Handling Troubled Waters: Colombo Needs A Fresh Perspective – OpEd

Sri Lanka’s International Kite Festival returns after six-year break

Sri Lanka’s International Kite Festival returns after six-year break Colourful kites in the shapes of animals, flowers and comic characters filled the skies above Colombo on Sunday as Sri Lanka’s International Kite Festival made its return. READ MORE : http://www.euronews.com/2025/08/25/sri-lankas-international-kite-festival-returns-after-six-year-break Let the pictures do the talking: subscribe to No Comment No Comment is brought to you by euronews, the most watched news channel in Europe.

South China Sea Breaking: Taiwan Deploys HIMARS Unit To Target Deep Into China | Xi Vows Retaliation

South China Sea Breaking: In a significant escalation of defensive capabilities, Taiwan has officially formed its first combat-ready HIMARS rocket unit. This move is designed to strengthen deterrence against increasing threats and military pressure from China. Taiwan's Defense Minister, Wellington Koo, lauded the new unit as a "significant boost" to the island's defensive power, underscoring the strategic importance of this deployment. The soldiers operating these advanced systems have completed specialized training in the United States, highlighting the close military cooperation between Washington and Taipei. The M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) is a game-changer for Taiwan's military. It can fire six 227mm rockets or a single Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missile, the latter boasting a range of up to 300 kilometers. This impressive range means that key military and strategic targets deep within mainland China's coastal provinces are now potentially within Taiwan's strike capability. Reports suggest that Taiwan may have already acquired these long-range ATACMS missiles, a detail that is sure to alarm military planners in Beijing. This deployment is part of a larger arms deal with the U.S., with 11 of a total 29 HIMARS systems already delivered. The move aligns with America's broader strategy to build a strong coalition in the Indo-Pacific to counter China's growing military and economic dominance. While the HIMARS system has proven its devastating effectiveness in the Ukraine conflict, analysts note that China's more advanced air defense systems could pose a greater challenge. The activation of this unit comes as Chinese military aircraft and vessels continue to cross the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait, prompting regular intrusion warnings from Taipei and keeping the region on high alert. #Taiwan #China #HIMARS #USChinaRelations #BreakingNews #WorldNews #Geopolitics #OneindiaNews #IndoPacific #ATACMS Also Read Pakistan at China’s Command: Proxy War on India, Debt Trap at Home—Sri Lanka 2.0 :: https://www.oneindia.com/international/pakistan-at-china-s-command-proxy-war-on-india-debt-trap-at-home-sri-lanka-2-0-7791359.html?ref=DMDesc Iran To Buy Chinese J-10C Fighter Jets :: https://www.oneindia.com/international/iran-to-buy-chinese-j-10c-fighter-jets-7788123.html?ref=DMDesc China Halts Exports Of Specialty Fertilisers To India Amid Rising Tensions, Raising Supply Concerns :: https://www.oneindia.com/india/china-halts-exports-of-specialty-fertilisers-to-india-amid-rising-tensions-raising-supply-concerns-7783941.html?ref=DMDesc ~HT.410~

Rahul Gandhi Full Speech: Does Modi Have Courage to Call Trump a Liar? Op. Sindoor Debate

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has launched a sharp attack on PM Modi for avoiding a direct denial of Donald Trump's repeated claims that the U.S. mediated a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Gandhi questioned why Modi refuses to name Trump in Parliament, hinting that silence could be tied to upcoming trade deals. Congress alleges that Trump’s claim has gone unchallenged 30 times. As tensions rise, Modi's restraint is fueling political backlash, with the Opposition claiming a cover-up and calling the PM’s silence a national concern. #RahulGandhi #Modi #Trump #IndiaPakistan #CeasefireClaim #TradeDeal #TrumpModi #CongressVsBJP #ModiSpeech #TrumpLies #LokSabha #PoliticalDrama #USIndiaRelations #ForeignMediation #ModiUnderFire #RahulVsModi #BreakingNews #Geopolitics #PMModi #RahulAttacksModi #IndiaPolitics #GlobalDiplomacy #TradePressure #ModiTrumpDeal #CongressAllegations #TrumpCeasefire #RahulPressMeet #ModiSpeechMissing #ParliamentDebate #CeasefireRow Also Read PM Modi Government Puts Tamil on the Global Map Like Never Before :: https://www.oneindia.com/temp/pm-modi-government-puts-tamil-nadu-on-the-global-map-like-never-before-7819081.html?ref=DMDesc Rahul Gandhi Doubles Down on Rigging Allegations, Says Election Process Is Over :: https://www.oneindia.com/india/rahul-gandhi-doubles-down-on-rigging-allegations-says-election-process-is-over-011-7818825.html?ref=DMDesc Government Reacts To Donald Trump's Statement, Scraps Reports Of Indian Oil Firms Halting Russian Imports :: https://www.oneindia.com/international/government-reacts-to-donald-trumps-statement-scraps-reports-of-indian-oil-firms-halting-russian-im-7818621.html?ref=DMDesc ~ED.102~HT.408~

Mondo Track India | First-Ever Installation Boosts Athletics in New Delhi

Mondo Track India has officially arrived with the inauguration of the nation’s first-ever world-class track at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya led the launch ahead of the World Para-Athletics Championships 2025. Mondo Track India represents a milestone for Indian athletics, offering Olympic-grade performance with superior elasticity, shock absorption, and safety. With stars like Anju Bobby George and Paralympic champions Devendra Jhajharia and Sumit Antil present, Mondo Track India stands as a proud step towards global sporting excellence. #MondoTrackIndia #IndianAthletics #ParaAthletics2025 #SportsIndia #OlympicReady ~PR.282~HT.408~ED.104~

India Defies U.S Tariffs As Modi Refuses To Curb Russian Crude Imports | Trade War Escalates

Washington’s high-stakes pressure campaign against India has backfired. Despite unprecedented tariffs and repeated threats over Russian oil imports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has refused to bend. Russian crude still accounts for nearly one-third of India’s imports, and refiners show no signs of slowing down. Reports suggest Modi even ignored four calls from Donald Trump, signaling India’s sovereignty is not for sale. Instead of bowing, New Delhi is deepening its BRICS diplomacy — sending top aides to Moscow, hosting Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi, and preparing for a landmark trip to China where Modi will meet Putin at the SCO summit. For the US, the outcome is bitter: higher prices for its own consumers, while India expands its strategic clout. As global power balances shift, Modi has made it clear — India won’t be bullied. #India #Modi #USTariffs #RussianOil #BRICS #China #Putin #SCO #Geopolitics #USIndia #GlobalSouth #TradeWar #Washington #Delhi #Moscow #Beijing #Trump #Zelensky #EnergyCrisis #Independence ~GR.122~HT.408~ED.194~

‘Very Complicated …’ US Doubles Down On Strained Trade Ties With India As Modi Rejects Trade Deal

The India-US relationship has entered turbulent waters after US treasury secretary Scott Bessent warned that despite being “very complicated,” the two nations would eventually “come together.” His remarks came as Washington’s additional 25% tariff on Indian goods took effect, punishing New Delhi for buying Russian oil. Combined with earlier duties, tariffs on Indian exports now reach a staggering 50%, hitting garments, jewellery, footwear, and chemicals—impacting over half of India’s $87 billion exports to America. Bessent accused India of “profiteering” off Russian crude and dragging its feet in trade negotiations, while India dismissed the tariffs as “unjustified” and “unacceptable.” External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar bluntly told the West, “If you don’t like it, don’t buy.” Despite rising tensions, Bessent expressed confidence that President Trump and PM Modi’s strong personal ties could eventually heal the rift. #IndiaUS #TradeWar #ScottBessent #USTariffs #RussianOil #Modi #Trump #IndiaExports #USIndiaRelations #Geopolitics #Jaishankar #GlobalTrade #EconomicWar #TariffShock #USIndiaTensions #IndoUS #TradeDeficit #RussiaOil #DiplomaticClash #BreakingNew ~ED.346~GR.122~HT.96~