In a landmark move, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan solidified their longstanding alliance by signing a comprehensive mutual defence agreement on September 17, 2025, in Riyadh. The pact, inked by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, underscores a deepening of military and strategic cooperation between the two nations. The agreement, which includes provisions for mutual defence against aggression, comes at a critical juncture as regional tensions escalate following Israel’s recent airstrikes on Qatar. The strikes, aimed at Hamas leaders during ceasefire negotiations, have heightened concerns among Gulf states about the reliability of the United States as a security partner. Pakistan, the only nuclear-armed Muslim-majority nation, has historically maintained that its nuclear arsenal is a deterrent against India. The Saudi official emphasized that the agreement is not a reaction to specific events but rather an institutionalization of decades-long collaboration. The pact also highlights the economic interdependence between the two countries, with Saudi Arabia providing Pakistan with a $3 billion loan to bolster its foreign reserves. The agreement’s implications for regional stability, particularly in light of Pakistan’s ongoing tensions with India, remain a focal point of analysis. Both nations have fought three wars since their independence in 1947, and their nuclear capabilities have since shaped a precarious balance of power. The Saudi official acknowledged the need to balance relations with both Pakistan and India, emphasizing the kingdom’s commitment to fostering regional peace.
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Pope Leo plans to keep Francis’ key reforms but avoid bigger changes, he says
In his first major interview since assuming the papacy in May 2025, Pope Leo XIV emphasized his commitment to continuing the policies of his predecessor, Pope Francis, while steering clear of radical changes to Catholic doctrine. The interview, conducted in late July for a forthcoming biography, revealed Leo’s cautious approach to contentious global and ecclesiastical issues. The Pope, the first American to hold the position, reiterated Francis’ inclusive stance toward LGBTQ+ Catholics and women’s roles in the Church but stopped short of endorsing same-sex marriage or female ordination. He also addressed the Church’s ongoing sexual abuse scandals, stressing the need to support victims while acknowledging concerns about false allegations. On the international front, Leo expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza but avoided labeling Israel’s actions as genocide. He also discussed the Vatican’s financial challenges, noting improvements but acknowledging lingering issues. Leo’s reserved style contrasts with Francis’ outspokenness, reflecting his focus on maintaining unity within the Church.
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Key takeaways from Trump-Starmer news conference
Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump held a joint press conference at Chequers, the UK Prime Minister’s country residence, marking the conclusion of Trump’s second state visit to the UK. The hour-long event covered a range of topics, from international relations to domestic policies, with both leaders addressing contentious issues diplomatically. One of the key points of discussion was the UK’s imminent recognition of Palestinian statehood, a move Trump had previously criticized as potentially rewarding Hamas. However, Trump downplayed the disagreement, stating it was one of only a few differences between him and Starmer. Starmer clarified that the timing of the decision was unrelated to Trump’s visit and emphasized that Hamas would have no role in any future Palestinian state. Trump praised Starmer’s stance, even giving him a pat on the back during the conference. Another hot topic was the UK’s efforts to curb illegal migration, particularly the record number of small boat crossings in the English Channel. Trump suggested that Starmer consider involving the military, drawing parallels to his own border security policies in the US. Starmer highlighted the recent launch of the first flight under the UK-France migrant returns deal as a significant step forward. Both leaders also united in condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with Starmer criticizing recent Russian missile attacks and Trump expressing disappointment in Vladimir Putin’s actions. Trump admitted he had hoped the Russia-Ukraine conflict would be easier to resolve but reaffirmed his commitment to finding a peaceful solution. The issue of free speech also surfaced, with Starmer vowing to protect it as a fundamental British value while balancing it with necessary safeguards. The press conference concluded without addressing the recent dismissal of Lord Mandelson as the UK’s US ambassador, a decision linked to his past association with Jeffrey Epstein. Trump distanced himself from Mandelson, stating he did not know him well, while Starmer reiterated that the decision was based on new information about Mandelson’s ties to Epstein.
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Hyundai Motor to ramp up US output, trims profit margin goal on tariff hit
Hyundai Motor Group, a leading South Korean automaker, announced on Thursday its ambitious plan to produce over 80% of the vehicles it sells in the U.S. domestically by 2030. This strategic move comes in response to evolving U.S. tariff policies and aims to mitigate the financial impact of import duties. The company revealed this during its CEO Investor Day in New York, alongside revising its 2025 operating profit margin target downward to 6-7%, citing tariff-related challenges. However, Hyundai remains optimistic, projecting margins to rebound to 7-8% by 2027 and 8-9% by 2030.
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India’s Gokaldas eyes EU growth, Africa expansion to counter Trump’s tariffs
Indian textile giant Gokaldas Exports is strategically pivoting its operations to mitigate the impact of punitive U.S. tariffs, which threaten to erode its profit margins. The company, which generates approximately 75% of its standalone sales in the United States and serves major clients like Walmart, Gap, and JCPenney, anticipates a significant drop in its core profit margin to single digits in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, down from around 12%.
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Trump targets antifa movement as ‘terrorist organization’
In a significant move following the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday his intention to designate the anti-fascist movement, Antifa, as a terrorist organization. Trump made the declaration on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating, \”I will also be strongly recommending that those funding ANTIFA be thoroughly investigated in accordance with the highest legal standards and practices.\
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South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy in talks to buy US shipyard
South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, the world’s largest shipbuilder by orders, is actively negotiating the acquisition of a U.S. shipyard, according to a senior executive. The move aligns with the company’s ambitious goal to generate $2.2 billion in annual revenue from warship sales to the U.S. Navy by 2035. Woo-maan Jeong, head of planning and management for HD Hyundai’s naval and special ship unit, revealed the strategy during an interview at the company’s Ulsan headquarters. He emphasized the necessity of establishing a U.S. manufacturing base to capitalize on President Donald Trump’s efforts to revitalize the American shipbuilding industry. Jeong noted the widening naval capability gap between the U.S. and China, coupled with insufficient U.S. warship production capacity, as key drivers for this initiative. Despite challenges such as a skilled labor shortage and restrictive U.S. immigration policies, HD Hyundai remains optimistic about its prospects. The company recently launched an 8,200-metric-ton Aegis-equipped destroyer in Ulsan, showcasing its advanced shipbuilding capabilities. The vessel, delivered in just 18 months, symbolizes U.S.-Korea cooperation, utilizing combat systems from American firms like Lockheed Martin. HD Hyundai’s merger with affiliate HD Hyundai Mipo further strengthens its position in the warship market. While U.S. laws like the Jones Act and Byrnes-Tollefson Amendment pose hurdles, Jeong expressed confidence in potential legislative amendments to facilitate foreign participation in U.S. shipbuilding. The U.S. remains an unparalleled market for warships, and HD Hyundai is determined to navigate these challenges to secure its foothold.
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Japan’s Ishiba to visit Busan from Sept 30 to meet S.Korea’s Lee, TV Asahi reports
In a significant diplomatic move, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is scheduled to meet South Korean President Lee Jae Myung during his two-day visit to Busan, South Korea, starting September 30. This visit, reported by Japanese broadcaster TV Asahi and confirmed by a Korean government official, will mark Ishiba’s first and final trip to South Korea as prime minister. The announcement comes shortly after Ishiba revealed his resignation earlier this month, with his successor to be determined through a ruling party leadership race in early October. This meeting underscores the ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations, particularly in the realms of security and economic cooperation. The leaders previously met in Tokyo last month, where they agreed to enhance collaboration with the United States to counter North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats. Ishiba’s impending departure adds a layer of urgency to this diplomatic engagement, as both countries seek to solidify their partnership amidst regional security challenges.
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Anti-Trump protesters march through London as president basks in royal welcome
On September 17, 2025, London witnessed a stark contrast in public sentiment as U.S. President Donald Trump embarked on his second state visit to Britain. While thousands of protesters marched through the capital under the banner ‘Trump Not Welcome,’ a smaller yet enthusiastic crowd gathered outside Windsor Castle to welcome the president with open arms. The visit, marked by royal pageantry including a carriage procession and a grand military parade, highlighted the polarizing nature of Trump’s presence on the global stage. Organized by the Stop Trump Coalition and supported by groups like Amnesty International and pro-Palestinian activists, the protest in London featured banners with messages such as ‘Not Wanted Here, Not Wanted Anywhere’ and ‘Trump, a big step back on the evolution of man.’ Despite the protests, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has cultivated an unlikely friendship with Trump, though public opinion remains deeply divided. A YouGov poll revealed that 45% of Britons opposed the invitation, while 30% supported it. The event also saw the arrest of four individuals who projected images of Trump alongside Jeffrey Epstein onto Windsor Castle, a controversy that continues to shadow the president. Over 1,600 police officers were deployed to manage the peaceful protest, which drew around 5,000 participants. Meanwhile, in Windsor, a handful of Trump supporters, including former New York police officer Steven DeFranco, praised the president as a ‘beaming light’ and celebrated his policies. The turnout for this visit was comparable to Trump’s 2019 state visit but paled in comparison to his first official trip in 2018, which attracted significantly larger crowds.
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Anglo American cuts ‘small number’ of jobs in Australia’s Brisbane
Anglo American PLC (AAL.L) announced on Thursday a reduction in workforce at its Brisbane office and nearby coal mines in Queensland, Australia, as part of its strategy to streamline operations and address the dual pressures of declining coal prices and escalating costs. The exact number of job cuts remains undisclosed, but the move follows a similar decision by BHP Group Ltd (BHP.AX), which recently eliminated 750 positions at a coking coal mine in the same region due to unfavorable market conditions and increased state royalties. Ben Mansour, Vice President for People and Corporate Relations at Anglo American Australia, emphasized that these adjustments are crucial for the sustainability of the company’s steelmaking coal operations in Central Queensland. He noted that the majority of the reductions were achieved through voluntary redundancies. According to Australia’s ABC News, citing the Isaac Regional Council, approximately 200 positions at Anglo American were impacted. The company operates five coal mines in Queensland’s Bowen Basin, which specialize in steelmaking coal. Last year, Anglo American divested a 33% stake in one of its Australian steelmaking coal mines for $1.1 billion to concentrate on its core copper assets. This announcement comes on the heels of a proposed merger with Canada’s Teck Resources Ltd (TECKb.TO), potentially marking the second-largest mining deal in history. The developments underscore the ongoing challenges faced by the coal industry amidst shifting market dynamics and regulatory pressures.