United Nations Security Council

Iran has criticized a US-backed UN Security Council draft resolution as politically motivated, stating it won't resolve the West Asian crisis. Tehran argues the only solution is ending the US naval blockade and restoring normal passage in the Strait of Hormuz, urging member states to reject the proposal.

Oil prices surged Tuesday as Middle East tensions escalated. US President Trump issued a stern warning to Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively closed. Disruptions to this vital shipping lane are impacting global crude markets, with refiners scrambling for alternatives. Regional conflicts also continue to fuel instability.

As BRICS nations explore non-dollar trade, the foundations of the petrodollar system face fresh scrutiny. The outcome could reshape global finance — and power — in the years ahead.

Iranian drones struck Kuwait's Mina al-Ahmadi oil refinery, causing fires and highlighting the escalating attacks on critical energy infrastructure in the Gulf. This incident occurs amidst ongoing hostilities between Iran, the United States, and Israel, impacting global oil flows and prices.

Morocco has pledged support for India's candidature to the United Nations Security Council, even as both the nations agreed to enhance cooperation in the field of economic and business cooperation.

Qatar expelled key Iranian military and security officials following missile strikes on its energy infrastructure. The Qatari Foreign Ministry declared the attachés and their staff persona non grata, citing repeated Iranian aggression and violations of sovereignty. This diplomatic fallout follows significant damage to the Ras Laffan Industrial City, a critical gas processing hub.

The United Nations Security Council has strongly condemned the killing of an Indian soldier in the attack by rebel groups on UN peacekeepers in Congo and asked the government in Congo to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a UN-designated terrorist group formed in 2007, aims to overthrow Pakistan's government and establish an Islamic emirate. Historically linked to Al-Qaida, the TTP has claimed responsibility for numerous deadly attacks, including the 2012 shooting of Malala Yousafzai. Recent years have seen a resurgence in TTP activity.

Faced with repeated instances of piracy in the high seas and Indian soldiers' well-being at stake, India is working on not just a new domestic law against piracy but also negotiating with the littoral states of Somalia and some independent ones within it.

There was diplomatic blood on the floor in the tension-filled days before the UNGA decision on Monday to begin text-based negotiations to reform the UN Security Council.

India received overwhelming support in its election to the UN Security Council and it will continue to provide leadership and a new orientation for a reformed multilateral system, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the first Indian PM to preside over a meeting during New Delhi's presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), said Syed Akbaruddin, India's former envoy to UN, on Sunday.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov backed a permanent United Nations Security Council seat for India. He spoke at the UNGA annual summit. Lavrov noted the world balance changed since the UN's start. Russia calls for Security Council reform by adding members from Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Russia supports India and Brazil for permanent council spots.

India getting a permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council is immaterial, as it will not be useful for wars of the future, said Syed Akbaruddin, former permanent representative of India to the UN, on Thursday.

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov has once again backed India for permanent membership at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) stating that New Delhi has added value to the Council with its stance on global and regional issues. "I think that India is currently one of the leading countries in terms of economic growth, maybe even the leader. Its population will soon be bigger than that of any other country. New Delhi has vast diplomatic experience in settling various kinds of problems, as well as authority and a reputation in its region," Lavrov said.

Voting 15-0 in favour of the resolution imposing a comprehensive arms embargo, travel ban and freezing of assets of the Gaddafi regime on Saturday, the council referred the situation in the country to the International Criminal Court.

Presenting a strong case for its permanent membership, India asked all Pacific Island nations to press for reforms in the UNSC.

India and US on Friday underlined the need for Pakistan to take meaningful, irreversible and verifiable action against terrorists and terror groups operating from its soil. A joint statement said the two sides discussed counterterrorism cooperation between them and resolved to continue close coordination on this important element of bilateral relationship.

A 90-minute phone conversation between U.S President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin in which they disagreed fundamentally on the basis for Moscow’s military intervention in Ukraine — a template of utmost relevance across the world including in the subcontinent — marks what many see as the return of the Cold War.