This week, President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi came face-to-face at the G7 summit in France, their first such encounter since February 2025. Rather than his trademark bear hug, Modi greeted Trump with a smile and handshake.

Then on Wednesday, the two held a bilateral meeting. It was a friendly chat, but one that came against a backdrop of compounding tensions.

As India works at restoring its relationship with Washington, its arch-foe Pakistan has expanded its own diplomatic profile, complicating India's campaign against its nuclear-armed rival.

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For years, India built an international case against Pakistan, projecting it as an isolated or destabilizing state. This hardline stance appeared to be working, with Modi declaring to Pakistan, "India has been successful in isolating you, and we will intensify those efforts." 

But a decade later, Pakistan is rapidly emerging as a key global player in the region and beyond.

While Modi initially tried to engage Pakistan, his government’s approach eventually hardened around the mantra that "terror and talks cannot coexist."

In Washington, India has typically been favored, with Presidents Trump, Biden, Obama and George W. Bush all making visits during their time in office.

Modi built a rapport with Trump during his first term in office and was one of the first world leaders invited to the White House after Trump’s inauguration. But over the past year, that relationship has come under strain as Islamabad quietly clawed its way back to credibility.

"India misjudged Trump in term two, banking on once friendly relations," Sid Dubey, a visiting professor at Bennett University in India, told Fox News Digital. "They have yet to start recovering from that."

PRESIDENT TRUMP, INDIA'S MODI TO TACKLE TRADE, TARIFF TENSIONS AT HIGH-STAKES MEETING

The shift first became apparent in May 2025, when President Trump announced he had secured a ceasefire between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan. The fighting had come over India-administered Kashmir and was the worst in decades.

Islamabad promptly praised Trump for ending the deadly dispute and even nominated him for a Nobel Peace Prize. New Delhi, however, rejected the claim, insisting the ceasefire was the result of direct bilateral talks with Pakistan.

The response reflected India’s long-standing sensitivity to third-party involvement in what it fiercely maintains is a bilateral dispute.

In the months that followed, frictions only deepened.

President Trump hit India with some of the steepest tariffs imposed on any major economy. Meanwhile, U.S. sanctions pressure on Russian oil rattled energy import-dependent India, while disputes over H-1B visas added further strain. Analysts say Trump’s America First agenda increasingly overshadowed the friendship Modi had cultivated during Trump’s first term.

"When Trump unfortunately said the May 2025 clash ended because of him personally, that upset India a lot, and they made that known," Dubey said. "Then the tariffs were another slap in India’s face. Meanwhile, Pakistan took advantage, leaving India at a bit of a loss. From there, relations fell further with the Iran conflict."

India is among the countries most indirectly affected by the strategic fallout from the Iran war, facing economic pressure and mounting energy concerns.

IRAN WAR FUELS ASIA ENERGY CRUNCH AS INDIA, JAPAN, OTHERS FEEL STRAIN

Last week, a U.S. strike further exacerbated tensions after three Indian seafarers became collateral damage in the conflict. They were the first and only seafarers confirmed killed as part of the U.S. blockade, sparking outrage across India.

New Delhi instantly summoned Washington’s Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks, expressing deep concern over the renewed attacks and arguing that its nationals were becoming casualties in a war not their own.

India also warned of the broader humanitarian, economic, and energy consequences of the conflict, which are expected to linger even as an agreement has now been reached.

All the while, Pakistan was gaining diplomatic visibility, finding itself in the unusual position of currying favor in Washington while maintaining deep ties with China, Iran and the Gulf states.

Pakistan’s prominent role in recent months highlighted how Islamabad has been more nimble in its diplomacy than India," Council on Foreign Relations Senior Fellow Sadanand Dhume told Fox News Digital. "Additionally, Pakistan decisively outmaneuvered India’s quixotic bid to isolate Pakistan on the world stage."

Regional dynamics have also been reshaped by the two rivals' competing strategies. India has deepened its strategic partnership with the U.S. through alliances such as the Quad partnership with the U.S., Australia, and Japan and has expanded cooperation across South Asian states, including a burgeoning relationship with Afghanistan. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s growing regional relevance has been reflected in its strengthened ties with China, improved relations with regional partners like Bangladesh and expanded security cooperation with Gulf states.

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Additionally, Trump, who accused Pakistan of "deceit and lies" during his first term, has since repeatedly praised its leadership. In June 2025, the president invited Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir to the White House for a high-profile lunch meeting.

Munir was the first Pakistani military chief who was not also president to be hosted by a U.S. president. He also led the war effort against India earlier that year. 

Trump described Munir as his "favorite Field Marshal" and an "exceptional human being." 

Their relationship has been further reflected in trade deals and, most recently, Pakistan’s role as a principal mediator in restoring diplomacy between the U.S. and Iran.

"India tried to make Pakistan an international pariah. Instead, Pakistan has wormed its way into Trump’s good books through a combination of concrete co-operation with the U.S. and outrageous flattery of the president, leading to Trump elevating Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as heroes," Dhume said.

India, meanwhile, has maintained close ties with Israel while generally sticking to more measured messaging. 

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On June 15, upon the agreement of a deal with Iran, Modi released a statement, saying, "India hopes that the implementation of this understanding will help restore peace and stability in the region and ensure the freedom of navigation and commerce."

"Hats off to Pakistan. They worked really hard to bring this awfully disruptive war with Iran to an end," Dubey told Fox. "India unfortunately lost out by not seeking to be a problem solver like Pakistan. It could have played its cards better as a peacemaker, given its traditionally strong relations with Tehran."

Still, analysts caution these are rapidly evolving dynamics. There is no guarantee that Pakistan’s current moment will last, and the tide for India could still turn.

"Pakistan’s mediation role has allowed it to substantially reset its international image. It has positioned itself as a responsible international actor rather than a rogue state responsible for both nuclear proliferation and exporting Islamic terrorism. How long this lasts depends in large measure on two things: will Pakistan find a way to remain in Trump’s good books, and will it be able to change its behavior sufficiently to convince the world that it has indeed turned over a new leaf," Dhume told Fox News Digital.

Meanwhile, India is working to regain its position and show the U.S. it is still a reliable partner.

Marco Rubio visited India last month, his first since becoming Trump’s top diplomat last year, which was widely seen as an attempt to reset ties. 

Trump and Modi's G7 meeting marked another significant step. 

Trump praised Modi as "calm, cool and totally killer" and said he would be traveling to India "sometime in the future." India has been pressing Trump for a visit, potentially as part of a broader meeting involving Japan and Australia.

Trump also said the United States would defend India.

"If anybody attacks that man, we're going to be there," Trump said, referring to Modi. "Now, if there’s a new leader, I’m not sure about it."

The Pakistani and Indian governments did not respond to Fox News Digital requests for comment.

Miles Russell is the youngest player in the 2026 U.S. Open field at just 17 years old. A young man who has been driving a car for less than two years teeing it up in a major championship is a tough reality to grasp, and, understandably so, the Florida State commit's story heading into Shinnecock Hills has been a popular one in the build-up to Thursday's opening round.

Russell, the No. 1 junior player in the world, opted for a formal press conference on Wednesday ahead of what will be his first start in a major championship. In a rather predictable fashion, he almost immediately made everyone in the golf world feel incredibly old.

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When asked if he had any memory of watching the 2018 U.S. Open, which marked the last time the tournament was held at Shinnecock, he responded with an answer that swiftly put things into perspective.

"Maybe bits and pieces, but that's probably more from seeing highlights from it. I don't know. I don't really remember watching any U.S. Opens when I was that little," Russell began. "I think my first kind of golf memory from watching it was maybe Spieth in 2015 at the Masters. I think really remembering it was Tiger in 2019."

Russell isn't talking about Tiger Woods in the 2019 U.S. Open, where he finished T-21. He's referring to Woods winning the 2019 Masters.

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Imagine that being your first real memory of watching major championship golf.

It not only shows how incredibly young Russell is, but his comments show how this next generation of players soon to make a name for themselves don't have much recollection of any happenings before 2020.

That doesn't mean Russell's comments don't make complete and total sense, because they do, given that he was born in 2008, but it doesn't make it any easier for millennials and boomers out there to grasp with just how quickly time has passed.

Russell qualified for this week's U.S. Open after advancing in the final stage of qualifying in a three-man playoff vying for two spots in the field. He had Charlie Woods, Tiger's son, on the bag as his caddie during the qualifier. Both Woods and Russell have committed to play college golf at Florida State.

In 2024, Russell became the youngest player in Korn Ferry Tour history to make the cut in a tournament, eventually finishing T-20.

There was a strikeout that took place during Tuesday’s Pirates and Athletics game that you’re not going to find in the box score. That’s because it was recorded by a fan who ended up with a souvenir he tried to give away to three ladies.

He was quick to his feet and jumped over his two buddies to retrieve a foul ball that landed on the grass nearby. He had great anticipation after a diving attempt by a fan in front of him came up empty. He pounced on it as soon as it stopped bouncing around on the hill.

It should be mentioned that it doesn’t appear as if he spilled a drop of his beverage on the play either. That, along with the athleticism displayed, should have helped him out for what was coming next. Unfortunately, it didn’t.

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After grabbing the baseball and making his way back to where he was sitting, he glanced up the hill and noticed three ladies sitting close to where he made his play. He gave the ball a toss in the air and started walking toward them.

Looking back at the replay, as I've done several times, the toss might be where he went wrong here. It was a little too much. You can’t fill your head up with arrogance before stepping up to the plate. You need a good balance of humility and confidence.

He extends the ball to the ladies and brutally swings and misses. Strike one, strike two and strike three. None of the three wanted the ball. All he could do was exactly what he did, turn back around and grab a seat.

Baseball is a game of failure. You’re going to swing and miss, and you’re going to do so in brutal fashion on three pitches sometimes. It’s part of the game. He can't take this failure into his next at-bat.

Ella Langley and Cody Johnson have the Internet buzzing after a recent duet.

Langley, as the loyal readers know, has become an unstoppable sensation in the world of country music. It's beyond impressive what she's built.

Cody Johnson is also incredibly talented with a very loyal following. Now, the two have teamed up for an epic performance.

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The two were performing in Atlanta this past weekend, according to Whiskey Riff, when they teamed up for a cover of a classic song.

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Reba McEntire's "Whoever’s in New England."

As you'd expect, two country stars linking up for a duet cover of a classic song turned out pretty awesome.

Give it a watch below, and let me know your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.

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The Instagram post currently has more than 17,000 likes, and is certainly making waves in the country music world.

One fan in the comments wrote, "Cojo can sing with anyone. He grew up singing harmonies and duets. So beautiful."

Another person in the comments wrote that the performance gave them "chills."

As always, it's great to see Langley and other country stars crush it. This year has already been a monster year for country music, and I have a feeling we're only going up from here. Hit me with your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.

Two college students in California died after being swept into the Pacific Ocean by rising tides and powerful surf while apparently napping near a popular but perilous beach access point, according to authorities.

The victims were identified as Harshita Nair, 21, and Mahial Sran, 20, both of Fremont, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office told local news outlets.

Authorities said the two friends were believed to have been sleeping near the "Keyhole," a natural archway used to access Yellow Bank Beach, on Wednesday afternoon when incoming tides caught them off guard and pulled them into the water.

"Both of these patients, we believe, were originally sleeping right at the Keyhole, which is an area that we're finding catches people unaware," Santa Cruz County Volunteer Fire Capt. Kyle Breton said in a CAL FIRE video after the water rescue. "The tides come in, and in this case, they swept out two sleeping patients."

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Emergency crews rushed to the remote stretch of coastline after a witness called 911. About eight rescue swimmers entered the rough surf as part of a multi-agency rescue effort involving CAL FIRE, state lifeguards and local fire departments, officials said.

One woman was pulled ashore at Panther Beach, where rescuers immediately began life-saving efforts. The second was located farther down the shoreline and airlifted from Yellow Bank Beach by a CAL FIRE helicopter while CPR was underway, according to first responders.

Both women were rushed to hospitals but were later pronounced dead, KSBW reported.

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Nair was a legal studies major at the University of California, Berkeley, while Sran studied public health at San José State University. Both women graduated from Fremont's Washington High School in 2023 and were expected to complete their degrees in 2027, according to the New York Post.

"I have no idea what happened," Nair's father, Ahock Nair, told the Post. "I'm still in shock."

The tragedy unfolded along a notoriously hazardous stretch of Santa Cruz County coastline known for steep surf, strong currents and so-called "sneaker waves" that can surge far beyond the waterline with little warning.

Officials said Wednesday's rescue was the fifth water rescue in the past month along the one-mile stretch between Yellow Bank Beach and Bonny Doon Beach.

The deaths also came as powerful surf and dangerous ocean conditions battered California's coastline. Forecasters had warned of strong rip currents and large waves generated by a long-period southern swell, conditions that officials say have contributed to a rise in water rescues across the state.

After originally being slated to spend the night in Los Angeles following its World Cup opener on Monday, the Iranian men's soccer team was ordered to leave the country as soon as possible.

Coach Amir Ghalenoei said it was ordered to leave the U.S. and return to its training base in Mexico only a few hours after opening its politically charged tournament by playing to a 2-2 draw with New Zealand on Monday night.

Ghalenoei didn't say who ordered the Iranians to leave earlier than planned. The team had expected to spend the night in California to maximize the normal recovery process after its opening game, only to be told after the match that everyone must immediately get on a plane for the 140-mile trip back to Tijuana.

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"They didn’t even give us time to recover," Ghalenoei said through an interpreter. "After the game today, they said to us, ‘You have to leave immediately.’ It’s very important for us to have time for recovery, (but) we are asked to get on a plane and return to our camp in Tijuana, and we are really troubled by that."

Iran captain Mehdi Taremi said the team endured five hours of travel and security checks during what is normally a very short trip from Tijuana to the Los Angeles area on Sunday.

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"We don’t know why they are returning us, to be honest," Ghalenoei said. "I think it’s very strange. It seems like others are doing the planning for us. The decision-making for us is being made elsewhere. We were supposed to come two nights before the game, and we were supposed to stay tonight to recover and return tomorrow at lunchtime. We have no idea why.

"I think our team is perhaps the most oppressed in the World Cup."

Taremi called on FIFA to offer additional assistance.

"I think FIFA have to help us more than this. ... Everything is like a disaster, actually, for us," he said.

The Iranians’ remaining two games in group play are against Belgium in Inglewood on Sunday, followed by a trip to Seattle to face Egypt next week.

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While several hundred Iranian Americans protested the government outside, many fans from the diaspora jeered and turned their backs on the field during the national anthem. Dozens of Lion and Sun emblems — the centerpiece of Iran’s official flag before 1979 — were displayed in the crowd despite FIFA’s attempts to keep them away, while dozens more fans wore the Lion and Sun emblems on T-shirts.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Americans are being urged to steer clear of jet ski rentals in the Bahamas as U.S. officials warn of sketchy operators linked to deaths, injuries and reported sexual assaults.

In a Monday statement, the U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas said that "rogue operators" are soliciting tourists on Nassau's most popular beaches, including Cabbage Beach, Junkanoo Beach and Saunders Beach.

The rogue operators are often "unlicensed, uninsured, and operating unsafe watercraft," the embassy said — and officials noted that law enforcement oversight is "sporadic at best."

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"The Embassy advises all U.S. citizens to avoid renting jet skis in The Bahamas, beware of solicitors near the Cruise Port and popular beaches, and always follow local weather and marine alerts," the statement said.

In a PSA video, U.S. Ambassador to the Bahamas Herschel Walker began by stating that he had "an important message for Americans visiting or living in the Bahamas."

"I need to warn you about some serious dangers associated with renting jet skis and small watercraft and swimming at beaches where jet skis and small watercraft are being operated in shallow waters, particularly around Nassau and Paradise Island," Walker began.

"We've lost American lives to preventable accidents. Multiple visitors have been hospitalized."

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Walker also added that American citizens have been sexually assaulted by jet ski operators who allegedly took victims to isolated islands.

"Many watercraft are unsafe and operators are unlicensed and uninsured," said Walker in his statement. 

"That's why U.S. government employees are banned from renting or riding jet skis."

The ambassador added that the U.S. is working with the Bahamian government "to address these issues."

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"But, for now, consider all the risks before you get on a jet ski in the Bahamas," he said. 

"Your safety matters. If you need help, contact the embassy immediately."

Fox News Digital reached out to the U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas for comment.

The warning comes after the September 2025 death of Alaska Air National Guard 2nd Lt. Robert Rosa, who was killed in a jet ski-related accident during a vacation in Nassau.

In April of last year, the U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas said that at least two U.S. women reported rapes involving jet ski operators. The embassy said three rapes involving jet ski operators were reported in 2024.

Officials also noted that since August 2024, six U.S. citizens have been hospitalized with injuries from jet ski accidents.

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Three of the six injured Americans "required emergency medical evacuation to the United States," the embassy said.

Audrey Conklin contributed reporting.