US-Iran Tensions Escalate & more updates | DD India Newshour | 9 PM IST

Added: 2026-05-31

[00:00:11]Hello and welcome and namaste from New Delhi. You're watching DD India News.

[00:00:14]I'm Gotham Roy. Coming up over the next 1 hour, Iran targets a US air base in Kuwait after Washington hits a drone operation near the straight of Hormuz. President Donald Trump also rejects talks of a compromised deal with Thran.

[00:00:31]Ukraine to buy 20 latest model Griffin fighter jets and Sweden to donate another 16 older models to boost its air defenses as Kev's parliament ratifies a 90 billion euro EU loan agreement.

[00:00:46]External affairs minister Dr. Shanka discusses opportunities collaborations with European Union at gymnik meeting calls on Cypress President Nikos Christa Dolides and world number one Yanick collapses in Paris heat crashing out in the second round of the French Open putting pay to his dreams of a career grand slam.

[00:01:32]The fragile US Iran ceasefire is under fresh strain with both the sides accusing each other of new attacks and violations. American strikes inside Iran, retaliatory Iranian action, and rising tensions over the Strait of Hormuz are fueling fears of a wider regional conflict even as diplomatic efforts hang in the balance. Here's more in this report.

[00:01:58]>> A fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran is hanging by a thread tonight as both sides accuse each other of violating the truce with fresh military action. The latest escalation marks the most serious flare up since the ceasefire began in April, raising fears that diplomatic efforts to end the conflict could collapse altogether.

[00:02:18]Overnight, the US military launched strikes inside Iran, targeting what are described as military infrastructure threatening American forces and commercial shipping in the straight of Hormuz. Washington says it shot down four Iranian drones and struck a command center in the strategic port city of Bandai Abbas, calling the operation purely defensive.

[00:02:40]The tensions come amid sharp rhetoric from US President Donald Trump who rejected reports of a proposed Iran Oman arrangement to oversee shipping in the straight of Hormuz. Trump warned that the waterway would remain open but not controlled by anybody while also making it clear that Washington is not considering sanctions relief for Thran.

[00:03:02]>> International waters, nobody's going to control it. We're going to watch over it. We'll watch over it, but nobody's going to control it. That's part of the negotiation that we have. They would like to control it. Nobody's going to control it. It's international waters and Oman will behave just like everybody else. So, we'll have to blow them up.

[00:03:19]They understand that. they'll be fine.

[00:03:21]In addition to that, you have a lot of boats. You have about 14,500 boats in the straight wanting to get out and at the right time, we'll release them.

[00:03:29]>> In a further crackdown, the United States imposed sanctions on Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority and restricted Iranian airlines from access to landing, refueling, and ticketing services.

[00:03:42]Iran responded with retaliatory strikes on an American base early Thursday. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the attack targeted an air base linked to what it called US aggression, warning that any future action against Iran would trigger a more decisive response.

[00:04:00]Iran's Supreme Leader Ayutala Mojab Kim has meanwhile accused the United States and Israel of attempting to destabilize the Islamic Republic.

[00:04:11]The enemy's blind plan after the imposed war, the economic pressure and the political and propaganda seeds is to create divisions and disintegration in order to compensate for military defeats and bring the nation to its knees.

[00:04:25]>> And beyond Iran, the wider region remains volatile in Lebanon. Clashes between Israel and Iranbacked Hezbollah are intensifying despite a separate ceasefire agreement. Israel says it carried out precision strikes near Beirut and targeted Hezbollah infrastructure around Tyra after issuing evacuation warnings to residents. With tensions rising across multiple fronts, fears are growing that the region could be pushed closer to a broader and more dangerous conflict. Neuro report DD India.

[00:04:56]>> And you may have noticed suddenly even Oman is in the American crosshairs.

[00:04:59]We'll tell you all about it in a little later in the show when we talk about the entire West Asia conflict with our expert guest. But moving on for the time being, European Union foreign ministers have met in Cyprus on Thursday. They discussed Europe's approach to any future engagement with Russia with EU foreign policy chief Kayak Kalas, stressing that an unconditional ceasefire is a prerequisite for peace negotiations. Kalas also said that European Union cannot be a neutral mediator in the conflict and called for member states to first agree on a common position. More in this report.

[00:05:38]As the conflict in Ukraine drags on and tensions between Russia and the West deepen, European leaders are seeking to sharpen their strategy before any future engagement with Moscow. Meeting in Cyprus on Thursday, EU foreign ministers debated the path to peace in Ukraine, Europe's role in possible negotiations and growing security concerns stretching from Eastern Europe to the West Asia.

[00:06:04]The ministers reviewed Europe's approach to any future talks with Russia as Ukraine seeks a stronger European role in negotiations. EU foreign policy chief ka Kalis said an unconditional ceasefire is essential before any peace talks can begin. Unconditional ceasefire is a prerequisite for any kind of uh uh peace negotiations that was also underlined by ministers today. Uh Russia must stop uh sabotage operations, cyber attacks, election interference, airspace violations across Europe. Callis also rejected the idea of Europe acting as a neutral intermediary in the conflict saying the block stands firmly with Ukraine and is defending its own security interest. She urged member states to first build a common position before engaging with Moscow. One thing um is very clear uh Europe will never be a neutral mediator between Russia and Ukraine because we are on Ukraine's side and we are defending our own core security interests. It is clear that uh you know all our efforts have to be also complimentary to US efforts and uh ministers were also very clear about this. we are not, you know, coming in instead of the United States, but we are actually addressing the issues that they haven't been addressing in these talks.

[00:07:30]Meanwhile, Russia has accused Europe of contributing to rising security threats.

[00:07:34]Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakarova said drone attacks on Russian territory from the direction of Europe were increasing.

[00:07:46]We see statements from NATO and its member countries that they are not making their airspace and territory available for strikes on Russia. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutter calls these accusations quote absurd.

[00:08:01]Nevertheless, drone attacks from the Baltic and Northern European states against targets in Russia not only continue but are also increasing in intensity.

[00:08:13]Moscow has expressed concern that Ukrainian drones could be using Baltic or other countries airspace to launch attacks on Russia. The developments underscore the widening divide between Brussels and Moscow even as discussions continue over the prospects for future diplomatic engagement. Nishtoy Roy reports for DT India.

[00:08:35]>> An external affairs minister Dr. SJ Shanker has concluded a highly productive visit to Cyprus where he participated in the informal Jimnik meeting of European Union foreign ministers. During the visit, Dr. J.

[00:08:47]Shanker held a series of high level meetings with EU leaders and foreign ministers on key regional and global developments. Discussions focused on strengthening India EU cooperation, the situation in West Asia and the evolving multipolar global order. More in this report.

[00:09:07]External affairs minister Dr. SJ Shanker concluded a highly productive visit to Limasol Cyprus where he participated in the informal Germanic meeting of the European Union foreign affairs ministers. In a post on X the minister said that he had productive engagements at the meeting in Cyprus while reaffirming India's ties with the EU and the Mediterranean. Dr. Shankar attended the meeting as a distinguished guest from India at the invitation of European Commission vice president and EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy. The discussions focused on current regional and global developments. The meeting was conducted in the gymnic format held once every 6 months which allows for open and informal discussions among foreign ministers on key international issues.

[00:10:00]Jay Shanker engaged with EU counterparts to discuss practical collaborations and shared interest in the context of an emerging multi-polar global order. He held a meeting with EU foreign policy chief Kaya Kalis in Limasol. Leaders reviewed India EU cooperation and exchanged views on the situation in West Asia. He also called on Cyprus President Niko's cristo deolitis and conveyed the greetings of President Draudi Murmu and Prime Minister Narend Modi. Dr. J.

[00:10:32]Shankar also met Saudi foreign minister Prince Fez bin Farhan al- Sawat and appreciated his assessments and insights on the evolving regional situation. The Saudi foreign minister also attended the meeting as a distinguished guest.

[00:10:47]External affairs minister Jesanka also held a useful meeting with Ukrainian foreign minister Andha. Leaders exchanged views on the Ukraine conflict and discussed avenues for further bilateral cooperation.

[00:11:00]Dashanka also held meetings with Poland's deputy prime minister and foreign minister Radulo Shriikosski, Romanian foreign minister and Netherlands foreign minister. Dr. J.

[00:11:12]Shanka further met Estonian foreign minister, French foreign minister Jen Noel Barrett, Spanish foreign minister and European Commissioner for the Mediterranean.

[00:11:22]During these interactions, leaders exchanged views on regional and global developments and discussed issues of mutual interest.

[00:11:31]Bureau report DT India.

[00:11:34]And still to come on DD India News are Russia signs a 16.5 billion US dollars deal to build the first nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan.

[00:11:47]World Health Organization chief heads to Congo as the US commits $80 million to the fight against the Ebola outbreak.

[00:11:57]And US first quarter GDP growth revised lower to 1.6% 6% pace even as inflation climbs a special series of programs to commemorate 12 years of the Narendra Modi government. What is the uh post of chief of defense staff brought to the military? CDS has provided probably that direction and speed credibility of what you do will be out of the results which you produce. Three services also have their agendas. They want to modernize.

[00:12:35]They want to move ahead.

[00:12:36]>> Being a secretary of DMA, you attend all the secretary meetings with the prime minister, the higher authorities, other ministers. Does that bring in a lot of synergy?

[00:12:44]>> You understand how the government is thinking, what are they working on? And then you can actually tell that to pass it down to the services which earlier were missing actually.

[00:13:02]Welcome back. You're watching De India News. I am Goautam Roy. Now, Ukraine's Parliament has ratified a loan agreement with the European Union on Thursday, paving the way for 90 billion euros in financing and allowing the government to channel record funds to defense and the war with Russia now in its fifth year.

[00:13:20]you the ke parliament ratified the loan agreement with the EU with the 298 votes well ahead of the 226 votes required for a majority immediately after the vote President Bang Zalinski thanked the lawmakers and European partners saying the funds from the EU would strengthen Ukraine's resilience and later Zalinski said that the vote was one of the most important one that demonstrates the constructive nature of the joint work and the readiness to hear one Other the EU gave its final approval to the 90 90 billion euro loan for Ukraine last month after Hungary lifted its veto ending months of delays and easing pressures on the Ukrainian state budget.

[00:14:01]European Commission President Usafan said the vote paved the way for the first dispersements in June. The government expects to receive 3.2 billion e next month and a total of 45 billion euros this year. The remaining 45 billion euros would be kept for 2027 and Ukraine will buy 20 new SA Griffin fighter jets from Sweden while Stockholm will donate 16 older Griffin C/D aircraft next year. The announcement was made by Ukrainian President Zalinski and Swedish Prime Minister of Christ during a joint press conference in Sweden. The move is aimed at strengthening Ukraine's air defense amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Sweden has already provided significant military and civilian aid to Ukraine. While the Grippon jets are considered cost-ffective and suitable for wartime operations due to their easy maintenance and ability to operate from dispersed bases and shorter runways.

[00:15:00]These jets with very specific weapon and we are very thankful that we will get jets with weapon not just jets these jets grians with specific weapon especially meteors missiles and etc which can destroy 200 kilometers plus so we think that we will push out these jets Russian jets and they will not be able to use massively car aerial bombs Ukraine has clearly identified Grippen as their priority choice for a long-term air force in Ukraine and that they want to buy latest version Grippen E and F in a first step. Today's agreement between Sweden and Ukraine means that they will buy 20 new Grien E. Negotiations on the detail and all preparations are ongoing but the ambition is to quickly conclude agreement that will make deliveries from 2030.

[00:16:03]>> Now Russia signed an agreement on Tuesday with Kazakhstan to build the first nuclear power plant in Central Asia's largest country at a cost of about 16.5 billion partially covered by a major export loan from Moscow.

[00:16:17]Kazakhstan, the world's biggest producer of uranium and a country which suffered from the fallout from Soviet nuclear testing, has been discussing the possibility of atomic power for the last two decades. A 2024 referendum returned a vote in favor of constructing a nuclear power plant and designated the village of Ulken on the shores of Lake Bash in the southeast of the country as the site. The two sides also signed an agreement on the provision of Russian export credit to finance construction of the plant. Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosstom won the lead role in building the plant, edging out China National Nuclear Corporation, French utility EDF and Korea hydro and nuclear power. According to Kazakhstan's Atomic Energy Agency, construction will begin in 2027 and the first reactor will be commissioned in early 2034.

[00:17:12]Latia's parliament has voted in a new centeride government following the collapse of the previous coalition amid a political row over stray Ukrainian drones. Center leader Andre Kilgs has been confirmed as the country's new prime minister and will lead the Baltic nation until parliamentary elections in October. The previous government fell after former prime minister Eika Selena dismissed her defense minister over delays in deploying anti- drone systems after two Ukrainian drones reportedly enter Latin territory. The new coalition has pledged to strengthen national security, reinforce border protection, and maintain strong support for Ukraine while continuing Latia's pro- European Union and pro- NATO stance.

[00:17:58]German finance minister Lass Kiniel has said on Thursday that the finance ministers of the six biggest European economies are seeking to find a common position on a European Commission proposal for joint capital market supervision. The European Commission presented a plan in December last year to better integrate EU capital markets through joint supervision, moving it from national authorities to the European Securities and Markets Authority in Paris. The ministers of Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the Netherlands are meeting in Berlin on Thursday to discuss how to advance the capital markets union. The E6 had already come out in support of centralized capital market supervision in the EU in March.

[00:18:42]French President Emanuel McRo welcomed Indonesian President Bravo Subanto to the Elici presidential palace in Paris on Thursday. The meeting is aimed at enriching cooperation between the two countries on defense, energy, agriculture, and transport among others.

[00:18:57]According to a statement by the palace, the meeting in the French capital comes exactly one year after Mccro's visit to Indonesia. Mccro said he will also discuss with Subanto the conflict in West Asia and the closure of the straight of Hormuz, which has heavily impacted fuel prices in many Asian nations. Subanto said that stability in West Asia is crucial and will directly impact global energy conditions and global supply chains. Indonesia has recently increased its fuel subsidy budget to shield people from the impact of rising global crude prices.

[00:19:33]Japan and the Philippines have said on Thursday that they would begin talks on an agreement to share classified information to allow Tokyo to step up transfers of military equipment to Manila, including warships. Tokyo and Manila have been steadily upgrading defense and security ties in response to China's growing influence in the South China Sea and around Taiwan. Japan recently scrapped long-standing restrictions on combat equipment exports, a change expected to benefit the Philippines. During his 4-day visit, Philippines's President Fernando Marcos has sought closer alignment with Japan, dovetailating with his push to shore up security partnerships with the United States and its allies.

[00:20:15]The world is stepping up efforts to contain and prevent the Ebola outbreak in central Africa as the World Health Organization's chief is heading to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

[00:20:25]Humanitarian agencies are also increasing support while the US has announced an $80 million commitment for response efforts in Congo and Uganda.

[00:20:34]Nitesh Kumar reports.

[00:20:48]The World Health Organization has intensified its response after a deadly Ebola outbreak spread across the Democratic Republic of Congo.

[00:20:57]Who director general Tedrosan Gibraises is heading to the Ebola hit region along with health teams and emergency workers pledging to do everything in power to help contain the outbreak. In a message to people in the conflict hit Ituri province of Congo where more than 90% of cases have been reported, Tedro said the outbreak was among the most devastating in history because it is unfolding amid armed conflict. The WHO chief warned that the current outbreak caused by the Ebola bundio virus currently has no approved vaccine or treatment. Still, he expressed confidence that the outbreak can be defeated. The WHO has recorded 10 confirmed and 223 suspected Ebola related deaths in DR Congo since the outbreak was declared in miday with more than thousand confirmed and suspected cases reported so far. Meanwhile, Africa CDC officials in a press briefing on Thursday confirmed that Ebola cases in neighboring Uganda have increased to eight, raising concerns about crossber transmission. The WHO along with Congo's National Medical Research Organization has scaled up Ebola diagnostic capacities to strengthen laboratory networks, provide real-time data, and rapidly identify confirmed cases.

[00:22:17]Humanitarian workers on Thursday unloaded medicines, protective equipment, and emergency supplies from cargo planes at Buna Airport in East India, Congo as global aid efforts intensified. UNICEF emergency chief Zum Kashi said nearly 100 tons of humanitarian supplies would arrive over eight days through an airbridge from Nairobi. India has also sent emergency pharmaceutical supplies including diagnostics, therapeutics and infection prevention materials to support affected communities in East India Congo. Africa CDC praised India for its continued commitment to strengthening health security across Africa. As WHO declared Ebola a public health emergency and warned of a high risk of international spread, countries around the world have tightened travel and surveillance measures. India has launched screening and surveillance measures at airports and other entry points while Thailand has announced mandatory 21-day quarantine measures for travelers arriving from or through affected regions. Meanwhile, Kenya has approved the establishment of a US supported Ebola quarantine and treatment facility on its soil as global efforts intensify to prevent a wider outbreak. Bureau report DD India.

[00:23:37]Now, the world is bracing for a new wave of extreme weather with a UN backed report warning that record-breaking global temperatures could continue through the end of this decade. While Europe is already reeling under an early season heat wave, parts of India are witnessing a sharp contrast with thunderstorms and spells of rain bringing temporary relief even as heatwave conditions persist in several other regions. DD India's Ria Raj has this report.

[00:24:10]The world could witness more record-breaking heat in the coming years. According to a new report released by the United Nations Weather Agency and the UK Met Office, global temperatures are expected to remain at or near historic highs through the end of the decade. The report warns that at least one year between 2026 and 2030 is likely to become hotter than 2024, currently the warmest year ever recorded. Scientists say a possible El Nino event could further drive up global temperatures.

[00:24:44]Across Europe, several countries are experiencing intense early season heat.

[00:24:49]Italy is facing its first major heat wave of the year with temperatures crossing 35° C in several cities.

[00:24:57]Italy's health ministry has issued a red heatwave alert for Rome, Florence, Bologna, Brashka, and Turin, the first of the year as temperatures continue to rise across the country. Spain is also witnessing unusually high temperatures for late spring with some regions recording highs of up to 37° C and exceptionally warm nights. Spain's weather agency has warned that a wet start to the year has increased vegetation growth, raising the risk of wildfires as summer approaches.

[00:25:33]We have had a very wet start to the year. So there's a significant amount of vegetation in our forest and with these high temperatures it will of course dry out and become major fuel source increasing the risk of forest fires. We have to wait a little longer for the season to progress. But if these high temperatures continue the fire risk will certainly skyrocket to very high or extreme levels in many parts of our country as the summer progresses.

[00:25:57]Britain, France, and Ireland have also reported unusually high May temperatures as a heat dome drives midsummer-like conditions across parts of Western Europe. In India, weather conditions remain highly dynamic across several states. Light rainfall brought brief relief to parts of Delhi NCR on Thursday evening, easing the intense heat.

[00:26:20]India's weather agency has issued an orange alert for Delhi NCR warning of thunderstorms, lightning and isolated hail storms. At the same time, heatwave conditions continue over parts of north and central India. Meanwhile, thunderstorms, dust storms and heavy rainfall are also likely in parts of northeast India indicating a sharp contrast in weather patterns across the country. Ria Raj's report for DD India.

[00:26:49]Meanwhile, it was Portugal's turn to record its hottest May day ever. 40.3° C in Portugal's central town of Mura. So, it remains a challenge, the rising heat.

[00:27:00]Now, US economic growth was not as strong as initially thought in the first quarter and momentum is set to slow this quarter with a war with Iran stoking inflation and squeezing households finances. Gross domestics product increased at a 1.6% 6% annualized rate last quarter, the Commerce Department's Bureau of Economic Analysis said in its second estimate of first quarter GDP on Thursday. Growth was previously reported to have advanced at a 2% pace. The economy grew at.5% pace in the fourth quarter. The downgrade the downgrade to the first quarter GDP estimate reflects downward revisions to inventory investment and consumer spending.

[00:27:42]Overall economic activity is mostly being driven by artificial intelligence related spending. Growth in consumer spending which accounts for more than twothirds of the economy was revised down to a 1.4% rate from the previously reported 1.6% pace. Hefty tax funds provided some cushion to households from soaring gasoline prices. Profits from current production rose at a $40.4 4 billion rate in the first quarter, a sharp slowdown from the $ 246.9 billion growth pace in the fourth quarter.

[00:28:16]And Wall Street's main indices opened flat on Thursday as investors processed key inflation data while intensifying tensions between the US and Iran kept optimism surrounding a peace deal in check. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 16.7 points or 003%. The S&P 500 fell.5 points or 001% while the Nasdaq composite rose 11.8 points or 004% at opening bell.

[00:28:47]Let's now take a look at some other stories making news around the world as well. Japanese rock icon Yoshiki is set to return to the American stage this summer with two performances in Los Angeles's Walt Disney Concert Hall, marking his first US concerts since undergoing cervical spine surgery in late 2024.

[00:29:12]Despite the arrival of spring, massive snow walls up to 10 m high continue to cover Mount Neutru in Turkey. The towering snow corridors in Crater Lake at the summit are attracting visitors eager to witness the rare snowy landscape.

[00:29:30]Musician and artist Jack White has unveiled his new exhibition, These thoughts may disappear at London's Newport Street Gallery. The show features decades of paintings, sculptures, and upholstery works, including collaborations with British artist Damon Hurst.

[00:29:50]And still to come on DD India News, we'll be speaking with an expert guest about the latest developments in the West Asia conflict where US and Iran keep exchanging strikes while negotiating for peace.

[00:30:04]India and Singapore discuss deeper strategic cooperation at their 16th defense policy dialogue and senior Congress leader Sidaraya announces his resignation as Karnataka Chief Minister.

[00:30:25]India is home to some of the most venomous snakes in the world. 50,000 Indians almost die every year because of snake bites. And in that moment, knowing what to do can really help save a life.

[00:30:36]>> Students know, they know climate change, they know global warming, they know plastics, they know microplastics. They really know what it means on a daily bas. So the connect with the environment is missing. The connect to real life everyday is missing.

[00:30:46]>> A eucalypt in a new environment, you're very likely to change what we call fire regimes. So fire regimes are the patterns of fire across the landscape and and through time. We add the already colonized mcelium into this uh sort of jude bags and we take it to the forest for the process of which is called micro remediation where we are introducing more mcelium in a certain ecosystem for basically helping the ecosystem to thrive more and also for the mcelium to grow in the same process.

[00:31:28]Welcome back. You're watching DD India News. I'm Gotham Roy. Now, the latest in the West Asia conflict is that Oman has been threatened by US Treasury Secretary Scott Besson now over joining hands with Iran in charging any tolls for letting ships cross Horvu. Sanctions have been threatened earlier. Donald Trump said that uh Oman could even be bombed and uh there have of course blow blows that have been exchanged, strikes that have been exchanged between Iran and the US as well amidst a ceasefire while they're trying to talk about peace as well.

[00:32:03]Joining us now to talk about it, we have Bjin Wagmar. He's from the center of Iranian studies at SOASS, the University of London, joining us from London. Good evening from Delhi. Uh uh Bjene, what do you make of the situation? Are we closer to returning to conflict or are we closer to peace where this entire USI is Iran situation is concerned?

[00:32:26]>> It's a stalemate and it's a stalemate in more ways than one because uh I do not see any light at the end of the tunnel.

[00:32:33]If that's what you want to know, first things first, you know, a simple answer.

[00:32:36]No, because uh what happened this Monday and the latest skirmish must be put into context. It's not that Mr. Trump is being unnecessarily bleos and went uh in for a fight again. It's just that Iran was caught out laying additional mines in the street of Hormus region and US intelligence surveillance has been there 24/7 needless to state and they caught the IRGC Navy doing just that which is what led Sentcom to attack them and when the Pentagon said that it was a self-defense measure what exactly is self-defense you see the Iranians were caught in the act and at the same time because US surveillance aircraft were in the region they opened anti-aircraft battery missiles and that constitutes a military threat. So it was self-defense when the attack took place by Sentcom in Hormuzan province. So I would place that into context. Then the question of this latest kathuffle of blowing up the Sultan well I wouldn't capitalize much less afford credence to that. What Mr. Trump meant and what we ought to be concentrating on is that Musket has been consistent that they wish to play no part in any aortioning of so-called fees these toll fees which is nothing but blackmail uh from every and any vessel passing through the straight of uh they have said that they have no intention of uh you know sharing any um fees on it.

[00:34:04]What they have been doing so far historically is sharing maritime sovereignty over the state which indeed falls within Omani jurisdiction too. And speaking of jurisdiction uh Iran the Islamic Republic has never signed the UN clause UN convention international law of the sea of the 1982 mechanism global mechanism on that. Uh so Iran cherrypicks its way through what it takes aspects of the international of the sea and clearly this works in its favor and has been its trump card in the recent war uh two-month war by blocking the trade and creating uh problems for practically everyone concerned. But then there is a backlash in that Iran can't export its own products. And what has happened most recently last week is that they've had to bring out mothballled 30-year-old tankers to store surplus refined crude which was supposedly on its way for export but has not been exported much less shipped out because of the blockade imposed by Washington.

[00:35:06]And that in itself is creating havoc because between 13th April and midmay Iran is losing a good at least 175 to $250 million daily of what I mean oil proceeds.

[00:35:20]>> Mhm. But you said that Musket has already made it clear that it won't partake in any of this uh ploy or bid to impose tolls or you know extract any kind of fee for allowing these tankers through the straightforward moves. Why is Trump and then even Scott Besson now threatening Oman Musket?

[00:35:40]Well, that remark must be seen just as President Trump speaking off the cuff which he tends to do so and as the secretary would have said, but they know very well Musket's position that it is not interested in garnering any such proceeds. And think about it even for argument's sake if there was some rumor drift that Musket is mulling with uh sharing proceeds on this with Iran for argument sake and it is ludicrous which I'll show you in a moment. Do you think Oman would be able to handle that with its GCC allies who all have collectively suffered? Oman places a premium on its relations with its other five GCC states, Bahin, Qatar, Kuwait, UAE, and Saudi Arabia. It certainly doesn't prioritize its relations with Iran. Not by a long choke. Why would it go with Iran uh go with Iran on the flow on this one for any reason at all? So it beggars belief that musket could agree to anything like that because you have to put the GCC element front right and center in any such uh ramification and uh consequences that would uh hold out.

[00:36:45]>> All right. And uh as far as these strikes are concerned we've had now two within a span of uh 3 or 4 days Monday and now uh Wednesday uh and that's when it actually happened. uh but uh do you feel that uh this really doesn't indicate that uh there could be another return to uh what happened uh you know weeks earlier from 28th February onwards because both sides don't seem to be keen to get back to that kind of levels of hostility.

[00:37:15]>> Uh yes and no for argument sake I would not rule it out entirely. You you see you can make an argument as you've proposed that uh the US would be lod to uh further kinetic action as we approach the midterm polls in November.

[00:37:32]>> Trump said that I don't care about the midterms.

[00:37:35]>> Yes. Well again that's rhetoric as what politicians and Mr. Trump would say.

[00:37:40]>> Mr. Trump is a creature of his own making as a unconventional politician.

[00:37:44]He is not a conventional politician much less a diplomat. I think that ought to be uh quite plain to everyone. But the point is uh when he says now let's take that last point that you mentioned when he says that it shows that he's not shifting his position and he's steadfast on this aspect and one consistency in Mr. Trump is that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon which would threaten the entire region. That is a red line he has maintained all along that Iran's stockpile has to be either diluted or shipped out. And on both counts in the most recent state of talks whether in Islamabad or Dha Iran is dragging its feet because it claims that this nuclear sovereignty and we can do what we want so on and so forth and that was also part of what happened prior to 28th February. You must remember that in when Secretary Rubio mentioned and perhaps he should have clarified in Delhi last week. You see in the last week before this uh fight took started on Saturday morning uh 28th Feb, Washington proposed we would offer you all the civilian nuclear fuel in the world that you want for civilian purposes because there are civilian reactors and we will assure and copper bottom that you simply have to stop this weaponization and the military aspect of the program. And they steadfastly refused point blank refused.

[00:38:59]They point blank refused to even talk about their ballistic missile program which has been a clear and present danger to all even prior to what we have seen played out in the last two months.

[00:39:08]It was Turkey which was part of the mediation talks and foreign minister Hakan Fidan was the one who said in that last week too that at some point all of us in the region GCC and nonGCC fellow Muslim states need to thrash out with Thran as to where we stand on this and its constant um democracy sword over all our heads.

[00:39:29]All right. And yet you have a website like Axio reporting just a couple hours back that uh the deal is almost done.

[00:39:37]The memorandum of understanding for a 60-day ceasefire and then you know all these questions about uh the Iran's nuclear program will be worked out later on. Uh just waiting the final seal of approval from uh Donald Trump. Do you feel that uh one could still be close to some sort of modicum for peace while these hostilities are on?

[00:40:02]>> I have not seen the draft so I'm not privy to that or what Axio says. I can only go by what I know of Iranian studies and you can be sure that Mr. Peshkan, President Peskan and Mr. Kalibaf the speaker are being vilified daily even as they're in Doha which they were with central bank governor himati as being sellouts because the hardliners want to scupper anything that they could possibly uh see these so-called pragmatists getting over the line because obviously it flies in the face of what they believe as it's Iran's ideological stance against uh you know anti-western US hijgemony and also the memory of their IGC colleagues who have perished in these strikes and there are many who are still paying for blood on at county you can be sure of it.

[00:40:44]>> All right. All right. Well, thank you so much for joining us and talking about the situation where uh we're not sure which way it's headed. Uh the you know whenever we talk about the situation, it just seems to be unraveling at some some point or the other. Thanks a lot for joining for the moment.

[00:41:03]Now over the last 12 years, India's economy has transitioned from being the fragile five into the world's fourth largest global economy. All under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi Yes, we're talking about the last 12 years. Since 2014, India has emerged as the world's fourth largest economy powered by GST reforms, record FDI inflows, and a digital revolution led by UPI. Government data shows GDP tripling since 2014, FDI doubling and UPI crossing 172 billion transaction in 2024. With over 1 and a half cr GST taxpayers and a booming startup ecosystem, India's economic engine is firmly in top gear.

[00:42:06]India's economic transformation over the 12 years of the Modi government is well documented. India became the world's fourth largest economy in 2025 driven by strong domestic reform and the atma bharat vision. India's nominal GDP tripled from 106.57 lakh cr rupes in 20145 to 331.03 lakh cr rupees in 202425.

[00:42:33]India remains the world's fastest growing major economy with real GDP growth at 6.5%.

[00:42:40]India is on track to become the third largest economy by 2030 with a GDP of $7.3 trillion.

[00:42:48]>> I've seen people when the country had about 40% of people below the poverty line and now I can see people only 2 to 3% below the poverty line. The sharp difference that is there that is emerging across the spectrum urban areas rural areas across the spectrum. I feel very proud that the policies that have been pursued especially in the last 10 12 years especially because the focus has been on financial inclusion in the last 12 years those policies are showing results it's very very satisfactory policy performance that people have come out of the poverty line very satisfying for a policy maker >> 8 years of GST reforms have strengthened India's tax system over 1.52 Pro active GST registrations were recorded as of July 2025. GST has reduced tax burden, improved transparency, and integrated the domestic market across states. The GST reform of October 2025 helped ease financial compliance for citizens and MSMES. India's digital public infrastructure is one of the biggest success stories globally. Government data suggests digital transactions grew 9x in volume between FY18 and FY 2024.

[00:44:10]UPI processed 172 billion transactions in 2024 alone making it the world's largest real-time payment system.

[00:44:20]India is today seen as a very stable partner around the world and people are rethinking their supply chains. they are rethinking where they would like to invest. So if we can be not only that we have an environment but if we can project which we are doing an environment which is predictable which is stable and which they can rely upon lot of investment should start flowing into the country. Every crisis can be turned into a great opportunity.

[00:44:52]Ministry of Commerce data shows a massive rise in FDI due to liberalized policies and investor-friendly reforms.

[00:44:59]FDI inflows increased from US dollars 36.05 billion in 2013-14 to US 81.04 04 billion in FY 202425 over US dollars 748.78 billion FDI has been received between 2014 and 2025 that's a 143% increase over the previous decade manufacturing FDI rose 18% in FY 202425 services saw an increase of 19% software and hardware 16% trading 8%. India's transformation is driven by entrepreneurship, innovation and digital public infrastructure. PLI schemes, MSME reforms and digital infrastructure expansion have strengthened the startup ecosystem.

[00:45:51]>> The question is that how much and how soon what would get replaced by AI and what would get replaced and where it would get redeployed. So we have to especially in banking and financial services sector we have to look focus on few things. First, how does it benefit the end customer in order in for him to avail financial services at much cheaper lower cost and second uh the operating benefit which will come to the financial institution should not become so dominant focus that we forget the human element involved in that. India's services exports more than doubled from US dollars 158 billion in 2013-14 to US dollars 387 billion in 202425 a strong indicator of IT and startup sector growth clearly India's macroeconomic fundamentals and broader digital and innovation push have provided a solid foundation for the Indian economy going forward bureau report DD India and Prime Minister Modi on Thursday met representatives of the tribal security forum in New Delhi and praised their dedication to the tribal community.

[00:47:06]Sharing details of the meeting on social media, Prime Minister Modi said that meaningful discussions were held on the development and empowerment of tribal communities. He appreciated the forum's efforts towards the welfare and progress of tribal people.

[00:47:22]India's national security adviser Ajid Doel attended the first international security forum under the security council of the Russian Federation along with the 14th annual meeting of senior security officials in Moscow on Thursday. The event organized by Russian security council secretary Sergey Shuigu focused on challenges and threats to international security in the context of a multipolar world order. NSA do said there can be no double standards in the global fight against terrorism.

[00:47:52]And on the sidelines of the forum, the Indian NSA met Secretary of the Russian Security Council Sergey Shoo to review cooperation in defense, security, energy, and economic ties. The two also discussed the upcoming bricks NSA's meeting in New Delhi.

[00:48:10]Now, amid rising oil prices due to the West Asia conflict, Germany's ambassador to India, Philip Akerman, has stressed the need for countries to become less dependent on fossil fuels. Speaking with DD India's Tabas Patara, Akan said both India and Germany are vulnerable to global energy shocks and must work together on clean and sustainable energy solutions.

[00:48:31]>> India and the world right now grappling with the energy crisis situation. How both countries according to you can actually come out of this?

[00:48:40]>> So what is the uh what is the need of the hour is trying to get more independent from fossil fuel. I think that's obvious. The more we create our own energy, we the more we create our own electricity, our own fuels, the better it is for our countries. And that means that what we are doing, Germany and India, Germany and India in the framework of this green and sustainable development partnership is exactly the right way to go forward. We need to invest in renewables. We need to find solutions for the energy crisis that are homemade and reliable and lasting. And I think this partnership can contribute to that aim.

[00:49:18]>> Germany is investing almost 10 billion euros in India till 2030. What is the take on that? How is it going for forward?

[00:49:25]>> So we have almost 2,000 German companies here in India and the number is growing.

[00:49:30]I think we have an investment that is considerable. Even the companies who are here are very um you know inclined to reinvest their money here. We should not forget however that we have also Indian companies investing in Germany. Almost 900 Indian companies are investing in Germany and that's a very good and healthy sign.

[00:49:49]>> How do you see the current geopolitical situation especially when it comes to straight of hormos and uh also uh back home uh in in Europe the currency in Europe.

[00:49:58]>> So straight of Homos is a problem for all of us. It's problem for for the for the world actually because we see the even in Germany we are not you know dependent on the straight of farmers but the energy prices are going up everywhere very with lot of conviction and engagement that this um war will end soon and that the trade of formers will be open soon. India and Germany have a long and traditional uh history and both company both countries are working closely with each other in when it comes to renewable energy as well as in other sectors uh to have a more uh potent bilateral uh arrangement and bilateral agreements with Kapasi. This is Tapush Pachara for GD India from Delhi.

[00:50:38]Now, India's defense secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh co-chared the 16 defense policy dialogue with defense secretary of Singapore Joseph Leong in Singapore on Thursday. During the meeting, wide-ranging discussions were held on key areas of defense cooperation, security collaboration and avenues for further strengthening the strategic relationship between the two sides.

[00:51:00]Defense Secretary Singh also visited the digital operations technology center or DOTC of the digital and intelligence service of the Singapore armed forces.

[00:51:09]The visit provided valuable insights into Singapore's advanced digital and technical capabilities while exploring avenues for collaboration with the Indian armed forces in niche and emerging domains of warfare.

[00:51:24]Chief Minister of South Indian state of Karnataka Siddharaya on Thursday announced his resignation from the top post marking a major political development in the state. Sidraaya submitted his resignation to the governor's special secretary Prabhu Shankar at Lo Bhavan in Bengaluru.

[00:51:40]Deputy Chief Minister DKh Shivkumar accompanied him during the visit following a high level breakfast meeting at the chief minister's official residence. Siddhar Maya served two terms as Karnataka Chief Minister. First from 2013 to 2018 and again after the Congress party's emphatic victory in the 2023 assembly election till now.

[00:52:03]Let's now get you some sporting updates as well. Starting with tennis in fact with Prime Minister Modi where he's congratulated Indian wrestlers for their outstanding performance at the 2026 under23 Asian championships held in Daang Vietnam. Posting on social media, Prime Minister Modi noted that the men's freestyle wrestling team secured nine medals including four golds registering India's highest ever overall medal hall in the history of the under23 Asian championships. He further said that the women wrestling contingent won 10 medals including six goals. The PM also highlighted that the Greco Roman team recorded its highest ever overall medal count with eight medals.

[00:52:46]And world number one Yanek SA saw his dream of a maiden French Open title and a career grand slam come crashing down in dramatic fashion on Thursday suffering a stunning five- set defeat to Juan Manuel Karundo in the second round at Ronagaro. SA looked firmly in control early on racing through the opening two sets and leading 5-1 in the third before the match took a dramatic turn. Battling intense heat in Paris, the Italian repeatedly appeared exhausted on court and later took a medical timeout off the court as temperatures climbed above 30° C. From there, momentum shifted completely.

[00:53:27]Karen Doolo mounted a remarkable comeback, winning four straight games in the third set before dominating the final two sets to seal a memorable 3626756161 victory. Sid, who had been riding a 30 match winning streak since February, struggled physically as the contest wore on, often bending over in fatigue and attempting to shorten rallies with drop shots and serve in body tactics. He was also seen using ice packs and a handheld fan during changeovers in an effort to cope with the scorching conditions.

[00:54:03]And in a thrilling round three clash at Norway chess 2026 in Oslo, 18-year-old Indian grandmaster Ar Pragdanandanda defeated world number one Magnus Carlson 3-0il in classical chess. Playing white, Pragnandha put pressure on Carlson in a long game and stayed in control for most of it. He survived wildtime trouble and won after Carlson's late blunder. This was his second classical victory over the Norwegian first in 2024.

[00:54:30]In time travel, Carson briefly took control. Pradhan recovered from a loss in Firuta and now stands clear second with 4 and a half to nine. Firusa leads with 7 1/2 to 9 while Ken has just 1 and a half to nine.

[00:54:47]And Eidal Ada is the second of the two main festivals in Islam alongside Eidel Fra. It falls on the 10th day of Du Alhijah, the 12th and final month of Islamic ruler Canada. The festival signifies sacrifice, charity, and compassion, strengthening bonds with community and friends. Dual Hij holds a supreme importance in Islam featuring the pivotal day of Arafa on the ninth day of the month and the celebration of Eidul Ada on the 10th day. Idul Ada commemorates the story of test of prophet Ibraim's faith.

[00:55:23]Idul Ada also called Bakr in South Asia demonstrates the willingness of Muslims in submission to Allah's will by sacrificing an animal.

[00:55:34]And that's all we have for this edition of DD India News. But let us know your thoughts on the news of the day. And for those on the go, you can get all the latest news and updates from Indian across on DD India's mobile app. It's available on both Android and iOS. Just scan the QR code on the screen to download the app right away. And we'll be back with more news as it breaks here on DD India. I'm Gotham Roy and from all of us here in Delhi, thanks for watching DD India news.