India launched military strikes on Pakistan on Wednesday and Pakistan claimed it shot down five Indian Air Force jets, in an escalation that has pushed the two nations to the brink of a wider conflict.

But while the US has acted as a mediator in previous crises in South Asia, exerting a calming influence that has helped to avert outright war, Washington may be too distracted by Ukraine and Gaza to be able to resolve the India-Pakistan clash,

President Donald Trump wants India and Pakistan to cease fighting and is open to helping both countries broker a peace agreement, following strikes from India against Pakistan early Wednesday.

The deal will improve access for UK whisky and cars to the Indian market, and cut taxes on India's clothing and footwear exports.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends the ceremonial recption of Angola's President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco at the Rashtrapati Bhavan presidential palace in New Delhi, India, May 3, 2025.

India and UK have signed the much awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA)with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday terming it as a 'historic milestone" and said it will deepen bilateral ties. The pact will catalyse trade,