India-Pakistan tensions escalate after 'Operation Sindoor', Pope Leo XIV brings hope to millions of Catholics around the world. Meanwhile, more than 20 world leaders gathered in Moscow and attended Russia’s Victory Day celebrations alongside Putin. Here’s a quick roundup of the key international developments that shaped headlines this past week.
Operation Sindoor & Aftermath
The Indian armed forces, on Wednesday, hit nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. 'Operation Sindoor' triggered an escalatory response from Pakistan, resulting in intensified cross-border shelling and exchange of missiles. Accusing Islamabad of targeting its military, New Delhi sent drones to attack Air Defence Radars across Pakistan. The Air Defence System in Lahore was neutralised on Thursday. That very night border regions of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat witnessed air raid sirens and blackouts as India repelled a barrage of Pakistani missiles and drone strikes. World leaders have called on both the nations to practice restraint and de-escalate tensions before the conflict turns into full-fledged war.
Pope Leo XIV
White smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney late Thursday night, as Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected pope. The 69-year-old native of Chicago is the first from the United States to occupy the throne of St Peter. Seen as the heir apparent to Pope Francis, he will lead millions of Catholics around the world as Pope Leo XIV.
Gaza 'Conquer' Plan
The Israeli security cabinet has approved a plan to “conquer” the Gaza Strip. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said IDF soldiers would no longer just go into Gaza, launch raids and then retreat. Dubbed Operation Gideon’s Chariots, the new intensified offensive in Gaza will involve Israel holding on to seized territory with a sustained presence of troops, and significant displacement of the population.
'Germany Is Back'
Friedrich Merz was sworn in on Tuesday as post-war Germany’s 10th Chancellor. The Merz-led conservative alliance of the CDU and the CSU fell short of the required majority in the first round of parliamentary voting, but eventually prevailed in the second round. His appointment ends six months of political deadlock in Europe’s largest economy, after the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government in November.
Russia's Victory Day Parade
Over 11,000 Russian soldiers marched through Moscow’s Red Square, with more than 20 world leaders witnessing Russia's Victory Parade. China's Xi Jinping, was seated right next to President Vladimir Putin, as other allies arrived from Brazil, Venezuela, Cuba, Egypt, Burkina Faso and Serbia. Putin had earlier unilaterally announced a 72-hour ceasefire against Ukraine for the Victory Day celebrations. Among the 11,000 troops who marched, around 1500 had served in the Ukraine war. While Putin compared the soldiers to Soviet World War 2 veterans, Kyiv condemned the event as Putin’s ‘parade of cynicism.’
