Haninternational Ledger

Han International Ledger delivers sharp global insights, covering world affairs, politics, and culture with depth, balance, and integrity.

[haninternationalledger]

India Mourns Three Dead in Mozambique Boat Accident

Three Indians Dead, Five Missing After Boat Capsizes in Mozambique

A tragic maritime accident off the coast of Beira, Mozambique, has claimed the lives of three Indian nationals, while five others remain missing following the capsizing of a crew transfer boat on Friday (October 17, 2025).

According to the Indian High Commission in Mozambique, the boat was carrying 14 Indian crew members en route to a tanker anchored offshore when it overturned under unclear circumstances during what was described as a routine crew transfer operation.

“Some of the Indian nationals involved in the accident have been rescued. Unfortunately, three have died, and several others are still unaccounted for,” the High Commission confirmed in an official statement.

Five individuals were successfully rescued and are reported to be safe. One survivor is currently undergoing medical treatment at a hospital in Beira, where a Consular Officer from the Indian Mission has been deployed to provide assistance and monitor the situation.

In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), the Indian High Commission expressed its condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, stating, “We convey our heartfelt condolences on the loss of lives, including three Indian nationals, in the boat accident off Beira port. The Mission is in touch with the victims’ families and providing all possible support.”

Meanwhile, search and rescue operations are in full swing, jointly coordinated by local authorities, maritime agencies, and the Indian Mission. Efforts are ongoing to locate the five missing Indian nationals as investigations continue into the cause of the mishap.

The incident has raised concerns about crew safety protocols in offshore operations along the Mozambique coast, prompting Indian authorities to closely monitor the rescue mission and ensure necessary consular assistance for all affected nationals.

[haninternationalledger]

Trump: India Halts Russian Oil Purchases, Pulls Back

India Has Halted Russian Oil Purchases, Says Trump

U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated that India will no longer buy oil from Russia, asserting that New Delhi has “largely de-escalated” its energy trade with Moscow amid ongoing global scrutiny of Russia’s war economy.

Speaking at a bilateral luncheon with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday (October 17, 2025), Mr. Trump stated, “India will not be buying oil from Russia. They have already de-escalated and have more or less stopped. They’re pulling back. They bought around 38% of the oil, and they won’t be doing it anymore.”

The U.S. administration has consistently maintained that India’s continued purchases of Russian crude indirectly help finance Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine. Trump’s latest comments appear aimed at reaffirming Washington’s diplomatic pressure on New Delhi to reduce dependence on Russian energy exports.

Responding to the remarks, India’s Ministry of External Affairs emphasized on Thursday (October 16, 2025) that the country is “broad-basing and diversifying” its energy imports to adapt to market realities. Officials underlined that India will continue to prioritize energy security and affordability while maintaining balanced international relations.

Meanwhile, President Trump also referenced his earlier role in mediating tensions between India and Pakistan, claiming that Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif credited him with “saving millions of lives.”

“The Prime Minister of Pakistan said I saved millions of lives by interceding. You look at Pakistan and India — that could have been a bad one between two nuclear nations,” Trump told reporters.

As global energy politics continue to shift, analysts suggest that Washington’s remarks signal renewed U.S. engagement in South Asian diplomacy ahead of the next geopolitical phase of the Russia-Ukraine war.

[haninternationalledger]

Kamala Harris Pushes ‘New Leadership’ in Shutdown Fight

Kamala Harris Says Democrats ‘Stand Up for Working People’ Amid Government Shutdown

Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has voiced strong support for Democrats as the government shutdown stretches on, declaring that her party is “standing up for working people” while criticizing Republicans for causing the crisis.

Speaking to the Associated Press on Friday (October 17, 2025), Harris said Republicans, who currently control both the House and Senate, bear responsibility for the shutdown.

“The Republicans control the House and the Senate. They are in charge, and they are responsible for the shutdown,” Harris stated.

As she continues her nationwide book tour promoting her presidential campaign memoir, Harris is using public appearances to rally Democrats and connect with working-class voters. The former vice president and 2024 Democratic nominee remains in close contact with congressional Democrats, urging them to hold firm in negotiations with President Donald Trump and his Republican majority.

Harris said Democrats are determined to push for solutions to rising Affordable Care Act insurance premiums and resist efforts by the GOP to push through tax cuts benefiting the wealthy.

“Democrats are doing the right thing by standing up for working people,” she said. “We won’t let Republicans carry tax cuts for the richest Americans on the backs of working families.”

During her Alabama tour stop, Harris met with Black college students, spoke to the press, and held two public discussions at Birmingham’s Alabama Theatre, where she talked about the Democratic Party’s direction and the country’s political future. The conversation, moderated by Charlamagne tha God, drew a packed audience of paying attendees.

Despite facing protesters at several stops, Harris has remained vocal in her criticism of Israel’s war in Gaza and her call for a “new generation of leadership,” positioning herself as a fresh alternative to President Joe Biden’s leadership style.

As speculation grows about another possible White House bid, Harris appears to be carefully shaping her image as a progressive leader focused on economic fairness, equality, and global justice.

[haninternationalledger]

Pakistan Airstrikes Kill 10, Doha Talks Announced

Pakistan, Afghanistan in Fresh Tensions After Border Airstrikes; Doha Talks Announced

Pakistan and Afghanistan are once again on the brink of heightened tension after Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghan territory killed at least 10 civilians, including two children, breaking a fragile ceasefire that had brought two days of calm to the volatile border.

On Saturday, Pakistan’s state television confirmed that Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and intelligence chief General Asim Malik will travel to Doha, Qatar, for urgent talks with Afghan Taliban representatives.

“Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and intelligence chief General Asim Malik will be heading to Doha today for talks with the Afghan Taliban,” the official statement read.

According to hospital officials in Afghanistan’s Paktika province, the strikes left 10 dead and 12 injured, with multiple civilian homes damaged.

The renewed hostilities come just days after explosions in Kabul disrupted the Taliban Foreign Minister’s visit to India — an event seen as a rare diplomatic engagement between the Taliban and New Delhi.

In response to the Kabul blasts, Taliban fighters launched an offensive along sections of Afghanistan’s southern border, escalating tensions with Islamabad. Pakistan retaliated with cross-border air operations, citing the need to neutralize militant threats.

The ceasefire, declared by Pakistan on October 15, 2025, was intended to last 48 hours. However, the Afghan government said it would continue to honor the truce “until Pakistan violates it” — a statement that now appears void after Saturday’s strikes.

In a related development, Afghanistan has withdrawn from a cricket tri-series involving Pakistan following the reported deaths of Afghan players in the Paktika air raid, further straining bilateral relations.

As both nations prepare for Doha talks, regional observers fear that the fragile peace could collapse entirely if diplomatic efforts fail to contain the rising violence.

Pakistan #Afghanistan #BreakingNews #WorldNews #DohaTalks

[haninternationalledger]

Zelensky Urges U.S. to Send Tomahawks, Trump Hesitates

Zelensky Eyes Tomahawk Missiles to Cripple Putin’s War Economy, Trump Remains Cautious

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged the United States to consider supplying Tomahawk cruise missiles, suggesting that striking at Russia’s oil and energy infrastructure could severely weaken Vladimir Putin’s war economy.

While U.S. President Donald Trump did not dismiss the idea outright, his comments during a White House briefing on Friday reflected a cautious stance.

“Hopefully they won’t need it,” Trump said. “Hopefully we’ll get the war over without thinking about Tomahawks — America needs those weapons too.”

He acknowledged that such a move would represent “an escalation,” but added that discussions were ongoing.

Zelensky, during the meeting, proposed a possible drone-for-missile exchange, which reportedly drew smiles and nods from Trump. The Ukrainian leader also praised the U.S. president for his recent diplomatic success in the Middle East peace process, saying Trump could leverage that momentum to help end the war in Ukraine.

Outside the White House, Zelensky told reporters that Russia fears the prospect of Ukraine acquiring Tomahawks.

“It’s a strong weapon, and they know it,” he said. “I am realistic, not just optimistic.”

Following the meeting, Zelensky shared on X (formerly Twitter) that he had briefed several European leaders, emphasizing that the top priority remains protecting lives, ensuring Ukraine’s security, and reinforcing European unity.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the conversation with Zelensky “productive,” reaffirming the UK’s commitment to providing humanitarian and military aid.

Meanwhile, Trump confirmed progress in recent talks with Putin, saying the two leaders had agreed to meet face-to-face in Budapest soon. When asked if Zelensky would join the talks, Trump noted the “bad blood” between Putin and Zelensky but said,

“We’ll be involved in threes — maybe separately, but the three of us have to get together.”

As diplomatic efforts continue, the debate over sending Tomahawk missiles underscores the delicate balance between strengthening Ukraine’s defenses and avoiding direct escalation with Russia.