Russia-Ukraine ceasefire talks, Donald Trump’s tariff threats, and the return of 2 NASA astronauts: the world this week

1. Putin’s ceasefire stance hardens amid Ukraine talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin has taken an increasingly rigid stance on ceasefire negotiations in Ukraine, declaring on March 17 that any pause in hostilities must “resolve the conflict’s underlying issues” rather than merely serve as a temporary halt in fighting. Speaking at a press conference in Moscow, he reiterated his demands: Ukraine must recognise the annexation of Russian-occupied territories, withdraw troops from key contested zones, and commit to a NATO membership ban.

Putin’s comments were a direct response to US and Ukrainian negotiators, who met in Riyadh last week to push a 30-day ceasefire proposal. While US President Donald Trump described Putin’s demands as “tough”, The New York Times reported that Russian forces have intensified their offensive near Kharkiv, indicating an effort to bolster Moscow’s bargaining power ahead of further negotiations.

For India, this deadlock presents a diplomatic challenge. New Delhi’s long-standing ties with Russia—particularly in energy and defence—continue to face scrutiny as Western allies intensify pressure to curtail dealings with Moscow. With battles raging along a 1,000-km front, the ceasefire talks underscore a deeper struggle over Europe’s security architecture, one that could shape global alignments in the years to come.

Key Developments:

Putin reiterated demands for Ukraine to cede annexed territories and abandon NATO ambitions.

US-Ukraine talks in Riyadh proposed a 30-day ceasefire, but Russia has not agreed.

US President Donald Trump described Putin’s demands as “tough”.

Russian military advances near Kharkiv strengthened Moscow’s negotiating position.

2. Heathrow shutdown sparks global travel chaos

Heathrow Airport, one of the world’s busiest transit hubs, faced an unprecedented 24-hour closure on March 20 due to a power outage caused by a fire at a nearby electricity substation in west London. The disruption affected thousands of travellers as airlines scrambled to manage cancellations and delays. Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye acknowledged the scale of the crisis, stating, “We are proud of our response, but the recovery will take time.”

British Airways, the airport’s largest operator, cancelled 90 per cent of its flights on March 21, warning of further disruptions in the coming days as planes, crew, and passengers were repositioned. Aviation consultant John Strickland noted, “The logistical challenge of restoring operations after a complete shutdown is immense. The ripple effect will be felt across global travel for days.”

The outage has sparked broader concerns about the resilience of critical infrastructure. Woldbye admitted that Heathrow needs to “learn from this and improve backup systems to ensure continuity.”

For India, which has a significant diaspora in the UK and relies on Heathrow as a major transit hub for flights to North America and Europe, the shutdown highlights the importance of robust contingency planning in its own aviation sector.

Key Developments:

Heathrow Airport was forced to close for 24 hours due to a power outage from a substation fire.

British Airways cancelled several flights, with additional disruptions expected globally.

The incident raised concerns about the resilience of critical infrastructure and the need for stronger backup systems.

3. Sudan’s army retakes presidential palace in Khartoum

In a significant turn in Sudan’s civil war, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) recaptured the presidential palace and other key government buildings in Khartoum on March 19, marking a major setback for the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The battle for control of Sudan’s capital has intensified over the past year, with more than 12 million people displaced and widespread famine taking hold in conflict-ridden regions.

Brigadier General Nabil Abdallah, spokesperson for the SAF, declared, “We will continue our advance until every inch of our country is liberated from this militia.” However, the RSF, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), remains entrenched in western Sudan, particularly in Darfur, where it is attempting to establish an independent administration. Analysts warn that the ongoing fighting may lead to the effective partition of Sudan, with long-term implications for regional stability.

For India, which has significant investments in Sudan’s oil and mining sectors, the conflict presents both economic risks and strategic concerns. While New Delhi has advocated for a peaceful resolution, it may need to reassess its engagement with the SAF-led government as the military consolidates control.

Key Developments:

SAF recaptured key government buildings in Khartoum, weakening the RSF’s hold on the capital.

The conflict has displaced over 12 million people, with fears of a permanent partition of Sudan.

India faces potential risks to its investments in Sudan’s oil and mining sectors.

4. Israel-Hezbollah tensions escalate after rocket attacks

Israeli airstrikes targeted Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon on March 18 after a series of rocket attacks on northern Israel. The strikes marked the most significant escalation between the two adversaries in months, raising concerns about a broader regional conflict. The Lebanese government condemned the attacks, with Prime Minister Najib Mikati warning that any further escalation could destabilize Lebanon. Meanwhile, UN peacekeepers stationed in the region called for restraint.

For India, which has maintained diplomatic relations with both Israel and Lebanon, the rising tensions present a delicate balancing act. Analysts suggest that India’s neutral stance allows it to engage in diplomatic backchannel efforts, though any prolonged conflict could impact regional trade and energy security.

Key Developments:

Israeli airstrikes targeted Hezbollah positions after rocket attacks on northern Israel.

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati called for de-escalation, while UNIFIL urged restraint.

India faces a diplomatic challenge in maintaining strong ties with both Israel and Lebanon.

5. Trump’s tariff wars put India at a crossroads

US President Donald Trump intends for new reciprocal tariff rates on countries, including India, to take effect on April 2, the White House confirmed on March 18. The proposed tariffs could cost India an estimated $7 billion annually if retaliatory duties are imposed. While India has previously reduced tariffs on select US goods to maintain trade relations, the pressure to implement broader economic reforms is mounting.

With an election year approaching in the US, analysts warn that Trump’s aggressive protectionist stance could force India into tough negotiations.

Key Developments:

Trump’s new tariff policies could impact India’s economy by $7 billion annually.

India has lowered tariffs on select US goods but faces pressure for broader economic reforms.

Analysts warn that prolonged protectionism could hinder India’s long-term growth.

6. Finland tops world happiness rankings for eighth year

The 2025 World Happiness Report released on March 20 ranked Finland as the happiest country in the world for the eighth consecutive year, citing strong social trust, effective governance, and a robust welfare system. Denmark and Iceland followed closely behind.

India, however, ranked 126th, reflecting ongoing challenges related to income inequality, access to public services, and mental health. The report noted that while India has made progress in economic development, its low ranking highlights disparities in social well-being.

Key Developments:

Finland was ranked the happiest country for the eighth consecutive year.

India placed 126th, with economic progress overshadowed by social inequalities.

The report emphasised the need for stronger public welfare policies to enhance quality of life.

7. NASA astronauts return after nine-month space mission

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams safely returned to Earth on March 21 after completing a nine-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Their extended stay provided crucial data for future deep-space exploration, particularly for NASA’s Artemis programme, which aims to return humans to the Moon.

India’s space agency, Isro, closely monitored the mission, as its own Gaganyaan programme prepares for human spaceflight in 2025. Scientists at ISRO emphasised that NASA’s experience highlights the importance of contingency planning and in-orbit adaptability, key lessons for India’s upcoming missions.

Key Developments:

NASA astronauts returned after a nine-month mission aboard the ISS.

The mission provided critical insights for NASA’s Artemis program and deep-space travel.

India’s Isro is incorporating lessons from NASA’s experience into its Gaganyaan project.

Questions

How do Putin’s ceasefire demands reflect Russia’s broader geopolitical strategy in eastern Europe?

What lessons can India’s aviation sector learn from the Heathrow shutdown?

How might the SAF’s advances in Sudan impact India’s investments in the region?

What role can India play in de-escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah?

How should India respond to Trump’s tariff wars to protect its economic interests?

What steps can India take to improve its ranking in the World Happiness Report?

How can India’s space programme apply lessons from NASA’s recent mission to its own Gaganyaan project?