"If I Can Do Anything To Help...": Trump On India-Pak Tensions

Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, US President Donald Trump said if he could do anything to help, "I will be there" and wants the escalating conflict between the two countries to "stop".

"Oh it's so terrible. My position is I get along with both. I know both very well and I want to see them work it out. I want to see them stop and hopefully they can stop now. They have gone tit for tat so hopefully they can stop now. I know them both, we get along with both the countries very well.

"Good relationships with both and I want to see it stop. And If I can do anything to help I will be there," Trump said in response to a question on the 'war' between India and Pakistan.

Earlier, Trump said he hopes that the hostilities will end "very quickly".

"It's a shame, he said, adding, "We heard about it just as we were walking in the doors of the Oval (Office). I guess people knew something was going to happen based on a little bit of the past." "They've been fighting for a long time. They've been fighting for many, many decades and centuries, actually, if you really think about it," Trump said.

Asked if he has any message for the countries, he said, "No, I just hope it ends very quickly." India launched Operation Sindoor early Wednesday hitting nine terror targets in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Punjab in retaliation for the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 that killed 26 people.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Army spokesman Lt Gen Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry said 31 people were killed and 57 others injured in the missile strikes launched shortly after midnight on cities in the Punjab province and PoK, and firing on the Line of Control.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/pwIULo2
via IFTTT

PM Modi To Reschedule 3-Nation Europe Visit As Tensions With Pakistan Soar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has put his three-nation Europe visit on hold as tensions between India and Pakistan have surged in the wake of the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam in which 26 civilians were killed by Pak-linked terrorists in a religiously-motivated terror attack. India responded on Wednesday with precision missile strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

PM Modi, who is closely-monitoring the situation, has reportedly asked for his visit to Croatia, Norway, and the Netherlands, which was due next week, to be rescheduled. As per his original schedule Prime Minister Modi was to commence his official visit to the three nations on May 13. He was also going to participate in the India-Nordic Summit in Oslo on May 15 and 16.

All three countries have been informed about the change in PM Modi's schedule. They have also been appraised about the current situation between India and Pakistan.

Last month too, on the day of the Pahalgam terror attack, PM Modi, who was in Saudi Arabia, returned to New Delhi immediately and called for a top-level meeting to assess the incident. Upon finding cross-border terror links with Pakistan, the Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Modi, decided to take a slew of measures to punish Islamabad diplomatically and eliminate the terrorists in a military strike.

Another visit that PM Modi cancelled, was to Moscow, where he was scheduled to attend Russia's Victory Day celebrations on May 9.

On May 8, India carried out targeted missile strikes on nine high-value terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. New Delhi described the operation as a calibrated military action aimed solely at dismantling terror infrastructure without escalating broader hostilities. In a statement issued shortly after the strikes, India said, "Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in the selection of targets and method of execution."

'Operation Sindoor', was launched at 1:05 am on Wednesday and lasted for 25 minutes.

"This government has kept its promise - those responsible will be held accountable," India said in a statement.
 

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/WTsPN1g
via IFTTT

Post Rohit's Sudden Test Retirement, BCCI's Assurance: "Will Continue..."

Following Indian skipper Rohit Sharma's retirement from the Test format, ex-players and teams all rushed to social media to thank the 38-year-old for his 12 year tenure with the national team. Among the first wishers was the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), the governing body which helped Rohit grow to new heights in his career. “Mumbai cha Raja (The king of Mumbai) hangs up his Test whites. From pulling fast bowlers into the stands to leading with calm authority — Rohit Sharma's Test journey was worth every watch, every roar, every rise," posted the MCA.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said it was 'proud of the Hitman'

"Thank you, Captain. End of an era in whites! @ImRo45 bids adieu to Test cricket. He will continue to lead India in ODIs. We are proud of you, Hitman," posted BCCI.

Thank you, Captain 🫡🫡

End of an era in whites!@ImRo45 bids adieu to Test cricket. He will continue to lead India in ODIs.

We are proud of you, Hitman 🫡🫡 pic.twitter.com/azlpZFWdhn

— BCCI (@BCCI) May 7, 2025

India wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant claimed Rohit's impact will echo in the Indian team's dressing room for years to follow.

“Your presence and impact will echo in that dressing room forever. Much love, @rohitsharma45 bhai,” posted Pant on Instagram.

Dhruv Jurel, who was handed his Test debut under Rohit in the 2024 Test series vs England also wished the right-handed batter a happy retirement.

"Always my first skipper, Happy Retirement Rohit Bhaiya," posted Jurel.

Rohit ends his Test career with 4,301 runs coming from 67 Tests at an average of 40.57, including 12 centuries and 18 fifties. He was appointed captain in 2022 after Virat Kohli resigned from the role. He went on to lead India in 24 Tests, winning 12 and losing nine games. He also oversaw India's 2023 WTC final loss against Australia.

"Congratulations @ImRo45 on your test career. The 2021 test series in England will be remembered for your heroics. Go well in your next phase," posted Irfan Pathan.

"End of an era! @ImRo45, your grit, grace, and leadership in Test cricket will always remain a big part of India's cricket journey. Thank you for the memories, Captain! #RohitSharma," posted Parthiv Patel.

"Congratulations on a legendary Test career, @ImRo45. You've made India proud. All the best for your ODI journey. God bless you," posted Amit Mishra.

Rohit Sharma's IPL franchise, the Mumbai Indians also took the time to congratulate their most successful captain.

“Cap 280, Jersey 45, Bowing out from Test cricket. It was a privilege watching you in India whites, Ro!,” posted MI.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/qPwh1dl
via IFTTT

MS Dhoni Skips Practice Again. CSK Coach Says "He Knows Where He Is..."

Crowd favourite MS Dhoni skipped practice for the second consecutive day as fans thronging the Eden Gardens on Tuesday faced disappointment again. However, his ardent supporters took solace from Chennai Super Kings bowling coach Eric Simons' confirmation about the talisman's participation in Wednesday's Indian Premier League match against Kolkata Knight Riders, a must-win outing for the home team. Simons said the 43-year-old Dhoni is "fine" and "will play" the game, which could be his last competitive outing at the hallowed venue. "Yes, he's expected to play tomorrow," said Simons, explaining that Dhoni knows exactly how to manage his preparation.

"With regards to MS, he knows his situation very well. He knows where he is. In terms of his preparations, he always works very hard at the beginning of a tournament and then allows himself to taper off because he gets himself in a space where he's ready.

"So no issues, he just knows when he is prepared and when he's not." Dhoni returned to captaincy duties after skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad was sidelined with an injury, and Simons said the transition has been seamless.

"You see MS Dhoni as the cricketer, we always see MS Dhoni as the man who is a remarkable individual. His influence on the team, his ability to nurture Rutu, to nurture young cricketers is what's legendary about him," Simons said.

Even when not officially leading, Dhoni's mere presence makes a lot of difference, Simons said.

"His influence is always there. Sure, he now makes the final decisions on movements of fields but his influence -- whether he was captain or not -- was always there without imposing. He doesn't impose himself on anybody.

"He was always an influence, so it was a very smooth transition because of the closeness of his relation with Rutu." Simons also acknowledged the manner in which Dhoni handled the change in leadership.

"From selection conversations to tactics on the field to taking over from someone like him, what made it easier is the way that MS handles those moments.

"He's a remarkable man from that perspective, and it's been pretty smooth for him to step into the role again. Rutu is still around, still part of the conversations," Simons said.

The five-time champions were the first team to be eliminated this season but despite that, Simons insisted the side remains fully committed and engaged.

"Absolutely not going through the motions. There's been some really good work done, discussions around individuals and for us as a team. Obviously, we're a franchise that has a rich history of winning and doing particularly well.

"It's obviously not a great place to be in, but it's been a very rewarding place for us to look at it from a different perspective and from a growth of individuals. It's still been a very rewarding period for us."

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/AlFfNc4
via IFTTT

"Never Say Never": Trump To Carney's Canada Will "Never Be For Sale" Remark

US President Donald Trump began his first talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday and vowed to bring up "tough points" that are dividing the two countries since Trump imposed tariffs.

Their meeting started with smiles and a handshake despite Trump's desire to make Canada the 51st U.S. state, a prospect that has chilled bilateral relations. The subject quickly came up as they took questions from reporters.

"We're not going to be discussing that unless somebody wants to discuss it," Trump said. "It would really be a wonderful marriage."

Carney put down the idea firmly.

"It's not for sale, it won't be for sale-ever," he told Trump in the Oval Office.

"Never say never, never say never," Trump said.

Trump, whose tariff policy has rattled world markets, said he and Carney would discuss "tough points," an allusion to the president's belief that the United States can do without Canadian products.

"Regardless of anything, we're going to be friends with Canada," he said.

Carney's Liberal Party won the April 28 election on promises to tackle Trump and create a new bilateral economic and security relationship with the United States.

Shortly before Carney arrived, Trump posted a message on social media.

"I very much want to work with him, but cannot understand one simple TRUTH - Why is America subsidizing Canada by $200 Billion Dollars a year, in addition to giving them FREE Military Protection, and many other things? We don't need their Cars, we don't need their Energy, we don't need their Lumber, we don't need ANYTHING they have, other than their friendship, which hopefully we will always maintain. They, on the other hand, need EVERYTHING from us!"

Trump appeared to be referring to the trade deficit the U.S. has with Canada due mostly to American imports of Canadian oil, although Canada's merchandise trade surplus was C$102.3 billion ($74.25 billion) in 2024.

Carney, a 60-year-old ex-central banker with no previous political experience, was elected Liberal leader in March to replace Justin Trudeau, who had a poor relationship with Trump. 

Canada is the US' second-largest individual trading partner after Mexico, and the largest export market for U.S. goods. More than $760 billion in goods flowed between the two countries last year.

Ahead of the meeting, the U.S. Commerce Department reported on Tuesday that Canada's goods trade surplus with the U.S. narrowed to a five-month low in March, the month when Trump's hefty tariffs on imported steel and aluminium took effect. Canadian exports to the U.S. plunged by $3.7 billion, the second-largest drop on record.

Canadian data showed the drop in U.S. exports was almost compensated by an increase to the rest of the world, as Canadian companies sought new markets.

In March, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminium imports and then slapped another 25% tariff on cars and parts that did not comply with a North American free trade agreement.

On Sunday, Trump said he would put a 100% tariff on all movies produced outside the U.S., without giving details, in a potential blow to Canada's film industry.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/LepoYKm
via IFTTT

Avneet Kaur In The Stands For MI vs GT IPL Match. Internet Goes Overboard

Avneet Kaur, actor and social media influencer, was in the stands of the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday for the IPL 2025 match between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans. While several celebrities and actors often come to watch IPL matches, the internet could not help but notice Avneet's presence in the match after recent events. On a photo by Avneet Kaur on her instagram handle, there was a 'like' from Virat Kohli's handle. It led to a social media meltdown. 

Kohli then broke his silence on the ongoing rumours, as he put up a story on his Instagram. The story reads, "I'd like to clarify that while clearing my feed, it appears the algorithm may have mistakenly registered an interaction. There was absolutely no intent behind it. I request that no unnecessary assumptions be made. Thank you for your understanding."

After Avneet Kaur was captured by the cameramen in the GT vs MI match, internet couldn;t stop reacting. 

Avneet Kaur in the stands. pic.twitter.com/BjKY3sf4fX

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 6, 2025

Avneet kaur in the stands pic.twitter.com/Elf440wT39

— Kevin (@imkevin149) May 6, 2025

Avneet Kaur???? pic.twitter.com/zIZpo9ZuaG

— isHaHaHa (@hajarkagalwa) May 6, 2025

Avneet Kaur is a hardcore Rohit fan. pic.twitter.com/afxW75iVW8

— (@ImHydro45) May 6, 2025

After Kohli claimed that an Instagram algorithm mistake resulted in an interaction being recorded from his account, the social media chatter slowed down a little, before singer Rahul Vaidya stepped in. Vaidya shared a few stories on Instragram, mocking Virat's clarification about the interaction with a post regarding Avneet Kaur.

"Main kehna chahta hoon ki aaj ke baad aisa ho sakta hai ki algorithm bohot saare photos like karde jo maine nahi kare. So, jo bhi ladki ho (I want to say that going forward, the algorithm might like many photos which I didn't do. So, the girls), please don't do PR around it because it is not my mistake. It is Instagram's mistake, okay?"

Rahul further went on to claim that Kohli has blocked him on Instagram over the post, though that could also be an 'Instagram glitch', just as the RCB star had suggested himself.

"So guys, Virat Kohli has blocked me, as you all know. I think that too is an Instagram glitch, Virat Kohli didn't block me. Instagram k algorithm ne bola hoga Virat Kohli ko ki, 'Ek kaam kar, main tere behalf pe Rahul Vaidya ko block kardeti hoon'. Hain na (Instagram's algorithm told Virat Kohli, 'I'll block Rahul Vaidya on your behalf') Right?" He signed off.

  

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/rQDPZJ5
via IFTTT

India Lodges Protest With Canada Over "Unacceptable Imagery" At Parade

India on Monday lodged a strong protest with Canada over the "threatening language" and "unacceptable imagery" targeting Indian leadership at a parade held in Toronto.

The floats at the parade on Sunday reportedly featured pro-Khalistan propaganda and imagery attacking the Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

India lodged a protest with the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi over the parade, official sources said.

"We conveyed our concerns in the strongest terms to the Canadian High Commission regarding the parade held in Toronto, where unacceptable imagery and threatening language were used against our leadership and Indian citizens residing in Canada," said one of the sources.

The Indian side again called on Canadian authorities to act against "anti-India elements" who are spreading hatred and advocating extremism and a separatist agenda, the sources said.

"We once again call on the Canadian authorities to act against anti-India elements who spread hatred and advocate extremism and separatist agenda," the source said.

The latest episode of strain in ties between the two countries came days after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's victory in the general election.

Carney, an economist and political newcomer, led the Liberal Party to its remarkable victory in the elections held under the shadow of US President Donald Trump's tariff clash.

His victory was seen as an opportunity to repair India-Canada ties that came under severe strain during Justin Trudeau's prime ministership.

The ties between India and Canada witnessed a major downturn following Trudeau's allegations in September 2023 of the "potential" involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. New Delhi strongly rejected Trudeau's charges as "absurd".

The relations nosedived further in the second half of last year after Ottawa linked several Indian diplomats including High Commissioner Sanjay Verma to the murder of Nijjar.

In October last, India withdrew Verma and five other diplomats. India also expelled an equal number of Canadian diplomats from New Delhi.

In the last few months, the security officials of India and Canada resumed contacts and both sides were looking at the possibility of appointing new high commissioners.

The exit of Trudeau was seen as an opportunity to improve bilateral ties.

India had accused Trudeau's government of allowing pro-Khalistani elements to operate from Canadian soil.

After Trudeau's exit, New Delhi said it hoped to rebuild ties with Canada based on "mutual trust and sensitivity".

"The downturn in India-Canada relations was caused by the licence that was given to the extremist and secessionist elements in that country," external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said in March.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/RijBuxe
via IFTTT