India proposes major tariff reductions in ongoing US trade talks
US President Donald Trump stated on Thursday that India has proposed a trade deal with the United States that includes "zero tariffs." During his visit to Qatar, Trump stated: "India offered the US a deal, basically zero tariffs", Reuters reported.
This comes after his statements in Michigan on April 30, when he stated tariff talks with India were going well and he was optimistic about reaching a final agreement shortly. The US and India have been engaged in high-level negotiations to resolve ongoing trade and market access issues.
According to a May 9 Reuters report, India offered to reduce its average tariff difference with the US from 13 percent to below 4 percent, marking a significant shift in its trade policy.
Peru appoints new Prime Minister after resignation
Peruvian President Dina Boluarte appointed Eduardo Arana as the new prime minister on Wednesday, following the resignation of Gustavo Adrianzen.
During the swearing-in ceremony, Arana pledged to serve faithfully and without corruption. President Boluarte also appointed new Cabinet members who will serve for the remainder of her term, ending in 2026, Xinhua reported.
China’s Deputy Speaker Xiao Jie in Kathmandu
China's Deputy Speaker and Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) Xiao Jie arrived in Kathmandu last night.
Vice Chairman Xiao Jie is leading the Chinese delegation in the Sagarmatha Sambaad to be held in Kathmandu from May 16-18.
Minister for Forest and Environment Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri welcomed Vice Chairman Xia Jie at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).
Putin skips Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul
Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend proposed peace talks in Istanbul with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the Kremlin said on Wednesday. This practically puts a stop to the chance of the two leaders meeting in person for the first time since the conflict began.
Instead, Russia will be represented by Vladimir Medinsky, Putin's personal advisor who previously conducted negotiations with Ukraine in 2022, Firstpost reported.
Zelensky had earlier expressed willingness to travel to Istanbul if Putin agreed to join. “If Putin does not arrive and plays games, it is final proof that he does not want to end the war,” he said on Tuesday.
There had been speculation that US President Donald Trump, currently visiting the Middle East, might also participate in the talks, according to the Firstpost.
