While Vladimir Putin has actively bolstered ties with Pyongyang, Beijing—traditionally North Korea’s primary ally—is increasingly concerned about being sidelined in this partnership.
Putin is on his first trip to North Korea in 24 years, a visit likely to reshape decades of Russia-North Korea relations at a time when both countries face international isolation.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un extended an invitation to Putin during a visit to Russia's Far East last September. Putin last visited Pyongyang in July 2000.
The joint statement comes a week after North Korean supreme leader Kim Jong Un visited Russia, triggering global concerns about potential weapons transfer deals between the two countries.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has not yet reacted to Kim-Putin meeting, but he would be in a dilemma. China won't be happy with North Korea’s renewed relations with Russia.
This year, Pyongyang's relations with Moscow are in the spotlight, with Kim Jong Un choosing Russia - not China - as his first foreign visit since before the Covid pandemic.
Fauja Singh, 114, died after being hit by a speeding car. His death renews questions about India’s deadly roads, rising accidents, and poor traffic discipline.
Mini deal will likely see no cut in 10% baseline tariff on Indian exports announced by Trump on 2 April, it is learnt, but additional 26% tariffs are set to be reduced.
India-Russia JV is also racing to deliver 7,000 more AK-203 assault rifles by 15 Aug. These are currently being made with 50% indigenisation and this will surge to 100% by 31 December.
Public, loud, upfront, filled with impropriety and high praise sometimes laced with insults. This is what we call Trumplomacy. But the larger objective is the same: American supremacy.
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