Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday, September 17, 2026, extended birthday greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who turned 76. In a post on X, Gandhi wrote, “Happy birthday to PM Narendra Modi ji. Wishing you good health and a long life.” His message was brief and focused on personal birthday wishes. Several other political leaders, including Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay, also greeted Modi. The BJP is separately observing the occasion through a month-long ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’ marking Modi’s 25 years in public service. 

India’s crude oil import basket climbed to $131.19 per barrel on September 15, its highest level since March 23, 2026, amid growing global supply concerns and geopolitical tensions. The sharp rise has been driven by disruptions in Middle Eastern oil supplies, including the shutdown of a key Saudi pipeline, alongside uncertainty over US tariff measures targeting buyers of Russian energy. India’s crude basket averaged $111.71 per barrel in September, nearly 24% higher than August. The increase is expected to raise India’s oil import bill and add pressure on inflation as fuel demand rises ahead of the festive and marriage season. 

The US House of Representatives has passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by 262–159, sending it to President Donald Trump for approval. The legislation would give Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods from major buyers of Russian oil and gas, including India and China, although the bill does not automatically impose such tariffs. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal warned India and China to buy energy elsewhere. India’s External Affairs Ministry said it would protect the country’s trade and economic interests while maintaining energy security through diversified oil sourcing. 

Iranian strikes caused significant damage to three U.S. military facilities in the Gulf, including one base in Saudi Arabia and two in Kuwait, according to images reviewed by CBS News and findings cited by the Pentagon inspector general. The wider attacks damaged or destroyed hundreds of buildings and structures at U.S. bases across eight Middle Eastern countries, while dozens of American aircraft were also damaged or destroyed. The U.S. Defense Department estimated the war had cost $33.4 billion as of June 29, excluding infrastructure repair expenses. The conflict has also disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and contributed to higher global oil prices. 

Nepal has sharply increased the number of people reported missing after the devastating August 26 floods to 6,150, up from 5,179, following fresh data collection and verification across affected districts. Authorities said 1,403 bodies have been recovered, but only 105 have been identified so far. Across the border in China, 43 people have died and 519 remain missing. The combined toll from the disaster in Nepal and China now stands at 1,446 deaths and at least 6,669 missing people. Several hundred foreigners, including tourists and pilgrims, are also among those missing. Nepal estimates reconstruction costs at $4.78 billion. (PC: Reuters)

Saudi Aramco has stopped supplying crude to Indian refiners until further notice after attacks forced the shutdown of Saudi Arabia’s critical East-West pipeline. The disruption has cut off both Red Sea and already-limited Strait of Hormuz supplies, with Saudi crude accounting for about 9% of India’s imports since the war began. Indian refiners are expected to secure alternative crude, but at higher costs because global oil prices, tanker freight rates and spot-market premiums have risen. Aramco has sold some spot cargoes to traders for limited deliveries to India. Prolonged disruption could increase India’s crude import bill and pressure refining margins. (PC: IANS)

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wished Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his birthday, calling him her “friend” and extending wishes for his health, energy and success. In a post on X, Meloni said Italy and India would continue strengthening their “deep bond of friendship” and work together towards cooperation and prosperity. She also expressed hope that Modi would continue leading India towards a bright future. The message comes as India and Italy continue efforts to deepen their strategic partnership. Modi later thanked Meloni for her warm wishes and said he looked forward to further strengthening the friendship between the two countries. (PC: X)

A woman biker was allegedly chased for nearly 2 km by a car in Gurugram before the vehicle rammed into her motorcycle and fled, according to police sources. The incident took place on Golf Course Road and was captured in videos that later surfaced online. The biker, identified as Shivani Chauhan, known as Sia, said the occupants of the car were drunk and had been following her aggressively. Police have arrested accused Kalyan Singh Bainsla and his cousin Lavneesh Gurjar. A five-member SIT is investigating the case, while the FIR includes charges of attempted murder and stalking. (PC: India Today)

India-US trade ties have faced repeated tariff changes since February 2025, largely linked to Washington’s concerns over India’s trade policies and Russian oil purchases. The US first announced reciprocal tariffs in February 2025, followed by a 26% tariff in April, later paused at 10%. In July, Trump raised duties on Indian imports to 25%, before increasing them to 50%. In February 2026, tariffs were lowered to 18% under a proposed trade framework linked to reducing Russian oil purchases. After further changes, the US House in September approved legislation allowing tariffs of up to 100% on major Russian oil buyers, including India. (PC: HT)

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed the European Union’s proposal for Canada to become an “associate member” of the bloc during a speech to the European Parliament. Carney said Canada and Europe were “stronger together” and described closer ties as a potential “beacon” for other democracies. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed the idea on Wednesday, saying partnerships needed to be urgently reimagined. US President Donald Trump criticised the proposal as “laughable” and threatened tariffs on Europe. The move comes as trade tensions between Washington and Ottawa continue, with both the US and Canada imposing tariffs on each other. (PC: BBC)