Trump backs defence pact as Dhaka says India issues need dialogue

Newdelhi,UPDATED: Aug 17, 2026 17:44 IST

A series of international developments on Monday ranged from security and diplomacy to conflict and political messaging. US President Donald Trump backed a new Saudi Arabia-Turkiye-Pakistan defence agreement, while Bangladesh's envoy to India said differences between the two neighbours could only be resolved through talks.

In other developments, two people were killed in a Russian missile strike on an ArcelorMittal steel plant in Ukraine, Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth was conferred the rank of Honorary General of the Nepal Army, and Chinese President Xi Jinping said it was "imperative" for Communist Party members to uphold the party's overall leadership.

In Washington and Islamabad, Trump described the Saudi Arabia-Turkiye-Pakistan defence agreement as "a big, bold and important first step" towards the three countries defending themselves in "a more meaningful way".

In Dhaka, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi said challenges were an inherent part of democracy and that differences between India and Bangladesh could only be sorted out through dialogue. He also expressed hope that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to India "should take place much sooner".

In London, reports said two people were killed after a Russian missile strike hit the ArcelorMittal steel plant in Ukraine. The attack partially disrupted operations at the country's largest steelworks, owned by Indian billionaire Lakshmi Mittal.

In Kathmandu, President Ramchandra Paudel conferred the rank of Honorary General of the Nepal Army on Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth during an investiture ceremony at Sheetal Niwas on Monday.

In Beijing, Xi said it was "imperative" for members of the ruling Communist Party of China to uphold the party's overall leadership. He made the remarks while paying tributes to former president Jiang Zemin on his birth centenary.

Overall, the day saw key developments across regions, with Trump welcoming a new defence arrangement, Bangladesh's envoy backing dialogue with India, a deadly strike in Ukraine disrupting a major steel plant, Nepal honouring the Indian Army chief, and Xi underlining party leadership in China.

With PTI Inputs

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