Digest for 26 October, 2025
Thailand and Cambodia Sign Landmark Peace Accord in Malaysia
Thailand and Cambodia signed a historic peace agreement in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, officially ending years of border tensions. The signing was attended by US President Donald Trump, who played a key role in brokering the deal, and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The accord establishes provisions for mutual border security, joint development zones, and a bilateral peace commission. Alongside the deal, the US announced a new trade agreement with Cambodia and a strategic minerals partnership with Thailand, reinforcing economic incentives for regional stability.
Cyclone Montha Prompts Red Alert Across Coastal Andhra Pradesh
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts for at least 12 districts in Andhra Pradesh as a brewing depression in the Bay of Bengal is set to intensify into Cyclone Montha. The storm is expected to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam on October 28 with wind speeds of 90-100 kmph, gusting to 110 kmph. Authorities are on high alert, establishing control rooms, preparing relief centres, and advising fishermen not to venture into the sea.
US Sanctions on Russian Oilfield Affect Indian Investments
ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL) is seeking legal advice after new US sanctions targeted CJSC Vankorneft, a major Russian oilfield in which a consortium of Indian state-owned firms holds a 49.9% stake. The sanctions, aimed at pressuring Russia over the Ukraine war, block entities where Russian firms like Rosneft have a 50% or greater share. While the Indian consortium's stake is just under the threshold, the move creates significant uncertainty and could complicate the repatriation of an estimated $1.4 billion in accumulated dividends.
US Escalates Trade Spat, Imposes Additional 10% Tariff on Canada
The US has imposed an additional 10% tariff on Canadian goods, escalating a trade dispute triggered by a Canadian anti-tariff advertisement featuring late US President Ronald Reagan. President Donald Trump, who called the ad a "fraud" and a "hostile act," announced the new tariffs just days after terminating trade talks. The move adds to existing high tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and autos, further straining economic relations between the two major trading partners and North American neighbors.
Pakistan Warns of 'Open War' With Afghanistan if Peace Talks Fail
Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned of a potential "open war" with Afghanistan if the latest round of peace talks in Istanbul fails to produce an agreement. The talks, mediated by Turkey and Qatar, aim to create a lasting mechanism to enforce a recent ceasefire following deadly border clashes. Islamabad accuses Kabul of sheltering militants who launch attacks into Pakistan, a charge the Taliban denies. The heightened rhetoric signals a dangerous escalation in tensions between the two neighboring countries.