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Putin and Raisi Seek Harmonizing Bilateral Ties, Address Regional Issues

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi at the Kremlin (Iranian Presidency)
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi at the Kremlin (Iranian Presidency)
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Putin and Raisi Seek Harmonizing Bilateral Ties, Address Regional Issues

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi at the Kremlin (Iranian Presidency)
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi at the Kremlin (Iranian Presidency)

There has been a significant alignment in the positions of Moscow and Tehran on the majority of regional issues, as Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged on Thursday in discussions with his Iranian counterpart, Ebrahim Raisi.

While both parties affirmed satisfaction with the trajectory of bilateral relations and the expansion of cooperation in various domains, it became evident that issues pertaining to coordinating efforts to confront Western sanctions imposed on both countries, addressing hot-button regional issues—particularly the situation around Gaza—were at the forefront of the discussions.

The leaders, meeting at the Kremlin, underscored the importance of navigating these challenges collaboratively and fostering a strategic alignment in response to shared concerns.

As Putin opened the talks, he told his Iranian counterpart that he was ready for a stopover in Iran on Wednesday, thus extending his Middle East tour and holding a meeting ahead of time.

“Dear Mr. President, I am very glad to see you in Moscow. Yesterday, you know, I was there in the neighboring region. I was flying directly over the territory of your country to my colleagues and at a certain point I had an idea of landing in Tehran for a meeting right away. But I was told: ‘The president is almost on the way to Moscow,” Putin said with a laugh.

Commentators observed that Putin’s gesture was deliberate, seen as a confirmation of Russia’s commitment to deepening communication with all countries in the region.

“Our relations are developing very well. Please convey my best wishes to leader (Ali) Khamenei,” Putin told Raisi, referring to Iran's Supreme Leader.

“Thanks to his support, we have gained good momentum over the past year,” Putin added, noting that the volume of trade between Russia and Iran increased by 20%, yielding positive results.

The Russian leader also said that his country is engaged in extensive collaboration with Iran across various sectors, notably in the energy domain.

“We have large infrastructure projects, we have been discussing for a long time, and now we have come to the practical implementation of the construction of the North–South railway,” said Putin.

“We work naturally, traditionally, in the field of energy. In the field of education, we have a significant number of Iranian students studying here. In general, work is quite active in almost all areas,” he added.

Putin emphasized that the two countries are actively working to synchronize their efforts on issues of mutual concern, proposing a discussion on the situation in Palestine.

He also underscored the particular significance of signing the partnership agreement between Tehran and the Eurasian Economic Union, anticipating the event to take place by the end of 2023.

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World

India Says Defense Exports Hit 'All-time High' of $4 bn

India said it exported more than $4 billion of defense equipment including missiles, boats and artillery. Dibyangshu SARKAR / AFP
India said it exported more than $4 billion of defense equipment including missiles, boats and artillery. Dibyangshu SARKAR / AFP
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India Says Defense Exports Hit 'All-time High' of $4 bn

India said it exported more than $4 billion of defense equipment including missiles, boats and artillery. Dibyangshu SARKAR / AFP
India said it exported more than $4 billion of defense equipment including missiles, boats and artillery. Dibyangshu SARKAR / AFP

India's defense exports "skyrocketed" to an all-time high of more than $4 billion in the last fiscal year, as it looks to boost its arms manufacturing sector, the government said Thursday.

The figures mark a rise of more than 60 percent from 2024, the defense ministry said, and provide a shot in the arm for the South Asian country, which is determined to recast itself as a major producer and exporter of weapons, AFP said.

"India is marching ahead towards becoming a global defense manufacturing hub," the ministry quoted Defense Minister Rajnath Singh as saying.

"This big jump... in defense exports reflects the growing global trust in India's indigenous capabilities and advanced manufacturing strength," Singh said, adding that it had hit an "all-time high" in the fiscal year 2025-26 of 38,424 billion rupees ($4.15 billion).

Government defense companies produced nearly 55 percent of the exports, with the rest made by private companies.

"This milestone showcases the power of a collaborative and self-reliant defense ecosystem," Singh said.

India exports defense equipment to more than 100 countries, with the United States, France and Armenia among the top customers, according to the defense ministry.

Shipments range from missiles, boats and artillery to radar systems, rocket launchers and electronic components.

However, the country is still primarily a buyer, not a seller, and remains globally a minor player in exports.

New Delhi earlier this year announced a record $85 billion boost for its defense sector.

But India's arms purchases still make up around eight percent of all imports globally, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

 

World

Russia Repels Drone Attack on Gas Pipeline to Türkiye, Says Gazprom

File photo: Pipes at the landfall facilities of the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline are pictured in Lubmin, Germany, March 8, 2022. (Reuters)
File photo: Pipes at the landfall facilities of the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline are pictured in Lubmin, Germany, March 8, 2022. (Reuters)
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Russia Repels Drone Attack on Gas Pipeline to Türkiye, Says Gazprom

File photo: Pipes at the landfall facilities of the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline are pictured in Lubmin, Germany, March 8, 2022. (Reuters)
File photo: Pipes at the landfall facilities of the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline are pictured in Lubmin, Germany, March 8, 2022. (Reuters)

Russian forces repelled a drone attack early Thursday on part of the TurkStream gas pipeline connecting Russia and Türkiye, the pipeline's operator Gazprom said in a statement.

"The Russkaya compressor station, which ensures the reliable export of gas via the TurkStream pipeline, came under attack from three aircraft-type unmanned aerial vehicles," Gazprom said. "The attack was repelled and no damage was caused to the Gazprom facility."

The Russkaya compressor station is the starting point of the TurkStream pipeline. Russia has accused Ukraine of targeting it multiple times.

World

Erdogan Warns of Iran War Spillover, Stresses Türkiye’s Neutrality

 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (Turkish Presidency) 
 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (Turkish Presidency) 
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Erdogan Warns of Iran War Spillover, Stresses Türkiye’s Neutrality

 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (Turkish Presidency) 
 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (Turkish Presidency) 

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday warned of the risk of a widening war in Iran, stressing that his government’s priority is to steer the country through the current regional turmoil unharmed and keep it away from escalating conflict.

Erdogan placed primary responsibility for the war on Israel’s government, describing the conflict as “illegitimate” and saying it has “not only turned the region into a battlefield but has also burdened all of humanity with economic costs”.

“We must not forget that every drop of blood shed in this war will prolong the time Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains in power,” he stated.

Speaking at a meeting of the parliamentary group of the ruling Justice and Development Party, Erdogan said one of the greatest risks facing the region is not only the continuation of the war, but also the danger of it expanding into a broader regional conflict.

He stressed that retaliatory attacks targeting energy, transport and civilian infrastructure are increasing that risk.

Erdogan added that the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which began on Feb. 28, has entered its first month and continues with rising levels of threat and danger.

He continued that the war with Iran does not serve the vision of global peace but undermines it, stressing that diplomacy, dialogue and compromise are the best available means to resolve the crisis, and that common ground should be sought instead of clinging to extreme demands.

‘Path to peace’

The Turkish president expressed hope that a path to peace could be opened without further bloodshed.

“We will continue to do everything in our power, even if it requires putting ourselves at risk,” he stated.

He noted that Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan had taken part in a four-way meeting with his counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Pakistan, where concerns over the Iran war and steps to end it were discussed.

Erdogan added that Defense Minister Yasar Guler, intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin and other officials are making intensive efforts within their respective fields.

“If there is even a glimmer of hope to end the bloodshed, silence the guns and resolve problems through diplomacy, it is our duty to seize that opportunity,” he said.

Incirlik claims denied

Meanwhile, Türkiye’s presidential communications directorate’s Center for Combating Disinformation denied claims circulating on social media that US B-1B Lancer bombers had used the Incirlik air base in the southern province of Adana.

In a statement posted on X, the center said the claims were misleading and that the images and videos being shared were old, dating back to routine training activities, and were unrelated to current regional conflicts.

It urged the public not to be misled by anonymous claims or provocative content from unofficial sources.