India has reportedly suspended a $3.6 billion deal to procure Boeing jets from the US due to a nearly 50% price increase. The cost surge is primarily attributed to tariffs imposed by the US, increasing the price of parts and components. This has led the Ministry of Defence to pause the acquisition and reassess the strategic implications. Simultaneously, Air India has begun retrofitting its legacy Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners in the US, with the first revamped jet expected to rejoin the fleet by the end of the year.
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Air India chairman N Chandrasekaran stated that one engine on the crashed Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was new, installed in March 2025, while the other’s last service was in 2023, with the next scheduled for December 2025. Both engines reportedly had clean operational histories prior to the crash. Investigators are analyzing the flight data and cockpit voice recorders to determine the cause of the crash, which killed at least 270 people. While engine age isn’t necessarily indicative of engine health, especially with the Genx-1B engines used, the investigation will focus on all factors contributing to the incident.
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Following an Air India Boeing 787 crash in Ahmedabad, India, resulting in 271 deaths, British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh survived and has been discharged from the hospital. The crash, involving passengers of various nationalities, prompted criticism of the British government’s response from grieving families. Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, involving the examination of the flight recorders and aircraft maintenance records. Air India is cooperating with authorities and working to repatriate the deceased.
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President Trump threatened Apple with at least a 25% tariff on iPhones sold in the U.S. unless they are manufactured domestically, not in India or elsewhere. This directly opposes Apple’s plan to shift iPhone production to India to diversify its supply chain and reduce reliance on China. Trump’s statement caused Apple’s shares to drop and disrupts Apple’s goal of sourcing most of its U.S. iPhone supply from India by the end of next year. Despite this, Trump claims Apple will increase US production.
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Following a recent escalation of tensions, Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General warned India against weaponizing water, emphasizing that such an action would have devastating and long-lasting consequences for millions. This warning comes after India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and cross-border strikes, which Pakistan claims to have responded to proportionally, resulting in the loss of six Indian aircraft. Despite a US-brokered ceasefire, the ISPR director general highlighted the continued threat of conflict unless the Kashmir issue is addressed, asserting that Pakistan prioritizes peace but will defend its sovereignty. He also accused India of rejecting a neutral investigation into recent events and of supporting terrorism within Pakistan.
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Following reports of Rohingya refugees being forcibly removed from an Indian naval vessel, the UN has launched an inquiry into these “unconscionable, unacceptable acts.” UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews is investigating, urging India to cease inhumane treatment and repatriation of Rohingya to Myanmar. Andrews previously raised concerns about the arbitrary detention and refoulement of Rohingya refugees in India. He demands India repudiate these actions, halt deportations, and hold those responsible accountable.
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India’s request for additional S-400 missile systems from Russia follows conflicting reports on their effectiveness during recent air battles with Pakistan. While India seeks to expand its S-400 arsenal, delays in the existing contract and the simultaneous launch of Project Kusha, an indigenous long-range SAM system, raise questions about India’s long-term strategic goals. Project Kusha’s timeline suggests potential reverse-engineering of S-400 technology, though this could be a cover for continued Russian imports. The situation highlights India’s complex balancing act between domestic development and reliance on Russian military technology.
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President Trump recently spoke with Apple CEO Tim Cook, urging him to prioritize US production over expansion in India. Trump cited India’s high tariffs as a reason to discourage Indian manufacturing, contrasting this with a proposed tariff-free deal offered by India to the US. Despite this, Apple plans to significantly increase iPhone production in India by 2026 to mitigate potential Chinese tariff increases. Trump’s request reflects a broader effort to bolster domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on other nations.
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Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced Rs 1 crore in compensation for each victim of recent Indian airstrikes, potentially totaling Rs 14 crore for Masood Azhar’s deceased relatives. The compensation covers fourteen family members killed in Bahawalpur, a city housing the Jaish-e-Mohammed headquarters. This payout to a UN-designated terrorist has raised concerns, especially considering India’s assertion that the strikes targeted only terrorist camps. Furthermore, the government’s commitment to rebuilding destroyed houses adds to the controversy.
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Pakistan’s official Twitter account mistakenly shared ARMA 3 gameplay footage, claiming it depicted a military response to alleged Indian aggression. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar lauded the armed forces’ response, criticizing India’s actions. The post, which remains online without clarification, sparked widespread online ridicule. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of ARMA 3’s realistic graphics being misused to create and spread misinformation.
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John Q. Hosedrinker