Indian PM Narendra Modi discussed ending the Ukraine conflict with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday. Modi congratulated Putin on his re-election and underscored India’s “consistent position” in favour of dialogue and diplomacy to end the war. In his talk with Zelensky, Modi highlighted India’s “people-centric approach” and focus on humanitarian assistance, and called for an “early and peaceful settlement” of the war. “India would continue to do everything within its means to support a peaceful solution,” he told Zelensky.
Due to unpleasant weather conditions at the Paro airport in Bhutan, Indian PM Narendra Modi has cancelled his two-day trip to the neighbouring country, the Ministry of External Affairs announced on Wednesday. “New dates are being worked out by the two sides through diplomatic channels,” the Ministry added.
Most adults in Hong Kong (82%) and Taiwan (84%) support a democratic system of governance, although some back non-democratic options like China’s one-party system, a Pew survey has found. Further, 21% of Hong Kongers and 7% of Taiwanese say that a one-party system is a better way of governance.
The Vietnamese Communist Party announced President Vo Van Thuong’s resignation on Wednesday, approximately a year following his election. The government said in a statement that Thuong violated party rules, adding that those “shortcomings had negatively impacted public opinion, affecting the reputation of the party, state, and him personally.”
China strongly criticised detractors of Hong Kong’s new national security law on Wednesday, following condemnation from Western powers and the UN, who argue that the law will further restrict freedoms. Dismissing criticism, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reaffirmed the law's importance for security and prosperity, highlighting the significance of the rule of law.
Irish PM Leo Varadkar announced he will step down once a successor is appointed. Varadkar cited personal and political reasons for resigning, with no concrete future plans mentioned. However, he aims to remain in parliament as a backbench lawmaker.