In retaliation for a recent terror attack, India launched Operation Sindoor, striking multiple terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Ten members of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar’s family, including his sister and brother-in-law, were killed in the Bahawalpur strikes. The operation targeted terrorist camps, not military installations, with no reported civilian casualties outside of Azhar’s family. While Pakistan claimed the attacks were an “act of war,” India asserted the strikes were a response to cross-border terrorism and warned against further escalation.
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Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India launched retaliatory airstrikes against nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir. Subsequently, Indian officials contacted counterparts in the US, UK, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to explain the military action. The strikes were a direct response to the attack, which killed 26 civilians. India asserted its commitment to holding those responsible accountable. These actions occurred two weeks after the initial attack.
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Following U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated assertions of a desire to acquire Greenland for strategic reasons, European Parliament President Kaja Kallas delivered a strong rebuke. Kallas firmly defended Greenland’s right to self-determination, emphasizing that any decisions regarding its future must be made by the Greenlanders themselves. This stance underscores the EU’s commitment to upholding international law and respecting the sovereignty of nations. The rules-based international order, Kallas stated, depends on the unwavering respect for territorial integrity and national borders.
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India’s reduction of the Chenab River’s flow by 90 percent, due to maintenance at the Baglihar dam and planned work at the Kishanganga dam, has heightened tensions with Pakistan. This action follows India’s suspension of the Indus Water Treaty and other retaliatory measures in response to recent attacks and border clashes. Pakistan views any water diversion as an act of war, issuing strong warnings and conducting missile tests. The situation reflects the long-standing conflict over Kashmir and threatens further escalation.
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Following an attack on Hindu tourists in Kashmir, India launched airstrikes on nine alleged “terrorist infrastructure” sites within Pakistan, resulting in at least eight deaths and numerous injuries on both sides. Pakistan responded by claiming to shoot down Indian jets and declaring the strikes an “act of war,” escalating tensions between the nuclear-armed nations. The Indian military claimed its actions were measured and targeted, while Pakistan’s defense minister denied this, stating civilian areas were struck. International concern is high, with the UN urging both countries to exercise maximum restraint.
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The Canadian dollar strengthened to a near seven-month high against the U.S. dollar due to a weakening greenback and positive trade data. Despite President Trump’s assertion of a continued tense trade relationship and ongoing tariffs, Canada’s March trade deficit narrowed significantly, and increased exports to countries outside the U.S. offset the decline in U.S. exports. A rise in oil prices, a key Canadian export, and a generally weak U.S. dollar further boosted the loonie’s value. Canadian government bond yields also fell, mirroring trends in U.S. Treasuries.
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A second F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet has been lost from the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea, following a similar incident just over a week prior. The pilot and weapons systems officer ejected safely after an apparent arresting gear malfunction during landing, sustaining minor injuries. This latest incident follows a Houthi attack on the Truman, although a connection between the two events remains unclear. The repeated loss of aircraft and other incidents involving the Truman highlight the challenging operational environment in the Red Sea.
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Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, facing reports of a worsening illness and accusations of widespread human rights abuses, has again requested his dismissal from Putin. This request, made to Russian state media, follows previous, unsuccessful attempts in 2016, 2017, and 2022. Kadyrov’s rule has been marked by a severe human rights crisis, leading to international sanctions. The final decision now rests with President Putin.
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Following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India launched Operation Sindoor, conducting precision strikes on nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation, described as focused and non-escalatory, targeted terrorist infrastructure and avoided Pakistani military facilities. Pakistan responded by violating the ceasefire agreement with artillery fire in the Bhimber Gali area, prompting a calibrated Indian Army response. Several Indian ministers and chief ministers publicly lauded the Indian Army’s actions.
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In March, Canadian exports to the U.S. fell 6.6 percent due to newly implemented tariffs, while imports from the U.S. decreased by 2.9 percent. This decline was largely offset by a significant 24.8 percent surge in exports to other countries, suggesting potential for market diversification. However, economists caution that this may be temporary and that sustained growth requires substantial infrastructure investment. While Canada’s overall trade deficit narrowed, the long-term impact on exports remains uncertain, particularly if the U.S. economy weakens due to escalating trade tensions.
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John Q. Hosedrinker