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Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem on Friday said his group supported the Lebanese state's pursuit of diplomacy to end Israeli attacks, while also criticising the inclusion of a civilian representative in recent talks with Israel. The state has chosen "diplomacy to end the aggression and implement" a November 2024 ceasefire deal "and we support it continuing in this direction", Qassem said in a televised address.&nbsp;Lebanese and Israeli civilian representatives held their first direct talks in decades on Wednesday under the auspices of the year-old ceasefire monitoring mechanism, a move Lebanon's president said was to avoid prospects of another war in Lebanon.Qassem criticised the move and urged authorities to reconsider.&nbsp;"We consider this measure an additional misstep on top of the sin" of the government's decision in August to task the army with disarming Hezbollah, he said. "Have you made a gratuitous concession? This concession will not change the enemy's position, nor its aggression or occupation," Qassem said, accusing Israel and the United States of wanting Lebanese authorities to be negotiating "under fire".&nbsp;"They want to eliminate our existence", Qassem said, but "we will defend ourselves, our people, our country. We are prepared to sacrifice everything, and we will not surrender."He accused Israel of violating the year-old ceasefire that sought to end more than a year of hostilities between Israel and his Iran-backed group, which emerged heavily weakened with its arsenal pummelled and senior commanders killed including former chief Hassan Nasrallah.&nbsp;Qassem said his group was cooperating with the Lebanese authorities, and that America and Israel should have "no say in how we manage our domestic affairs", calling their imposition of conditions on Lebanon as "unacceptable". Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has said the new talks were strictly limited to fully implementing last year's truce and did not amount to broader peace discussions.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

 The state has chosen "diplomacy to end the aggression and implement" a November 2024 ceasefire deal "and we support it continuing in this direction", Qassem said in a televised address.

Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem on Friday said his group supported the Lebanese state's pursuit of diplomacy to end Israeli attacks, while also criticising the inclusion of a civilian representative in recent talks with Israel. The state has chosen "diplomacy to end the aggression and implement" a November 2024 ceasefire deal "and we support it continuing in this direction", Qassem said in a televised address. Lebanese and Israeli civilian representatives held their first direct talks in decades on Wednesday under the auspices of the year-old ceasefire monitoring mechanism, a move Lebanon's president said was to avoid prospects of another war in Lebanon. Qassem criticised the move and urged authorities to reconsider. "We consider this measure an additional misstep on top of the sin" of the government's decision in August to task the army with disarming Hezbollah, he said. "Have you made a gratuitous concession? This concession will not change the enemy's position, nor its aggression or occupation," Qassem said, accusing Israel and the United States of wanting Lebanese authorities to be negotiating "under fire". "They want to eliminate our existence", Qassem said, but "we will defend ourselves, our people, our country. We are prepared to sacrifice everything, and we will not surrender." He accused Israel of violating the year-old ceasefire that sought to end more than a year of hostilities between Israel and his Iran-backed group, which emerged heavily weakened with its arsenal pummelled and senior commanders killed including former chief Hassan Nasrallah. Qassem said his group was cooperating with the Lebanese authorities, and that America and Israel should have "no say in how we manage our domestic affairs", calling their imposition of conditions on Lebanon as "unacceptable". Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has said the new talks were strictly limited to fully implementing last year's truce and did not amount to broader peace discussions. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

&nbsp;The state has chosen "diplomacy to end the aggression and implement" a November 2024 ceasefire deal" and we support it continuing in this direction", Qassem said in a televised address.

Hezbollah chief says supports state diplomacy to stop Israeli aggression

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (Dec 05) raised the issue of the recruitment of Indian nationals in the Russian Armed Forces in a meeting with President Vladimir Putin and urged to secure the release of its citizens who have joined Moscow's military. The kins of Indians stranded in Russia have been protesting, seeking the government's intervention to bring their loved ones back.&nbsp;"This issue of the recruitment of Indian citizens into the Russian armed forces was broached by PM Modi," Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said during a special briefing on the state visit of Vladimir Putin, adding, "Our concerted efforts continue on a regular basis to secure the early release of Indian citizens from the Russian Army."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-russia-summit-2025-here-are-the-key-takeaways-from-the-joint-statement-between-two-countries-1764942784745">India-Russia Summit 2025: Here are the key takeaways from the joint statement between two countries</a>&nbsp;Misri also cautioned Indian citizens against accepting offers to join the Russian military. "I would just take this opportunity to reiterate once again that our citizens should avoid very, very carefully any offers to join the Russian armed forces. We are seeing several cases of people stranded there, appealing for rescue and to be brought out. As I said, we are actively engaged in that effort," he added.&nbsp;In November, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that at least 44 Indian nationals are currently serving in the Russian army. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government has raised the issue with Russian authorities, urging the release of these individuals and warning citizens against accepting recruitment offers, citing serious risks to life.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mossad-chief-with-no-intelligence-experience-who-is-general-gofman-netanyahu-s-new-pick-to-head-the-spy-agency-1764938268454">Mossad chief with no intelligence experience: Who is General Gofman, Netanyahu's pick to head spy agency</a>&nbsp; According to the MEA, several Indian nationals travelled to Russia after being offered what they believed were support or civilian roles. Instead, many claim they were deceived and “forced into military service” once they arrived. Some had entered the country on student or tourist visas, but reports say their passports were seized and they were pressured into signing military contracts.

According to the MEA, several Indian nationals travelled to Russia after being offered what they believed were support or civilian roles. Instead, many claim they were deceived and “forced into military service” once they arrived.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (Dec 05) raised the issue of the recruitment of Indian nationals in the Russian Armed Forces in a meeting with President Vladimir Putin and urged to secure the release of its citizens who have joined Moscow's military. The kins of Indians stranded in Russia have been protesting, seeking the government's intervention to bring their loved ones back. "This issue of the recruitment of Indian citizens into the Russian armed forces was broached by PM Modi," Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said during a special briefing on the state visit of Vladimir Putin, adding, "Our concerted efforts continue on a regular basis to secure the early release of Indian citizens from the Russian Army." Also Read: India-Russia Summit 2025: Here are the key takeaways from the joint statement between two countries Misri also cautioned Indian citizens against accepting offers to join the Russian military. "I would just take this opportunity to reiterate once again that our citizens should avoid very, very carefully any offers to join the Russian armed forces. We are seeing several cases of people stranded there, appealing for rescue and to be brought out. As I said, we are actively engaged in that effort," he added. In November, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that at least 44 Indian nationals are currently serving in the Russian army. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government has raised the issue with Russian authorities, urging the release of these individuals and warning citizens against accepting recruitment offers, citing serious risks to life. Also Read: Mossad chief with no intelligence experience: Who is General Gofman, Netanyahu's pick to head spy agency According to the MEA, several Indian nationals travelled to Russia after being offered what they believed were support or civilian roles. Instead, many claim they were deceived and “forced into military service” once they arrived. Some had entered the country on student or tourist visas, but reports say their passports were seized and they were pressured into signing military contracts.

According to the MEA, several Indian nationals travelled to Russia after being offered what they believed were support or civilian roles. Instead, many claim they were deceived and “forced into military service” once they arrived.

PM Modi takes up issue of Indians serving in Russian Army with Putin; MEA urges citizens to reject such offers

Russian President Vladimir Putin landed in India on Thursday (Dec 4) for a 2-day state visit. He received a red carpet welcome from the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Palam Airport in New Delhi. On Friday (Dec 5), the Russian president received a ceremonial 21-gun salute at Rashtrapati Bhavan. But have you ever wondered why the foreign leaders receive the 21-gun salute in India? Here's all you need to know.&nbsp;The gesture is regarded as the highest ceremonial honour in India and is part of a tradition inherited from British rule. In present-day India, the 21-gun salute is reserved only for the Indian President, the national flag, and key state ceremonies. But it is also extended to foreign heads of state on official visits to the country.&nbsp;The history and significance&nbsp;During the British rule, the gun salute was institutionalised to denote rank and protocol. At that time, the 101-gun salute was used to be extended for the British Monarch, who also held the title “Maharaja of India". The Queen, members of the royal family, the Viceroy and the Governor-General used to get a 31-gun salute and the 21-gun salute was reserved for foreign heads of state and their families. In India, the 21-gun salute is reserved for the most solemn and prestigious national occasions.Putin's India visit&nbsp;PM Modi welcomed the Russian president at the Palam Airport, and the duo carpooled to reach the official residence of PM Modi. This was the second time the duo was seen sharing the same car. Last time, in September, Putin had offered a ride to PM Modi in his official car during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China.&nbsp;Both leaders held a bilateral meeting at the Hyderabad House, a 97-year-old architectural landmark whose role in the country’s statecraft has only grown with time. But before that, Putin was hosted by PM Modi for a private dinner.&nbsp;During his two-day visit, the Russian president stayed at the luxurious Chanakya Suite at the ITC Maurya Hotel in New Delhi. The suit Putin stayed in had a massive area of 4,600 square feet. Within it, the suite contains the master bedroom, a steam room and sauna, a gym, its own reception, a living room, a dining room with a capacity to seat 12 guests. Moreover, the nightly tariff of the suit is around ₹8-10 lakh.

In present-day India, the 21-gun salute is reserved only for the Indian President, the national flag, and key state ceremonies. But it is also extended to foreign heads of state on official visits to the country.

Russian President Vladimir Putin landed in India on Thursday (Dec 4) for a 2-day state visit. He received a red carpet welcome from the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Palam Airport in New Delhi. On Friday (Dec 5), the Russian president received a ceremonial 21-gun salute at Rashtrapati Bhavan. But have you ever wondered why the foreign leaders receive the 21-gun salute in India? Here's all you need to know. The gesture is regarded as the highest ceremonial honour in India and is part of a tradition inherited from British rule. In present-day India, the 21-gun salute is reserved only for the Indian President, the national flag, and key state ceremonies. But it is also extended to foreign heads of state on official visits to the country. The history and significance During the British rule, the gun salute was institutionalised to denote rank and protocol. At that time, the 101-gun salute was used to be extended for the British Monarch, who also held the title “Maharaja of India". The Queen, members of the royal family, the Viceroy and the Governor-General used to get a 31-gun salute and the 21-gun salute was reserved for foreign heads of state and their families. In India, the 21-gun salute is reserved for the most solemn and prestigious national occasions. Putin's India visit PM Modi welcomed the Russian president at the Palam Airport, and the duo carpooled to reach the official residence of PM Modi. This was the second time the duo was seen sharing the same car. Last time, in September, Putin had offered a ride to PM Modi in his official car during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China. Both leaders held a bilateral meeting at the Hyderabad House, a 97-year-old architectural landmark whose role in the country’s statecraft has only grown with time. But before that, Putin was hosted by PM Modi for a private dinner. During his two-day visit, the Russian president stayed at the luxurious Chanakya Suite at the ITC Maurya Hotel in New Delhi. The suit Putin stayed in had a massive area of 4,600 square feet. Within it, the suite contains the master bedroom, a steam room and sauna, a gym, its own reception, a living room, a dining room with a capacity to seat 12 guests. Moreover, the nightly tariff of the suit is around ₹8-10 lakh.

In present-day India, the 21-gun salute is reserved only for the Indian President, the national flag, and key state ceremonies. But it is also extended to foreign heads of state on official visits to the country.

WION Explains | Why do foreign leaders, like Putin, receive 21-gun salute in India

Taiwan said Friday that China had deployed warships for "military operations" stretching hundreds of kilometres from the Yellow Sea to the South China Sea, posing a "threat" to the region.Beijing, which claims self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory, neither confirmed nor denied the manoeuvres.Taiwan's defence ministry and other security agencies were monitoring China's activities and had a "complete grasp of the situation", Presidential Office spokeswoman Karen Kuo told reporters.She did not say how many Chinese ships were involved in the deployment, but a security source told AFP the number was "significant". The source spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to the media.The operations were not limited to the Taiwan Strait, but extended from the southern Yellow Sea to the East China Sea near the disputed Diaoyu Islands and on into the South China Sea and even the Western Pacific, Kuo said."This indeed poses a threat and impact on the Indo-Pacific and the entire region," she said.Taiwan urged China to "exercise restraint", Kuo said, adding: "We are also confident that we can handle this matter well."Neither China's armed forces nor state media have announced any increased military activity in the region where Taiwan said Chinese ships had been detected.Beijing's defence ministry spokesman Jiang Bin said Friday that the navy's training on the high seas complies with international law and "is not directed at any specific country or target".He was responding to a question about a Chinese naval flotilla that reportedly may be heading towards Australia.A spokesman for China's foreign ministry said Beijing "has consistently followed a defensive policy" and urged "relevant parties" not to "overreact or... engage in groundless hype".China has refused to rule out using force to take Taiwan, and also contentiously claims nearly all of the South China Sea.Taiwan's intelligence chief Tsai Ming-yen said Wednesday that October to December was the "peak season" for China's "annual evaluation exercises".There was a possibility that China's ruling Communist Party could turn seemingly routine military activities into drills targeting Taiwan, Tsai warned.Taiwan's defence ministry reported at 7:00 pm (1100 GMT) that it had detected 24 Chinese military aircraft near Taiwan since 2:22 pm, including 19 that crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait to participate in a joint combat patrol with navy ships.Last December, Taiwan said about 90 Chinese warships and coast guard vessels took part in vast exercises, including simulating attacks on foreign ships and practising blockading sea routes in Beijing's biggest maritime drills in years.Beijing did not confirm the drills at that time.The United States has long been Taiwan's most important security backer and biggest supplier of arms.But President Donald Trump's administration signalled a potential shift in that policy on Friday, saying in a strategy document that its Asian allies Japan and South Korea should take on more of the burden of defending the region.

The operations were not limited to the Taiwan Strait, but extended from the southern Yellow Sea to the East China Sea near the disputed Diaoyu Islands and on into the South China Sea and even the Western Pacific, Kuo said.

Taiwan said Friday that China had deployed warships for "military operations" stretching hundreds of kilometres from the Yellow Sea to the South China Sea, posing a "threat" to the region. Beijing, which claims self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory, neither confirmed nor denied the manoeuvres. Taiwan's defence ministry and other security agencies were monitoring China's activities and had a "complete grasp of the situation", Presidential Office spokeswoman Karen Kuo told reporters. She did not say how many Chinese ships were involved in the deployment, but a security source told AFP the number was "significant". The source spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to the media. The operations were not limited to the Taiwan Strait, but extended from the southern Yellow Sea to the East China Sea near the disputed Diaoyu Islands and on into the South China Sea and even the Western Pacific, Kuo said. "This indeed poses a threat and impact on the Indo-Pacific and the entire region," she said. Taiwan urged China to "exercise restraint", Kuo said, adding: "We are also confident that we can handle this matter well." Neither China's armed forces nor state media have announced any increased military activity in the region where Taiwan said Chinese ships had been detected. Beijing's defence ministry spokesman Jiang Bin said Friday that the navy's training on the high seas complies with international law and "is not directed at any specific country or target". He was responding to a question about a Chinese naval flotilla that reportedly may be heading towards Australia. A spokesman for China's foreign ministry said Beijing "has consistently followed a defensive policy" and urged "relevant parties" not to "overreact or... engage in groundless hype". China has refused to rule out using force to take Taiwan, and also contentiously claims nearly all of the South China Sea. Taiwan's intelligence chief Tsai Ming-yen said Wednesday that October to December was the "peak season" for China's "annual evaluation exercises". There was a possibility that China's ruling Communist Party could turn seemingly routine military activities into drills targeting Taiwan, Tsai warned. Taiwan's defence ministry reported at 7:00 pm (1100 GMT) that it had detected 24 Chinese military aircraft near Taiwan since 2:22 pm, including 19 that crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait to participate in a joint combat patrol with navy ships. Last December, Taiwan said about 90 Chinese warships and coast guard vessels took part in vast exercises, including simulating attacks on foreign ships and practising blockading sea routes in Beijing's biggest maritime drills in years. Beijing did not confirm the drills at that time. The United States has long been Taiwan's most important security backer and biggest supplier of arms. But President Donald Trump's administration signalled a potential shift in that policy on Friday, saying in a strategy document that its Asian allies Japan and South Korea should take on more of the burden of defending the region.

The operations were not limited to the Taiwan Strait, but extended from the southern Yellow Sea to the East China Sea near the disputed Diaoyu Islands and on into the South China Sea and even the Western Pacific, Kuo said.

‘China deployed warships in military operations’: Taiwan

India on Friday (Dec 05) said that the Indian companies, private or public, make their decision to import oil from any country, including Russia, on the basis of evolving market dynamics and the commercial issues that they face while sourcing their supplies. Emphasising the energy needs of 1.4 billion people, New Delhi underlined that its policy of sourcing energy is based on twin goals of stable prices and secure supplies.&nbsp;"Ensuring stable energy prices and secure supplies are the twin goals of our sourcing policy, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on the issue of India's import of Russian oil.&nbsp;Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/putin-india-visit-all-the-deals-india-russia-have-signed-see-details-here-1764929395075"> Putin India visit: From defence to energy to fuel supplies, here are all the deals India-Russia have signed. See details</a>&nbsp;“And part of this, therefore, goes into the area of diversifying energy supplies and our partners, traditional as well as new, understand this and appreciate this. They also appreciate that Indian companies will take, and I point to the fact that this is something that covers both private companies as well as public companies, because in both cases, these are publicly listed companies,” he stated, adding that “These companies make decisions based on evolving market dynamics, and the commercial issues that they confront while sourcing their supplies. Within the four corners of this approach, we are continuing our cooperation between the two countries”.&nbsp;These statements from the Ministry of External Affairs followed a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vladimir Putin at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi. The Russian president is visiting India for the first time since the start of the war between Russia and Ukraine.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-russia-summit-2025-here-are-the-key-takeaways-from-the-joint-statement-between-two-countries-1764942784745">India-Russia Summit 2025: Here are the key takeaways from the joint statement between two countries</a>&nbsp;India is facing significant pressure from the United States over its import of Russian energy. Accusing New Delhi of fueling Russia's war with Ukraine by purchasing oil from Moscow, &nbsp;President Trump has levied an additional 25 per cent tariff along with the 25 per cent baseline tariff on Indian exports to the US, taking the tariffs to a staggering 50 per cent.&nbsp;Reaffirming New Delhi's stand on the Russia-Ukraine war, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told President Putin on Friday that India stands for peace and emphasised the need for the world to return to peaceful co-existence.&nbsp;

India emphasised that its policy of sourcing energy is driven by fulfilling the energy needs of its 1.4 billion people and guided by the twin goals of stable prices and secure supplies.

India on Friday (Dec 05) said that the Indian companies, private or public, make their decision to import oil from any country, including Russia, on the basis of evolving market dynamics and the commercial issues that they face while sourcing their supplies. Emphasising the energy needs of 1.4 billion people, New Delhi underlined that its policy of sourcing energy is based on twin goals of stable prices and secure supplies. "Ensuring stable energy prices and secure supplies are the twin goals of our sourcing policy, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on the issue of India's import of Russian oil. Also Read: Putin India visit: From defence to energy to fuel supplies, here are all the deals India-Russia have signed. See details “And part of this, therefore, goes into the area of diversifying energy supplies and our partners, traditional as well as new, understand this and appreciate this. They also appreciate that Indian companies will take, and I point to the fact that this is something that covers both private companies as well as public companies, because in both cases, these are publicly listed companies,” he stated, adding that “These companies make decisions based on evolving market dynamics, and the commercial issues that they confront while sourcing their supplies. Within the four corners of this approach, we are continuing our cooperation between the two countries”. These statements from the Ministry of External Affairs followed a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vladimir Putin at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi. The Russian president is visiting India for the first time since the start of the war between Russia and Ukraine. Also Read: India-Russia Summit 2025: Here are the key takeaways from the joint statement between two countries India is facing significant pressure from the United States over its import of Russian energy. Accusing New Delhi of fueling Russia's war with Ukraine by purchasing oil from Moscow, President Trump has levied an additional 25 per cent tariff along with the 25 per cent baseline tariff on Indian exports to the US, taking the tariffs to a staggering 50 per cent. Reaffirming New Delhi's stand on the Russia-Ukraine war, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told President Putin on Friday that India stands for peace and emphasised the need for the world to return to peaceful co-existence.

India emphasised that its policy of sourcing energy is driven by fulfilling the energy needs of its 1.4 billion people and guided by the twin goals of stable prices and secure supplies.

Putin India visit: Indian firms source Russian energy based on evolving market dynamics, says MEA

The 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, held on December 4-5, 2025, in New Delhi, marked a significant moment in strengthening the ‘Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership’ between India and Russia. The joint statement issued after the summit highlighted the enduring cooperation across various sectors, underscoring the resilience of this time-tested relationship. Here are the key takeaways from the summit:<h2>Strengthening the strategic partnership</h2>The leaders of India and Russia reaffirmed their commitment to a strong, multi-dimensional partnership, rooted in mutual respect and trust. This year marks 25 years since the Declaration on Strategic Partnership was signed, and both sides agreed to make every effort to unlock the full potential of their relationship. The two countries emphasised their role as major global powers, working together to promote peace and stability, based on the principles of equality and indivisible security.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/putin-india-visit-joint-statement-between-india-russia-see-full-text-here-1764939638416">Putin India visit: Joint statement between India-Russia. See full text here</a><h2>Expanding trade and economic cooperation</h2>A major focus of the summit was expanding economic cooperation, with both sides setting an ambitious goal of reaching $100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. The leaders highlighted the launch of the Programme 2030, a framework to enhance economic ties, particularly in advanced high-tech industries, energy, and trade with the Eurasian Economic Union. Both sides also discussed initiatives to ease trade barriers, improve logistics, and strengthen financial cooperation, including the use of national currencies for transactions.<h2>Advancing energy and defense cooperation</h2>Energy and defense remain pillars of the India-Russia partnership. The summit saw further collaboration in sectors like oil, gas, nuclear energy, and defense technology. Both sides discussed joint ventures in the energy sector, including long-term supply of fertilizers and oil, as well as technological cooperation in nuclear energy. On defense, India and Russia committed to expanding joint research, development, and manufacturing of advanced defense technologies, in line with India’s “Make-in-India” initiative.<h2>Cooperation on regional and global issues</h2>In terms of international diplomacy, both India and Russia agreed to continue their strong cooperation in multilateral platforms like the UN, G20, BRICS, and SCO. The leaders emphasised their commitment to reforming the UN Security Council to reflect contemporary global realities and reiterated support for India’s permanent membership. On regional issues, the two countries expressed their unified stance on counter-terrorism, global climate change, and the security situation in Afghanistan and the Middle East.<h2>Focus on science, technology, and cultural exchange</h2>India and Russia agreed to ramp up cooperation in science, technology, and education. Both sides expressed interest in collaborative research, especially in emerging fields like critical minerals, AI, and digital technologies. Cultural exchanges were also a key part of the discussions, with both nations looking to expand bilateral ties through joint film productions, art festivals, and educational linkages.

India-Russia Summit 2025: Here are the key takeaways from the joint statement between two countries

The 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, held on December 4-5, 2025, in New Delhi, marked a significant moment in strengthening the ‘Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership’ between India and Russia. The joint statement issued after the summit highlighted the enduring cooperation across various sectors, underscoring the resilience of this time-tested relationship. Here are the key takeaways from the summit: Strengthening the strategic partnership The leaders of India and Russia reaffirmed their commitment to a strong, multi-dimensional partnership, rooted in mutual respect and trust. This year marks 25 years since the Declaration on Strategic Partnership was signed, and both sides agreed to make every effort to unlock the full potential of their relationship. The two countries emphasised their role as major global powers, working together to promote peace and stability, based on the principles of equality and indivisible security. Also Read: Putin India visit: Joint statement between India-Russia. See full text here Expanding trade and economic cooperation A major focus of the summit was expanding economic cooperation, with both sides setting an ambitious goal of reaching $100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. The leaders highlighted the launch of the Programme 2030, a framework to enhance economic ties, particularly in advanced high-tech industries, energy, and trade with the Eurasian Economic Union. Both sides also discussed initiatives to ease trade barriers, improve logistics, and strengthen financial cooperation, including the use of national currencies for transactions. Advancing energy and defense cooperation Energy and defense remain pillars of the India-Russia partnership. The summit saw further collaboration in sectors like oil, gas, nuclear energy, and defense technology. Both sides discussed joint ventures in the energy sector, including long-term supply of fertilizers and oil, as well as technological cooperation in nuclear energy. On defense, India and Russia committed to expanding joint research, development, and manufacturing of advanced defense technologies, in line with India’s “Make-in-India” initiative. Cooperation on regional and global issues In terms of international diplomacy, both India and Russia agreed to continue their strong cooperation in multilateral platforms like the UN, G20, BRICS, and SCO. The leaders emphasised their commitment to reforming the UN Security Council to reflect contemporary global realities and reiterated support for India’s permanent membership. On regional issues, the two countries expressed their unified stance on counter-terrorism, global climate change, and the security situation in Afghanistan and the Middle East. Focus on science, technology, and cultural exchange India and Russia agreed to ramp up cooperation in science, technology, and education. Both sides expressed interest in collaborative research, especially in emerging fields like critical minerals, AI, and digital technologies. Cultural exchanges were also a key part of the discussions, with both nations looking to expand bilateral ties through joint film productions, art festivals, and educational linkages.

Russia President Vladimir Putin is in India for his two-day visit for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. WION takes a look at the key takeaways from the joint statement issued after both the leaders met

US President Donald Trump has had concerns about his physical and mental health for some time. Despite this, 79-year-old Trump appeared to joke about the intelligence of his loyal MAGA supporter base. In a video captured at his private New Jersey golf club, Trump can be heard saying to his supporters that smart people usually don't like him.&nbsp;Trump, unlike most of his fellow politicians, is always a bit of a showman, given his reality TV background. He has said and done things that would have cut short the political career of many. Known for his direct and provocative remarks, Trump laughingly revealed his true feelings about his supporters. "Smart people don't like me, you know," said Trump as the room erupted in laughter. “And they don't like what we talk about.”&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Trump: “Smart people don’t like me” <a href="https://t.co/LHyKvD3BwG">pic.twitter.com/LHyKvD3BwG</a>&mdash; Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/RpsAgainstTrump/status/1996606711533085159?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

People online have responded to the remark aggressively; one user wrote, “Correct. Unfortunately, dumb people do, and there are more of them out there”. "And the dummies that do like him are standing there smiling like the idiots Trump knows they are," one X user said as a second echoed, "Do the people in the room understand he’s insulting them to their faces?"During the 2016 election speech, Trump said, "We won with the young. We won with the old. We won with highly educated people. We won with the poorly educated. I love the poorly educated,"&nbsp;<h2>Are MAGA supporters stupid?</h2>While calling all Trump voters stupid will be an oversimplification of a much complex process of the resurgence of conservatism across the globe. However, the voting pattern slightly tilted towards the low IQ of conservative politics. According to one research by the Pew Institute in the 2024 Presidential election, Trump had 41 per cent compared to Kamala Harris, 57 per cent among voters who went to college. Among voters with no advanced degree, Trump received 56 per cent compared to 42 per cent by Kamala Harris.&nbsp;

Trump joked that “smart people don’t like me,” igniting debate about MAGA supporters’ intelligence. We break down the remarks and the data behind voter education levels

US President Donald Trump has had concerns about his physical and mental health for some time. Despite this, 79-year-old Trump appeared to joke about the intelligence of his loyal MAGA supporter base. In a video captured at his private New Jersey golf club, Trump can be heard saying to his supporters that smart people usually don't like him. Trump, unlike most of his fellow politicians, is always a bit of a showman, given his reality TV background. He has said and done things that would have cut short the political career of many. Known for his direct and provocative remarks, Trump laughingly revealed his true feelings about his supporters. "Smart people don't like me, you know," said Trump as the room erupted in laughter. “And they don't like what we talk about.”

Trump joked that “smart people don’t like me,” igniting debate about MAGA supporters’ intelligence. We break down the remarks and the data behind voter education levels

Are MAGA supporters stupid? 'Smart people don’t like me'- Trump jokes in front of his loyalists

The arrest warrant issued last week by a German court for Ukrainian Serhii Kuznietsov may have confirmed what was suspected for long: that Ukraine was responsible for the 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines in the waters near Denmark and Sweden.&nbsp;Undersea explosions on Sept. 26, 2022, damaged pipelines that were built to carry Russian natural gas to Germany under the Baltic Sea. The damage spiked tensions as European countries moved to wean themselves off Russian energy sources since the Kremlin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.Kuznietsov has denied involvement in the explosions, saying he was in Ukraine at the time of the blasts and was serving as an army captain. He arrived in Germany after Italy’s highest court approved his extradition on Nov. 19 after he was detained on a European arrest warrant three months earlier at a campground near the Adriatic coastal city of Rimini, Italy, where he was vacationing with his family.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-working-on-fta-moving-towards-mutual-settlements-in-national-currencies-says-putin-1764931650076">‘Working on FTA, moving towards mutual settlements in national currencies,’ says Putin</a><h2>Nord Stream attack is military action: Polish court&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;In October, a Polish court blocked the extradition to Germany of another Ukrainian man suspected of involvement in the 2022 attack on the gas pipelines and ordered his release. The Polish judge said the attack on the pipelines should be seen as a military action in a “just war,” and therefore not subject to criminal responsibility on the part of an individual.&nbsp;The Italian court that ordered the extradition of Kuznietsov did not take this argument.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-putin-s-aircraft-was-world-s-most-tracked-plane-en-route-india-1764861903043">Russian President Putin’s aircraft was world’s most-tracked plane en route India</a><h2>Trial may uncover several untold truths</h2>&nbsp;Some reports in the media had claimed that the Biden administration was given prior warning by a Ukrainian whistleblower, who said that a six-person team of Ukrainian special forces was planning to rent a boat, dive to the sea floor and blow up the Nord Stream project. The operation was reportedly led by Gen. Valerii Zaluzhnyi, commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces.After the attack, the media fuelled speculation that Russia had destroyed its own pipeline, another claim of a Russian false-flag operation.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-radical-islam-poses-a-grave-threat-to-the-us-and-the-entire-world-marco-rubio-1764786437365">‘Radical Islam poses grave threat to the US and entire world’: Marco Rubio</a>&nbsp;However, since the attack involved leasing a yacht in the German port of Rostock, using forged IDs, and a screen of intermediaries, it could not have been a simple operation devised and carried out by a few and hinted at the involvement of a bigger authority, like a state. Kuznietsov insists that he was an army captain serving in Ukraine at the time.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Some reports in the media had claimed that the Biden administration was given prior warning by a Ukrainian whistleblower, who said that a six-person team of Ukrainian special forces was planning to rent a boat, dive to the sea floor and blow up the Nord Stream project.

The arrest warrant issued last week by a German court for Ukrainian Serhii Kuznietsov may have confirmed what was suspected for long: that Ukraine was responsible for the 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines in the waters near Denmark and Sweden. Undersea explosions on Sept. 26, 2022, damaged pipelines that were built to carry Russian natural gas to Germany under the Baltic Sea. The damage spiked tensions as European countries moved to wean themselves off Russian energy sources since the Kremlin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Kuznietsov has denied involvement in the explosions, saying he was in Ukraine at the time of the blasts and was serving as an army captain. He arrived in Germany after Italy’s highest court approved his extradition on Nov. 19 after he was detained on a European arrest warrant three months earlier at a campground near the Adriatic coastal city of Rimini, Italy, where he was vacationing with his family. Also Read: ‘Working on FTA, moving towards mutual settlements in national currencies,’ says Putin Nord Stream attack is military action: Polish court In October, a Polish court blocked the extradition to Germany of another Ukrainian man suspected of involvement in the 2022 attack on the gas pipelines and ordered his release. The Polish judge said the attack on the pipelines should be seen as a military action in a “just war,” and therefore not subject to criminal responsibility on the part of an individual. The Italian court that ordered the extradition of Kuznietsov did not take this argument. Also Read: Russian President Putin’s aircraft was world’s most-tracked plane en route India Trial may uncover several untold truths Some reports in the media had claimed that the Biden administration was given prior warning by a Ukrainian whistleblower, who said that a six-person team of Ukrainian special forces was planning to rent a boat, dive to the sea floor and blow up the Nord Stream project. The operation was reportedly led by Gen. Valerii Zaluzhnyi, commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces. After the attack, the media fuelled speculation that Russia had destroyed its own pipeline, another claim of a Russian false-flag operation. Also Read: ‘Radical Islam poses grave threat to the US and entire world’: Marco Rubio However, since the attack involved leasing a yacht in the German port of Rostock, using forged IDs, and a screen of intermediaries, it could not have been a simple operation devised and carried out by a few and hinted at the involvement of a bigger authority, like a state. Kuznietsov insists that he was an army captain serving in Ukraine at the time.

Some reports in the media had claimed that the Biden administration was given prior warning by a Ukrainian whistleblower, who said that a six-person team of Ukrainian special forces was planning to rent a boat, dive to the sea floor, and blow up the Nord Stream project.

German court’s arrest warrant for Ukrainian in Nord Stream sabotage case bares half-truths

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the appointment of Major General Roman Gofman as the next head of the country's foreign intelligence agency, Mossad. Gofman's appointment came as a surprise to many, as he does not have a background in intelligence. He is considered close to Netayanahu and works in the Prime Minister's office as military secretary.&nbsp;Netanyahu’s office said Gofman will take over from current Mossad chief David Barnea, whose five-year term ends in June 2026.&nbsp;“Gofman is a highly distinguished officer,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement. “His appointment as the prime minister’s military secretary in the midst of the Gaza conflict proved that he possesses exceptional professional capabilities, from his rapid entry into the role to his immediate and significant involvement in the seven arenas of the war.”<h2>Who is Roman Gofman</h2> Gofman was born in Belarus in 1976 and moved to Israel with his family in 1990 at the age of 14. He joined the Israeli Military's armed corps in 1995 and pursued a long military career through field commands to operational headquarters and divisional responsibilities.&nbsp;Beginning his career as a young conscript, Gofman's career progressed steadily, leading to command of the 7th Armoured Brigade’s 75th Battalion in 2011 and serving as operations officer for the 36th Division two years later.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-rakesh-sharma-s-maiden-space-flight-to-subhanshu-shukla-s-training-tracing-five-decades-of-india-russia-space-collaboration-1764933072684">From Rakesh Sharma’s maiden space flight to Subhanshu Shukla’s training: Tracing five decades of India–Russia space collaboration</a>&nbsp;His career has not been without controversy. In 2020, when Gofman was commanding the 210th "Bashan" division, which oversees Israel's border with Syria, he authorised the passing of classified information to an Israeli teenager, Ori Elamakaye, for an unsanctioned social media influence campaign. His decision drew significant criticism later.&nbsp;On October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, Gofman was serving as commander of the national infantry training centre. He rushed from his command to the Gaza border and got seriously injured while fighting militants near Sderot.&nbsp;He later joined the Prime Minister's office in April 2014 and is considered very close to Netananhu. While serving as PM's military secretary, he handled various assignments and supervised the execution of Netyanahy's directives within the IDF.&nbsp;

Mossad chief with no intelligence experience: Who is General Gofman, Netanyahu's new pick to head the spy agency

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the appointment of Major General Roman Gofman as the next head of the country's foreign intelligence agency, Mossad. Gofman's appointment came as a surprise to many, as he does not have a background in intelligence. He is considered close to Netayanahu and works in the Prime Minister's office as military secretary. Netanyahu’s office said Gofman will take over from current Mossad chief David Barnea, whose five-year term ends in June 2026. “Gofman is a highly distinguished officer,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement. “His appointment as the prime minister’s military secretary in the midst of the Gaza conflict proved that he possesses exceptional professional capabilities, from his rapid entry into the role to his immediate and significant involvement in the seven arenas of the war.” Who is Roman Gofman Gofman was born in Belarus in 1976 and moved to Israel with his family in 1990 at the age of 14. He joined the Israeli Military's armed corps in 1995 and pursued a long military career through field commands to operational headquarters and divisional responsibilities. Beginning his career as a young conscript, Gofman's career progressed steadily, leading to command of the 7th Armoured Brigade’s 75th Battalion in 2011 and serving as operations officer for the 36th Division two years later. Also Read: From Rakesh Sharma’s maiden space flight to Subhanshu Shukla’s training: Tracing five decades of India–Russia space collaboration His career has not been without controversy. In 2020, when Gofman was commanding the 210th "Bashan" division, which oversees Israel's border with Syria, he authorised the passing of classified information to an Israeli teenager, Ori Elamakaye, for an unsanctioned social media influence campaign. His decision drew significant criticism later. On October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, Gofman was serving as commander of the national infantry training centre. He rushed from his command to the Gaza border and got seriously injured while fighting militants near Sderot. He later joined the Prime Minister's office in April 2014 and is considered very close to Netananhu. While serving as PM's military secretary, he handled various assignments and supervised the execution of Netyanahy's directives within the IDF.

Netanyahu overlooked two candidates suggested by the current chief, Barnea and selected Gofman, with no prior intelligence experience, to head Mossad.

Mossad chief with no intelligence experience: Who is General Gofman, Netanyahu's pick to head spy agency

Former South African President Jacob Zuma's daughter has been accused of luring 17 men to fight for Russia in the war with Ukraine. As per the allegations of Zuma's eldest daughter, her half-sister lured men, half of them were reportedly relatives. The controversy has now highlighted the recruitment of Africans into the Russian Military as there is a shortage of troops in Moscow. Zuma previously belonged to the political party, which originated as a liberation movement that fought for democratic rule in South Africa.&nbsp;Zuma, the 83-year-old politician, stepped down as president of South Africa in 2018 after a series of corruption scandals. He was expelled from the party he once led in 2024.&nbsp;About Zuma's daughter&nbsp;The 43-year-old Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla is one of around two dozen children the former leader has. She has been a strong supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin and has expressed admiration for him on social media. This came just a week after Zuma-Sambudla resigned from her position in parliament after a criminal complaint filed against her by her older half-sister, Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube.&nbsp;Zuma-Mncube alleged that the actions of Zuma-Sambudla and two other individuals contributed to the men’s situation. But Zuma-Sambudla has not publicly responded to the accusations.&nbsp;The South African law strictly prohibits serving a foreign military without government approval.&nbsp;Lawmaker Chris Hattingh, a Democratic Alliance spokesperson on defence and military veterans, said &nbsp;that &nbsp;the men “were totally misled” and “lured into Russia for personal development” under the guise of “security training.”&nbsp;“Their clothes and passports were allegedly burned, their phones were taken away gradually, and then finally, there’s no contact with them anymore," he said, CNN reported.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Zuma-Sambudla said in an affidavit to the police and published by Daily News, “Based on my own experience, I believed that the program was lawful and safe. But I, too, was manipulated and used to create a false impression of legitimacy."

Zuma-Mncube alleged that the actions of Zuma-Sambudla and two other individuals contributed to the men’s situation. But Zuma-Sambudla has not publicly responded to the accusations.



Former South African President Jacob Zuma's daughter has been accused of luring 17 men to fight for Russia in the war with Ukraine. As per the allegations of Zuma's eldest daughter, her half-sister lured men, half of them were reportedly relatives. The controversy has now highlighted the recruitment of Africans into the Russian Military as there is a shortage of troops in Moscow. Zuma previously belonged to the political party, which originated as a liberation movement that fought for democratic rule in South Africa. Zuma, the 83-year-old politician, stepped down as president of South Africa in 2018 after a series of corruption scandals. He was expelled from the party he once led in 2024. About Zuma's daughter The 43-year-old Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla is one of around two dozen children the former leader has. She has been a strong supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin and has expressed admiration for him on social media. This came just a week after Zuma-Sambudla resigned from her position in parliament after a criminal complaint filed against her by her older half-sister, Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube. Zuma-Mncube alleged that the actions of Zuma-Sambudla and two other individuals contributed to the men’s situation. But Zuma-Sambudla has not publicly responded to the accusations. The South African law strictly prohibits serving a foreign military without government approval. Lawmaker Chris Hattingh, a Democratic Alliance spokesperson on defence and military veterans, said that the men “were totally misled” and “lured into Russia for personal development” under the guise of “security training.” “Their clothes and passports were allegedly burned, their phones were taken away gradually, and then finally, there’s no contact with them anymore," he said, CNN reported. Meanwhile, Zuma-Sambudla said in an affidavit to the police and published by Daily News, “Based on my own experience, I believed that the program was lawful and safe. But I, too, was manipulated and used to create a false impression of legitimacy."

Zuma-Mncube alleged that the actions of Zuma-Sambudla and two other individuals contributed to the men’s situation. But Zuma-Sambudla has not publicly responded to the accusations.&nbsp;

Is Russia recruiting Africans to fight in Ukraine war? Ex-South African president’s daughter accused of luring 17 men for this

The Russian President Vladimir Putin landed in India on Thursday (Dec 4), where he received a red-carpet welcome by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During his two-day visit, the Russian president stayed at the luxurious Chanakya Suite at the ITC Maurya Hotel in New Delhi. The suit Putin stayed in had a massive area of 4,600 square feet. Within it, the suite contains the master bedroom, a steam room and sauna, a gym, its own reception, a living room, a dining room with a capacity to seat 12 guests. Moreover, the nightly tariff of the suit is around ₹8-10 lakh.&nbsp;Modi-Putin meeting at Hyderabad House&nbsp;Putin and PM Modi held a bilateral meeting at the Hyderabad House, a 97-year-old architectural landmark whose role in the country’s statecraft has only grown with time. But before that, Putin was hosted by PM Modi for a private dinner.&nbsp;Completed in 1928, Hyderabad House is the legacy of Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan, then among the richest men in the world. Nizam wanted to build a permanent residence in Delhi, near the Viceroy's House (now Rashtrapati Bhawan). He purchased 8.2 acres, then added a neighbouring 3.73-acre plot.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-is-pm-modi-meeting-putin-at-hyderabad-house-here-s-story-behind-the-venue-1764857496732">Why is PM Modi meeting Putin at Hyderabad House? Here’s story behind the venue</a>&nbsp;Modi-Putin's bromance&nbsp;PM Modi welcomed the Russian president at the Palam Airport, and the duo carpooled to reach the official residence of PM Modi. This was the second time the duo was seen sharing the same car. Last time, in September, Putin had offered a ride to PM Modi in his official car during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China.&nbsp;As per the clips shared online, PM Modi and Putin travelled in a Toyota Alphard, 4th generation. The car is often used as a VIP limo van and is preferred for government delegations and secure movement.

The suit Putin stayed in had a massive area of 4,600 square feet. Within it, the suite contains the master bedroom, a steam room and sauna, a gym, its own reception, a living room, a dining room with a capacity to seat 12 guests. Moreover, the nightly tariff of the suit is around ₹8-10 lakh.

The Russian President Vladimir Putin landed in India on Thursday (Dec 4), where he received a red-carpet welcome by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During his two-day visit, the Russian president stayed at the luxurious Chanakya Suite at the ITC Maurya Hotel in New Delhi. The suit Putin stayed in had a massive area of 4,600 square feet. Within it, the suite contains the master bedroom, a steam room and sauna, a gym, its own reception, a living room, a dining room with a capacity to seat 12 guests. Moreover, the nightly tariff of the suit is around ₹8-10 lakh. Modi-Putin meeting at Hyderabad House Putin and PM Modi held a bilateral meeting at the Hyderabad House, a 97-year-old architectural landmark whose role in the country’s statecraft has only grown with time. But before that, Putin was hosted by PM Modi for a private dinner. Completed in 1928, Hyderabad House is the legacy of Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan, then among the richest men in the world. Nizam wanted to build a permanent residence in Delhi, near the Viceroy's House (now Rashtrapati Bhawan). He purchased 8.2 acres, then added a neighbouring 3.73-acre plot. Also read: Why is PM Modi meeting Putin at Hyderabad House? Here’s story behind the venue Modi-Putin's bromance PM Modi welcomed the Russian president at the Palam Airport, and the duo carpooled to reach the official residence of PM Modi. This was the second time the duo was seen sharing the same car. Last time, in September, Putin had offered a ride to PM Modi in his official car during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China. As per the clips shared online, PM Modi and Putin travelled in a Toyota Alphard, 4th generation. The car is often used as a VIP limo van and is preferred for government delegations and secure movement.

The suit Putin stayed in had a massive area of 4,600 square feet. Within it, the suite contains the master bedroom, a steam room and sauna, a gym, its own reception, a living room, a dining room with a capacity to seat 12 guests. Moreover, the nightly tariff of the suit is around ₹8-10 lakh.

Where did Putin stay during India visit? Here’s all about his grand suite at Delhi’s luxurious hotel

Pakistan's military has publicly labelled the former prime minister Imran Khan as "mentally ill" on Friday (Dec 5) - days after his sisters met him and confirmed that he was being ill-treated in the Adiala Jail. The Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, accused Khan of crafting a narrative that poses a direct threat to national security.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-scrambles-aircraft-after-chinese-drone-detected-off-island-near-taiwan-amid-diplomatic-tensions-details-here-1764070760725">Japan ‘scrambles aircraft’ after ‘Chinese’ drone detected off island near Taiwan amid diplomatic tensions. Details here</a>&nbsp;He extended the remarks during a press conference that was held after the inauguration of the Chief of Defence Forces Headquarters. Chaudhry repeatedly slammed the former Pak PM. He said so while holding an old post on X Khan as evidence of what he called a deliberate attempt to “build a narrative against the Pakistan Armed Forces”.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-1-200-to-each-affected-house-38-5-million-for-residents-aid-hong-kong-govt-after-building-fire-kills-55-leaves-hundreds-homeless-1764243371424">‘$1,200 to each affected house, $38.5 million for residents’ aid’: Hong Kong govt after building fire kills 55, leaves hundreds homeless</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Lawless politicians in uniform, delusional enough to see themselves as the state, dare label Pak’s most popular leader a national security risk simply for pointing out that retired army chief is behind his unjust imprisonment &amp; systemic human rights abuses<a href="https://t.co/Z2K7OksIMy">pic.twitter.com/Z2K7OksIMy</a>&mdash; Inking_Insights (@Inking_Insights) <a href="https://twitter.com/Inking_Insights/status/1996895529742250395?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“This mentally ill person tweeted to build a narrative against the Pakistan Armed Forces,” the DG ISPR said. “Imran Khan’s narrative has become a national security threat," he added. Chaudhry did not take Khan's name but said that the former PM was driven by personal ambition rather than constitutional obligations.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-white-house-has-recieved-report-on-macron-s-plan-to-assassinate-me-candace-owens-another-big-claim-as-her-show-goes-off-air-1764165691510">‘White House has received report on Macron’s plan to assassinate me’: Candace Owens’ ANOTHER BIG CLAIM as her show goes off air</a>&nbsp;“A person thinks that if it’s not him, then it’s nothing. He has become a threat to national security,” he stated. “He thinks that without me, there is nothing," he said. Chaudhry also questioned how Khan, who remained incarcerated, was able to meet individuals and allegedly craft anti-state narratives from prison. “Which law is it under which a prisoner is met, and he crafts a narrative against the state and the armed forces of Pakistan?” he asked.

Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry extended the remarks during a press conference that was held after the inauguration of the Chief of Defence Forces Headquarters. Chaudhry repeatedly slammed the former Pak PM.

Pakistan's military has publicly labelled the former prime minister Imran Khan as "mentally ill" on Friday (Dec 5) - days after his sisters met him and confirmed that he was being ill-treated in the Adiala Jail. The Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, accused Khan of crafting a narrative that poses a direct threat to national security. Also read: Japan ‘scrambles aircraft’ after ‘Chinese’ drone detected off island near Taiwan amid diplomatic tensions. Details here He extended the remarks during a press conference that was held after the inauguration of the Chief of Defence Forces Headquarters. Chaudhry repeatedly slammed the former Pak PM. He said so while holding an old post on X Khan as evidence of what he called a deliberate attempt to “build a narrative against the Pakistan Armed Forces”. Also read: ‘$1,200 to each affected house, $38.5 million for residents’ aid’: Hong Kong govt after building fire kills 55, leaves hundreds homeless

Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry extended the remarks during a press conference that was held after the inauguration of the Chief of Defence Forces Headquarters. Chaudhry repeatedly slammed the former Pak PM.

Is Imran Khan mentally ill? Pakistan military slams former PM, accuses him of building anti-Islamabad narrative

A sudden fire in the luggage-handling area at Sao Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport caused panic and forced a swift evacuation of passengers and staff. Viral videos from the terminal showed thick smoke billowing across the concourse as people rushed towards emergency exits while security teams and airport personnel moved in to clear the area. At the time, LATAM flight LA3418 to Porto Alegre was in the boarding process. Smoke alarms activated the airport’s emergency protocols, halting boarding and ensuring that all passengers and crew were safely escorted out. No injuries were reported.&nbsp;In a separate incident elsewhere in Brazil, an Airbus A320 operated by LATAM caught fire on the runway moments before takeoff. According to passengers, smoke rapidly filled the cabin and flames were visible beneath one of the wings. The crew ordered an immediate evacuation, deploying inflatable slides as all 180 occupants scrambled out and ran across the tarmac. Airport authorities confirmed that everyone escaped unhurt. Aviation experts say the crew’s calm and rapid response was crucial in averting tragedy.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/putin-india-visit-india-s-economy-is-world-s-fastest-growing-economy-says-russia-president-vladimir-putin-1764932650967">Putin India visit: 'India's economy is world's fastest growing economy', says Russia President Vladimir Putin</a><h2>Watch the video here</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">⚡️A plane with passengers on board caught fire in Brazil In Brazil, an Airbus A320 operated by LATAM caught fire right on the runway. The aircraft was preparing for takeoff when the cabin suddenly filled with smoke, and passengers saw flames under the wing through the windows.… <a href="https://t.co/v1jVSZTwPR">pic.twitter.com/v1jVSZTwPR</a>&mdash; NEXTA (@nexta_tv) <a href="https://twitter.com/nexta_tv/status/1996811775472177335?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Latam, a Brazilian airline, in a statement said, “The smoke generated from the equipment triggered safety protocols. Passengers were evacuated from the aircraft via the boarding bridge and the escape slide, all with the assistance of employees trained for this type of situation.”<h2>Past incidents</h2>Earlier this year, over 150 passengers were forced to evacuate a flight in panic after a “potential landing gear malfunction” led to a fire onboard. Video footage showed passengers emerging from the thick smoke, visibly shaken by the ordeal. In July, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 experienced a “maintenance problem” just before its scheduled departure to Miami. Passengers were filmed escaping the smoke-filled aircraft using inflatable slides as the situation continued to worsen.

WATCH | Passengers flee smoke-filled plane at Brazil airport after it catches fire; no injuries reported

A sudden fire in the luggage-handling area at Sao Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport caused panic and forced a swift evacuation of passengers and staff. Viral videos from the terminal showed thick smoke billowing across the concourse as people rushed towards emergency exits while security teams and airport personnel moved in to clear the area. At the time, LATAM flight LA3418 to Porto Alegre was in the boarding process. Smoke alarms activated the airport’s emergency protocols, halting boarding and ensuring that all passengers and crew were safely escorted out. No injuries were reported. In a separate incident elsewhere in Brazil, an Airbus A320 operated by LATAM caught fire on the runway moments before takeoff. According to passengers, smoke rapidly filled the cabin and flames were visible beneath one of the wings. The crew ordered an immediate evacuation, deploying inflatable slides as all 180 occupants scrambled out and ran across the tarmac. Airport authorities confirmed that everyone escaped unhurt. Aviation experts say the crew’s calm and rapid response was crucial in averting tragedy. Also Read: Putin India visit: 'India's economy is world's fastest growing economy', says Russia President Vladimir Putin Watch the video here

A fire broke out at Guarulhos Airport, causing panic among the passengers. LATAM Flight LA3418 was evacuated safely. Meanwhile, a fire on a LATAM Airbus A320 was swiftly contained, preventing further tragedy

India's collaboration with Russia in Space exploration and linked technologies has been the most significant partnership in shaping India's journey towards becoming a major player in space technologhy and among leading nations in space exploration, During his first visit to India in the past four years, Russian President Valadmir putin lauded Prime Minister Modi for advancing bilateral ties and vowed to deepen cooperation in areas like space exploration and artificial intelligence.&nbsp;“Over the past years, you have done a great deal of work to develop our relationship. We are opening additional areas for cooperation, including hi-tech aircraft, space exploration and artificial intelligence,” Putin said during a joint press briefing alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Friday (Dec 05).&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/putin-india-visit-all-the-deals-india-russia-have-signed-see-details-here-1764929395075">Putin India visit: From defence to energy to fuel supplies, here are all the deals India-Russia have signed. See details</a>&nbsp;On the occasion of Putin's landmark India visit and his summit with Prime Minister Modi, during which both leaders signed various agreements to deepen the collaboration across areas like Trade, Nuclear Technology, the defence sector and Space technology, look at five decades of collaboration with Russia in the Space sector that shaped ISRO's journey.<h2>The beginning: ISRO's formation and early Soviet assistance</h2>India began its journey towards space with the creation of the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) in 1962, led by Vikram Sarabhai, with close scientific exchange with the Soviet Union.&nbsp;In 1969, the Indian government established the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as the national space agency. The USSR was among the first nations to sign technical cooperation agreements with India in satellite technology, tracking support, and telemetry systems.<h2>The launch of India's first satellite, Aryabhata</h2>In 1971, India and the USSR signed a formal bilateral agreement which included Moscow's support for India's satellite program and commitment by the soviet side to assist India with its first experimental satellite.&nbsp;On 19 April 1975, India launched its first satellite, Aryabhata, aboard the Soviet Kosmos-3M rocket from the Kapustin Yar launch site. This event marked the beginning of India’s satellite era and became the strongest early symbol of India–USSR space cooperation. Moscow continued to play a supportive role for ISRO, launching the Bhaskara-I satellite in 1979.<h2>Rakesh Sharma's maiden Spaceflight</h2>The landmark moment in India's journey to reach space came in 1984 when Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian in space. Trained and launched aboard the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz T-11, his successful eight-day mission highlighted the USSR’s early role in supporting India’s aspirations beyond Earth.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/putin-india-visit-india-s-economy-is-world-s-fastest-growing-economy-says-russia-president-vladimir-putin-1764932650967">Putin India visit: 'India's economy is world's fastest growing economy', says Russia President Vladimir Putin</a><h2>GAGANYAN: India's ambition to launch its first human spaceflight</h2>A major new chapter began in 2018 when Russia agreed to train Indian astronauts for the ambitious Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme. Four Indian Air Force officers, Group Captains Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Ajit Krishnan, Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla, underwent extensive training at the Gagarin Research and Test Cosmonaut Training Centre, marking the most significant human-spaceflight collaboration since Sharma’s historic mission.&nbsp;The journey from Rakesh Sharma’s Soyuz mission to Subhanshu Shukla’s advanced training reflects a collaboration rooted in trust, shared scientific goals, and a vision to expand human presence in space.

On 19 April 1975, India launched its first satellite, Aryabhata, aboard the Soviet Kosmos-3M rocket from the Kapustin Yar launch site.

India's collaboration with Russia in Space exploration and linked technologies has been the most significant partnership in shaping India's journey towards becoming a major player in space technologhy and among leading nations in space exploration, During his first visit to India in the past four years, Russian President Valadmir putin lauded Prime Minister Modi for advancing bilateral ties and vowed to deepen cooperation in areas like space exploration and artificial intelligence. “Over the past years, you have done a great deal of work to develop our relationship. We are opening additional areas for cooperation, including hi-tech aircraft, space exploration and artificial intelligence,” Putin said during a joint press briefing alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Friday (Dec 05). Also Read: Putin India visit: From defence to energy to fuel supplies, here are all the deals India-Russia have signed. See details On the occasion of Putin's landmark India visit and his summit with Prime Minister Modi, during which both leaders signed various agreements to deepen the collaboration across areas like Trade, Nuclear Technology, the defence sector and Space technology, look at five decades of collaboration with Russia in the Space sector that shaped ISRO's journey. The beginning: ISRO's formation and early Soviet assistance India began its journey towards space with the creation of the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) in 1962, led by Vikram Sarabhai, with close scientific exchange with the Soviet Union. In 1969, the Indian government established the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as the national space agency. The USSR was among the first nations to sign technical cooperation agreements with India in satellite technology, tracking support, and telemetry systems. The launch of India's first satellite, Aryabhata In 1971, India and the USSR signed a formal bilateral agreement which included Moscow's support for India's satellite program and commitment by the soviet side to assist India with its first experimental satellite. On 19 April 1975, India launched its first satellite, Aryabhata, aboard the Soviet Kosmos-3M rocket from the Kapustin Yar launch site. This event marked the beginning of India’s satellite era and became the strongest early symbol of India–USSR space cooperation. Moscow continued to play a supportive role for ISRO, launching the Bhaskara-I satellite in 1979. Rakesh Sharma's maiden Spaceflight The landmark moment in India's journey to reach space came in 1984 when Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian in space. Trained and launched aboard the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz T-11, his successful eight-day mission highlighted the USSR’s early role in supporting India’s aspirations beyond Earth. Also Read: Putin India visit: 'India's economy is world's fastest growing economy', says Russia President Vladimir Putin GAGANYAN: India's ambition to launch its first human spaceflight A major new chapter began in 2018 when Russia agreed to train Indian astronauts for the ambitious Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme. Four Indian Air Force officers, Group Captains Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Ajit Krishnan, Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla, underwent extensive training at the Gagarin Research and Test Cosmonaut Training Centre, marking the most significant human-spaceflight collaboration since Sharma’s historic mission. The journey from Rakesh Sharma’s Soyuz mission to Subhanshu Shukla’s advanced training reflects a collaboration rooted in trust, shared scientific goals, and a vision to expand human presence in space.

On 19 April 1975, India launched its first satellite, Aryabhata, aboard the Soviet Kosmos-3M rocket from the Kapustin Yar launch site.

From Rakesh Sharma’s maiden space flight to Subhanshu Shukla’s training: Tracing five decades of India–Russia space collaboration

At the India-Russia Business Forum, Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasised the importance of strengthening the multi-dimensional economic ties between Russia and India. He said, “I pay particular attention to deepen multi-faceted economic ties between Russia and India. Following today's meetings, we adopted a document to develop India-Russia economic cooperation. Russian businesses are ready to increase purchases from India across a wide range of goods and services. I want to assure the businesses that Russia will support all initiatives.”&nbsp;He also noted the longstanding trade partnership between the two countries, highlighting that, “Indeed, Russia and India are long-time trade partners. Trade volumes are growing at a sustainable pace. And over the past three years, we saw a record increase of up to 80%. As a result, last year, the Russian-Indian trade volume reached $64 billion. There are vast opportunities for further increase of bilateral trade and investment. Russia and India have big consumer markets. Once again, I would like to stress that under the leadership of His Excellency Modi, India is conducting an absolutely independent and sovereign policy and at the same time achieves very good results in the economic field,” he added.&nbsp;In his speech, Putin also praised India’s economic progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, "I would like to stress that under the leadership of PM Modi, India is conducting an independent and sovereign policy and at the same time achieving very good results. Today, the Indian economy is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. Thanks to the sound economic policy and landmark initiative by PM Modi as the Make in India program, India is becoming technologically sovereign. India's IT and pharmaceutical sectors take a leading position in the world."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/putin-india-visit-all-the-deals-india-russia-have-signed-see-details-here-1764929395075">Putin India visit: From defence to energy to fuel supplies, here are all the deals India-Russia have signed. See details</a>&nbsp;Putin further underscored that the Russian delegation’s visit was not just focused on energy agreements, but also on expanding ties across a wide range of sectors, saying, "The Russian delegation did not only come to discuss energy issues and sign contracts for the supplies of oil and gas. What we want is the development of our multifaceted relations with India in various fields. Prime Minister stressed on many occasions in our private talks that India has vast and growing opportunities in many fields, but up until now they haven't been used to the extent both parties want to see it. That is precisely the reason why we convened this forum."&nbsp;Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed several key areas of cooperation between the two countries. He highlighted the liberalisation of sectors like defense and space, which have been opened to the private sector, creating new avenues for collaboration. "Defence and space have been opened to the private sector. This has created new opportunities in these sectors. Now we are going to open the door to new possibilities in the civil-nuclear sector as well. This is not just administrative reform, but mindset reform. The only resolve behind these reforms is a developed India," Modi said.&nbsp;On enhancing connectivity, Modi stressed the importance of fully utilising the potential of logistical corridors, particularly the Chennai-Vladivostok corridor, underlining the commitment to advancing projects like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Northern Sea Route. "I would like to present some ideas for furthering our cooperation. First, in the area of logistics and connectivity, in today's meeting, President Putin and I emphasised realizing the full potential of our connectivity. We are committed to moving forward on the INSTC, or the Northern Sea Route, i.e., the Chennai-Vladivostok Corridor. Progress will be made in this direction soon. This will reduce transit times, lower costs, and open up new markets for businesses. With the power of digital technology, we can connect customs, logistics, and regulatory systems through virtual trade corridors. This will speed up customs clearance, reduce paperwork, and make cargo movement more seamless."&nbsp;Modi also outlined the ambitious target for bilateral trade, setting a goal of surpassing $100 billion by 2030. However, based on the ongoing momentum and the potential he sees, he expressed confidence that the target might be achieved ahead of schedule. “President Putin and I set a goal of exceeding the $100 billion target for bilateral trade by 2030. But from my conversations with President Putin since yesterday, and the potential we see, I don't think we'll have to wait until 2030. We are moving forward with determination to achieve that goal ahead of schedule, and my confidence is growing. Tariff and non-tariff barriers are being reduced. The speed and scale of change we have achieved in India over the past 11 years is unprecedented. Following the principle of reform, perform, and transform, India is rapidly moving towards becoming the world's third-largest economy. Our resolve is stronger than ever, and we are moving forward with great confidence and at a rapid pace towards our goals. Next-generation reforms in GST and reduction in compliance are steps taken to promote ease of doing business.”

Putin India visit: 'India's economy is world's fastest growing economy', says Russia President Vladimir Putin

At the India-Russia Business Forum, Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasised the importance of strengthening the multi-dimensional economic ties between Russia and India. He said, “I pay particular attention to deepen multi-faceted economic ties between Russia and India. Following today's meetings, we adopted a document to develop India-Russia economic cooperation. Russian businesses are ready to increase purchases from India across a wide range of goods and services. I want to assure the businesses that Russia will support all initiatives.” He also noted the longstanding trade partnership between the two countries, highlighting that, “Indeed, Russia and India are long-time trade partners. Trade volumes are growing at a sustainable pace. And over the past three years, we saw a record increase of up to 80%. As a result, last year, the Russian-Indian trade volume reached $64 billion. There are vast opportunities for further increase of bilateral trade and investment. Russia and India have big consumer markets. Once again, I would like to stress that under the leadership of His Excellency Modi, India is conducting an absolutely independent and sovereign policy and at the same time achieves very good results in the economic field,” he added. In his speech, Putin also praised India’s economic progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, "I would like to stress that under the leadership of PM Modi, India is conducting an independent and sovereign policy and at the same time achieving very good results. Today, the Indian economy is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. Thanks to the sound economic policy and landmark initiative by PM Modi as the Make in India program, India is becoming technologically sovereign. India's IT and pharmaceutical sectors take a leading position in the world." Also Read: Putin India visit: From defence to energy to fuel supplies, here are all the deals India-Russia have signed. See details Putin further underscored that the Russian delegation’s visit was not just focused on energy agreements, but also on expanding ties across a wide range of sectors, saying, "The Russian delegation did not only come to discuss energy issues and sign contracts for the supplies of oil and gas. What we want is the development of our multifaceted relations with India in various fields. Prime Minister stressed on many occasions in our private talks that India has vast and growing opportunities in many fields, but up until now they haven't been used to the extent both parties want to see it. That is precisely the reason why we convened this forum." Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed several key areas of cooperation between the two countries. He highlighted the liberalisation of sectors like defense and space, which have been opened to the private sector, creating new avenues for collaboration. "Defence and space have been opened to the private sector. This has created new opportunities in these sectors. Now we are going to open the door to new possibilities in the civil-nuclear sector as well. This is not just administrative reform, but mindset reform. The only resolve behind these reforms is a developed India," Modi said. On enhancing connectivity, Modi stressed the importance of fully utilising the potential of logistical corridors, particularly the Chennai-Vladivostok corridor, underlining the commitment to advancing projects like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Northern Sea Route. "I would like to present some ideas for furthering our cooperation. First, in the area of logistics and connectivity, in today's meeting, President Putin and I emphasised realizing the full potential of our connectivity. We are committed to moving forward on the INSTC, or the Northern Sea Route, i.e., the Chennai-Vladivostok Corridor. Progress will be made in this direction soon. This will reduce transit times, lower costs, and open up new markets for businesses. With the power of digital technology, we can connect customs, logistics, and regulatory systems through virtual trade corridors. This will speed up customs clearance, reduce paperwork, and make cargo movement more seamless." Modi also outlined the ambitious target for bilateral trade, setting a goal of surpassing $100 billion by 2030. However, based on the ongoing momentum and the potential he sees, he expressed confidence that the target might be achieved ahead of schedule. “President Putin and I set a goal of exceeding the $100 billion target for bilateral trade by 2030. But from my conversations with President Putin since yesterday, and the potential we see, I don't think we'll have to wait until 2030. We are moving forward with determination to achieve that goal ahead of schedule, and my confidence is growing. Tariff and non-tariff barriers are being reduced. The speed and scale of change we have achieved in India over the past 11 years is unprecedented. Following the principle of reform, perform, and transform, India is rapidly moving towards becoming the world's third-largest economy. Our resolve is stronger than ever, and we are moving forward with great confidence and at a rapid pace towards our goals. Next-generation reforms in GST and reduction in compliance are steps taken to promote ease of doing business.”

Russia President Vladimir Putin is in India for his two-day visit, where he held talks with India Prime Minister Narendra Modi, looking to strengthen trade, defence and economic sector

As Russian President Vladimir Putin is in India for his 2-day tour, he had a fruitful interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. After their meeting, PM Modi, in his address, announced easing travel norms for Russian nationals visiting the country. He said, “I'm pleased that we will soon be launching a free 30-day e-tourist visa and a 30-day group tourist visa for Russian citizens.”Also highlighting, “This year in October, millions of devotees received the blessings of Lord Buddha's sacred relics at the International Buddhist Forum in Kalmykia.”&nbsp;PM Modi further confirmed that both e-tourist visas and the one issued for tourist groups will soon be launched. There will be no additional processing fee levied.&nbsp;Speaking about the friendship the two countries share, PM Modi said, "Over the past 8 decades, the world has witnessed numerous ups and downs. Humanity has had to pass through many challenges and crises. And amidst all this, the India-Russia friendship has remained steadfast like a pole star." &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/putin-india-visit-india-s-economy-is-world-s-fastest-growing-economy-says-russia-president-vladimir-putin-1764932650967">Putin India visit: 'India's economy is world's fastest growing economy', says Russia President Vladimir Putin</a>&nbsp;This is the former’s 11th visit to India and is aimed at strengthening ties and boosting trade. In his address, PM Modi honoured the relationship between the two nations. He said, “Exactly 25 years ago, President Putin laid the foundation for our strategic partnership, and in 2010, our friendship was granted the status of Special Privileged Strategic Partnership. His leadership, under all circumstances, has elevated our ties to new heights. I express my heartfelt gratitude to President Putin, my friend, for this deep friendship and unwavering commitment to India."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted, “This year in October, millions of devotees received the blessings of Lord Buddha's sacred relics at the International Buddhist Forum in Kalmykia.”

As Russian President Vladimir Putin is in India for his 2-day tour, he had a fruitful interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. After their meeting, PM Modi, in his address, announced easing travel norms for Russian nationals visiting the country. He said, “I'm pleased that we will soon be launching a free 30-day e-tourist visa and a 30-day group tourist visa for Russian citizens.” Also highlighting, “This year in October, millions of devotees received the blessings of Lord Buddha's sacred relics at the International Buddhist Forum in Kalmykia.” PM Modi further confirmed that both e-tourist visas and the one issued for tourist groups will soon be launched. There will be no additional processing fee levied. Speaking about the friendship the two countries share, PM Modi said, "Over the past 8 decades, the world has witnessed numerous ups and downs. Humanity has had to pass through many challenges and crises. And amidst all this, the India-Russia friendship has remained steadfast like a pole star." Also read: Putin India visit: 'India's economy is world's fastest growing economy', says Russia President Vladimir Putin This is the former’s 11th visit to India and is aimed at strengthening ties and boosting trade. In his address, PM Modi honoured the relationship between the two nations. He said, “Exactly 25 years ago, President Putin laid the foundation for our strategic partnership, and in 2010, our friendship was granted the status of Special Privileged Strategic Partnership. His leadership, under all circumstances, has elevated our ties to new heights. I express my heartfelt gratitude to President Putin, my friend, for this deep friendship and unwavering commitment to India."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted, “This year in October, millions of devotees received the blessings of Lord Buddha's sacred relics at the International Buddhist Forum in Kalmykia.”

‘Free 30-day e-tourist visa’: India eases travel norms for Russian citizens

On Friday (December 5), India Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russia President Vladimir Putin announced Economic Cooperation Programme aimed at boosting trade and investment between the two countries till 2030. The announcement came during the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit held at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, reflecting the strong bilateral ties that have endured various global challenges over decades.&nbsp;In his remarks, PM Modi stressed on the enduring nature of India-Russia relations, describing them as “steadfast like a pole star.” He expressed that the partnership, based on mutual respect and deep trust, has withstood the test of time and several global shifts. Modi highlighted that the new Economic Cooperation Programme will aim to diversify and balance trade, ensuring its sustainability. Additionally, he showed optimism about the India-Russia Business Forum, scheduled to follow the summit, which will serve as a platform to enhance export opportunities, co-production ventures, and innovation between the two countries.&nbsp;Modi further mentioned that both countries are actively working towards finalising a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Eurasian Economic Union, which will expand economic ties. Reflecting on the historical progression of the partnership, he recalled that 25 years ago, President Putin laid the groundwork for a strategic relationship between India and Russia. Over time, this partnership was elevated to a "special and privileged strategic" status, which has been continually nurtured by Putin.<h2>Here are the key agreements signed during the summit</h2>Several agreements were signed across various sectors, further cementing the bilateral ties between India and Russia. Key highlights include:&nbsp;<ul><li>Energy cooperation: Russia reaffirmed its commitment to providing uninterrupted fuel shipments to support India's growing economy.</li><li>Industrial partnerships: Indian firms inked a deal with Russia’s URALCHEM to set up a urea manufacturing plant in Russia.</li><li>Food safety: India’s FSSAI and Russia’s consumer protection agency formalized agreements to strengthen food safety regulations.</li><li>Healthcare cooperation: Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to enhance collaboration in medical research and healthcare.</li><li>Maritime logistics: An MoU was signed to bolster India-Russia collaboration in port and shipping operations.</li><li>Migration and mobility: Both countries signed agreements to streamline migration and facilitate the movement of people between India and Russia.</li></ul>President Putin also highlighted joint efforts in building new international logistics routes and proposed future cooperation on small modular nuclear reactors and floating nuclear power plants.<h2>Energy and strategic partnership</h2>The energy and strategic partnership remain central to the India-Russia relationship. PM Modi emphasised that energy security plays a vital role in the partnership, especially in the fields of civil nuclear energy and critical minerals. Both leaders acknowledged the importance of these minerals in securing global supply chains and supporting the clean energy sector, high-tech manufacturing, and emerging industries.&nbsp;The two countries also expressed mutual interest in Arctic operations, with India offering training to seafarers for polar conditions, thus opening up employment opportunities and strengthening bilateral cooperation in the region. Both leaders set their sights on increasing annual bilateral trade to $100 billion and highlighted the shift towards settling trade in national currencies, marking a significant step towards deeper economic integration.<h2>Cultural and diplomatic engagements</h2>The summit was preceded by a formal reception for President Putin at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he received a tri-services guard of honour. This was followed by a visit to Rajghat, where Putin paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, further solidifying the cultural and diplomatic ties between the two countries.&nbsp;Prime Minister Modi personally welcomed President Putin at Palam Airport, with a hug, which underscored their strong personal rapport. The two leaders shared a ride to the Prime Minister's residence, where Putin was gifted a copy of the Bhagavad Gita, symbolising the cultural connection between India and Russia.&nbsp;Throughout the visit, President Putin is set to engage in various activities, including participating in the India-Russia Business Forum, launching the RT channel in India, and attending a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu. Putin also thanked PM Modi for India’s role in mediating the ongoing Ukraine conflict, calling the discussions “informative and useful.” Both leaders reiterated their shared commitment to combating terrorism, promoting regional stability, and collaborating on environmental conservation. Additionally, Russia agreed to join India in the International Big Cat Alliance, a further extension of their environmental cooperation.

Putin India visit: All the deals India-Russia have signed. See details here

On Friday (December 5), India Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russia President Vladimir Putin announced Economic Cooperation Programme aimed at boosting trade and investment between the two countries till 2030. The announcement came during the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit held at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, reflecting the strong bilateral ties that have endured various global challenges over decades. In his remarks, PM Modi stressed on the enduring nature of India-Russia relations, describing them as “steadfast like a pole star.” He expressed that the partnership, based on mutual respect and deep trust, has withstood the test of time and several global shifts. Modi highlighted that the new Economic Cooperation Programme will aim to diversify and balance trade, ensuring its sustainability. Additionally, he showed optimism about the India-Russia Business Forum, scheduled to follow the summit, which will serve as a platform to enhance export opportunities, co-production ventures, and innovation between the two countries. Modi further mentioned that both countries are actively working towards finalising a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Eurasian Economic Union, which will expand economic ties. Reflecting on the historical progression of the partnership, he recalled that 25 years ago, President Putin laid the groundwork for a strategic relationship between India and Russia. Over time, this partnership was elevated to a "special and privileged strategic" status, which has been continually nurtured by Putin. Here are the key agreements signed during the summit Several agreements were signed across various sectors, further cementing the bilateral ties between India and Russia. Key highlights include: Energy cooperation: Russia reaffirmed its commitment to providing uninterrupted fuel shipments to support India's growing economy. Industrial partnerships: Indian firms inked a deal with Russia’s URALCHEM to set up a urea manufacturing plant in Russia. Food safety: India’s FSSAI and Russia’s consumer protection agency formalized agreements to strengthen food safety regulations. Healthcare cooperation: Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to enhance collaboration in medical research and healthcare. Maritime logistics: An MoU was signed to bolster India-Russia collaboration in port and shipping operations. Migration and mobility: Both countries signed agreements to streamline migration and facilitate the movement of people between India and Russia. President Putin also highlighted joint efforts in building new international logistics routes and proposed future cooperation on small modular nuclear reactors and floating nuclear power plants. Energy and strategic partnership The energy and strategic partnership remain central to the India-Russia relationship. PM Modi emphasised that energy security plays a vital role in the partnership, especially in the fields of civil nuclear energy and critical minerals. Both leaders acknowledged the importance of these minerals in securing global supply chains and supporting the clean energy sector, high-tech manufacturing, and emerging industries. The two countries also expressed mutual interest in Arctic operations, with India offering training to seafarers for polar conditions, thus opening up employment opportunities and strengthening bilateral cooperation in the region. Both leaders set their sights on increasing annual bilateral trade to $100 billion and highlighted the shift towards settling trade in national currencies, marking a significant step towards deeper economic integration. Cultural and diplomatic engagements The summit was preceded by a formal reception for President Putin at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he received a tri-services guard of honour. This was followed by a visit to Rajghat, where Putin paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, further solidifying the cultural and diplomatic ties between the two countries. Prime Minister Modi personally welcomed President Putin at Palam Airport, with a hug, which underscored their strong personal rapport. The two leaders shared a ride to the Prime Minister's residence, where Putin was gifted a copy of the Bhagavad Gita, symbolising the cultural connection between India and Russia. Throughout the visit, President Putin is set to engage in various activities, including participating in the India-Russia Business Forum, launching the RT channel in India, and attending a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu. Putin also thanked PM Modi for India’s role in mediating the ongoing Ukraine conflict, calling the discussions “informative and useful.” Both leaders reiterated their shared commitment to combating terrorism, promoting regional stability, and collaborating on environmental conservation. Additionally, Russia agreed to join India in the International Big Cat Alliance, a further extension of their environmental cooperation.

Russia President Vladimir Putin is in India for his two-day visit, where he held talks with India Prime Minister Narendra Modi, looking to strengthen trade, defence and economic sector. WION takes a look at some of the key deals that has been signed between the two countries

Putin India visit: From defence to energy to fuel supplies, here are all the deals India-Russia have signed. See details

At the joint press meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday following the 23rd India-Russia annual summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the two countries are working to finalise a Free Trade Agreement and are gradually moving to mutual settlements in national currencies. In his statement, Putin said, “The Prime Minister gave us a list of challenges that deserve the attention of both governments, and we will act on them. The creation of a Free Trade Agreement between India and the Eurasian Economic Union will help. Our countries are gradually moving to mutual settlements in national currencies, which already account for 96 per cent of commercial transactions. We are also witnessing successful partnerships in energy - stable supplies of oil, gas, coal, and everything required for India’s energy needs.”&nbsp;President Putin also said that India-Russia trade grew 12% last year and the turnover this year is also expected to be strong.&nbsp;Putin added that Russia and India pursue independent foreign policies and defend UN principles with like-minded countries.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi | Russian President Vladimir Putin says, &quot;Russia and India are conducting independent and self-sufficient foreign policy with like-minded countries in BRICS, SCO and other countries of the global majority...We are defending the main principle of the law enshrined… <a href="https://t.co/rfoXgUMzvy">pic.twitter.com/rfoXgUMzvy</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1996877605317021722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-putin-s-aircraft-was-world-s-most-tracked-plane-en-route-india-1764861903043">Russian President Putin’s aircraft was world’s most-tracked plane en route India</a> Addressing the joint press meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin after the summit, PM Modi said, “India and Russia are working towards the early conclusion of a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union.”PM Modi also shared that they have signed a Vision 2030 document to further economic cooperation. “Both of us will take part in the India-Russia Business Forum. I am confident this platform will strengthen our business relations and open new avenues for co-production and co-innovation. Both countries are also taking new steps to realise an FTA with the Eurasian Economic Union.” <h2>‘Energy security strong pillar of India-Russia ties’</h2> PM Modi said that energy security has been a strong and important pillar of the India-Russia partnership. “Our decades-old cooperation in civil nuclear energy has been crucial in realising our shared clean energy priorities. We will continue this win-win cooperation. Our cooperation in critical minerals is crucial to ensuring secure and diversified supply chains across the world. This will provide strong support to our partnership in clean energy, high-tech manufacturing, and new-age industries.” “Our deep cooperation in shipbuilding has the potential to strengthen Make in India. This is another excellent example of our win-win cooperation, which will boost jobs, skills, and regional connectivity.” Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-to-hold-bidding-again-to-sell-loss-making-national-airline-pia-on-dec-23-asim-munir-s-foundation-among-bidders-1764845432571">Pakistan to hold bidding again to sell loss-making PIA on Dec 23; Asim Munir-controlled firm among bidders</a><h2>Does trade in mutual currencies between nations impact US?</h2> Several countries had talked of building an alternative economic architecture to the existing one dominated by the West and trade in mutual currencies rather than in the US dollar.But trade in non-dollar currencies, referred to as ‘de-dollarisation’ poses a threat to the value and supremacy of the US dollar and US economic dominance. Russia and China took the lead in de-dollarisation and in 2023, announced plans to increase bilateral trade in non-USD currencies. In 2024, over 90% of Russia-China bilateral trade was carried out in Russian rubles and Chinese yuan. Both countries also launched an alternative cross-border payment mechanism to the US-dominated SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) system. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-radical-islam-poses-a-grave-threat-to-the-us-and-the-entire-world-marco-rubio-1764786437365">‘Radical Islam poses grave threat to the US and entire world’: Marco Rubio</a> US President Donald Trump adopted a tough stand against de-dollarisation and issued threats of imposing tariffs on nations challenging the supremacy of the US dollar. After assuming office in his second term, Trump threatened BRICS countries that they would face 100 per cent tariffs on trade with the US if they continued their de-dollarisation efforts.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that India-Russia trade grew 12% last year and the turnover this year is also expected to be strong. Putin added that Russia and India pursue independent foreign policies and defend UN principles with like-minded countries.

At the joint press meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday following the 23rd India-Russia annual summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the two countries are working to finalise a Free Trade Agreement and are gradually moving to mutual settlements in national currencies. In his statement, Putin said, “The Prime Minister gave us a list of challenges that deserve the attention of both governments, and we will act on them. The creation of a Free Trade Agreement between India and the Eurasian Economic Union will help. Our countries are gradually moving to mutual settlements in national currencies, which already account for 96 per cent of commercial transactions. We are also witnessing successful partnerships in energy - stable supplies of oil, gas, coal, and everything required for India’s energy needs.” President Putin also said that India-Russia trade grew 12% last year and the turnover this year is also expected to be strong. Putin added that Russia and India pursue independent foreign policies and defend UN principles with like-minded countries.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that India-Russia trade grew 12% last year and the turnover this year is also expected to be strong. Putin added that Russia and India pursue independent foreign policies and defend UN principles with like-minded countries.

‘Working on FTA, moving towards mutual settlements in national currencies,’ says Putin

One year after ousting Bashar al-Assad, Ahmed al-Sharaa has restored Syria's international standing and won sanctions relief.But analysts warn the former jihadist still needs to secure trust on the home front.Sectarian bloodshed in the country's Alawite and Druze minority heartlands -- alongside ongoing Israeli military operations -- have shaken Syria as President Sharaa tries to lead the country out of 14 years of war."Syria has opened a new chapter that many once thought impossible," said Nanar Hawach, senior Syria analyst at the International Crisis Group, citing relaunched diplomatic ties and foreign investment.But he added: "International rehabilitation means little if all Syrians don't feel safe walking their own streets."US President Donald Trump has taken a particular shining to the 43-year-old, a surprise political victory for a former jihadist who once had a US bounty on his head due to his ties to Al-Qaeda.Sharaa has toured capitals from the Gulf to Europe to Washington since his Islamist alliance toppled Assad on December 8 last year, ending more than half a century of the family's iron-fisted rule.Washington and the UN Security Council have removed him from their respective "terrorism" and sanctions lists, and a delegation from the world body visited Damascus for the first time this week.The United States, the European Union and Britain have lifted major economic sanctions on Syria, and Damascus has announced investment deals for infrastructure, transport and energy.Sharaa has even visited Russia, whose military pounded his forces during the war and which is now home to an exiled Assad."Sharaa won abroad, but the real verdict comes at home," Hawach said.<h2>‘Real accountability’</h2>Critics say Syria's temporary constitution fails to reflect the country's ethnic and religious diversity and concentrates power in the hands of a president appointed for a five-year transition.The new authorities have disbanded armed factions, including Islamist and jihadist fighters, but absorbed most into the new-look army and security forces, including some foreign fighters.And some government forces or their allies have been implicated in outbreaks of sectarian violence.The Alawite community massacres in March, killed more than 1,700 people, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.And clashes in July in south Syria's Druze-majority Sweida province left more than 2,000 dead, including hundreds of Druze civilians.Authorities have announced investigations into the bloodshed and have arrested and put some suspects on trial.Nicholas Heras, from the New Lines Institute, said Sharaa "has twice failed as a leader of national reconciliation" -- during the violence against the Alawites and the Druze.Heras told AFP questions remain over "the extent to which he personally wants to rein in the militant Islamist militias that played the strongest role in bringing him to power in Damascus".Sharaa's position, he said, remains precarious “because he does not command a unified security apparatus that can enforce the rules made by his government.”<h2>‘Terrifying’</h2>Gamal Mansour, a researcher at the University of Toronto, said "factional leaders who are essentially warlords" have taken up official roles, contributing to a "crisis of trust" among minorities.However, "most Syrians believe Sharaa is the only option that provides guarantees," he said, calling the prospect of a power vacuum "terrifying".Just keeping the country together is a major task, with some on the coast and in Sweida urging succession and the Kurds seeking decentralisation, which Damascus has rejected.A Kurdish administration in the northeast has agreed to integrate its institutions into the central government by year-end but progress has stalled.Adding to pressures is neighbouring Israel, which has repeatedly bombed Syria and wants to impose a demilitarised zone in the south.Israel's forces remain in a UN-patrolled buffer zone on the occupied Golan Heights and conduct regular incursions deeper into Syria despite the two sides holding direct talks.On Monday, Trump told Israel to avoid destabilising Syria and its new leadership.In October, committees selected new members of parliament, but the process excluded areas outside government control and Sharaa is still to appoint 70 of the 210 representatives.Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Sharaa has toured capitals from the Gulf to Europe to Washington since his Islamist alliance toppled Assad on December 8 last year, ending more than half a century of the family's iron-fisted rule.

One year after ousting Bashar al-Assad, Ahmed al-Sharaa has restored Syria's international standing and won sanctions relief. But analysts warn the former jihadist still needs to secure trust on the home front. Sectarian bloodshed in the country's Alawite and Druze minority heartlands -- alongside ongoing Israeli military operations -- have shaken Syria as President Sharaa tries to lead the country out of 14 years of war. "Syria has opened a new chapter that many once thought impossible," said Nanar Hawach, senior Syria analyst at the International Crisis Group, citing relaunched diplomatic ties and foreign investment. But he added: "International rehabilitation means little if all Syrians don't feel safe walking their own streets." US President Donald Trump has taken a particular shining to the 43-year-old, a surprise political victory for a former jihadist who once had a US bounty on his head due to his ties to Al-Qaeda. Sharaa has toured capitals from the Gulf to Europe to Washington since his Islamist alliance toppled Assad on December 8 last year, ending more than half a century of the family's iron-fisted rule. Washington and the UN Security Council have removed him from their respective "terrorism" and sanctions lists, and a delegation from the world body visited Damascus for the first time this week. The United States, the European Union and Britain have lifted major economic sanctions on Syria, and Damascus has announced investment deals for infrastructure, transport and energy. Sharaa has even visited Russia, whose military pounded his forces during the war and which is now home to an exiled Assad. "Sharaa won abroad, but the real verdict comes at home," Hawach said. ‘Real accountability’ Critics say Syria's temporary constitution fails to reflect the country's ethnic and religious diversity and concentrates power in the hands of a president appointed for a five-year transition. The new authorities have disbanded armed factions, including Islamist and jihadist fighters, but absorbed most into the new-look army and security forces, including some foreign fighters. And some government forces or their allies have been implicated in outbreaks of sectarian violence. The Alawite community massacres in March, killed more than 1,700 people, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. And clashes in July in south Syria's Druze-majority Sweida province left more than 2,000 dead, including hundreds of Druze civilians. Authorities have announced investigations into the bloodshed and have arrested and put some suspects on trial. Nicholas Heras, from the New Lines Institute, said Sharaa "has twice failed as a leader of national reconciliation" -- during the violence against the Alawites and the Druze. Heras told AFP questions remain over "the extent to which he personally wants to rein in the militant Islamist militias that played the strongest role in bringing him to power in Damascus". Sharaa's position, he said, remains precarious “because he does not command a unified security apparatus that can enforce the rules made by his government.” ‘Terrifying’ Gamal Mansour, a researcher at the University of Toronto, said "factional leaders who are essentially warlords" have taken up official roles, contributing to a "crisis of trust" among minorities. However, "most Syrians believe Sharaa is the only option that provides guarantees," he said, calling the prospect of a power vacuum "terrifying". Just keeping the country together is a major task, with some on the coast and in Sweida urging succession and the Kurds seeking decentralisation, which Damascus has rejected. A Kurdish administration in the northeast has agreed to integrate its institutions into the central government by year-end but progress has stalled. Adding to pressures is neighbouring Israel, which has repeatedly bombed Syria and wants to impose a demilitarised zone in the south. Israel's forces remain in a UN-patrolled buffer zone on the occupied Golan Heights and conduct regular incursions deeper into Syria despite the two sides holding direct talks. On Monday, Trump told Israel to avoid destabilising Syria and its new leadership. In October, committees selected new members of parliament, but the process excluded areas outside government control and Sharaa is still to appoint 70 of the 210 representatives. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Sharaa has toured capitals from the Gulf to Europe to Washington since his Islamist alliance toppled Assad on December 8 last year, ending more than half a century of the family's iron-fisted rule.

Syria: Ahmed al-Sharaa wins abroad, but must gain trust at home

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday (Dec 5) announced that Russia is building India’s largest nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu’s Kudankulam. He made the remarks at the joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi during his two-day state visit. Earlier on Thursday (Dec 4), Russia’s state-run nuclear corporation delivered the first consignment of fuel for the third reactor at the power plant.&nbsp;“We are conducting a flagship project to build India’s largest nuclear power plant at Kudankulam. Two of the six reactor units are already connected to the grid, while four more are under construction. Bringing this plant to full capacity will make an impressive contribution to India’s energy needs, providing cheap and clean power for industries and households,” Putin said.&nbsp;He further added, “We can also discuss small modular reactors, floating nuclear plants, and non-energy uses of nuclear technology, including in medicine and agriculture. We are working with our Indian partners to build new international transport and logistics routes, including the International North–South Transport Corridor from Russia and Belarus to the Indian Ocean. There are major opportunities for bilateral trade with the expansion of this corridor, including its key link -the Northern Sea Route.”&nbsp;The fuel assemblies manufactured by the Novosibirsk Chemical Concentrates Plant were delivered by a cargo flight operated by the Nuclear Fuel Division of Rosatom, the firm said on Thursday (Dec 4).&nbsp;The Kudankulam will have six VVER-1000 reactors with a total power capacity of 6,000 MW. The first two reactors at the plant were connected to the power grid of the country in 2013 and 2016. The other four reactors are currently under construction.&nbsp;Rosatom said that during the operations of the first two reactors as part of the first phase of the project, Russian and Indian engineers have collaborated to increase efficiency with advanced nuclear fuel and extended fuel cycles.

Earlier today, Russia’s state-run nuclear corporation said that it delivered the first consignment of fuel for the third reactor at the power plant.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday (Dec 5) announced that Russia is building India’s largest nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu’s Kudankulam. He made the remarks at the joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi during his two-day state visit. Earlier on Thursday (Dec 4), Russia’s state-run nuclear corporation delivered the first consignment of fuel for the third reactor at the power plant. “We are conducting a flagship project to build India’s largest nuclear power plant at Kudankulam. Two of the six reactor units are already connected to the grid, while four more are under construction. Bringing this plant to full capacity will make an impressive contribution to India’s energy needs, providing cheap and clean power for industries and households,” Putin said. He further added, “We can also discuss small modular reactors, floating nuclear plants, and non-energy uses of nuclear technology, including in medicine and agriculture. We are working with our Indian partners to build new international transport and logistics routes, including the International North–South Transport Corridor from Russia and Belarus to the Indian Ocean. There are major opportunities for bilateral trade with the expansion of this corridor, including its key link -the Northern Sea Route.” The fuel assemblies manufactured by the Novosibirsk Chemical Concentrates Plant were delivered by a cargo flight operated by the Nuclear Fuel Division of Rosatom, the firm said on Thursday (Dec 4). The Kudankulam will have six VVER-1000 reactors with a total power capacity of 6,000 MW. The first two reactors at the plant were connected to the power grid of the country in 2013 and 2016. The other four reactors are currently under construction. Rosatom said that during the operations of the first two reactors as part of the first phase of the project, Russian and Indian engineers have collaborated to increase efficiency with advanced nuclear fuel and extended fuel cycles.

Earlier today, Russia’s state-run nuclear corporation said that it delivered the first consignment of fuel for the third reactor at the power plant.

‘Impressive contribution to energy needs’: Russia to build India’s largest nuclear power plant in Kudankulam, says Putin

China has unveiled a new hypersonic missile, the YKJ-1000, that uses materials like foamed concrete in its coating. Produced by aerospace firm Lingkong Tianxing, the missile has a range of 1,300 kilometres and has the potential to alter the defence market because of its extremely low cost. The YKJ-1000, nicknamed the “cement-coated” missile, is reportedly priced at 700,000 yuan (approximately $99,000), a fraction of the price of US missiles. Experts say this could make it extremely popular among smaller countries. “If this missile were introduced on the international defence market, it would be formidably competitive,” Military commentator Wei Dongxu told state broadcaster CCTV, according to South China Morning Post.&nbsp;The dirt-cheap missile has the potential to become a "hot commodity" because of its "long range, high destructive power, and strong penetration capability," he added. “Many nations have yet to develop their own hypersonic missiles, and this one – with its long range, high destructive power, and strong penetration capability – would likely become a hot commodity due to its dirt-cheap price," Dongxu said. To have such a cheap hypersonic missile can lead smaller nations to stand up to the bigger countries. The development of an inexpensive, cement-coated missile shows Beijing's potential to produce devastating weapons at low cost.&nbsp;<h2>How is the YKJ-1000 missile so cheap?</h2>Talking about how such a hypersonic missile was made, Lingkong Tianxing says that the heat-resistant coating uses civilian-grade foamed cement and a few other ingredients. Instead of explosive separation nuts, electric ones have been used, and the structural parts can be die-cast. Corruption purges slowed arms contracts and procurement at China's military firms last year. China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is now working on "robot wolves" to carry out ground invasions. It unveiled a new warfare tactic at an air show in 2024 involving military-purpose robots.

China has created a hypersonic missile, YKJ-1000, that uses a cement coating in its heat-resistant coating. This, coupled with some other changes, means it is available at a dirt-cheap price. The missile has a range of 1,300 kilometres, and smaller nations might be eager to get it.

China has unveiled a new hypersonic missile, the YKJ-1000, that uses materials like foamed concrete in its coating. Produced by aerospace firm Lingkong Tianxing, the missile has a range of 1,300 kilometres and has the potential to alter the defence market because of its extremely low cost. The YKJ-1000, nicknamed the “cement-coated” missile, is reportedly priced at 700,000 yuan (approximately $99,000), a fraction of the price of US missiles. Experts say this could make it extremely popular among smaller countries. “If this missile were introduced on the international defence market, it would be formidably competitive,” Military commentator Wei Dongxu told state broadcaster CCTV, according to South China Morning Post. The dirt-cheap missile has the potential to become a "hot commodity" because of its "long range, high destructive power, and strong penetration capability," he added. “Many nations have yet to develop their own hypersonic missiles, and this one – with its long range, high destructive power, and strong penetration capability – would likely become a hot commodity due to its dirt-cheap price," Dongxu said. To have such a cheap hypersonic missile can lead smaller nations to stand up to the bigger countries. The development of an inexpensive, cement-coated missile shows Beijing's potential to produce devastating weapons at low cost. How is the YKJ-1000 missile so cheap? Talking about how such a hypersonic missile was made, Lingkong Tianxing says that the heat-resistant coating uses civilian-grade foamed cement and a few other ingredients. Instead of explosive separation nuts, electric ones have been used, and the structural parts can be die-cast. Corruption purges slowed arms contracts and procurement at China's military firms last year. China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is now working on "robot wolves" to carry out ground invasions. It unveiled a new warfare tactic at an air show in 2024 involving military-purpose robots.

China has created a hypersonic missile, YKJ-1000, that uses a cement coating in its heat-resistant coating. This, coupled with some other changes, means it is available at a dirt-cheap price. The missile has a range of 1,300 kilometres, and smaller nations might be eager to get it.

YKJ-1000, China's new 'cement' hypersonic missile, costs only $99,000, and can reshape world conflicts

On Friday (Dec 5), PM Modi honoured India’s friendship with Russia and highlighted how the tenets of the partnership are our mutual values. He noted that India has always advocated peace on the Ukraine issue and continues to do so. But he was amply clear that the fight against terrorism is a global matter. He said, “Terrorism is an attack on humanity.” The solution to which is global unity. Both Russia and India have worked in tandem to fight terrorism. PM Modi mentioned, “Be it the Pahalgam attack or the cowardly blast at Crocus City Hall.”&nbsp;“India has advocated for peace on the Ukraine issue from the very beginning. We welcome all efforts toward a peaceful and lasting resolution of this matter. India has always been ready to contribute its part and will remain so in the future,” he added.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-impressive-contribution-to-energy-needs-russia-to-build-india-s-largest-nuclear-power-plant-in-kudankulam-says-putin-1764929473586">‘Impressive contribution to energy needs’: Russia to build India’s largest nuclear power plant in Kudankulam, says Putin</a>&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a press conference. This is the former’s 11th visit to India and is aimed at strengthening ties and boosting trade. In his address, he said, “Exactly 25 years ago, President Putin laid the foundation for our strategic partnership, and in 2010, our friendship was granted the status of Special Privileged Strategic Partnership. His leadership, under all circumstances, has elevated our ties to new heights. I express my heartfelt gratitude to President Putin, my friend, for this deep friendship and unwavering commitment to India."&nbsp;Following the 23rd India-Russia annual summit, PM Modi said, “Over the past 8 decades, the world has witnessed numerous ups and downs. Humanity has had to pass through many challenges and crises. And amidst all this, the India-Russia friendship has remained steadfast like a pole star.”&nbsp;

The solution to terrorism is global unity. Both Russia and India have worked in tandem to fight terrorism. PM Modi mentioned, “Be it the Pahalgam attack or the cowardly blast at Crocus City Hall.”

On Friday (Dec 5), PM Modi honoured India’s friendship with Russia and highlighted how the tenets of the partnership are our mutual values. He noted that India has always advocated peace on the Ukraine issue and continues to do so. But he was amply clear that the fight against terrorism is a global matter. He said, “Terrorism is an attack on humanity.” The solution to which is global unity. Both Russia and India have worked in tandem to fight terrorism. PM Modi mentioned, “Be it the Pahalgam attack or the cowardly blast at Crocus City Hall.” “India has advocated for peace on the Ukraine issue from the very beginning. We welcome all efforts toward a peaceful and lasting resolution of this matter. India has always been ready to contribute its part and will remain so in the future,” he added. Also read: ‘Impressive contribution to energy needs’: Russia to build India’s largest nuclear power plant in Kudankulam, says Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a press conference. This is the former’s 11th visit to India and is aimed at strengthening ties and boosting trade. In his address, he said, “Exactly 25 years ago, President Putin laid the foundation for our strategic partnership, and in 2010, our friendship was granted the status of Special Privileged Strategic Partnership. His leadership, under all circumstances, has elevated our ties to new heights. I express my heartfelt gratitude to President Putin, my friend, for this deep friendship and unwavering commitment to India." Following the 23rd India-Russia annual summit, PM Modi said, “Over the past 8 decades, the world has witnessed numerous ups and downs. Humanity has had to pass through many challenges and crises. And amidst all this, the India-Russia friendship has remained steadfast like a pole star.”

The solution to terrorism is global unity. Both Russia and India have worked in tandem to fight terrorism. PM Modi mentioned, “Be it the Pahalgam attack or the cowardly blast at Crocus City Hall.”

'Terrorism is an attack on humanity': PM Modi calls for global unity

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia would continue “uninterrupted shipments” of fuel to India during the press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Friday (Dec 5). This comes as India faces heavy US pressure to stop buying oil from Moscow.“Russia is a reliable supplier of oil, gas, coal, and everything that is required for the development of India’s energy,” Putin told the press conference. “We are ready to continue uninterrupted shipments of fuel for the fast-growing Indian economy.”Addressing Putin as “my friend”, PM Modi also thanked him for his “unwavering commitment towards India.” He added that “energy security has been a strong and important pillar of the India-Russia partnership.” He also lauded time-tested ties between New Delhi and Moscow.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-impressive-contribution-to-energy-needs-russia-to-build-india-s-largest-nuclear-power-plant-in-kudankulam-says-putin-1764929473586">‘Impressive contribution to energy needs’: Russia to build India’s largest nuclear power plant in Kudankulam, says Putin</a>“We have agreed on an economic cooperation program until 2030,” PM Modi said after officials exchanged several key agreements, including on health, chemicals, jobs, and shipping.“This will ensure that our trade and investment are diversified, balanced, and sustainable,” he said.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-we-cannot-interfere-what-kremlin-said-on-india-s-declining-russian-oil-imports-1764674130998">‘We cannot interfere…’: What Kremlin said on India’s declining Russian oil imports</a>Putin also announced that Russia is building India’s largest nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu’s Kudankulam. Earlier on Thursday (Dec 4), Russia’s state-run nuclear corporation delivered the first consignment of fuel for the third reactor at the power plant.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-us-trade-deal-soon-officials-from-washington-expected-to-visit-new-delhi-next-week-1764903476978">India-US trade deal soon? Officials from Washington expected to visit New Delhi next week</a>Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump imposed 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods, citing New Delhi’s Russian oil imports, saying it helps fund the war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, reports suggested that US officials are expected to arrive in New Delhi next week to hold trade talks.&nbsp;

“Russia is a reliable supplier of oil, gas, coal, and everything that is required for the development of India’s energy,” Putin told the press conference.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia would continue “uninterrupted shipments” of fuel to India during the press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Friday (Dec 5). This comes as India faces heavy US pressure to stop buying oil from Moscow. “Russia is a reliable supplier of oil, gas, coal, and everything that is required for the development of India’s energy,” Putin told the press conference. “We are ready to continue uninterrupted shipments of fuel for the fast-growing Indian economy.” Addressing Putin as “my friend”, PM Modi also thanked him for his “unwavering commitment towards India.” He added that “energy security has been a strong and important pillar of the India-Russia partnership.” He also lauded time-tested ties between New Delhi and Moscow. Also read | ‘Impressive contribution to energy needs’: Russia to build India’s largest nuclear power plant in Kudankulam, says Putin “We have agreed on an economic cooperation program until 2030,” PM Modi said after officials exchanged several key agreements, including on health, chemicals, jobs, and shipping. “This will ensure that our trade and investment are diversified, balanced, and sustainable,” he said. Also read | ‘We cannot interfere…’: What Kremlin said on India’s declining Russian oil imports Putin also announced that Russia is building India’s largest nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu’s Kudankulam. Earlier on Thursday (Dec 4), Russia’s state-run nuclear corporation delivered the first consignment of fuel for the third reactor at the power plant. Also read | India-US trade deal soon? Officials from Washington expected to visit New Delhi next week Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump imposed 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods, citing New Delhi’s Russian oil imports, saying it helps fund the war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, reports suggested that US officials are expected to arrive in New Delhi next week to hold trade talks.

“Russia is a reliable supplier of oil, gas, coal, and everything that is required for the development of India’s energy,” Putin told the press conference.

‘Ready to continue uninterrupted shipments’: Putin assures Russian oil supply to India

Users around the world experienced significant disruptions in Cloudflare’s services on Friday (December 5), triggering a surge of frustration and complaints on social media platform X. The outage affected numerous websites, including popular services like Canva and Downdetector, leaving users unable to access essential online tools. Several trading platforms, including Groww and Zerodha, were also impacted by the downtime. Cloudflare acknowledged the issue, citing problems with its Dashboard and associated Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), and said that it was investigating the cause.&nbsp;This is Cloudflare's second major disruption in less than a month. In November, a similar outage affected a wide range of platforms, including Spotify, ChatGPT, and even US President Donald Trump’s Truth Social. As a major provider of internet infrastructure, Cloudflare offers services designed to protect websites from cyberattacks and ensure they remain accessible during heavy traffic. Following the latest outage, social media was flooded with users expressing their frustration. Many shared how the disruption had impacted their work and businesses, with many demanding swift action and a permanent resolution.<h2>What caused today’s Cloudflare outage?</h2>Cloudflare said that the outage was due to an internal malfunction disrupting key parts of its network infrastructure. According to information shared publicly, problem led to slowdowns and instability across its services. Even Downdetector, the go-to site for monitoring online service failures, went down, showing just how big the disruption was. Users on X reported their apps crashing without warning and posted screenshots showing a variety of server error notices.&nbsp;The incident drew even more attention after a viral post on social media joked about a “tiny tweak” by a new Cloudflare engineer supposedly triggering the chaos and the outage. Although the remark originated from X users and wasn’t an official statement, it captured the uncertainty and speculation that spread during the outage.

Cloudflare outage today: Major websites affected as users unable to use apps; company issues statement

Users around the world experienced significant disruptions in Cloudflare’s services on Friday (December 5), triggering a surge of frustration and complaints on social media platform X. The outage affected numerous websites, including popular services like Canva and Downdetector, leaving users unable to access essential online tools. Several trading platforms, including Groww and Zerodha, were also impacted by the downtime. Cloudflare acknowledged the issue, citing problems with its Dashboard and associated Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), and said that it was investigating the cause. This is Cloudflare's second major disruption in less than a month. In November, a similar outage affected a wide range of platforms, including Spotify, ChatGPT, and even US President Donald Trump’s Truth Social. As a major provider of internet infrastructure, Cloudflare offers services designed to protect websites from cyberattacks and ensure they remain accessible during heavy traffic. Following the latest outage, social media was flooded with users expressing their frustration. Many shared how the disruption had impacted their work and businesses, with many demanding swift action and a permanent resolution. What caused today’s Cloudflare outage? Cloudflare said that the outage was due to an internal malfunction disrupting key parts of its network infrastructure. According to information shared publicly, problem led to slowdowns and instability across its services. Even Downdetector, the go-to site for monitoring online service failures, went down, showing just how big the disruption was. Users on X reported their apps crashing without warning and posted screenshots showing a variety of server error notices. The incident drew even more attention after a viral post on social media joked about a “tiny tweak” by a new Cloudflare engineer supposedly triggering the chaos and the outage. Although the remark originated from X users and wasn’t an official statement, it captured the uncertainty and speculation that spread during the outage.

Cloudflare faces a second major outage in a month, impacting websites like Canva, Downdetector, and trading platforms. Several users expressed frustration on social media platforms

&nbsp;A US strike on a suspected drug trafficking boat in the eastern Pacific on Thursday (Dec 4) left four people dead, adding more heat to an already explosive debate over a campaign that has now claimed more than 87 lives. The Pentagon and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are facing growing criticism over an earlier incident in September, when US forces fired on the wreckage of a boat that had already been hit, killing two survivors. That episode has drawn accusations of misconduct, with some lawmakers calling it a potential war crime.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-us-will-launch-lethal-land-strikes-in-latin-america-very-soon-1764730302433">Trump says US will launch lethal land strikes in Latin America 'very soon,' Hegseth vows boat strikes 'only just begun'</a><h2>US' latest strikes in international waters</h2>The newest strike, according to US Southern Command, hit a "vessel in international waters operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization. Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was carrying illicit narcotics and transiting along a known narco-trafficking route in the Eastern Pacific."A video released with the announcement showed a multi-engine boat racing across the water before a blast ripped through it, leaving the vessel in flames. "Four male narco-terrorists aboard the vessel were killed," reads the post.Watch video here:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">On Dec. 4, at the direction of <a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecWar</a> Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel in international waters operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization. Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was carrying illicit narcotics and… <a href="https://t.co/pqksvxM3HP">pic.twitter.com/pqksvxM3HP</a>— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/Southcom/status/1996726797086457886?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Classified briefing on US strikes</h2>Hours before the latest strike was made public, lawmakers on Capitol Hill viewed an extended version of the September incident during a classified briefing. Representative Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said the footage showed US forces firing on "shipwrecked sailors -- bad guys, bad guys -- but attacking shipwrecked sailors." He called the scene "one of the most troubling things I've seen in my time in public service."Republican Don Bacon, a retired brigadier general, backed that assessment during an interview on CNN. He said the two survivors shown in the earlier footage did not meet the threshold of an "imminent threat," which he said is required under the laws of war. "These two people were trying to survive, and our...rules of war would not allow us to kill survivors," Bacon said.But Senator Tom Cotton defended the actions, saying the strikes were lawful and that "saw two survivors trying to flip a boat loaded with drugs bound for the United States back over so they could stay in the fight".

A new US strike on a suspected drug boat in the eastern Pacific killed four men, intensifying scrutiny of a campaign that has now left 87 dead. Lawmakers who viewed classified footage of a prior strike say US forces fired on shipwrecked survivors.

A US strike on a suspected drug trafficking boat in the eastern Pacific on Thursday (Dec 4) left four people dead, adding more heat to an already explosive debate over a campaign that has now claimed more than 87 lives. The Pentagon and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are facing growing criticism over an earlier incident in September, when US forces fired on the wreckage of a boat that had already been hit, killing two survivors. That episode has drawn accusations of misconduct, with some lawmakers calling it a potential war crime. Also read | Trump says US will launch lethal land strikes in Latin America 'very soon,' Hegseth vows boat strikes 'only just begun' US' latest strikes in international waters The newest strike, according to US Southern Command, hit a "vessel in international waters operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization. Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was carrying illicit narcotics and transiting along a known narco-trafficking route in the Eastern Pacific." A video released with the announcement showed a multi-engine boat racing across the water before a blast ripped through it, leaving the vessel in flames. "Four male narco-terrorists aboard the vessel were killed," reads the post. Watch video here:

A new US strike on a suspected drug boat in the eastern Pacific killed four men, intensifying scrutiny of a campaign that has now left 87 dead. Lawmakers who viewed classified footage of a prior strike say US forces fired on shipwrecked survivors.

Four killed in US boat strike hours after lawmakers viewed 'disturbing' footage of survivors getting blown up

Hillary Clinton is ready to part ways with her husband Bill Clinton in a $90 million divorce to "save her own skin". Bill Clinton's history with the famous sex-trafficker Jeffrey Epstein had been no secret; he had allegedly flown to his private island in his private jet, often called by the name “Lolita Express”. Hillary Clinton is quite shaken up by Bill's relationship with Epstein, sources close to the former Secretary of State said to Radar Online. Bill and Hillary had been married since 1975.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Hillary knows that once the House Oversight Committee and the DOJ investigations get going, and the FBI releases additional Epstein files, she is going to be humiliated,” said Leon Wagener, Presidential Historian, “She’s prepared to protect herself and her legacy - even if it means turning over damaging information about Bill’s involvement with Epstein.”&nbsp;James Comer, a Kentucky Congresswoman, suggests that walls are closing in on Bill Clinton. "The people around Hillary say she's finished with him and out for blood,” said another source close to Hillary Clinton as quoted by Radar Online.&nbsp;Hillary, 78, is "bracing for the worst" after President Trump ordered the release of all "unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials" &nbsp;related to Jeffrey Epstein. Experts suggest Hillary Clinton could boot her husband by providing details such as the “Lolita Express” logs, “child‑like curiosity” birthday note, island visit rumours and the Ghislaine Maxwell link to show that she is cooperating to salvage her political legacy.<h2>Bill Clinton and Jeffrey Epstein's relationship</h2>In his memoir Citizen, Bill said that he laments over his relationship with the late sex offender and wishes he had never met him. The relation between the two had spanned more than a decade. Bill was once photographed with a 22-year-old massage therapist pressing her hand on his chest.&nbsp;"He hurt a lot of people, but I knew nothing about it, and by the time he was first arrested in 2005, I had stopped contact with him. I’ve never visited his island," said Bill.Bill has vehemently denied ever being on the island. Virginia Giuffre, in her accounts, earlier claimed that Bill was there, but later backtracked. Ghislaine Maxwell had also denied such claims. Bill had been publicly documented with Epstein on several occasions, reportedly for philanthropic reasons. Epstein is also a donor to the Clinton Foundation. Clinton has been subpoenaed by the House Oversight Committee to testify in October and November. Both Bill and Hillary had evaded the court dates in October and November.&nbsp;Bill had an affair with then-22-year-old Monica Lewinsky, and Hillary was aware of it. Hillary herself had allegedly been in an affair with White House deputy counsel Vince Foster. Vince reportedly killed himself in 1993 with a gunshot. An Epstein email to Michael Wolff notes, “Hillary doing naughties with Vince.”&nbsp;

Hillary Clinton is reportedly preparing a $90M divorce from Bill as new Epstein documents are set for release. Sources say she is ready to protect her legacy

Hillary Clinton is ready to part ways with her husband Bill Clinton in a $90 million divorce to "save her own skin". Bill Clinton's history with the famous sex-trafficker Jeffrey Epstein had been no secret; he had allegedly flown to his private island in his private jet, often called by the name “Lolita Express”. Hillary Clinton is quite shaken up by Bill's relationship with Epstein, sources close to the former Secretary of State said to Radar Online. Bill and Hillary had been married since 1975. “Hillary knows that once the House Oversight Committee and the DOJ investigations get going, and the FBI releases additional Epstein files, she is going to be humiliated,” said Leon Wagener, Presidential Historian, “She’s prepared to protect herself and her legacy - even if it means turning over damaging information about Bill’s involvement with Epstein.” James Comer, a Kentucky Congresswoman, suggests that walls are closing in on Bill Clinton. "The people around Hillary say she's finished with him and out for blood,” said another source close to Hillary Clinton as quoted by Radar Online. Hillary, 78, is "bracing for the worst" after President Trump ordered the release of all "unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials" related to Jeffrey Epstein. Experts suggest Hillary Clinton could boot her husband by providing details such as the “Lolita Express” logs, “child‑like curiosity” birthday note, island visit rumours and the Ghislaine Maxwell link to show that she is cooperating to salvage her political legacy. Bill Clinton and Jeffrey Epstein's relationship In his memoir Citizen, Bill said that he laments over his relationship with the late sex offender and wishes he had never met him. The relation between the two had spanned more than a decade. Bill was once photographed with a 22-year-old massage therapist pressing her hand on his chest. "He hurt a lot of people, but I knew nothing about it, and by the time he was first arrested in 2005, I had stopped contact with him. I’ve never visited his island," said Bill. Bill has vehemently denied ever being on the island. Virginia Giuffre, in her accounts, earlier claimed that Bill was there, but later backtracked. Ghislaine Maxwell had also denied such claims. Bill had been publicly documented with Epstein on several occasions, reportedly for philanthropic reasons. Epstein is also a donor to the Clinton Foundation. Clinton has been subpoenaed by the House Oversight Committee to testify in October and November. Both Bill and Hillary had evaded the court dates in October and November. Bill had an affair with then-22-year-old Monica Lewinsky, and Hillary was aware of it. Hillary herself had allegedly been in an affair with White House deputy counsel Vince Foster. Vince reportedly killed himself in 1993 with a gunshot. An Epstein email to Michael Wolff notes, “Hillary doing naughties with Vince.”

Hillary Clinton is reportedly preparing a $90M divorce from Bill as new Epstein documents are set for release. Sources say she is ready to protect her legacy

Hillary Clinton's $90 mn divorce over Bill Clinton's Jeffrey Epstein connection

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Cloudflare outage today: Major websites affected as users unable to use apps

New US strike kills four as Congress reviews video some call a war crime

Hillary Clinton's $90 mn divorce over Bill Clinton's Jeffrey Epstein connection