![India signs $7.4 billion deal with France for 26 Rafale fighter jets to boost naval defense and modernize military. [Image via The Nation]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/india-signs-dollar-7-4b-deal-to-buy-26-rafale-fighter-jets-1745902629-6165.webp "india-signs-dollar-7-4b-deal-to-buy-26-rafale-fighter-jets-1745902629-6165")
India to Acquire 26 Rafale Jets in $7.4B Deal from France
News Desk
April 29, 2025
India signs $7.4 billion deal with France for 26 Rafale fighter jets to boost naval defense and modernize military.
India signs $7.4 billion deal with France for 26 Rafale fighter jets to boost naval defense and modernize military.
![Pakistan updates Bangladesh on rising India-Pakistan tensions, Kashmir attack, and bilateral talks during Dhaka meeting. [Image via Bangla Tribune]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Untitled-design-59-124c306c491b810b4ec09d587052ef3b.webp "Untitled-design-59-124c306c491b810b4ec09d587052ef3b")
Pakistan updates Bangladesh on rising India-Pakistan tensions, Kashmir attack, and bilateral talks during Dhaka meeting.
![Remittances boost forex reserves of Bangladesh to $27B, with $21.77B received in FY25 and March hitting a record $3.29B. [Image via Dhaka Tribune]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/bigstock-macro-shot-of-a-dollar-do-247740397-1550507539832-932dcd9552a057f14308b82a189981af.webp "bigstock-macro-shot-of-a-dollar-do-247740397-1550507539832-932dcd9552a057f14308b82a189981af")
Remittances boost forex reserves of Bangladesh to $27B, with $21.77B received in FY25 and March hitting a record $3.29B.
![Pakistan vows to protect its water share under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) after India’s unilateral suspension sparks crisis. [Image via Reuters]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/1278134-induswater-1482988315.webp "1278134-induswater-1482988315")
Pakistan vows to protect its water share under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) after India’s unilateral suspension sparks crisis.
![Pakistan's defense minister warns of imminent Indian incursion as global calls for de-escalation intensify. [Image via Reuters]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/290712258be9072.webp "290712258be9072")
Pakistan’s defense minister warns of imminent Indian incursion as global calls for de-escalation intensify.
![Pakistan begins 2025 Hajj flights with 442 pilgrims to Madinah under Makkah Route; over 89,000 to travel in total. [Photo courtesy: MORA/Handout]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/4596940-2047772464.webp "4596940-2047772464")
Pakistan begins 2025 Hajj flights with 442 pilgrims to Madinah under Makkah Route; over 89,000 to travel in total.
![Pakistan aims to boost $50M date palm exports with UAE help; scientist honored for tissue culture innovation. [Image via Consulate General of Pakistan/X]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/4596936-1354117309.webp "4596936-1354117309")
Pakistan aims to boost $50M date palm exports with UAE help; scientist honored for tissue culture innovation.
![Pakistan army kills 71 militants in 3 days near Afghan border amid rising regional tensions and cross-border infiltration. [Image via AFP/File]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/4596718-1611734918.webp "4596718-1611734918")
Pakistan army kills 71 militants in 3 days near Afghan border amid rising regional tensions and cross-border infiltration.
![WLF signs a deal with Pakistan's Crypto Council to boost blockchain, stablecoin adoption, and DeFi in the country. [Image via Reuters/File]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/4596268-826949502.webp "4596268-826949502")
WLF signs a deal with Pakistan’s Crypto Council to boost blockchain, stablecoin adoption, and DeFi in the country.
![The Commerce Minister of China is set to visit Sri Lanka in June to strengthen trade ties amid ongoing U.S. tariff tensions. [Image via The Daily Mirror]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/image_ab60d69c28.webp "image_ab60d69c28")
The Commerce Minister of China is set to visit Sri Lanka in June to strengthen trade ties amid ongoing U.S. tariff tensions.