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Saturday, October 31, 2026

Jaishankar Stresses Dialogue To Resolve Global Conflicts, Calls For Diversified Supply Chains At G20 Meet

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has called for diplomatic solutions to major global conflicts, warning that disruptions to energy markets and supply chains were placing additional pressure on developing economies. Speaking exclusively to ANI on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Atlanta, Jaishankar outlined India's position during three plenary sessions focused on geopolitical challenges, energy and food security, and resilient supply chains. He described the discussions as engaging, open and constructive. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n9-uKuzaUrM?si=dz1eoG1kj_c_or2q" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Reflecting on the session on geopolitical challenges, Jaishankar said the two major ongoing conflicts had consequences extending well beyond the regions directly involved, and stressed the need for diplomatic engagement. “Look, there are big conflicts today, two major conflicts which are having global ramifications,” he said, adding that “there are no military solutions; we have to find a diplomatic pathway.” He said India's advocacy for peace had found resonance among several foreign ministers participating in the meeting. <h2>Jaishankar Flags Energy Market Disruptions, Food Security Concerns</h2> During discussions on energy and food security, Jaishankar raised concerns over disruptions in fuel distribution and what he described as the politicisation of energy flows. He said developing countries were bearing the consequences of energy shortages. “This distortion of the energy markets, the politicisation of energy flows, this is something which is very harmful,” he said, adding that “the Global South was bearing the brunt of the energy shortages and that something needs to be done.” The minister also pointed to challenges affecting agricultural supplies, including disruptions to grain shipments due to bottlenecks in the Black Sea and fertiliser shortages linked to tensions in the Persian Gulf and Red Sea corridors. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-war-live-trump-speaks-to-netanyahu-as-us-weighs-fresh-iran-strikes-mojtaba-khamenei-warns-1874167">Trump Speaks To Netanyahu As US Weighs Fresh Iran Strikes: Report</a> <h2>India Calls For Diversified Global Supply Chains</h2> At the concluding plenary session on supply chains, Jaishankar called for greater diversification in global manufacturing and production to reduce vulnerabilities arising from excessive dependence on particular geographies. “Today we need more diversified supply chains,” he said, advocating for “more globalised, you know, more diversified production, more diversified manufacturing.” He also stressed the need to prevent excessive concentration in the global economy, saying that “there isn't that over concentration” and “the world is not dependent on a single geography.” In a post on X following the session, Jaishankar said securing supply chains and ensuring their resilience were central to the global economy's well-being. “The right to industrialise must be promoted; predatory practices and targeting competition should be firmly resisted,” he said. He called diversification and de-risking, including in connectivity, key to supply chain resilience, which he said was threatened by pandemics, conflicts, climate events and mishaps. Jaishankar also called for the “de-politicisation of markets”, saying the G20 should promote transparent and multiple supply chains and make the global economy truly multi-stakeholder. He said “de-concentration of the global economy and optimisation of production across geographies” could discourage the weaponisation of finance, resources, production and market share. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> The @G20org #Atlanta today concluded with the Plenary III focussed on Supply Chains. Highlighted the following: ➡️ Securing supply chains and ensuring their resilience is today central to the well-being of the global economy. ➡️ The right to industrialise must be promoted; predatory practices and targeting competition should be firmly resisted. ➡️ Diversification and de-risking, including in connectivity is the key to supply chain resilience, threatened by pandemics, conflicts, climate events and mishaps. ➡️ De-concentration of global economy and optimisation of production across geographies can discourage the weaponisation of finance, resources, production and market share. ➡️ The G20 should work towards de-politicisation of markets. ➡️ G20 countries must reconcile their national interests for the collective good by promoting transparent and multiple supply chains, making the global economy truly multi-stakeholder. — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://ift.tt/vGSThWH 31, 2026</a></blockquote> <script src="https://ift.tt/zUrfsdw" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/iran-s-mojtaba-khamenei-warns-us-israel-against-fresh-attacks-orders-immediate-response-1874156">Iran’s Mojtaba Khamenei Warns US, Israel Against Fresh Attacks, Orders Immediate Response</a> <h2>Rubio Highlights Strait Of Hormuz, Bab Al-Mandeb Security</h2> US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who hosted the meeting, also placed supply chain security at the centre of the concluding session. In a post on X, Rubio said secure supply chains were essential for economic growth and called for the protection of key maritime trade routes. “Critical trade routes, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, must remain secure and open to commerce. And we must continue to strengthen and expand critical mineral supply chains to protect our future,” he said. <h2>Jaishankar Attends Quad Meeting, Meets Russia's Lavrov</h2> Earlier on Saturday, Jaishankar participated in the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Atlanta alongside Rubio, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong. Describing it as the third Quad foreign ministers' interaction this year, following earlier meetings in New Delhi and Manila, Jaishankar said the discussions covered cooperation on supply chain resilience, technology, critical minerals and energy security. He also highlighted the need to counter non-market practices and address increasing economic pressures in the Indo-Pacific. On the sidelines of the G20 meeting, Jaishankar held a separate meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. “Discussed the Ukraine conflict, Gulf situation and multilateral issues with FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia,” he said in a post on X. The United States holds the G20 presidency this year.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/jaishankar-at-g20-meet-calls-for-peaceful-resolution-global-conflicts-diversified-supply-chains-flags-energy-crisis-1874170

Trump Speaks To Netanyahu As US Weighs Fresh Iran Strikes: Report

US President Donald Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the phone on Saturday as Washington weighed the possibility of resuming military action against Iran, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the conversation. The call followed a White House meeting earlier this week, during which Trump consulted senior military officials on strategic options for restarting major combat operations, the newspaper said. Amid the possibility of renewed strikes, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said diplomatic engagement with Iran was continuing, but declined to specify a timeline or assess the progress of negotiations. He also said Trump had not yet decided whether to take further military action. Speaking to reporters after the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Georgia, Rubio said Washington remained open to a diplomatic resolution, provided it addressed US security concerns. “There are multiple talks; talks have actually never stopped. There's been active conversations going both in some cases directly, but often through intermediaries,” Rubio said. <h2>Rubio Says Trump Yet To Decide On Further Military Action</h2> Responding to questions on how long the US would allow diplomatic efforts to continue before potentially resuming military operations, Rubio said the decision rested with Trump. “I'm not gonna characterise either the progress on those talks or any timeframe on it other than to tell you that if there is a diplomatic solution, we would be open to it,” he said. Rubio said any agreement would have to address Washington's concerns over Iran's nuclear ambitions and its support for armed groups across the region. Asked about the possibility of fresh strikes, the US Secretary of State declined to discuss specific military contingency plans. He said Trump preferred a peaceful resolution but maintained that the US had the capability to achieve its military objectives. “We can achieve military objectives if we seek to. He hasn't made a decision,” Rubio said. Rubio also accused Tehran of targeting commercial vessels carrying cargo, oil and natural gas, warning that maritime disruptions could affect economies well beyond the conflict zone. He said US naval forces were intercepting incoming drones and anti-ship missiles almost every night. However, petroleum transit volumes remained comparable to pre-conflict levels, despite the continuing requirement for security protection. Warning of wider economic consequences, Rubio said disruptions to maritime trade could threaten global food security by affecting supplies of fuel, agricultural inputs and food commodities. He also accused Iran of backing Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis and various militias challenging the Iraqi state. “So anywhere you turn, what you find is some Iranian proxy that's undermining the peace and stability of the Middle East,” he said. <h2>Iran Says US Tone Has Shifted After Vance's Letter</h2> Even as Washington indicated that diplomatic contacts were continuing, Iran's top security official Mohsen Rezaei said the US had changed its approach in a letter sent by Vice President JD Vance, Al Jazeera reported. “Their tone has shifted completely, which is a good sign that shows that our people have secured their victory,” Rezaei told state broadcaster IRIB. The letter was delivered to Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, through Qatari mediators on Sunday. According to The New York Times, the proposal envisages direct negotiations under Vance's leadership, with Iran's nuclear programme included in discussions from the outset. The Wall Street Journal, citing a source, reported that the communication outlined a "framework for negotiations" rather than specific peace terms. It added that the letter had been sent at Trump's direction. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday that Tehran had studied the letter and described Washington's attempt to open dialogue as a "positive step". He also said an aide had travelled to Doha for consultations with mediators. Citing sources, Al Jazeera reported that a meeting could take place within a week, with Doha and Istanbul being considered as possible venues. <h2>Mojtaba Khamenei Warns Of 'Geographically Unrestricted' Response</h2> Meanwhile, Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned that Iran's military would respond to any missteps by the US or Israel with a response that was “geographically unrestricted”. “If the enemies once again launch military or terrorist attacks, it is the armed forces of the Islamic Republic and the Iranian nation that will determine the time and conditions for their end,” Khamenei said. Trump, speaking at the White House on Friday, had said Tehran was keen to negotiate. "There are talks, they want to talk, they keep talking," he said, adding, "We have time, frankly." The US President also claimed that Iran was "in a lot of trouble" and predicted that the conflict would end “very soon”.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-war-live-trump-speaks-to-netanyahu-as-us-weighs-fresh-iran-strikes-mojtaba-khamenei-warns-1874167

Quad foreign ministers express grave concern over economic coercion

Washington, Oct 31 (PTI): The Quad foreign ministers on Saturday expressed "grave concern" over "economic coercion" through arbitrary export restrictions and practices that disrupt global supply chains. In an apparent reference to China, the foreign ministers of India, the US, Australia and Japan expressed grave concerns regarding economic coercion, including arbitrary export restrictions, as well as non-market policies and practices that result in overcapacity, disrupting global supply chains in critical industries. In a joint statement after their meeting in Atlanta, the Quad foreign ministers reiterated their commitment to building reliable and open global supply chains and trusted and resilient infrastructure. The Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was convened by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and was attended by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. The ministers recognised the importance of critical sea lanes, the uninterrupted flow of commerce, energy security, and the unhindered passage and safety of maritime crews and vessels without the imposition of tolls. They also reiterated the absolute necessity to protect and preserve navigational rights and freedoms in the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in accordance with international law as reflected in UNCLOS. This was the third Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting held this year. Earlier, the ministers met in New Delhi in May and in Manila in July. Moves are underway to convene a Quad Leaders’ Summit, hosted by US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the ASEAN-East Asian Summits in mid-November. PTI SKu GRSGRS(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/quad-foreign-ministers-express-grave-concern-over-economic-coercion-1874164

Friday, October 30, 2026

Iraq Sentences Three More French Nationals To Life In Prison For Joining Islamic State

Reported by: Kieran Burke with AFP, Reuters Three French nationals on Thursday received sentences of life imprisonment in Iraq after being convicted of joining the so-called "Islamic State" terror group. The criminal court in Baghdad sentence Charly S., Kamal M, and Amir A. to life terms in prison which amounts to 20 years of imprisonment in Iraq. <h2>What more do we know?</h2> The trio were found guilty of "the crime of joining the terrorist Islamic State organisation and of having contributed, together with members of the group, to spreading terror," an AFP correspondent said. Tuesday saw another six French nationals from the same group sentenced to life in prison and a seventh to 15 years for belonging to the Islamist militant group. All of the French nationals sentenced thus far belong to a group of 47 French nationals who were transferred from detention in Syria last year. <h2>The 'Islamic State's' years of terror in Syria and Iraq</h2> The militant group carried out a campaign of terror as it sought to establish a self-proclaimed caliphate in Iraq and Syria from 2014 under its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Thousands of foreign nationals from across the world joined the group, which carried out mass executions and other atrocities, many of them filmed and shared on social media platforms. Among its most heinous crimes was the capture and killing of thousands of Yazidis in Iraq’s northern Sinjar region. Many Yazidi women and children were forced into sexual slavery and other forms of enslavement. In 2014, IS also captured and killed hundreds of Iraqi military cadets at Camp Speicher in Iraq's Tikrit in 2014, much of the massacre filmed and shared on social media. The terror group also carried out a series of executions of Western journalists and aid workers in highly choreographed videos as part of its media campaign. Iraq, backed by US-led forces, proclaimed victory over IS in 2017, and along with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces would go on to ultimately defeat the group territorially in Syria two years later. The remaining fighters were eventually cornered and defeated in Baghouz in Syria's eastern Deir Ezzor, near the Iraqi border in March, 2019. (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/iraq-sentences-three-more-french-nationals-to-life-in-prison-for-joining-islamic-state-1873925

Thursday, October 29, 2026

Netanyahu’s Likud Loses Majority As Israel Election Count Ends, Arab Parties Gain Ground

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party has lost its majority in the Knesset, the country’s parliament, after the counting of votes in the Israeli elections concluded on Thursday, with 100 per cent of ballots counted. Netanyahu’s coalition bloc secured 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset, while opposition parties won 48 seats. Arab-led parties collectively secured 19 seats, emerging as a potentially decisive force in determining the country’s next government. Although Likud emerged as the single largest party with 27 seats, neither the ruling coalition nor the opposition bloc managed to reach the 61 seats required for a parliamentary majority. The outcome has left Israel facing an uncertain political future, with the possibility of an unusual alliance involving Arab parties potentially changing the balance of power. <h2>Israel Election Results: How Parties Fared</h2> Among the other major parties, Yashar secured 21 seats, while B’Yachad won 12 and the Joint List obtained 11. The Democrats and Ra’am secured eight seats each. United Torah Judaism (UTJ), Yisrael Beytenu and Otzma each won seven seats, while the Religious Zionists and Shas secured six seats apiece. With no bloc commanding a majority, the opposition could potentially form a government if the remaining opposition parties join hands with Arab parties. Such an arrangement would be an unusual and politically risky move, but the combined numbers could give them the support needed to cross the majority threshold. Although the vote count is complete, the results are yet to be formally certified. They will be submitted to Israel’s president next Wednesday. <h2>Netanyahu Alleges Election Was ‘Stolen’</h2> Even as the results pointed to a setback for Netanyahu, his Likud party intensified allegations of electoral wrongdoing by Arab-led parties. The claims began circulating after exit polls suggested the prime minister had suffered losses in Tuesday’s election, but the party escalated its rhetoric following remarks by the head of Israel’s election committee, Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg. Sohlberg had said that “serious suspicions” of foreign interference had been brought to his attention. In a letter to the Shin Bet security agency, however, he acknowledged that he could not verify the allegations and requested an investigation because of their serious nature. Likud subsequently issued an inflammatory statement declaring: “The elections in Israel have been stolen!” The party alleged, without providing evidence, that the purported interference was intended to facilitate a foreign takeover of the Knesset, bring about the “Islamisation of Israel” and overthrow the right-wing government. <h2>Netanyahu's Party Accuses Qatar Of Interfering In Polls</h2> Israeli media reports said members of Netanyahu’s party had accused Qatar of involvement in the alleged interference. Qatar, which many Israelis view as a supporter of Hamas, the Gaza-based militant group, swiftly rejected the accusations, describing them as “ridiculous and dangerous”. Netanyahu’s principal rival, former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, accused Likud of attempting to undermine the legitimacy of the election results because of its poor performance. “They are doing this because they lost,” Eisenkot said. He also responded sarcastically to the allegations against Qatar, saying: “I welcome the fact that Netanyahu is finally condemning Qatari involvement in the State of Israel.” Netanyahu has himself faced longstanding allegations that some of his former senior aides accepted money from Qatar, adding another dimension to the political controversy surrounding the election results.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/israel-election-results-netanyahu-likud-loses-majority-in-knesset-arab-parties-gain-ground-1873854

Facing racist attacks, South Asians in Texas back Democrats, says survey

Washington, Oct 29 (PTI): At the receiving end of racist attacks, South Asian voters are backing Democratic candidates in Texas, including James Talarico for the US Senate – a key seat to wrest the upper house from Republicans. More than 60 per cent of voters surveyed by the South Asian American Voter Empowerment of Texas Education Fund (SAAVETX EF) and the University of California San Diego said they would back Talarico for the US Senate over Republican Ken Paxton, and Gina Hinojosa for Governor over incumbent Greg Abbott. Among registered voters, 66 per cent preferred Talarico, while 21 per cent preferred Paxton. In the gubernatorial race, 63 per cent preferred Gina Hinojosa, while 27 per cent preferred Abbott. As many as 58 per cent respondents reported at least one experience of hate, including online harassment, threats of violence, and damage to places of worship in Texas during the past year because of their race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, accent, or immigration background. Sixty-four per cent respondents said they frequently or sometimes heard South Asians or immigrants described as “invaders” or “outsiders” in the past two years. Separately, when asked about their 2024 presidential vote, 65 per cent reported voting for Kamala Harris and 25 per cent for Donald Trump. South Asians account for 19 lakh of Texas’ 60 lakh population and Indian-Americans number 5.5 lakh, the second-largest presence after California. The rising numbers of Indian-Americans in Texas have made them a target of racist attacks from MAGA supporters of President Trump, which also became a campaign issue for the upcoming midterm elections. Last month, Bo French, the Republican candidate for the Texas Railroad Commissioner’s post, triggered a political row when he described, in a social media post, South Asian students celebrating a Texas football game as a “problem”. The remarks were condemned by outgoing Texas Senator John Cornyn, who was defeated in the Senate primary elections by Paxton, a Trump-backed candidate. “Our community is tired of being treated as outsiders and used as political pawns. When elected officials and candidates fuel hostility, people feel less safe and less confident in the institutions meant to protect them,” Chanda Parbhoo, founder and executive director of SAAVETX EF, said in a statement. A 90-foot statue of Lord Hanuman in Texas was in the spotlight of a political debate last month when a conservative YouTuber called for “tearing this down”, drawing a sharp backlash from Hindu groups and thinkers alike. The Statue of the Union, installed at the Asthalaxmi Temple in Sugarland, Texas, has been at the centre of a controversy since its consecration in August 2024, with a section of Christian conservatives describing it as a “demon God”, “unChristian”, a “false god” and a “character from the Planet of Apes”. “The survey reveals a community confronting exclusion, but also highly civically engaged,” Tom K. Wong, founding director of the US Immigration Policy Center at UC San Diego. According to the survey, 64 per cent of respondents said their community’s concerns were not well understood or not understood at all by elected officials, and 54 per cent believe their community holds little to no political power. As many as 62 per cent of respondents believe political rhetoric contributes a great deal or somewhat to hostility toward South Asians. The survey found that 78 per cent respondents would be much or somewhat more likely to vote for a candidate who speaks out against discrimination toward South Asians. PTI SKU GRS GRSGRS(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/facing-racist-attacks-south-asians-in-texas-back-democrats-says-survey-1873851

Netanyahu’s Likud Accuses Qatar Of Election Funding To Boost Arab Voter Turnout, Doha Denies Claims

Israel’s election has been engulfed in controversy after a senior judge ordered an investigation into allegations that foreign funding may have influenced Tuesday’s Knesset vote. Deputy Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg, who heads the Central Elections Committee, instructed Shin Bet chief David Zini to examine suspicions of funding by foreign entities allegedly acting against Israeli interests. The allegations have intensified political tensions after a record turnout among Arab voters threatened Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s parliamentary majority. <h2>Qatar Under Scrutiny</h2> Sohlberg did not identify the suspected foreign entities or specify how the alleged funding was used. However, Hebrew media reports have linked the suspicions to Qatari money allegedly intended to encourage Arab voters to participate in the election. Qatar has denied interfering in Israel’s electoral process, describing the allegations as “ridiculous and dangerous”. Netanyahu and members of his coalition have seized on the claims, with his Likud party alleging that the election was “stolen”. The controversy follows an unprecedented Arab turnout that is projected to give Arab-led parties a record 19 seats. Acting Central Elections Committee director general Dean Livne has said there is no evidence supporting claims of widespread electoral fraud. Arab parties have condemned Likud’s allegations as racist, while opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot accused Netanyahu of leading an illegitimate influence operation to undermine the results. Also Read: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/israel-elections-netanyahu-alleges-arab-parties-seek-islamisation-of-israel-amid-election-theft-claims-earthquake-1873791">Netanyahu Calls Election Interference An ‘Earthquake’, Alleges Arab Parties Seek ‘Islamisation Of Israel’</a> <h2>What Does The Law Say?</h2> Israeli law prohibits political parties from accepting donations from foreign citizens, regardless of their nationality. Violations can attract fines and, in cases involving additional offences such as money laundering, criminal prosecution. Non-profit organisations can receive foreign funding but must disclose contributions when they account for more than half of their revenue. Paying voters to cast ballots or abstain is also illegal, although transporting voters to polling stations is permitted. Under the 1969 Knesset Elections Law, eligible petitioners have 14 days after the final results are published to challenge the outcome before the Jerusalem District Court. <h2>Could Results Be Overturned?</h2> The court can order fresh voting at individual polling stations or across the country if it finds evidence of unlawful practices capable of affecting the outcome. However, Israel has never annulled an entire national election, making such a scenario highly unlikely. Legal challenges would not delay the new Knesset’s swearing-in or invalidate its decisions. Nevertheless, the allegations could complicate coalition negotiations and influence parliamentary cooperation. Netanyahu has argued that the claims should rule out cooperation between Jewish opposition parties and Arab lawmakers. However, such a coalition remains unlikely because some opposition factions oppose the arrangement. For now, the investigation could deepen Israel’s political divisions, but there is no established evidence that widespread fraud changed the election result. Also Read: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/election-was-stolen-netanyahu-accuses-arab-parties-of-fraud-demands-investigation-1873661">‘Election Was Stolen’: Netanyahu Accuses Arab Parties Of Fraud, Demands Investigation</a>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/netanyahu-accuses-qatar-of-interfering-in-israel-s-electoral-process-doha-denies-claims-1873845