“Let me be very direct. European weapons have been used against India. European countries have supplied arms to nations that have been hostile to us,” Jaishankar said. “So when Europe lectures India about our relationships, we find it a bit rich. We will make our foreign policy based on our national interest, not based on somebody else’s priorities.”

The Context of India-Russia Relations

India’s relationship with Russia has been a persistent point of friction with Western nations, particularly since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. While the US, European Union, and other Western nations imposed comprehensive sanctions on Moscow and provided military aid to Ukraine, India maintained a notably independent stance — continuing to purchase Russian oil at discounted prices, maintaining diplomatic engagement, and abstaining from UN votes condemning the invasion.

The Western frustration with India’s position intensified as India became one of the largest buyers of Russian crude oil, helping sustain Moscow’s revenue stream during the sanctions regime. European leaders have repeatedly urged India to take a stronger stand against Russia, arguing that the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty that underpin the international order are at stake.

India’s response, articulated consistently by Jaishankar and Prime Minister Modi, has been that India’s foreign policy is guided by its national interest, not by alliance politics. New Delhi has argued that its energy purchases from Russia are essential for the welfare of its 1.4 billion citizens, that it has consistently called for peace and dialogue, and that its relationship with Russia — which dates back decades and includes critical defence supplies — cannot be reduced to the Ukraine conflict.

The Weapons Argument

Jaishankar’s specific reference to European weapons being used against India is rooted in historical and contemporary reality. During the 1999 Kargil War with Pakistan, India found itself facing adversaries equipped with European-made weapons and technology. France supplied Mirage fighter aircraft to Pakistan, and various European nations have historically supplied military equipment to countries in India’s neighbourhood that have posed security challenges to New Delhi. (Related: Japan Bans Indian Mango Imports After 20 Years Ove…)

More recently, the proliferation of European arms to Middle Eastern and South Asian nations has been a concern for Indian security planners. The global arms trade, in which European nations — particularly France, Germany, and the UK — are major players, has often supplied weapons to nations whose interests conflict with India’s. This reality, Jaishankar implied, makes European critiques of India’s Russia relationship hypocritical.

The argument resonated strongly in India, where Jaishankar’s forthright diplomatic style has made him one of the most popular members of the Modi government. Indian media and social media widely covered his remarks, with many commentators praising his willingness to call out what they see as Western double standards.

India’s Multi-Alignment Strategy

India’s approach to the current global order has been described as “multi-alignment” — maintaining relationships with all major powers while avoiding exclusive alignment with any single bloc. This strategy, which has deep roots in India’s post-independence Non-Aligned Movement philosophy, has been updated for the 21st century under the Modi government.

Under this framework, India simultaneously deepens its partnership with the United States (including the Quad, defence agreements, and technology cooperation), maintains its historically close relationship with Russia (particularly in defence and energy), engages economically with China despite border tensions, and builds ties with the European Union, Middle Eastern nations, and the Global South. (Related: India Defence Budget Hits Record Rs 7.85 Lakh Cror…)

The approach has its critics. Some argue that India cannot indefinitely balance between competing power blocs and will eventually be forced to choose sides. Others contend that India’s neutrality on Ukraine has cost it diplomatic goodwill in Europe without delivering commensurate benefits from Russia.

Jaishankar and the Indian diplomatic establishment reject this binary framing. “The world is not a zero-sum game,” Jaishankar has said previously. “India’s relationships with Russia do not come at the expense of our relationships with Europe or America, any more than Europe’s arms sales come at the expense of its stated values.”

The European Response

European diplomats responded cautiously to Jaishankar’s remarks. A spokesperson for the EU’s External Action Service said: “We respect India’s sovereign right to determine its foreign policy. At the same time, we believe that the rules-based international order benefits all nations, including India, and we encourage all partners to support the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Behind the scenes, European officials acknowledge that India’s position is unlikely to change and that the relationship must be managed pragmatically. The EU-India trade deal currently under negotiation, cooperation on climate change, and shared interests in the Indo-Pacific mean that neither side can afford a rupture.

As the global order continues to shift — with the US-Iran war, the ongoing Ukraine conflict, and rising US-China tensions creating new pressure points — India’s multi-alignment strategy faces its greatest test. Jaishankar’s blunt messaging to Europe is a signal that New Delhi will navigate these challenges on its own terms, regardless of external pressure.

The post Jaishankar Hits Back at European Criticism of India’s Russia Policy — ‘European Weapons Have Been Used Against India’ appeared first on Daily Tips.

“We are very close to a deal with Iran — very, very close,” Trump told reporters. “I would say we are in the final throes. It could happen within days. It’s going to be a beautiful deal, a deal that’s good for America, good for Iran, and good for the world.” The President did not provide specifics about the terms being negotiated or which channels were being used for communication.

Scepticism and Hope in Equal Measure

The claim was met with a mix of cautious hope and deep scepticism. Diplomats at the United Nations noted that there has been no formal indication from Iran that it is engaged in direct peace negotiations with the United States. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has repeatedly stated that Tehran will not negotiate under military pressure, and Iranian officials have publicly rejected any deal that does not include a complete withdrawal of US forces from the region.

“We have seen no evidence of serious negotiations,” said a senior European diplomat at the UN, speaking on condition of anonymity. “President Trump has a history of making optimistic pronouncements about deals that are not as close as he suggests. We hope he is right this time, but we are not holding our breath.”

Financial markets, however, responded positively to the news. Brent crude oil prices dropped 4% to $92 per barrel on the day of the announcement, while global stock indices rallied. The Indian rupee strengthened slightly against the dollar, and airline stocks in India saw gains on hopes that a peace deal would bring down aviation fuel prices.

The War So Far

The US-Iran conflict, which began with surprise American and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military and government sites on February 28, 2026, has been one of the most destructive military engagements of the 21st century. Over the past three and a half months, the war has claimed thousands of lives — including an estimated 15,000 Iranian civilians — disrupted global energy markets, triggered a refugee crisis, and drawn in regional actors across the Middle East.

Iran has retaliated with missile and drone attacks on US military bases, Israeli targets, and Gulf Arab states. The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively weaponised, with attacks on commercial shipping disrupting the flow of oil that the global economy depends on. The economic fallout has been felt worldwide, with energy prices surging, inflation rising, and emerging market economies like India bearing a disproportionate burden.

The human cost has been staggering. In Iran, essential goods have become unaffordable for ordinary citizens — reports indicate that oil prices within the country have risen 430% and egg prices 345% since the war began. Iranians are reportedly resorting to instalment plans for basic necessities like bread. The humanitarian crisis has drawn condemnation from the UN, the Red Cross, and human rights organisations worldwide.

What a Deal Might Look Like

While the specifics of any potential agreement remain unknown, analysts have outlined several elements that would likely be part of a comprehensive peace deal. These include a ceasefire and withdrawal of US forces from positions near Iranian territory, guarantees that Iran will not develop nuclear weapons beyond agreed limits, the lifting of economic sanctions, compensation for civilian casualties, and arrangements for the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure.

The most contentious issue is likely to be Iran’s nuclear programme. The US withdrew from the 2015 Iran Nuclear Deal (JCPOA) during Trump’s first term, and any new agreement would need to address the advances Iran has made in uranium enrichment since then. Iran is believed to have stockpiled enough enriched uranium for multiple nuclear weapons, though it denies pursuing a weapons programme.

Regional dynamics add another layer of complexity. Israel, which participated in the initial strikes and has its own security concerns regarding Iran, would need to be part of any lasting agreement. Gulf Arab states, which have been attacked by Iranian missiles and drones, would also need assurances. And Russia and China, which have their own relationships with Tehran, could play a role as guarantors or spoilers.

The World Watches and Waits

For a war-weary world, Trump’s announcement offers a glimmer of hope — however fragile. The UN Security Council, which has been paralysed by vetoes, may reconvene if a deal materialises. Countries like India, which have offered to mediate, stand ready to support any diplomatic breakthrough.

But the gap between Trump’s rhetoric and reality has often been wide. Even as the President spoke of peace, US and Iranian forces were exchanging fire in the Gulf, and India was summoning the American Ambassador over a missile attack on a tanker with Indian crew. Peace, if it comes, will not be a simple handshake — it will require the painstaking work of addressing grievances, rebuilding trust, and creating structures that prevent future conflict.

Also Read

• Trump Tells Netanyahu He Has No Choice but to Accept Iran Peace Deal — Says He Calls All the Shots in US-Israel Relations
• US and Iran Launch Fresh Airstrikes as War Enters Fourth Month — Trump Blames Tehran for Downing American Helicopter
• US and Iran Reach Tentative 60-Day Ceasefire Deal — Strait of Hormuz to Reopen Within 30 Days as Nuclear Talks Begin
• India Summons US Ambassador After Oil Tanker Attack

For now, the world watches and waits — hoping that “final throes” means the end of war, not just another chapter in an escalating cycle of violence.

The post Trump Claims US-Iran Peace Deal in ‘Final Throes’ — Says Agreement Could Be Reached Within Days appeared first on Daily Tips.

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio took a one-day break from his packed diplomatic schedule in India on Sunday, 25 May 2026, to visit the Taj Mahal in Agra with his wife Jeanette, calling the 17th-century Mughal monument a “true treasure of the world.” The unusual cultural detour came between high-level meetings in Kolkata and the upcoming Quad foreign ministers’ summit in New Delhi on Tuesday, adding a personal and symbolic dimension to what has been a historically significant first visit to India by the US top diplomat.

Under a blazing 40-degree-Celsius sun, Rubio removed his tie from his navy-blue suit and put his arm around Jeanette, who wore a flowing dress with elegant heels, as the couple walked through the gardens of the UNESCO World Heritage site. They posed for photographs on the iconic bench where Princess Diana was memorably photographed alone in 1992, a spot that has since become a traditional photo opportunity for visiting dignitaries and world leaders.

Security arrangements were extensive but notably less restrictive than those deployed during Vice President JD Vance’s visit earlier this year. The main approach road to the Taj Mahal was cleared for Rubio’s motorcade, with other tourists kept approximately 100 metres away. However, the monument itself was only partially shut down, allowing regular visitors to continue their tours in sections away from the Secretary’s immediate vicinity.

A Cultural Interlude with Diplomatic Undertones

While the Taj Mahal visit was ostensibly a personal and cultural stop, diplomatic observers noted several layers of symbolism in the choice. The monument, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century, is heavily influenced by Persian architectural traditions, creating an ironic backdrop for a Secretary of State who has been deeply involved in navigating the delicate US-Iran standoff that has dominated global headlines for much of 2026.

Rubio himself acknowledged the connection with characteristic good humour. Speaking to a small pool of journalists allowed to cover the visit, he noted that the Taj Mahal’s beauty transcended the geopolitical tensions of the present moment. “When you stand in front of something like this, you’re reminded that the greatest achievements of civilisation endure long after the political dramas of any era fade away,” he said, carefully avoiding any direct reference to the ongoing negotiations with Tehran.

The visit also served as a powerful visual signal of the deepening personal and cultural bonds between the United States and India. Previous Secretaries of State have typically limited their India visits to official meetings in New Delhi, occasionally venturing to Mumbai for business-focused engagements. Rubio’s decision to visit Agra, a city not typically on the diplomatic circuit, was interpreted by Indian commentators as a gesture of genuine personal interest in Indian culture that went beyond the transactional nature of most high-level diplomatic exchanges.

Rubio’s India Tour So Far

The Taj Mahal visit came on the third day of Rubio’s historic four-day India tour, which began with meetings in Kolkata on Friday where he visited Mother Teresa’s mission, participated in a roundtable with Indian business leaders and held extensive bilateral discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. During the Kolkata leg, Rubio described India as “a strategic ally that shares America’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” remarks that were warmly received by the Indian establishment.

The Secretary’s itinerary has been carefully designed to showcase the breadth of the India-US relationship beyond the traditional security and defence focus. The Kolkata stop highlighted the humanitarian, cultural and economic dimensions of bilateral ties, while the Agra visit emphasised the civilisational connection. The upcoming Quad meetings in New Delhi will return the focus to strategic affairs, with discussions expected to cover maritime security in the Indo-Pacific, technology cooperation, supply chain resilience and the coordinated response to China’s assertive posture in the region.

Jeanette Rubio’s Rare Public Appearance

Perhaps the most noteworthy aspect of the Taj Mahal visit was the presence of Jeanette Rubio, who has historically maintained an extremely low public profile and rarely accompanies her husband on official overseas trips. Her decision to join the India visit and participate in the Taj Mahal outing was viewed as significant by diplomatic protocol experts, who noted that the inclusion of spouses in high-profile cultural visits typically signals a desire to project warmth and personal investment in the bilateral relationship.

Jeanette appeared relaxed and engaged during the approximately 45-minute visit, asking the guide detailed questions about the architectural techniques used in the monument’s construction and the history of the Mughal dynasty. She was also spotted purchasing miniature marble replicas from an authorised vendor inside the complex, a personal touch that endeared the couple to Indian media covering the event.

What Comes Next in New Delhi

Rubio departs Agra on Monday morning for New Delhi, where the most consequential part of his India tour will unfold. The Quad foreign ministers’ meeting on Tuesday will bring together the top diplomats of the United States, India, Japan and Australia for discussions on a range of strategic issues. The meeting assumes particular significance against the backdrop of the evolving US-Iran diplomatic process and the need for a coordinated approach among like-minded democracies to the challenges posed by an increasingly assertive China.

Rubio is also expected to hold a separate bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which trade, defence procurement and technology transfer are likely to feature prominently on the agenda. The visit comes at a time when India-US relations are broadly positive but face emerging friction points around tariffs, immigration policy and India’s continued purchase of Russian energy.

For India, Rubio’s extended visit, the longest by a US Secretary of State in recent memory, is being viewed as a validation of the country’s growing strategic importance in Washington’s worldview. The Taj Mahal stop, beyond its cultural significance, reinforced the message that the relationship between the world’s largest and oldest democracies has matured beyond purely transactional exchanges into something more enduring and personal.

Explore more: International | Culture

Related Articles

• Marco Rubio Calls India a Strategic Ally During Historic 4-Day Visit
• US-Iran 60-Day Truce Draft Emerges
• India Heatwave Intensifies — Delhi Hits 43.4 Degrees

The post Marco Rubio Visits Taj Mahal with Wife Jeanette During India Tour — Calls It True Treasure of the World Amid US-Iran Diplomatic Push appeared first on Daily Tips.