FGN42: US-TRUMP-LD INDIA 

US President Trump says he could travel to India next year New York/Washington: US President Donald Trump said he could travel to India next year, emphasising that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi “wants” him to visit while calling him a “great man” and a friend.

FGN63: PAK-DEFENCE-COMMANDER

Pakistan plans new position of 'Commander of Defence Forces' as part of defence reforms Islamabad: Pakistan plans to create a new position of the "Commander of Defence Forces" (CDF), as part of key defence reforms to ensure greater coordination and unified command among the three services, a media report said on Friday.

FGN60: US-SIKH-MAYOR

With win in Norwich, Singh Swarnjit becomes first Sikh to be elected mayor in Connecticut New York: Indian-origin Democrat businessman Singh Swarnjit has been elected as Mayor of the city of Norwich in Connecticut, becoming the first Sikh mayor in the state's history.

FGN30: US-LUTNICK-INDIA

US Comm Secy cites India while defending Trump's tariff powers amid SC case Washington: US President Donald Trump used tariffs as a diplomatic tool to "buy justice" and had urged India to “stop buying oil” from Russia to help end the Ukraine war, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has claimed.

FGN37: US-INDIA-ENVOY

Indian envoy Kwatra discusses 'common interests', bilateral ties with top US diplomat Washington: India's Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, and senior US diplomat Paul Kapur have discussed "common interests" and ways to advance bilateral ties during a meeting at the State Department, their second interaction in a week.

FGN57: BIZ-2NDLD INDIA-NEW ZEALAND TRADE

India, New Zealand conclude fourth round of FTA talks; to work towards early conclusion Rotorua: India and New Zealand on Friday concluded the fourth round of negotiations for the proposed free trade agreement and have agreed to work towards its early conclusion.

FGN52: CHINA-2NDLD AIRCRAFT CARRIER

China commissions third Aircraft Carrier, its most advanced warship equipped with Electromagnetic Catapults Beijing: China has commissioned its third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, stated to be the most modern warship equipped with electromagnetic catapults, at a ceremony attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping, wrapped in secrecy.

FGN31: PAK-AFGHAN-TALKS

Pak-Afghan forces trade fire as talks resume Islamabad: As officials of Pakistan and Afghanistan held talks in Turkiye to find a lasting solution to the cross-border militancy, their forces traded fire, testing the fragile peace between the two sides.

FGN49: UK-MINISTER-APOLOGY

British Indian minister Lisa Nandy apologises after rules breach London: Lisa Nandy, the UK’s Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, on Friday apologised to Prime Minister Keir Starmer after she was found to have “unknowingly” breached the country’s public appointment rules when appointing England's new football watchdog.

FGN51: MALDIVES-MILITARY AIRCRAFT

Maldives to acquire military aircraft next year, inaugurates first dedicated air station Male: Maldives will acquire a military aircraft next year, President Mohamed Muizzu said as he inaugurated the national defence force’s first dedicated air station.

PTI GSP

Foreign news roundup: diplomatic visits, defence reforms, trade negotiations and military procurements dominate international headlines. Compilation of foreign news items emphasizing diplomatic engagements and defense initiatives: a potential US presidential visit to India and US-India diplomatic discussions; Pakistan's proposed creation of a Commander of Defence Forces to unify military command; China's commissioning of an advanced aircraft carrier; Maldives' planned military aircraft purchase; Pakistan-Afghan cross-border exchanges amid talks; and progress in India-New Zealand free trade agreement negotiations.