Russian President Vladimir Putin has held talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ahead of his scheduled meeting with Donald Trump this Friday.
According to the Kremlin, the two leaders reaffirmed commitments to strengthening their “friendship, mutual trust, and cooperation.” Putin thanked Pyongyang for its military assistance in the Ukraine conflict, specifically during the recapture of the Kursk region.
Putin also briefed Kim on preparations for the upcoming Alaska summit and shared details about the Trump meeting. Reports indicate that around 10,000 North Korean troops are currently fighting alongside Russian forces, which recently advanced 10 kilometers near Dobropillia, Ukraine.

According to Bloomberg, India and China are planning to resume direct air services as early as next month. India’s Civil Aviation Department has reportedly asked Air India and IndiGo to be ready on short notice to operate direct routes. An official announcement may come around the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. Direct flights and the Kailash–Mansarovar pilgrimage were halted in May 2020 due to COVID-19. Tensions escalated further after a deadly clash in Galwan, eastern Ladakh, a month later. Talks earlier this year paved the way for restoring air links as part of efforts to ease bilateral strains.

In response to threats involving nuclear weapons and the possible destruction of the Sindh Dam, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has sharply criticized comments made by Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, during his U.S. visit.
India called Munir’s statements “irresponsible,” labeling nuclear threats as part of Pakistan’s “old playbook.” The statement said the international community could easily see the recklessness behind such remarks, reinforcing longstanding concerns over the safety of nuclear weapons in a country whose military has been accused of collaborating with terrorist groups.
India expressed regret that such remarks were made on the soil of a friendly third country and reiterated it “will never bow to nuclear threats” and will continue to take all necessary steps to protect its national security. Meanwhile, the Congress Party questioned why the U.S. would extend special honors to such a figure.

The Government of Bangladesh has appointed young academic Dr. Md. Nazmul Islam as the country’s new Ambassador to the Maldives on a contractual basis. At just 33 years old, he becomes the youngest person in Bangladesh’s history to hold this position.
Hailing from Noakhali district, Dr. Islam studied Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Dhaka (2009–10 session) and completed his master’s degree in 2014. He later earned his PhD from Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Turkey, under a government scholarship and went on to serve there as an Associate Professor. He also worked with the U.S. Department of State’s Foreign Service Institute in South Asia. Dr. Islam has represented Bangladesh at key events organized by the United Nations, the OIC, and the Inter-Parliamentary Union. His diplomatic and academic contributions have been notable in addressing the Rohingya crisis and minority rights issues in several countries.

Australia has urged Israel not to assume military control over Gaza, warning that such action would worsen the humanitarian crisis.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated, “Australia has called on Israel to avoid steps that would further exacerbate Gaza’s humanitarian disaster.” She emphasized that forced displacement violates international law and reiterated calls for a ceasefire, unhindered aid access, and the release of hostages taken by Hamas in October 2023.

While Australia has not joined countries like the UK, Canada, and France in recognizing Palestine, it says it will make that decision “at an appropriate time.”

After over three decades of conflict, Azerbaijan and Armenia are set to sign a historic peace agreement at the White House today, with former U.S. President Donald Trump acting as mediator.

Under the proposed deal, Armenia will grant Azerbaijan a special corridor through its territory to connect Nakhchivan with mainland Azerbaijan. Additional energy cooperation agreements may also be signed.

The two nations have been at odds since the collapse of the Soviet Union over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, where ethnic Armenians have long held control. A turning point came in September 2023 when separatist forces in Karabakh surrendered, allowing Azerbaijan to regain full sovereignty. By March 2025, both countries had agreed on a peace framework.

André Karstens, Head of Mission at the Netherlands Embassy in Dhaka, presented a self-composed song about the July Uprising during his farewell meeting with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. The melody of the song is based on George Harrison's iconic track "Bangladesh." Karstens recorded the song along with a video and gifted it to Professor Yunus as a token of appreciation.

During the meeting, the Dutch envoy praised Yunus’s leadership over the past year and called the "July Declaration" a significant milestone. He remarked that it bridges the aspirations of the July uprising with the country’s historical context. Karstens also described the timing of the election announcement as appropriate. Additionally, the two discussed plans for an upcoming Rohingya conference.

On the one-year anniversary of the historic July-August 2024 mass movement, France has expressed solidarity with the people of Bangladesh.

In a statement posted on the French Embassy’s official Facebook page in Dhaka, it said:
"Today is dedicated to remembering the tragic events of July and August 2024. August 5 marked the beginning of a new chapter in Bangladesh’s history."

France reiterated its unwavering support for a peaceful, inclusive, and democratic future in Bangladesh.

On the first anniversary of Bangladesh’s mass uprising, the United Kingdom has expressed solidarity with the people of Bangladesh, remembering the injured and those who lost their lives during the movement. A statement posted on the official Facebook page of the British High Commission in Dhaka read:

"The United Kingdom stands with the interim government and the people of Bangladesh in their journey towards a democratic, inclusive, and prosperous future."

This statement is being viewed as a significant diplomatic recognition of the events referred to as the “mass uprising.”

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and his delegation have concluded a state visit to Pakistan, during which 12 cooperation agreements were signed between Tehran and Islamabad. Meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pezeshkian expressed his gratitude, calling Pakistan his "second home." He commended Pakistan’s support during the recent Israeli-American aggression against Iran and stated that current bilateral trade stands at $3 billion, with potential to reach $10 billion. Both nations also discussed enhanced security cooperation to combat cross-border terrorism.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is set to visit Dhaka in the third week of August on an official bilateral trip. Several agreements are expected to be signed during his visit, aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations. According to diplomatic sources in Islamabad, the visit is now scheduled for August 22 or 23, after a previously planned visit in April was postponed due to tensions on the Pakistan-India border following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff is set to visit Moscow later this week, confirmed U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker. The visit follows a scheduled trip to Israel and Gaza on August 1.

Trump’s team hopes the envoy’s visit will help facilitate constructive dialogue between the U.S. and Russia. Witkoff has visited Moscow multiple times and met with President Vladimir Putin. With U.S.-Russia relations currently tense, Trump has even ordered deployment of two nuclear submarines to strategic areas.

Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, described bilateral relations as “spiritual and natural,” emphasizing that economic trade is the core of the partnership. He is currently on a three-day visit to Tripura aimed at strengthening cross-border ties. On the first day, he inspected Agartala’s Integrated Checkpost and land port, and held meetings with officials from India’s Land Port Authority, immigration, and customs departments. The visit reflects Bangladesh’s high level of trust in India and a commitment to deepening economic ties.

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has stated that New Delhi is paying close attention to developments in Bangladesh due to India's national interest and security concerns. This follows remarks by a BJP MP in the Lok Sabha, who raised concerns over a controversial map released by a group called “Saltanat-e-Bangla,” reportedly during a Dhaka University event. The map allegedly included parts of several Indian states as part of a so-called “Greater Bangladesh.” Jaishankar said the Indian government contacted Dhaka about the issue. In response, Bangladesh clarified that the map was part of a historical exhibit for Pahela Baishakh and had no affiliation with any foreign organization or group. The Bangladeshi government also denied the existence of any organization named "Saltanat-e-Bangla."

The Israeli Embassy in Canada has strongly condemned Canada’s decision to recognize the State of Palestine, saying it amounts to rewarding Hamas for the October 7, 2023 attacks. In a statement, the embassy said:

"Recognizing a Palestinian state without accountability, effective institutions, or humane leadership is equivalent to endorsing the atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7."

Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada will officially recognize Palestine at the upcoming UN General Assembly in September. He emphasized that the move is intended to support a two-state solution. Canada also expressed hope that the Palestinian Authority, led by Mahmoud Abbas, will hold general elections by 2026, excluding Hamas and ensuring the new state remains demilitarized.