The week in photos: September 12-18, 2026

South Korea has called for renewed dialogue between the United States and North Korea after US President Donald Trump ordered a reduction in annual military exercises with Seoul. The South Korean government said it hopes Trump’s relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un can help restart diplomatic engagement between Washington and Pyongyang. President Lee Jae Myung’s office said Seoul was ready to take diplomatic steps to encourage meaningful discussions. The goal, according to the presidential office, is to reduce tensions and promote peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. The statement followed Trump’s decision to scale back US military exercises with South Korea. Trump said his decision was influenced by his relationship with Kim. In a social media statement, Trump argued that the exercises were expensive and could send an inappropriate or hostile message to North Korea. Trump also referred to the situation involving Iran while explaining his decision. He said he had recently asked the South Korean president whether Seoul wanted to participate in efforts concerning the denuclearisation of Iran, but that South Korea had declined. North Korea had not immediately issued a response to Trump’s announcement. Pyongyang has repeatedly criticised joint US-South Korean military exercises. North Korean authorities have previously described the drills as preparations for a potential invasion and warned that they could trigger a strong response. The latest developments come after President Lee proposed direct discussions with North Korea on Saturday. Lee called for both sides to abandon threats and begin talks aimed at formally ending the long-running conflict on the Korean Peninsula. He said discussions between the directly involved parties could also create an opportunity to explore measures aimed at stopping the expansion of North Korea’s nuclear capabilities. South Korea has long sought greater diplomatic engagement to reduce military tensions with its northern neighbour. However, negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang have remained stalled. Trump and Kim previously held high-level meetings, raising hopes of progress on North Korea’s nuclear programme. Those efforts ultimately failed to produce a lasting agreement. Analysts believe Trump’s latest decision could be intended to create conditions for renewed negotiations. However, they warn that North Korea may demand significant concessions before returning to the negotiating table. Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, said Trump’s recent comments about Kim indicated a possible willingness to re-engage with North Korea. Easley also cautioned that Pyongyang has been strengthening its military capabilities while benefiting from its relationship with Russia during the war in Ukraine. He warned that reducing US-South Korean military exercises could create challenges for the alliance. It could also affect coordination between the two militaries and slow South Korea’s efforts to assume greater responsibility for its own defence. The professor further argued that a reduction in military preparedness could weaken deterrence against potential conflicts in the wider Asian region. South Korea now faces the challenge of balancing diplomacy with military preparedness. Seoul wants to use the current opening for dialogue while maintaining security cooperation with Washington.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said he forgives students who shouted abusive slogans against him during last month’s nationwide demonstrations, describing them as “misled children” who should be guided instead of punished. Speaking in a video message, Modi said the protesters had used offensive language against him and his late mother during the demonstrations. Despite that, he said he did not want young people to face legal action or social persecution, stressing that they should be shown the “right path” rather than dragged into lengthy court proceedings. The protests emerged after controversy surrounding the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), one of India’s largest competitive examinations. The movement gained momentum after the exam was cancelled because of a paper leak, forcing more than two million students to retake the test. What began as an online campaign for education reforms quickly developed into a nationwide protest movement, drawing thousands of students onto the streets. The demonstrations eventually ended after the Indian government accepted several key demands, including the resignation of the education minister. Authorities also announced that criminal cases against protesters would not be pursued. However, reports indicate that police in several states later registered cases against hundreds of demonstrators, particularly those accused of clashing with security personnel or participating in protests where anti-government slogans were raised. The development has sparked criticism from opposition parties and student groups, who argue that it contradicts the government’s earlier assurances. The protests were accompanied by clashes between demonstrators and security forces in several cities. In New Delhi, police used tear gas, baton charges and other crowd-control measures to stop protesters attempting to march towards parliament. Some student activists have also alleged that participants, particularly female protesters, became targets of online harassment and threats on social media following the demonstrations. Rights advocates have expressed concern over the growing hostility directed at student activists during the protest movement. The opposition has intensified pressure on the government, demanding accountability for the police response to the demonstrations. Critics have also questioned the continued registration of cases against protesters despite earlier commitments to withdraw legal action. Meanwhile, the Indian government has introduced legislation aimed at strengthening laws against examination fraud. The proposed bill seeks tougher penalties, including longer prison terms and heavier fines, for those involved in examination paper leaks.

Fifty police chiefs from across the United Kingdom have sent a joint letter to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, urging the government to exhaust every legal avenue to prevent the early release of the teenagers convicted in the 2019 death of PC Andrew Harper. PC Harper, a 28-year-old Thames Valley Police officer, died after being dragged behind a getaway car following a quad bike theft in Berkshire. Two of the men convicted of his manslaughter, Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, were sentenced to 13 years in 2020. Under recent legislative changes to manage severe prison overcrowding, both men are due to become eligible for release in January after serving half their sentences. The intervention by police chiefs across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland supports Burnham’s recent declaration that he is confident a legal resolution can be found to halt their discharge. In Downing Street, officials reiterated that the government intends to do everything within its power to block the early release. Beyond the specific case, the letter highlights broader concerns regarding public safety, victim impact, and officer morale. The police chiefs argued that reducing sentences for individuals involved in the deaths of emergency service personnel undermines the perceived sacrifice of officers who put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public. The police leaders called on the government to mandate explicit public protection reviews before amending release terms for offenders convicted of serious violence or causing death, while also ensuring bereaved families are formally consulted whenever significant sentencing changes are implemented.