Morning Brief: IMF Imposes 11 New Conditions On Pakistan After India’s Outrage; Army Confirms S-400 Use In Op Sindoor; Dhaka’s Threats Over Northeast Triggered India’s Export Curbs

Kick-start your morning with Swarajya’s Morning Brief – your news fix, curated for clarity and insight.

IMF Imposes 11 New Conditions On Pakistan After India Flags Risk

On May 9, the IMF approved two loan tranches totalling $2.4 billion for Pakistan under its $7-billion Extended Fund Facility, while setting 11 new structural benchmarks. These include parliamentary approval of the national budget aligned with IMF guidelines, publication of a governance action plan, and adjustments to electricity and gas tariffs.

In its report, the IMF flagged rising risk due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, warning that this could threaten fiscal and reform targets. The report also noted potential “reputational risks” if IMF funds are perceived to be misused. This came shortly after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh claimed that financial aid to Pakistan amounts to terror funding and urged the IMF to reconsider its support.

Indian Army Confirms Use Of S-400 In Operation Sindoor

The Indian Army's latest video on Operation Sindoor has revealed new details about the weapons used during the conflict. The footage suggests that Pakistan deployed Shaheen ballistic missiles, which are capable of delivering both nuclear and conventional warheads over long distances, along with Chinese-made A-100 and Fatah I/II multiple launch rocket systems, known for their rapid-fire capability and extended range.

In response, India used its Smerch MLRS, a heavy rocket system with high precision and destructive power, for rocket counter-assaults. The video also possibly provides the first official confirmation that India’s S-400 missile defence system, capable of intercepting multiple aerial threats at long ranges, was used to neutralise incoming missiles.

Dhaka’s Threats Over Northeast Triggered India’s Export Curbs

India has imposed restrictions on Bangladeshi exports through its northeastern land ports, following remarks by Bangladesh's interim chief adviser, Muhammad Yunus, suggesting that Bangladesh could limit the prosperity of India's northeastern states by denying them access to the Bay of Bengal.

Members associated with the interim regime in Dakha have made repeated threats, including after the Pahalgam terror attack, even hinting that Bangladesh could contemplate annexing parts of the region.

The curbs affect key exports such as ready-made garments and processed foods. The move has already stranded 36 trucks carrying garments worth approximately Rs 5.5 crore at the Petrapole-Benapole border. The restrictions are expected to impact Bangladesh's export competitiveness in the global market.

Other Developments

30-Day Deadline To Verify B'desh, Myanmar Illegals

The Home Ministry has given states and Union Territories 30 days to verify the documents of suspected illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar claiming Indian citizenship. If verification is not completed within the deadline, the individuals will face deportation. States have been instructed to use legal powers to identify and deport such immigrants and to set up district-level detention centres.

Border forces like the BSF and Assam Rifles have also been directed to assist in this effort. This follows Home Minister Amit Shah’s call for strict action against networks aiding illegal immigration, with states like Gujarat and Rajasthan already detaining thousands.

India is set to become the world’s largest rice producer in 2024–25, with an estimated output of over 149 million tonnes, surpassing China. The expansion of paddy acreage to nearly 51 million hectares across three growing seasons has also contributed to higher output.

While India continues to lead global rice trade, it remains second in wheat production behind China, despite growing its wheat output to over 117 million tonnes. Overall, India’s foodgrain production in 2024–25 is expected to exceed 359 million tonnes, reflecting a significant rise from the previous year.

According to USDA data, China’s rice production is estimated at 144.62 million tonnes in 2024–25, placing it behind India for the first time.

India to Open Nuclear Sector, Ease Liability Laws

The government is planning to introduce two major amendments to its atomic energy laws during the upcoming monsoon session, aiming to open up the civil nuclear sector. The first amendment seeks to ease the nuclear liability law by capping equipment vendors' liability in the event of an accident.

The second amendment would allow private and potentially foreign companies to operate nuclear power plants, breaking the long-standing monopoly of state-run entities.

These changes are expected to address concerns raised by foreign companies like GE-Hitachi, Westinghouse, and Areva, which have cited the existing liability provisions as barriers to investment. The reforms are seen as a step towards realising the commercial potential of the Indo-US civil nuclear deal.

From The States

UP: Mayawati Elevates Nephew To BSP's De Facto Number Two

Over two months after expelling her nephew Akash Anand from the Bahujan Samaj Party, and a month after his reinstatement, Mayawati appointed him as the party’s first-ever chief national coordinator on 18 May. This new role positions him above the existing national coordinators, making him the de facto number two in the party.

Akash’s return follows a public apology in April, where he promised to follow Mayawati’s directives and avoid influence from his father-in-law, Ashok Siddharth, who was expelled earlier for alleged anti-party activities. His appointment comes after a turbulent period, including his expulsion in March 2025 and prior removals as national coordinator in 2024, with Mayawati emphasising that he is not her political heir.

TN: Stalin Opposes President’s Move On SC Governor Ruling

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has written to eight non-BJP Chief Ministers, including West Bengal’s Mamata Banerjee, urging a collective opposition to a presidential reference to the Supreme Court. The reference, invoked under Article 143, involves 14 questions about gubernatorial powers over state legislation.

Stalin claims these questions are designed to challenge a landmark Supreme Court ruling in State of Tamil Nadu v Governor of Tamil Nadu. This ruling restricted Governors’ discretionary powers, requiring them to follow state Cabinet advice. It also established clear timelines for Governors to assent to Bills, preventing indefinite delays, he wrote.

You’re all caught up—until next time.