40 years ago October 13, 1986: Big Two summit ends

Forty years ago, on October 13, 1986, the US-Soviet summit in Iceland concluded without a new arms control agreement. US Secretary of State George Shultz stated during a press conference that the two-day talks had been delayed due to concerns over President Reagan's "Star Wars" space defense program. The summit ended without a set date for a future formal meeting.

Elsewhere, in Sri Lanka, a battle between Tamil militants and security forces left 11 people dead. Eight Tamil rebels and three security personnel were killed when a foot patrol was ambushed, resulting in two soldiers losing their lives and four others being wounded. Reinforcements arrived to aid the patrol, and eight militants were eventually killed in the confrontation.

In El Salvador, a devastating earthquake struck San Salvador, claiming an estimated 1,800 lives. Rescue chief Mano Rodolfo Lopez estimated that six large buildings collapsed, with an average of 300 people residing in each structure. The death toll likely included additional casualties outside the city.

Furthermore, an administration overhaul was anticipated following Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's return from his trip to Australia and three other countries. Gandhi had decided not to engage in any foreign visits for the ensuing six months, allowing him to focus on pressing domestic issues.