formulating “low-emission corridors” to enhance “climate finance” and increase “environmental cooperation” among countries of ECO. In his address at the summit, PM Sharif highlighted the threat of climate change and how it could impact the “food security” of thousands of people in the region. He appealed to the member countries of ECO to employ collective measures for combating the effects of climate change. He pointed out how Pakistan ranks among the most susceptible countries to the threats posed by “climate change.” He reminded the attendees of the summit about the devastating floods in 2022, which resulted in the displacement of more than three crore people across Pakistan. Further, he expressed gratitude to the member countries for choosing Lahore as “ECO Tourism Capital for 2027” and urged all the attendees to explore “Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage.” In addition to that, PM Sharif denounced Israel’s attacks against Iran and called it “unlawful, unjustified and uncalled for.” He also claimed India’s actions after the Pahalgam terrorist attack could have sabotaged peace and stability in the region. He expressed gratitude to the ECO member countries for backing Pakistan amidst India’s military strikes on it. 

Pakistan: Azerbaijan to invest USD two billion in Pakistan
On the sidelines of the ECO summit, Azerbaijan agreed to invest USD two billion in Pakistan. The agreement was signed by Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Economy Minister of Azerbaijan Mikayil Jabbarov. The “final and detailed agreement” would be inked when President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev would be visiting Pakistan. As per, the inking of the agreement has upgraded “investment and trade relations” between Azerbaijan and Pakistan.

Pakistan: Ruling coalition surpasses two-thirds majority in the National Assembly after SC verdict on reserved seats case
On 2 July, the ruling coalition surpassed a “two-thirds majority” in the National Assembly with 235 members. The opposition parties hold 98 seats. This comes after the Election Commission of Pakistan allocated the reserved seats amongst the three parliamentary parties- PML-N, PPP, and JUI-F, following the Supreme Court’s ruling on the reserved seats case. The Supreme Court’s ruling on the reserved seats case benefited PML-N the most as it was allocated 43 out of a total of 74 seats in provincial and national assemblies. PPP gained 14 seats, whereas JUI-F was allocated 13 seats. One seat each was allocated to PML-Q, MQM-Pakistan, ANP, PTI-Parliamentarians, and Istekham-i-Pakistan Party (IPP). In the National Assembly, a total of 19 seats were allocated. 13 of the 19 seats went to the PML-N, whereas four went to PPP. Two seats in the National Assembly went to JUI-F. Currently, after the allocation of seats, PML-N has 123 members in the National Assembly, PPP has 74, MQM-P has 22, and PML-Q has five. Istekham-i-Pakistan has four members in the National Assembly, whereas Balochistan Awami Party, National Party, and PML-Z have one member each. The four independent National Assembly members are also included in the ruling coalition's strength in the National Assembly.

Iran: Iran breaks-off cooperation with the IAEA
On 2 July, the Al Jazeera reported that Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has approved a bill breaking-off cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This development follows an earlier legislation approved by Iran’s Guardian Council to “suspend cooperation” with the IAEA. The legislation disallows IAEA nuclear inspectors from visiting Iranian nuclear sites without prior approval of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. This step is a culmination of Iran’s brief confrontation with Israel and the US’s attack on its nuclear facilities. Earlier, Guardian Council spokesperson Hadi Tahan Nazif had told an Iranian news outlet that this move is to ensure “full respect for the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran.” Nazif also said that the bill will allow Iran “to benefit from all the entitlements specified under … the Non-Proliferation Treaty, especially with regard to uranium enrichment.” 

EUROPE THIS WEEK
Russia: Gives formal recognition to the Taliban government in Afghanistan
On 03 July, Afghanistan’s Taliban government informed that Russia became the first country to recognize its government. Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met the Russian ambassador to Afghanistan, Dmitry Zhirnov, in Kabul. Muttaqi said in a video posted on X, "This brave decision will be an example for others... Now that the process of recognition has started, Russia is ahead of everyone.” Russia's foreign ministry shared on the Telegram app, "We believe that the act of official recognition of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will boost the development of productive bilateral cooperation between our countries in several areas." Moscow had earlier removed the Taliban from their list of terrorist’ organisations and accepted an ambassador from their government. 

Greece: Wildfires in Crete leads to evacuation of more than 1,500 residents and tourists’
On 07 July, concerned authorities ordered evacuations of a resort, Achlia, and three other settlements in the wider Crete area. The Fire Service and a civil protection agency issued localized mobile phone alerts for the evacuations and asked residents not to return to their properties. The Crete civil defence said more than 1,500 people were evacuated and taken to hotels and sports halls. 

Europe: European Commission President meets Foreign Minister Wang Yi to discuss strengthening cooperation amid growing global challenges 
On 02 July, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen held a meeting with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi to discuss strengthening cooperation between the EU and China amid growing global challenges. As they mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, both leaders emphasized the importance of mutual trust, communication, and shared responsibility in a turbulent international landscape. FM Wang Yi called for deepened strategic dialogue, economic collaboration, and joint efforts on issues like climate change, while reaffirming China’s support for European integration and multilateralism. He emphasized China's commitment to openness and resolving differences through dialogue. Von der Leyen echoed the importance of stable, constructive relations, saying the upcoming China-EU leaders' meeting offers a key opportunity to reaffirm shared goals and global responsibility. She also reiterated the EU's commitment to the one-China policy.

About the Authors
M Kejia is a student in the Department of Political Science and International Relations, Pondicherry University, Puducherry. Merin Treesa Alex is a postgraduate student at the Department of International Studies, Stella Maris College, Chennai. Brighty Ann Sarah is a postgraduate student of International Studies at Stella Maris College, Chennai. Kasvi Batra is a Research intern at National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS). Padmashree Anandhan, Anu Maria Joseph and Femy Francis are Project Associates at NIAS. Rohini Reenum is a Doctoral Student at NIAS. Fleur Elizabeth Philip is a Research Assistant at NIAS. Aparna A Nair, M Kejia, Naomi Miriam Mathew, Santhiya. M, Swati Sood, Lekshmi M.K, and Chittrothu Vaihali are Research interns at NIAS. 

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