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Saturday, October 10, 2026

12 Killed, Over 300 Injured In Third Houthi Attack On Riyadh Airport This Week; Flights Halted

At least 12 people were killed and 309 injured in the third attack on Riyadh's international airport this week, Saudi authorities said on Saturday, as Iran-backed Houthis intensified their campaign against the kingdom. The latest strike was the deadliest in Saudi Arabia in more than a decade and occurred without any prior warning from the country's threat alert system. The Saudi civil aviation authority said the deceased included four Saudi nationals, two people from Bangladesh and one person each from the United States, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Sudan and Egypt, Reuters reported. Hospitals were overwhelmed with injured people arriving by ambulance and helicopter, according to people briefed on the matter. Some of the wounded were in critical condition. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ErN2-wEzZ-k?si=g_e7evZ8nbD4JPvr" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> The latest attack followed two strikes on King Khalid International Airport earlier this week that killed four people and severely damaged a Saudi commercial aircraft parked on the tarmac. The attacks have raised concerns over vulnerabilities in Saudi Arabia's defence capabilities as the kingdom continues its air campaign against the Houthis in support of a ground offensive by the Yemeni government against the Iran-backed group. A Saudi-led military coalition vowed to retaliate following Saturday's deadly strike, the report stated. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/doubt-is-not-proof-124-former-bureaucrats-defend-election-commission-in-open-letter-1870788">‘Doubt Is Not Proof’: 124 Former Bureaucrats Defend Election Commission In Open Letter</a> <h3>Riyadh Airport Operations Suspended, Flights Diverted</h3> The Saudi civil aviation authority said all flights were diverted from Riyadh on Saturday, while operations at the airport serving a city of approximately eight million people were temporarily suspended, Reuters reported. The head of the Houthi media office claimed in a post on X following the attack that the group had "shut down Riyadh international airport". The Houthis have also urged airliners to avoid Saudi airspace, declaring it a zone of military operations after the Saudi-backed Yemeni government launched an offensive against the group on Monday. Flight-tracking website Flightradar24 showed that flights bound for Riyadh had either been diverted or cancelled. At one point, only a helicopter was seen hovering over the airport. According to the report, an eyewitness at the airport reported seeing an explosion, followed by multiple people lying injured on the ground inside the facility. More than a dozen ambulances were seen heading towards the airport.  An injured traveller told Reuters that they had seen something fly across the sky outside the airport before part of the ceiling near a departure gate collapsed. The US embassy in Riyadh said it was "aware of attacks" and "strongly recommends all US citizens avoid this airport and surrounding areas." ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/nia-registers-fir-over-alleged-flydubai-hijack-bid-after-co-pilot-stabs-smit-machchhar-1870778#google_vignette">NIA Registers FIR Over Alleged Flydubai Hijack Bid After Co-Pilot Stabs Smit Machchhar</a> <h3>Trump Weighs US Involvement As Rubio Condemns Strikes</h3> US President Donald Trump said Washington was considering whether to join Saudi Arabia's strikes against the Houthis. Asked by reporters outside the White House whether the US planned to participate in the military campaign, Trump said, "We may. We're going to look at it. We just found out about the recent attack, so we'll make a decision. We move very quickly," he said. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the attacks, saying they "demonstrate a blatant disregard for innocent civilian life." Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni government have claimed to have carried out hundreds of strikes against targets in Houthi-controlled territory. The Houthis have alleged that these attacks killed civilians, including women and children, Reuters reported.  The latest attacks on Riyadh's airport mark a further escalation in the conflict as Saudi Arabia supports the Yemeni government's military campaign against the group. <h3>Major Energy And Investment Conferences Scheduled In Riyadh</h3> The airport attacks have also raised concerns ahead of major energy and investment conferences scheduled to take place in Riyadh. Houthi strikes on Thursday and earlier in the week had already prompted several airlines to suspend or cancel services to the Saudi capital. Organisers of the conferences had said before Saturday's attack that the events would proceed as planned. Despite the latest strike and the temporary suspension of airport operations, the conferences were still scheduled to go ahead, according to the organisers.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/houthi-missile-strike-on-riyadh-airport-kills-12-over-300-injured-flight-operation-suspended-1870813

Israeli president invites Indian pilot Machchhar to receive civilian heroism award

Jerusalem, Oct 10 (PTI): President Isaac Herzog has invited Captain Smit Machchhar to Israel to honour him with the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism, his office said on Saturday. Indian national Machchhar was injured while trying to stop his co-pilot from allegedly attempting to hijack a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30. The aircraft, carrying 174 passengers and six crew members, was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia after the mid-air incident. Despite being seriously injured, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to overpower the co-pilot and avert a possible catastrophe. All passengers reached Israel safely later that day. “Once Captain Machchhar regains strength, it will be my honour to award him, on behalf of the people of Israel, the State of Israel's Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism,” a statement from the President's office quoted Herzog as saying. In a letter dated October 4, the Israeli president expressed "deep gratitude" for Machchhar's "exceptional courage and determination" in steering the flydubai aircraft to safety and averting a "catastrophe". "While the unfolding of events reads like a thriller, one can only imagine the true sense of terror and grave urgency that overwhelmed the cockpit as you struggled midair for your very being," Herzog wrote. The letter did not mention the President's intention to confer the award on Machchhar. Herzog announced the decision earlier this week at a ceremony honouring six Israeli citizens on board the flight with the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism. The honour for Machchhar would be a rare distinction for a non-Israeli. In his letter, Herzog wished Machchhar a full and speedy recovery and invited him to visit Jerusalem once he has regained his strength. Machchhar received the letter while recovering in the hospital, the press statement said, attaching photos of the pilot reading it. Praising Machchhar’s composure in the face of grave danger, Herzog wrote that his "ability to find the strength to rise above the pain, to combat the immediate threat to your life, and to operate sound judgment demonstrates the strength of your character and the great valour you possess". Herzog also referred to the historic ties between India and Israel, recalling the role of Indian troops in liberating the northern Israeli city of Haifa from Ottoman forces on September 23, 1918. “Your heroics place you in the distinguished ranks of Indian troops, who risked their lives over 100 years ago to liberate cities in the Holy Land, forever becoming a part of Israel’s history. "You too, Captain Machchhar, will henceforth be a treasured part of our people’s history, further amplifying the warmth and connection between the Republic of India and the State of Israel,” Herzog wrote. “As you slowly begin your journey towards healing, I know that you are in the very best hands of our dear friends and partners in the United Arab Emirates. "We all share heartfelt prayers for your full and speedy recovery, and I look forward, once you have regained strength, to welcoming you to Jerusalem and expressing the appreciation and the love of our grateful nation,” he said. Posters featuring Machchhar have appeared along major highways and at prominent locations across Israel, with people expressing gratitude for his bravery in saving around 180 Israeli lives, according to the statement. Members of the Indian community in Israel have also received a warm response following the incident. Indian students at universities reported that campus cafeterias offered them discounts and treated them warmly the day after the incident. PTI HM SCY SCY(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/israeli-president-invites-indian-pilot-machchhar-to-receive-civilian-heroism-award-1870803

US Midterms: Why Are Women Still Underrepresented In Congress Despite Record Numbers?

Around 51% of the population of the United States is female, but that is not reflected in the make-up of the US Congress, where only 28.4% of the members are women. Nevertheless, with 152 women in total sitting in the House of Representatives and Senate, the number is higher than it has ever been in the history of the United States. The number of female governors of the 50 US states is also currently higher than ever before: Some 14 of them — 28% — are women. There are a number of reasons why there are still comparatively few female representatives in the US Congress. "Some of them are structural: There are rules and processes in place in our political system that make it harder for any newcomers to break in," says Kelly Dittmar, director of research at the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) at Rutgers University. "Historically, women were newcomers." Seats in the Senate only come up for election every six years. Members of the House of Representatives serve two-year terms, but there is no limit to the number of times they can stand for reelection, so in theory they can stay in office for decades. Also, as Dittmar points out, election campaigns in the US are very expensive. Women have historically been less able to access networks of rich donors — who, like many party leaders, are still most likely to be men. Leading male politicians are also more likely to recruit men to stand as new candidates. Finally, cultural biases also play a role: "Stereotypes and expectations about what women can and should do." The elections on November 3 will decide whether more or fewer women will sit in the US Congress over the next two years. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 seats in the Senate are up for election in the midterms. And in 36 states, the citizens will also decide who will move in to the governor's villa. <h2>House of Representatives: Female Democrats outnumber female Republicans three to one</h2> 125 of the 435 representatives in the House are women. As in the Senate, and also with the gubernatorial posts, they are not evenly distributed between the two parties: There are more women among the Democrats than among the Republicans. At present, there are 95 women sitting as representatives for the Democrats, and 30 for the Republicans. "There is a far less robust support infrastructure for women within the Republican Party," says Dittmar. She comments that organizations that specifically recruit, train, and fund women candidates are almost all either on the Democrat side, or non-partisan. Besides, she adds, "A lot of the [Republican] party leaders don't see an electoral incentive or pressure" to recruit more women. Diversity is more important to Democrat voters, who place greater value on seeing women among their elected representatives. The Republicans currently have a majority in the House of Representatives, which means that they also get to appoint the Speaker or majority leader. At the moment, the position is held by Mike Johnson. Only one woman has held this powerful post to date: Nancy Pelosi, who was the Democrats' Speaker from 2007 to 2011, and again from 2019 to 2023. <h2>US Senate: Even higher bar for women</h2> Women currently constitute 27% of the US Senate – 16 Democrats and 11 Republicans. Each of the 50 states is represented by two senators. The term of office is longer in this chamber of the US Congress, and the majority of the officials here represent many more voters than the representatives in the lower house. According to Dittmar, it's even harder for women to win a seat in the Senate. "With the Senate, it's an opportunity and timing issue," she says. Each seat comes up for election every six years. There are 100 in total, and every two years only a third of them are available. Little opportunity, then, for women who have not previously sat in the Senate to advance. A state-wide senatorial election campaign is also more expensive than the equivalent campaign for a seat in the House of Representatives — and studies indicate that female candidates are generally less wealthy than their male counterparts. For one senatorial candidate, the November midterms could prove historic. If the Democrat Peggy Flanagan wins in Minnesota, she will be the first Native American woman to sit in the US Senate. Flanagan is Ojibwe, otherwise known as Chippewa, an indigenous people from the Great Lakes region spanning the US and Canada. Flanagan currently holds the post of lieutenant governor of Minnesota. Polls suggest that her chances are good. She has a slight lead over her rival, the Republican Michele Tafoya, previously a sports reporter and advisor to conservative politicians. <h2>First black woman state governor?</h2> Ten of the current 14 female governors are Democrats, while four are Republicans. Six of the 14 are standing again, including Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the governor of Arkansas, who was President Trump's press secretary during his first term in office. For the first time in US history, it is possible that a Black woman may be elected state governor. In Minnesota, the Democrat Tim Walz — Kamala Harris's vice-presidential candidate in the 2024 election — is not standing for reelection. The main rivals for his seat are the Democrat Amy Klobuchar and the (Black) Republican Lisa DeMuth. Meanwhile, the Black Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms is running for governor of the state of Georgia. Kelly Dittmar doesn't think DeMuth will win in Minnesota — the state is regarded as solidly Democrat. And Klobuchar is well known among the people there; she has represented Minnesota in the US Senate since 2007. But in Georgia, according to Dittmar, it's a different story: "That race is considered a toss-up, 50-50." Dittmar believes that Bottoms "absolutely has a chance to be the first Black woman governor." Former President Barack Obama is her most prominent supporter, while President Trump has declared his support for the Republican candidate, Rick Jackson. Disclaimer: This report first appeared on Deutsche Welle, and has been republished on ABP Live as part of a special arrangement. Apart from the headline, no changes have been made in the report by ABP Live.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-midterms-why-are-women-still-underrepresented-in-congress-despite-record-numbers-1870799

Friday, October 9, 2026

Flydubai Co-Pilot Was Inspired By 9/11, Radicalised In Australia Since 2017, UAE Prosecutor Says

The co-pilot accused of assaulting the captain of a flydubai passenger flight allegedly planned to seize control of the aircraft and crash it into Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport, the United Arab Emirates’ top prosecutor has disclosed. The alleged plan was revealed on Friday by UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi as investigators continued examining the September 30 incident. The accused, a 29-year-old Omani national identified by foreign media as Hamam al-Hammami, allegedly made preparations for an aviation-based suicide attack targeting the international airport’s passenger terminal. The incident involved flight FZ1073, whose captain, Smit Machchhar, was allegedly attacked by the co-pilot. <h3>Tel Aviv Airport Was The Target</h3> According to the UAE prosecution, al-Hammami had allegedly studied the intended target and flight route before attempting to carry out the plan. Investigators said he had operated two earlier flights to Tel Aviv, which he allegedly used to familiarise himself with the route and the airport. Authorities believe these trips formed part of preparations for the alleged attack on September 30. The investigation is examining how the accused intended to take control of the aircraft and execute the plan. The allegations, disclosed by Al Shamsi, add a new dimension to the case, which initially came to attention following the reported attack on the flight's captain. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6HLY6NQtDEg?si=Skz9ppa8Dffc_QNo" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/india/cjp-protest-delhi-live-updates-abhijeet-dipke-cec-gyanesh-kumar-gen-z-protest-neha-bora-rakesh-tikait-modi-government-2026-1870586">CJP Protest Live Updates: Abhijeet Dipke Leaves From Mumbai For Delhi Ahead Of Jantar Mantar Protest Today</a> <h3>September 11 Attacks Influence</h3> Investigators said the accused drew inspiration from the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Centre in the United States. According to a confession shared by investigators, he became increasingly interested in replicating an operation involving an aircraft. “The idea of carrying out a similar operation using an aircraft became firmly established in his thinking,” the statement said. Prosecutors alleged that al-Hammami embraced extremist ideas advocating violence and terrorism. Investigators also said he attempted to prepare himself both mentally and physically, including by consuming more material promoting terrorist organisations and training in boxing with a private coach. The UAE authorities are examining these alleged preparations as part of their investigation into the accused's intentions and the circumstances surrounding the September 30 incident. <h3>Radicalisation During Australian Studies</h3> The UAE prosecution traced the alleged radicalisation to 2017, when al-Hammami was studying in Australia. Al Shamsi said the process began during his time at RMIT University in Melbourne, where he was reportedly exposed to hardline takfiri ideology. According to the UAE account, extremist literature and online material glorifying terrorist groups and suicide attacks influenced his thinking. The statement was published on UAE government social media platforms and was first reported by the state-run Emirati news agency WAM. RMIT University confirmed on Monday that al-Hammami had attended its Melbourne campus. However, the university said he “did not successfully complete an engineering qualification”. Guardian Australia sought additional comments from the university on Saturday. Australian security agencies also opened an investigation last weekend after information emerged that al-Hammami had spent approximately two years in Australia as a student, leaving in 2017. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/india/we-will-not-raise-our-hands-cjp-s-ashutosh-ranka-sends-message-ahead-of-delhi-protest-1870649">‘We Will Not Raise Our Hands’: CJP’s Ashutosh Ranka Sends Message Ahead Of Delhi Protest</a> <h3>Airline Career Under Scrutiny</h3> Investigators have also reviewed the accused's employment history across several airlines. He reportedly worked for Oman Air between 2020 and 2024 before joining Royal Air Maroc in early 2025, where he remained for several months. He subsequently moved to flydubai in January 2026. Authorities are also examining al-Hammami's account of his activities in Melbourne, including his reported visits to a mosque affiliated with RMIT. He allegedly told investigators that he met individuals connected to a centre known as “My Centre”. According to his account, the centre was operated by a Lebanese man known as “Abu Hamza” and received backing from an association linked to the Muslim Brotherhood.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/flydubai-co-pilot-omani-hamam-al-hammami-inspired-by-9-11-radicalised-in-australia-2017-uae-prosecutor-says-1870686

Trump Says Russia To Supply Diesel To US, Zelenskyy Calls It 'Gift To Putin'

US President Donald Trump on Friday announced a deal under which Russia will supply diesel to American and global markets, hailing the arrangement as a way to bring down fuel prices ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, however, has criticised the move, calling it a “gift to Putin” and warning that easing sanctions without a lasting de-escalation agreement could help Moscow prolong its war against Ukraine. Trump said that Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to immediately supply more than 300,000 metric tonnes of diesel, equivalent to around 2.25 million barrels of fuel. The US administration has also temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian fuel, restrictions originally intended to deprive Moscow of revenue for its war in Ukraine. Speaking to reporters outside the White House before travelling to Syracuse, New York, for a midterm election campaign event, Trump described the arrangement as a major development for the US fuel market. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WbE6sTvsoug?si=oZw7FVPresk5uKxm" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> “I think you heard about the oil deal with Russia. That is a big deal. That is massive amounts of oil coming into our country. I want to thank President Putin. We have massive amounts of oil coming into our country, and it is diesel, which is what we want,” Trump said. The announcement comes as diesel prices remain near record levels, putting pressure on farmers, ranchers, truckers and other consumers who depend on the fuel. Prices fell following the announcement, although analysts cautioned that the proposed supplies might not be sufficient to keep them down. The development also carries political implications for Trump's Republican Party ahead of the November 3 congressional elections, which will determine whether it retains its narrow control of Congress. <h2>Trump Announces Further Russian Diesel Supplies</h2> In a post on Truth Social, Trump outlined plans for additional Russian diesel shipments beyond the initial supply of more than 300,000 metric tonnes. He said Russia would provide another 500,000 tonnes during November, followed by one million tonnes immediately thereafter and a further three million tonnes within a short period, depending on the condition of Russian diesel refineries. Trump argued that the Russian supplies, alongside what he described as US control of the Strait of Hormuz, would help reduce diesel prices in America and elsewhere. “Between our TOTAL CONTROL of the Strait of Hormuz, and this great announcement on Russian Energy, Diesel Prices for Americans and, indeed, the World, will be COMING DOWN, IN RECORD NUMBERS, AND FAST!” he wrote. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/india/we-will-not-raise-our-hands-cjp-s-ashutosh-ranka-sends-message-ahead-of-delhi-protest-1870649">‘We Will Not Raise Our Hands’: CJP’s Ashutosh Ranka Sends Message Ahead Of Delhi Protest</a> He identified lowering fuel costs for Americans, particularly farmers, ranchers and truckers, as his “Greatest Priority”. Trump also reiterated that Iran would not be permitted to possess a nuclear weapon. After the announcement, Kirill Dmitriev, an envoy for Putin, praised US-Russia cooperation in a post on X. Dmitriev had asked US officials during a visit to Washington last month to grant licences allowing all major Russian oil companies to export diesel to the American market, Reuters reported, citing sources familiar with the matter. Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak had recently said that the country's diesel market was balanced. According to Russian state news agency TASS, Novak said Moscow would consider partially reopening exports if domestic production exceeded demand. <h2>Zelenskyy Says Easing Sanctions Would Help Russia Continue War</h2> Zelenskyy criticised the proposed arrangement, arguing that relaxing restrictions on Moscow without a clear and lasting agreement to reduce hostilities would undermine efforts to end the conflict. In a post on X, the Ukrainian president called for stronger sanctions against Russia, continued military and other support for Ukraine, and greater pressure on Moscow to stop the war. “Peace never comes through weakness. Today, representatives of the U.S. Congress were in Kyiv – a bipartisan delegation – and I am grateful to them for visiting Ukraine at such a difficult time. They asked: what is needed to end the war? The answer must be strong. There must be sanctions under the Lindsey Graham bill, there must be support for Ukraine in protecting lives, and there must be pressure on Russia for its war,” he wrote. Zelenskyy argued that easing sanctions without a durable agreement would allow Russia to continue its military campaign and cause further damage. “Any easing of sanctions against Russia without a clear and lasting de-escalation agreement with Russia is an obvious weakness. It plays into Russia’s hands – allowing it to kill more, wage war for longer, have even less respect for America, and inflict even greater losses and damage on the world,” he said. Referring specifically to the proposed diesel supplies, Zelenskyy described the arrangement as a concession that could benefit Moscow rather than advance peace. “Gifts to Putin will not bring peace or any benefit to the civilized world. Russia will ‘repay’ the diesel with further terror and perfidy. Allowing Russia to sell petroleum products is an investment in a war that must be ended, not prolonged,” he said. In a phone interview with Axios on Friday, Zelenskyy also described Trump's decision to ease sanctions and allow Russian diesel exports as “not fair and not honest”. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/cities/jnu-dismisses-professor-congress-mp-akoijam-after-11-female-students-filed-complaints-against-him-1870642">JNU Dismisses Professor, Congress MP Akoijam After 11 Female Students Filed Complaints Against Him</a> <h2>Ukraine Offers Reciprocal Steps To De-Escalate Conflict</h2> Zelenskyy also outlined a proposal under which Ukraine would stop striking Russian oil refineries if Moscow ceased attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. “Ukraine will not set Russian oil refineries on fire if Russia does not destroy our energy infrastructure. This is the kind of agreement we are proposing to America, and we believe the United States has enough power to achieve such a compromise,” he said. The Ukrainian president's remarks came as Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met Ukraine's negotiating team in Miami. According to Axios, senior diplomats from Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the European Union and NATO were also involved in discussions on new US proposals aimed at ending the war. The competing positions highlight the tension between Washington's stated aim of bringing down fuel prices and Kyiv's demand that economic pressure on Moscow remain in place until there is a meaningful agreement to de-escalate the conflict.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/trump-says-russia-to-supply-diesel-to-us-zelenskyy-calls-it-gift-to-putin-u-turn-russia-oil-sanctions-1870671

Jaishankar highlights shared aspirations, self-reliance in India-Africa partnership

Addis Ababa, Oct 9 (PTI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday highlighted the historic India-Africa partnership, rooted in shared solidarity and a common pursuit of fairness, representation and the freedom to shape their own future, while outlining key areas of cooperation between the two sides. Jaishankar arrived in Ethiopia on Thursday from Cote d’Ivoire on the final leg of his three-nation tour of African countries, which also included Ghana. Addressing a gathering at the Adwa Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa, Jaishankar said the development visions of India and Africa emphasised industrialisation, which should not be denied by flooding markets with cheap goods or restricting market access. He highlighted the robust trade and investment ties between India and African countries across sectors such as manufacturing, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, energy, mining, agriculture, infrastructure, financial services and information technology. Jaishankar said self-reliance was a shared conviction that provided a strong foundation for the enduring partnership between India and Africa. India's development partnership with African countries was guided by the priorities of partner nations, he said, adding that India has "supported more than 220 projects" in areas such as "power generation, electricity transmission, water, agriculture, railways, healthcare, manufacturing and public infrastructure". He also highlighted India's capacity-building initiatives, saying more than 70,000 African students and professionals had received support from India over the past decade. Emphasising the growing role of technology in bilateral cooperation, Jaishankar pointed to the transformative impact of digital governance and expanding cooperation on India Stack. "The transformative impact of digital governance, as well as growing India Stack cooperation with Africa. Space, drones, and AI are new frontiers of this cooperation," he said. Jaishankar also underlined India's efforts to strengthen Africa's health security through vaccine support, pharmaceutical investments and the gifting of Bhabhatron cancer treatment machines. In a separate post on X, Jaishankar said India and Ethiopia shared the vision of 'AI for All' and its potential to advance development and prosperity. He also visited the Ethiopia Science Museum, describing it as a symbol of the country's efforts to build a technology-driven, knowledge-based economy. Science and innovation cooperation would play a greater role in the India-Ethiopia strategic partnership, he said. PTI SCY SCY(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/jaishankar-highlights-shared-aspirations-self-reliance-in-india-africa-partnership-1870666

Thursday, October 8, 2026

OPINION | Afghanistan, Taliban And US-Russia Contestation

The ongoing struggle for dominance among major powers in war-torn Afghanistan appears to be intensifying once more. Recent discussions held in the Moscow format highlighted this precarious situation. Despite Russia openly expressing its support for the Taliban, it has become increasingly clear that the group is confronting significant challenges and threats from multiple sources. This precarious position underscores the complexities of Afghanistan's geopolitical landscape, where various factions and international interests are continually vying for influence, leaving the Taliban in a vulnerable position as it seeks to navigate these turbulent waters. The Moscow Format was created in 2017 as a vital regional platform aimed at fostering dialogue among the special envoys of key nations, including Russia, Afghanistan, India, Iran, China, and Pakistan. Its primary goal is to promote peace and stability while facilitating a process of national reconciliation in the war-torn landscape of Afghanistan. Over time, this initiative expanded its diplomatic reach to include five Central Asian nations, further enriching the dialogue and collaborative efforts toward a peaceful resolution in the region. The eighth meeting of the Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan concluded on 5 October without a joint statement for the first time in its history due to sharp disputes between the Taliban and Pakistan. The meeting got overshadowed by the ongoing conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan even as Russia was unable to stitch-up a joint statement from the talks – something that happened for the first time since its inception. Also Read: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/opinion-pakistan-does-china-style-collision-india-should-remain-alert-1867151">OPINION | Pakistan Does China-Style Collision, India Should Remain Alert</a> August 2026 marked the fifth anniversary of the return of the Taliban to power in Kabul. The Afghan delegation was led by Taliban Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, who also held a separate meeting with Lavrov on the sidelines of the of the conference. Sergei Lavrov, Foreign Minister of Russia, said the dispute between Kabul and Islamabad did not allow the member countries to reach a consensus. However, he also warned NATO of creating a military infrastructure there – something that was not expected to many who were watching the meeting closely as Afghanistan is making a slow but steady comeback on the global geopolitical theatres as its war with Pakistan intensifies much to India’s chagrin as New Delhi shares close strategic ties with both Moscow as well as Washington. “The deployment of NATO military infrastructure in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries under any pretext whatsoever is categorically unacceptable. As we know from history, presence of this kind carries the risk of destabilisation and heightened tensions and conflict. We have seen no other outcome from this kind of presence over the past several decades,” Lavrov in an apparent warning to the United States. In other words, Lavrov was signalling a warning against external powers attempting to return militarily or re-establish control over strategic installations — for example, the U.S.’ reported plan to regain control of the Bagram Air Base near Kabul from the Taliban — arguing that historical experience shows foreign military presence only invites new conflicts and instability. Russian President Vladimir Putin's special envoy for Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, said the meeting ended without a joint statement due to disagreements between the Taliban and Pakistan — a development Moscow regretted. He added that consensus on a joint communique collapsed at the last minute because the Taliban objected to Afghanistan being mentioned "too extensively in relation to terrorism" compared to previous years. According to Kabulov, Moscow found the Taliban's stance surprising because similar language on terrorism had been included in last year's joint statement without objection. The Taliban, however, contended that bilateral relations had since evolved and that such extensive references to Afghanistan in the context of terrorism were no longer acceptable to them. Despite the setback, Russian officials emphasized that the inability to adopt a joint statement would not derail the Moscow Format. They maintained that the mechanism would continue to function as a key platform for coordinating regional approaches and fostering cooperation on Afghanistan. However, Lavrov’s warning to NATO about the potential establishment of military infrastructure in the region took many by surprise, signalling a shift in the dynamics of international involvement in Afghanistan. This development is particularly noteworthy given India’s intricate strategic partnerships with both Moscow and Washington, indicating that the region's stability remains a tightrope walk. India, which now shares a growing bilateral relationship with the Taliban government in Kabul, was represented by Vinay Kumar, India's Ambassador to Russia and M. Suresh Kumar, Joint Secretary (Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran Division), Ministry of External Affairs. After the meeting New Delhi said, it has “again reiterated our strong support for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Afghanistan.” New Delhi must brace itself for an eventual resurgence of tensions between the United States and Russia, particularly as geopolitical dynamics in this region continue to shift. Moscow has already taken a significant step by officially recognizing the Taliban, a move that has not been mirrored by Washington or New Delhi. Given this evolving landscape, it is crucial for India to develop a well-defined and strategic policy towards Afghanistan, one that prioritizes its national security interests. This policy should also skilfully navigate the complexities of India's relationships with both Russia and the United States. Merely extending humanitarian aid to Kabul is insufficient in addressing the broader implications of these changes. India cannot afford to adopt a passive role in international discussions and must actively engage in shaping the narrative around Afghanistan's future at global forums. Also Read: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/opinion-india-us-ties-no-more-diplomacy-of-deference-now-diplomacy-of-deterrence-1869285">OPINION | India-US Ties: No More Diplomacy Of Deference, Now Diplomacy Of Deterrence</a> <div id="article-hstick-inner" class="abp-story-detail "> [Disclaimer: The opinions, beliefs, and views expressed by the various authors and forum participants on this website are personal and do not reflect the opinions, beliefs, and views of ABP News Network Pvt Ltd.] </div>

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