Trump said he was uncertain whether NATO would support the United States if assistance were ever requested, comments that many European leaders viewed as dismissive of two decades of allied cooperation. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has issued a strong public response after US President
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge emphasized protecting the Election Commission's independence. He stated institutions face pressure. Kharge highlighted the need for free and fair elections. He mentioned that snatching the right to vote tarnishes democracy
On National Voters Day, PM Narendra Modi shared greetings to the nation, hailing the day as a moment to strengthen faith in India's democratic values. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to citizens on the occasion of National Voters' Day on Sunday
A decade ago, self-driving cars were science fiction. Today, they're navigating our streets. AI has quietly slipped into our homes, workplaces, and classrooms, changing how we live and think. Yet amid this revolution, one truth stands tall: it all began with Maths.A decade ago
“Kam hai paisa, kam hai dana, kaise khilaye bachchon ko khana,” is the slogan which workers are asked to raise when seeking for their delayed wages and ration allocations. Among them is Ramsingh Baghel, 69, who has headed a Sahayata Samoh (self-help group for school and anganwadi
India's rental housing market remains one of the most underdeveloped segments of urban real estate, even as demand continues to rise sharply. With higher job mobility, rapid urbanisation and homeownership being deferred by young professionals
Bangladesh's decision to refuse travel to India for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, and its subsequent replacement by Scotland, is the latest high-profile example of teams pulling out of or refusing parts of ICC events. Historically these choices have been driven by security fears
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin paid homage to 'Language Martyrs' who sacrificed their lives during the anti-Hindi agitation, asserting Hindi has no place in the state. He emphasized the historical struggle against Hindi imposition and vowed to oppose it forever
Trump says UK soldiers in Afghanistan 'among greatest of all warriors'
Trump says UK soldiers in Afghanistan 'among greatest of all warriors'
Donald Trump has praised UK soldiers who fought in Afghanistan after his claim that allied forces avoided the front lines prompted criticism from veterans and politicians.
Earlier this week Trump angered US allies by downplaying the role of Nato troops in the war and doubted whether the military alliance would be there for the US "if we ever needed them".
Trump's words drew condemnation from international allies, while Sir Keir Starmer called them "insulting and frankly appalling".
The UK prime minister spoke to Trump on Saturday, after which the US president used his Truth Social platform to praise UK troops as being "among the greatest of all warriors".
Trump was criticised for remarks he made during an interview with Fox News on Thursday in which the president said of Nato troops: "We've never needed them. We have never really asked anything of them.
They'll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan... and they did, they stayed a little back, a little off the front lines.
That triggered a huge backlash from the families of soldiers who served in Afghanistan, as well as veterans and politicians from across the Westminster and international spectrum who called for Trump to apologise.
Prince Harry said the sacrifices of troops needed to be respected as he pointed out Nato's collective security clause had been invoked once - following the 9/11 attacks.
In October 2001 the US invaded Afghanistan to oust the Taliban, whom they said were harbouring Osama Bin Laden and other al-Qaeda figures linked to the 9/11 attacks the previous month. Nato nations contributed troops and military equipment to the US-led war.
More than 3,500 coalition soldiers died, about two-thirds of them Americans, as of 2021 when the US withdrew from the country. The UK suffered the second-highest number of military deaths in the conflict behind the US, which suffered 2,461 fatalities.
On Saturday, Downing Street said the prime minister and US president spoke about the UK's involvement alongside US and Nato forces in the conflict.
A spokesperson said: "The prime minister raised the brave and heroic British and American soldiers who fought side by side in Afghanistan, many of whom never returned home. We must never forget their sacrifice".
Shortly after the conversation, Trump posted fresh comments on his Truth Social platform - appearing to step back from his critical comments but stopping short of directly apologising for the words he used in Thursday's interview.
He wrote: "The great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America.
"In Afghanistan, 457 died, many were badly injured, and they were among the greatest of all warriors.
It's a bond too strong to ever be broken. The UK military, with tremendous heart and soul, is second to none (except for the USA). We love you all, and always will!
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said she was pleased Trump had acknowledged the UK's role in fighting alongside the US and Nato allies in Afghanistan.
"It should never have been questioned in the first place," she said.
On Friday, the Duke of Sussex released a statement in which he praised the contributions of Nato troops who were in Afghanistan.
"I served there. I made lifelong friends there. And I lost friends there," the prince said.
"In 2001, Nato invoked Article 5 for the first - and only - time in history. It meant that every allied nation was obliged to stand with the United States in Afghanistan, in pursuit of our shared security. Allies answered that call.
"Thousands of lives were changed forever. Mothers and fathers buried sons and daughters. Children were left without a parent. Families are left carrying the cost.
Those sacrifices deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect, as we all remain united and loyal to the defence of diplomacy and peace.
Most of the 457 British troops who died serving in Afghanistan over a period of nearly 20 years were killed in Helmand - the scene of the heaviest fighting.
Hundreds more suffered injuries and lost limbs - including Cpl Andy Reid who lost both his legs and his right arm after stepping on an improvised explosive device (IED) in Afghanistan.
"Not a day goes by when we're not in some kind of pain, physically or mentally reflecting on that conflict," he told BBC Breakfast on Friday.
Reid recalled working with American soldiers, adding: "If they were on the front line and I was stood next to them, clearly we were on the front line as well."
Badenoch, Sir Ed Davey and Nigel Farage were among the Westminster leaders to call out the US president for his comments; while outside the UK, ministers from foreign governments also criticised Trump's remarks.
Canada's Minister of National Defence David J McGuinty said Canadian "men and women were on the ground from the beginning, not because we had to, but because it was the right thing to do."
American political and military figures have also expressed their anger and frustration over Trump's Nato comments.
"I think it's insulting to those who were fighting alongside of us," former national security adviser Herbery Raymond McMaster told the BBC.
Trump's new comments on Saturday did not mention any of the other Nato allies who sent troops into Afghanistan.
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said her government "was astonished" to hear Trump's first statement and added "our nation paid a cost that is beyond dispute: 53 Italian soldiers killed and more than 700 wounded".
She said on X: "For this reason, statements that downplay the contribution of Nato countries in Afghanistan are unacceptable, especially when they come from an allied nation".
Source: BBC
Related Posts: Not only Americans risked life and limb to serve in Afghanistan Harry says sacrifices by Nato troops in Afghanistan deserve PM says trade agreements creating opportunities for youth Iran Warns US Of ‘All-Out War’ After Trump Says ‘Armada’ Of Warships Headed To Middle East AI pic of Donald Trump with viral lone penguin in Greenland gets trolled Ukraine's foreign minister says Putin 'cynically' attacked during Abu Dhabi talks Shivam Dube says Suryakumar Yadav showed why he’s the best PM Carney urges citizens to ‘buy Canadian’ as Trump threatens 100% tariffs Trump accuses Minnesota leaders after fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis Trump threatens Canada with 100% tariffs if it
A tall building in Worli may look like just another luxury address in Mumbai, but its past tells a very different story. A recent Instagram video brings attention to the land where Samudra Mahal now stands and traces its journey from royal ownership to a symbol of modern wealth
1 minutes ago
Federal immigration officers shot and killed a man on Saturday (January 24, 2026) in Minneapolis, drawing hundreds of protesters in a city already shaken by another fatal shooting weeks earlier. Family members identified the man who was killed as Alex Pretti
1 minutes ago
Pakistan's participation in the T20 World Cup is under review. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated a decision will be made upon the Prime Minister's return. Pakistan is already scheduled to play all league matches, including against India, in Sri Lanka. Naqvi expressed support for Bangladesh
1 minutes ago
A few weeks ago, an Indian tech founder remarked that many bright American students now skip college altogether, urging Indian parents to rethink their assumptions about higher education. The comment echoed long-standing Silicon Valley views. U.S. based AI company Palantir
2 minutes ago
Cricket fans are gearing up for the third T20 International between the India national cricket team and the New Zealand national cricket team in the five-match series as both sides look to build momentum ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026
2 minutes ago
The World Health Organisation expressed hope for the United States' return after its withdrawal. WHO stated the reasons cited for the US decision were untrue. The organisation highlighted America's significant contributions to global health achievements
2 minutes ago
Celebrate Republic Day 2026 with a stunning Indian flag panna cotta, featuring three distinct layers in saffron-orange, white, and green. This no-bake dessert captures the tricolour's spirit, using orange juice for the top orange layer, symbolising courage
2 minutes ago
The hearing on taking cognisance of the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) chargesheet filed against businessman Robert Vadra, husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, in a money laundering case linked to UK-based defence dealer Sanjay Bhandari was postponed on Saturday
2 minutes ago
Search and rescue operations have resumed for 80 individuals missing after a landslide in West Java, Indonesia, which claimed 10 lives. Heavy rains triggered the disaster in a residential area, with unstable terrain and continued precipitation hindering rescue efforts
2 minutes ago
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Saturday that only Miyas, and not Hindus or Assamese Muslims, were being served notices under the special revision of electoral rolls in the state, reported PTI. “There is no controversy over the special revision
2 minutes ago
A visit to a local vegetable vendor turned into a moment of quiet reflection for a person after the seller spoke candidly about how online grocery applications have affected his livelihood. In a post shared on X, the person recalled going to a nearby vendor to buy bhathua for making saag
2 minutes ago
Border 2 Box Office Collection Day 1: Sunny Deol and Varun Dhawan's war epic registers a powerful Day 1 collection, outpacing Dhurandhar and proving audience appetite for big-scale patriotic action movie Border 2 has made an impressive debut in theatres
1 minutes ago
As Dhurandhar continues to tell cinegoers that Pakistan's deep state views Hindus as pushovers, Border 2 arrives to underscore that the 1971 War stemmed from the neighbour's belief that Indians are meek until confronted by Sunny Deol on the western front
1 minutes ago
New Delhi: IT services giant Infosys has begun collecting data on household electricity consumption of its employees as part of efforts to measure and offset emissions linked to hybrid working. Under its hybrid work policy, employees work from home for most of the month and are required to be on
1 minutes ago
World number one Aryna Sabalenka expressed her desire to partner Novak Djokovic in mixed doubles. She humorously stated she is awaiting a message from the Serbian star confirming she is his dream partner. The pair previously played together in a charity match
1 minutes ago
For most visitors, a trip to Shri Malanggad means getting ready for a long uphill climb along with the visit itself. The hill fort near Kalyan in Maharashtra's Thane district is known for its height, steep terrain and the long climb required to reach the shrine of Haji Malang
1 minutes ago
Yui Susaki is one of those sportspersons you call ‘near perfect'. The Japanese four-time wrestling World champion and former Olympic champion's streak of perfection was broken when she lost to Vinesh Phogat in the opening round at the Paris Olympics
1 minutes ago
Budget Glossary: The Union Budget 2026 is set to be presented in a matter of few days. Before Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tables the government's blueprint on expenditure, taxes it is planning to implement, it will be important to know what she says during her Budget speech as it will
1 minutes ago
The brief rain spell on Friday brought in much-needed respite from the toxic air pollution levels in Delhi, even as winds in the capital city turned chilly. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 150 in the “moderate”
1 minutes ago
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will present a tableau highlighting the nationwide implementation of the three new criminal laws — the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam — on Republic Day
1 minutes ago
Ukraine and Russia agreed on Saturday (January 24, 2026) to hold a second round of U.S.-brokered direct peace talks next weekend after a two-day meeting in Abu Dhabi, despite Ukrainian complaints negotiations were undermined by a barrage of deadly strikes
1 minutes ago
Xiaomi has confirmed that the brand's latest mid-range device, the Redmi Note 15 Pro+, will be launching in India on 29 January. Ahead of the launch of the device, Xiaomi has also begun the pre-bookings for the phone on Amazon while also sharing some key details about the device
1 minutes ago
Scotland replaces Bangladesh in ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 after BCB refused to play in India. The ICC has announced that Scotland will replace Bangladesh in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. On Saturday, it was formally declared that Bangladesh will not compete in the upcoming ICC Men's T20
1 minutes ago
For years, busyness was worn like a badge of honour. Full calendars, constant notifications, and the unspoken pressure to always be “on" became markers of success. But something is shifting. Quietly, deliberately, and almost rebelliously
1 minutes ago
The Budget 2026 will be presented in Parliament on February 1, Sunday, continuing the tradition of unveiling the government's annual financial plan at the start of February. The Budget lays out how the government plans to raise and spend money in the coming year and is closely tracked by taxpayers
1 minutes ago
Under Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines, the responsibility of the bank is limited — and in many cases, the loss is borne by the customer. New Delhi: Many people believe that keeping gold jewellery in a bank locker makes it completely safe
1 minutes ago
Delhi's AQI improved to 150 after winter rain, prompting CAQM to revoke Stage III GRAP. CPCB and India Meteorological Department report moderate air and chilly weather. Delhi's air quality saw a marked improvement following a winter rain shower that swept through the capital. On Sunday at 8 am
1 minutes ago
