Good morning.

 🇮🇳 🇨🇳 Modi Welcomes China Ties as US Criticism Escalates

Indian Prime Minister Modi welcomed improved China relations and announced his first visit to China in seven years after meeting Foreign Minister Wang Yi, as US Treasury Secretary Bessent escalated criticism accusing India of "profiteering" $16 billion from Russian oil purchases by "some of the richest families in India." The warming India-China ties includes resumed direct flights, increased visas, and Chinese assurance of rare earth mineral supplies, while both nations agreed to maintain "peace and tranquility" along their disputed border following 2020 deadly clashes. Modi's China pivot comes as Trump imposed 25% tariffs on Indian exports and threatened to double them to 50% by August 27 over Russian oil purchases, with Bessent taking an indirect swipe at billionaire Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries, a major Russian crude buyer. More - Bloomberg

🇮🇱 Israel Rejects Ceasefire Plan: Demands All Hostages Released

Israel is demanding the release of all 50 Gaza hostages rather than accepting a new 60-day ceasefire proposal that Hamas approved Monday, which would free only around half the captives in phases. Government spokesman David Mencer said Israel isn't interested in "partial deals" as Netanyahu announced plans to conquer all of Gaza, with the cabinet expected to approve occupying Gaza City this week. The Egyptian-Qatari proposal, described as "98% similar" to a previous US plan Israel had accepted, would see Hamas release 28 hostages (10 living, 18 dead) over 60 days in exchange for 1,700 Palestinian prisoners, but Netanyahu faces pressure from far-right coalition partners who want continued war until Hamas's defeat and Gaza annexation. More - BBC

Europe Stability Ratings and News Summary

More Unstable

🇦🇱 Albania, 🇧🇾 Belarus, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇧🇦 Bosnia And Herzegovina, 🇧🇬 Bulgaria, 🇨🇾 Cyprus, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇫🇮 Finland, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇭🇺 Hungary, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇲🇰 Macedonia, 🇲🇩 Moldova, 🇲🇪 Montenegro, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇷🇸 Serbia, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇺🇦 Ukraine

More Stable

No countries were more stable over this period

Unchanged

🇦🇩 Andorra, 🇦🇹 Austria, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇪🇪 Estonia, 🇫🇷 France, 🇮🇸 Iceland, 🇱🇻 Latvia, 🇱🇮 Liechtenstein, 🇱🇹 Lithuania, 🇱🇺 Luxembourg, 🇲🇹 Malta, 🇲🇨 Monaco, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇷🇴 Romania, 🇸🇲 San Marino, 🇸🇰 Slovakia, 🇸🇮 Slovenia, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Regional News Summary

Switzerland is navigating a complex economic landscape, with its federal budget deficit expected to be lower than anticipated, a positive sign amid ongoing trade negotiations, especially with the United States. However, the Swiss government has warned companies against circumventing U.S. tariffs by rerouting goods through Liechtenstein, a move aimed at protecting approximately 100,000 jobs at risk due to these tariffs [SOURCE - Fortune]. Additionally, Switzerland is pressing ahead with its controversial F-35A deal with the U.S., despite rising costs and public debate over its feasibility [SOURCE - NDTV].

In the political sphere, Switzerland is introducing a code of conduct for collecting referendum signatures, aiming to enhance transparency and fairness in its democratic processes [SOURCE - Swissinfo]. Furthermore, the Swiss government has allocated CHF 4 million in humanitarian aid to Sudan, underscoring its commitment to global support [SOURCE - Swissinfo].

Meanwhile, tensions are escalating in the broader European context, particularly regarding Iran. France, Germany, and the UK have threatened to reimpose sanctions on Iran if nuclear talks do not resume, a move that could have significant implications for regional stability [SOURCE - BBC]. In response, Iran is collaborating with Russia and China to counteract these potential sanctions [SOURCE - Israel National News].

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine remains a focal point of international relations, with the recent Trump-Putin summit yielding no concrete agreements to resolve the war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has emphasized that discussions about Ukraine must include Ukrainian voices, rejecting any peace deal that excludes his country [SOURCE - CBS News]. As military tensions rise, with Russia launching drone strikes on Ukraine post-summit, the situation remains precarious [SOURCE - The Sun].

In Serbia, widespread anti-government protests have erupted, demanding accountability and early elections. The unrest has escalated into violence, with clashes between demonstrators and police resulting in injuries and heightened tensions across the country [SOURCE - France 24]. This political turmoil has drawn international attention, with Hungary's Foreign Minister alleging that Brussels seeks to undermine governments in the region, further complicating the political landscape [SOURCE - TASS].

MENA Stability Ratings and News Summary

More Unstable

🇧🇭 Bahrain, 🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇮🇷 Iran, 🇮🇶 Iraq, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇯🇴 Jordan, 🇰🇼 Kuwait, 🇱🇧 Lebanon, 🇱🇾 Libya, 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia, 🇸🇾 Syria, 🇹🇳 Tunisia, 🇾🇪 Yemen

More Stable

No countries were more stable over this period

Unchanged

🇴🇲 Oman, 🇶🇦 Qatar, 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates

Regional News Summary

In Syria, the conflict has drawn in multiple international players. Turkish and Syrian diplomats have issued warnings to Israel regarding its actions in the war-torn nation, while Turkey has increased military support for Syria through a defense deal that includes training and weapons supply [SOURCE - MIDDLE EAST EYE]. The U.S. is also involved, with calls from Congress to ease export controls on Syria [SOURCE - SYRIAN ARAB NEWS AGENCY]. Meanwhile, Russia's military presence at a strategic airport in Syria raises concerns about its intentions in the region [SOURCE - FORBES].

Amidst these developments, Syrian officials are calling for national unity following protests in Sweida, which they accuse Israel of inciting [SOURCE - YA LIBNAN]. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with a UN report indicating that war crimes were likely committed during recent coastal massacres [SOURCE - ALGEMEINER].

In Gaza, the humanitarian crisis is deepening as families struggle with contaminated water and food shortages due to ongoing conflict and Israeli restrictions on aid deliveries [SOURCE - ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER]. Hamas officials have arrived in Cairo for talks with Egyptian mediators aimed at negotiating a comprehensive ceasefire, as Israeli airstrikes continue to devastate central Gaza [SOURCE - Ynetnews]. Egypt has condemned Israel's plans to relocate Palestinians from Gaza, labeling it "ethnic cleansing" [SOURCE - MIDDLE EAST EYE].

The situation in Yemen is equally alarming, with the UN projecting that 18 million people will face famine by early 2026 due to ongoing conflict and mismanagement by the Houthis [SOURCE - TASS]. The conflict has seen Israeli strikes on Houthi power stations, showcasing the regional implications of the Yemeni crisis [SOURCE - THE JERUSALEM POST]. Diplomatic efforts are underway, with Pakistan advocating for an inclusive peace process to address the crisis [SOURCE - ASSOCIATED PRESS OF PAKISTAN].

In a notable development, the United Arab Emirates has emerged as a key diplomatic player, successfully mediating a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine [SOURCE - TASS]. This highlights the UAE's growing influence in international relations, particularly in conflict resolution.

Carpe tomorrow!