SAUDI ARABIA FINANCIAL AID TO PAKISTAN
Keep playing ball, as US plays Pakman
India must adapt to Trump-era transactional diplomacy by strengthening US ties, boosting multilateral partnerships, leveraging global institutions and diaspora, and rethinking its Pakistan strategy ahead of the next US presidency.
OpenAI in talks to raise fresh funds from Saudi Arabia’s PIF, India’s Reliance Industries: The Information
ChatGPT developer OpenAI is seeking funds. It is in discussions with Saudi Arabia's PIF, India's Reliance Industries, and UAE's MGX. The company aims to secure investments to support model development. SoftBank is leading the financing efforts. OpenAI plans to raise funds for its ambitious infrastructure project, Stargate. Earlier, Sam Altman met with India's IT Minister to discuss AI ecosystem.
Saudi Arabia urges pilgrims to leave before Hajj visa expiry; warns of legal action for overstay
Saudi Arabia's Hajj Ministry reminds pilgrims to depart before their visas expire, emphasizing it's a legal and respectful act. Authorities warn of penalties for overstaying, stressing Hajj visas are for pilgrimage only, not work. The Passport Directorate has initiated a large-scale departure operation with personnel and technology at exit points.
Commodity Radar: Rally accelerates as crude oil prices jump 10% in a month. Know why to hold your horses
Crude oil prices are currently experiencing a surge, fueled by tight supply and positive market sentiment. However, Anand Rathi Shares and Stock Brokers' Naveen Mathur cautions that this upward trend might be short-lived. MCX crude Oil has showcased strong bullish momentum with a significant breakout above the horizontal trend line.
Australia seal sixth straight FIFA World Cup spot with 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia
Australia clinched their sixth consecutive FIFA World Cup appearance with a 2-1 victory against Saudi Arabia, highlighted by goals from Connor Metcalfe and Mitchell Duke. Despite an early setback, the Socceroos demonstrated resilience, securing direct qualification for the 2026 tournament. Goalkeeper Mat Ryan's outstanding performance, including a penalty save, solidified Australia's place among Asia's qualified teams.
India 'mother of democracy', Pakistan has tag of 'father of global terrorism': Rajnath Singh
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has strongly criticized Pakistan for its role in fostering terrorism, labeling it a "nursery of terrorism" and urging the international community to halt all financial aid. He expressed dismay over Pakistan's appointment as Vice-Chair of the UNSC's Counter-Terrorism Committee, highlighting the nation's history of harboring terrorists.
- Go To Page 1
Pakistan once again picks arms over 'aam aadmi'
Pakistan's new budget for fiscal year 2025-26 prioritizes defense with a 20% increase in spending, despite shrinking the overall budget by 7%. The nation, still recovering from an economic crisis and relying on loans, aims for 4.2% growth and reduced inflation while navigating IMF constraints and trade challenges. This allocation occurs amid regional growth outpacing Pakistan and ongoing economic vulnerabilities.
Canada invites Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince MBS to G7; ceasefire talks, Ukraine war and a tense past loom over the summit
Canada has invited Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the G7 summit. It is uncertain if he will attend. Saudi Arabia plays a key role in global conflicts and energy markets. The invitation comes after strained relations between Canada and Saudi Arabia. Ties thawed recently after a diplomatic freeze.
Saudi Arabia reopens Umrah visas from June 10 after concluding Hajj season
Umrah visas from Saudi Arabia will be available from June 10. The first international pilgrims are expected on June 11. This follows a successful Hajj season with over 1.6 million pilgrims. The Umrah cycle will continue into 2026. Updates on travel rules are expected soon. UAE leaders praised Saudi Arabia for the well-organized Hajj.
PM Modi to meet all-party global outreach delegations today
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet members of the all-party global delegation involved in Operation Sindoor’s diplomatic outreach at 7 PM on Tuesday at his official residence. The delegation, which included MPs from across party lines and former diplomats, visited over 30 countries to promote India’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism following the April 22 Pahalgam attack.
Jindal Saw enters JV agreement with Buhur in Saudi Arabia
Jindal Saw approved setting up a step-down subsidiary in the UAE to build a 300,000 TPA pipe manufacturing facility in Abu Dhabi, targeting the MENA region's oil and gas sector. In Saudi Arabia, it formed joint ventures with Buhur for an HSAW pipe project and with RAX for ductile iron pipe manufacturing. Necessary approvals will be secured for these expansions.
Saudi Arabia's first-quarter GDP grows by 3.4%, beating flash estimates
Saudi Arabia's economy showed unexpected growth in the first quarter of 2025. Government data indicates a 3.4% GDP increase, surpassing earlier estimates. Lower oil prices had a smaller impact than anticipated. Non-oil sector growth reached 4.9%. The kingdom is currently managing a budget deficit. It is also proceeding with its Vision 2030 economic transformation plan.
Saudi Arabia imposes no travel ban on Indians; Temporary restrictions linked to Hajj season: Sources
Reports of a travel ban on Indians to Saudi Arabia are false, according to official sources. Temporary visa restrictions during Hajj are standard practice to manage pilgrim flow. UAE leaders congratulated Saudi Arabia for the successful Hajj pilgrimage.
'India is loud at home but lonely abroad': Congress' Pawan Khera slams BJP govt's "muscular foreign policy"
Pawan Khera, a Congress leader, strongly criticizes the BJP government's foreign policy. He claims it has failed. Khera points to several issues. These include China's support for Pakistan and Nepal's territorial claims. He also mentions the OIC's stance on Jammu and Kashmir. Khera asserts India is isolated internationally. He says the government's approach has backfired.
Pakistan is like emperor that has no clothes: BJP MP Baijayant Panda
Baijayant Panda, a BJP Lok Sabha MP, led a parliamentary delegation to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Algeria. He criticised Pakistan's support for terrorism. Panda highlighted that these Islamic nations are unhappy with Pakistan's misuse of financial aid. He said they view India as an opportunity. Panda asserted India will retaliate against cross-border terrorism.
"India received great response from world": Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Singh on Op Sindoor outreach campaign
India's Operation Sindoor outreach campaign garnered global support. An all-party delegation engaged with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Algeria. Discussions focused on India's response to the Pahalgam terror attack. The delegation highlighted India's zero-tolerance policy on terrorism. Partner countries expressed concerns about Pakistan's association with terrorism. They also showed interest in strengthening economic ties with India.
Opec+ giants pump out additional oil to India
That’s even higher than the 359,000 bpd they had collectively committed to additionally produce under Opec+’s plan to raise output by 409,000 bpd. Saudi Arabia, the biggest contributor to the group's supply increase, delivered the largest incremental volume to India in May, expanding its market share by 3 percentage points over April to 13.1%. The gain was driven by price cuts offered to Asian buyers. Saudi Aramco had cut the May OSP for Arab Light—its flagship grade—by $2.30 per barrel.
Win, draw, or wait? What Socceroos need to do against Japan in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier to avoid a playoff nightmare
Australia's Socceroos edged closer to a direct 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification after a 1–1 draw against Japan in Perth. Despite not defeating Japan in 16 years, coach Tony Popovic believes the team's evolution can secure their spot. The Socceroos' fate hinges on their remaining match against Saudi Arabia and other match results to avoid a risky intercontinental playoff.
Fund money is going to Pakistani Army, not being used for development of people: Asaduddin Owaisi
Asaduddin Owaisi, an AIMIM MP, stated that funds provided to Pakistan by Saudi Arabia and the IMF are being used by the Pakistani Army. He urged the Indian government to push for Pakistan's re-inclusion on the FATF grey list. Owaisi highlighted concerns about terrorism and refuted Pakistan's claim as a Muslim country.
Oil slips on US stockpile build, Saudi Arabia price cuts
Oil prices experienced a dip early Thursday following a build in U.S. gasoline and diesel inventories. Saudi Arabia's decision to cut July crude prices for Asian buyers also contributed to the decline. Brent crude futures fell 0.3% to $64.65 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude dropped 0.5% to $62.58.
Pakistan foreign minister Ishaq Dar says chances of revival of conflict with India 'remote'
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar addressed the media regarding recent tensions with India. He acknowledged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's diplomatic efforts with Turkiye, Iran, Azerbaijan and Tajikistan. Dar stated that while Pakistan seeks dialogue, it will respond firmly to any Indian aggression. He mentioned the Indus Waters Treaty and offered a neutral probe into the Pahalgam attack.
Hajj 2025: What to know about safety, costs, and new rules
Muslims gather in Mecca for the Hajj. Pilgrims face challenges like extreme heat, leading to safety measures. Saudi Arabia bans children under 12. High costs prompt flexible payment options. Overcrowding leads to visa restrictions. Authorities aim to manage crowds and ensure pilgrim safety. The Hajj remains a significant religious event despite these hurdles.
Why Al Nassr will not compete in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
Al Nassr will not participate in the expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which includes 32 teams from six confederations. Despite star power from Cristiano Ronaldo, the Saudi club failed to qualify by not winning the AFC Champions League during the required cycle. Al Hilal will represent Saudi Arabia instead
Saudi Arabia prepares for 'worst case scenario' as extreme heat looms over Hajj 2025
Near a sprawling tent city outside Mecca, Saudi hospital staff are preparing for a flood of heat-related cases as Muslim pilgrims begin hajj this week in sweltering summer temperatures. Brimming with staff but no patients just yet, the hospital is part of the kingdom's efforts to prepare for "the worst case scenario" after pilgrims descend on Mina, Asiri said.
Pak army general rakes up Kashmir issue on a global platform again, issues 'destructive escalation' caution
Pakistan's General Sahir Shamshad Mirza brought up the Kashmir issue at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. He called Kashmir the core of India-Pakistan tensions. Mirza pushed for international intervention and dialogue or third-party mediation.
India to exempt Saudi fund from foreign portfolio investment rules, sources say
India has agreed to exempt Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), from certain foreign portfolio investment rules to encourage capital inflow and deepen financial cooperation, according to two sources.
India's strong concerns about cross-border terrorism shared with Saudi Arabia's security experts
An Indian all-party delegation visited Saudi Arabia to convey India's firm stance against cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. The delegation engaged with Saudi officials and institutions, emphasizing India's zero-tolerance policy and seeking enhanced security cooperation. Discussions also covered de-radicalization efforts and the strengthening of India-Saudi Arabia relations across various domains, including security and defense.
All-party delegations receive support from world leaders in India's fight against terror
Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India dispatched multi-party delegations to 33 global capitals, garnering support for its stance against terrorism emanating from Pakistan. Nations including Saudi Arabia, Italy, Indonesia, South Africa, and France have voiced solidarity with India's zero-tolerance approach.
India's stand on terrorism resolute, uncompromising, says Baijayant Jay Panda as delegation begins Saudi visit
An all-party Indian delegation is currently visiting Saudi Arabia to convey India's firm stance against terrorism, especially after the Pahalgam attack. Led by Baijayant Jay Panda, the delegation aims to strengthen the partnership between India and Saudi Arabia in combating terrorism. The delegation will engage with various Saudi officials and the Indian community during their visit.
Load More
