Albanese offers condolences after Kashmir terror attack
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More news: Responding to news of the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he has spoken to India’s Prime Minister Modi to offer condolences on behalf of Australia following the attack.
“The horrific loss of life on innocent civilians is an act of senseless violence which has shocked the world. Those responsible must be held to account. Australia and India are great friends and we stand with India at this time,” he said.
US VP flags India trade deal roadmap as Trump addresses Kashmir killings
The news: US Vice-president JD Vance hailed “very good progress” on a trade agreement with India during the highest-level visit to the country yet by an official of Donald Trump’s second administration.
Speaking in Jaipur, Vance said “America and India have officially finalised the terms of reference for the trade negotiation”, calling it “a vital step” setting out “a road map towards a final deal between our nations”.
The first tranche is expected by autumn.
The context: Without an agreement, India faces a 26% so-called “reciprocal” tariff on exports to the US, which was imposed early in April and then paused by Trump for 90 days.
Meanwhile, the Financial Times reported the Trump administration intends to press India to give Amazon and Walmart full access to its USD125 billion ecommerce market.
Modi and Vance “welcomed the significant progress” in negotiations on a trade agreement covering sectors from food to cars.
During the visit, suspected militants opened fire on tourists in Kashmir, killing at least 28 in what officials described as the deadliest attack on civilians in recent years.
A group calling itself “Kashmir Resistance” claimed responsibility. Modi condemned the “heinous act” and Vance called it a “horrific attack”.
What they said: Posting on his social media site, Trump addressed the “deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir.”
“The United States stands strong with India against Terrorism,” he said. “Prime Minister Modi, and the incredible people of India, have our full support and deepest sympathies.”
The sources: India’s ministry of external affairs , Donald Trump post, Financial Times
