Saudi Arabia has temporarily shut its 1,200-km East-West oil pipeline after a drone attack, which Riyadh and Baghdad said originated from Iraq. The pipeline, capable of carrying 4–5 million barrels of oil per day, allows Saudi Arabia to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. The closure comes as Iran-aligned Houthi forces expand their presence near Yemen’s strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait, including reported control of Perim Island. The disruptions have intensified concerns over global oil supplies and pushed crude prices above $100 a barrel. Saudi Arabia has sought U.S. military assistance, while Washington is currently offering intelligence and targeting support. (PC: Reuters)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in New Delhi on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit. Malaysia is participating as a BRICS partner country, while India is hosting the summit under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” The talks focused on strengthening India-Malaysia relations and expanding cooperation in areas including trade, investment, digital technology and education. The meeting also comes as both countries seek greater engagement with the Global South. Malaysia has identified India as its largest trading partner in South Asia, with bilateral trade reaching about $18.55 billion in 2025. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on September 12, on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit. The meeting is part of India’s extensive diplomatic engagements during the summit, as New Delhi seeks to deepen partnerships with BRICS members and partner countries. India and Ethiopia are expected to discuss bilateral cooperation, trade, investment and broader issues concerning the Global South. Ethiopia’s participation also highlights the growing importance of Africa within the expanded BRICS framework. The talks come amid India’s efforts to strengthen economic and strategic ties with African nations. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held talks in New Delhi amid the escalating Iran war and wider West Asian tensions. Their discussions focused on regional stability, maritime security, the safety of seafarers and ensuring safe passage for vessels amid concerns over the Strait of Hormuz. The strategic waterway is crucial for global energy supplies and India’s imports. The two sides also discussed the importance of Chabahar Port, a key Indian investment connecting India with Iran and Central Asia. Pezeshkian has sought greater international efforts for peace, while India continues to emphasize dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts. (PC: X)

Iran-aligned Houthi forces have captured Perim Island, also known as Mayun, in Yemen’s Bab al-Mandab Strait, expanding their control over a crucial global shipping chokepoint. The island divides the narrow waterway linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Suez Canal. The takeover follows the Houthis’ recent capture of the strategic port of Mocha and advances along Yemen’s western coast. Saudi Arabia has responded with airstrikes and is working with regional partners to strengthen maritime security. The development has heightened concerns over disruptions to international trade and oil shipments, with crude prices rising above $100 a barrel amid escalating regional tensions. (PC: EPA)

A contractual worker earning around ₹11,000 a month has emerged as a key focus in the investigation into ₹17.29 crore in counterfeit currency recovered from a Punjab National Bank (PNB) currency chest in Saharanpur. Investigators are examining his reported ownership of five houses, an SUV, a sedan and two motorcycles, along with his financial transactions and links to the suspended currency-chest manager. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is checking whether his assets can be explained by his known income. Police have also searched his residence and seized documents for examination. Investigators are probing how fake notes entered the bank system and whether a larger network or foreign connection is involved. (PC: Reuters)

China Southern Airlines will resume direct passenger flights between Guangzhou and New Delhi from September 21, ending a six-year suspension. The route was halted amid the COVID-19 pandemic and worsening India-China relations following the Doklam and Galwan confrontations. The restart is part of a broader revival of air connectivity between the two countries, with more routes gradually returning this year. The announcement comes as Chinese President Xi Jinping visits New Delhi for the BRICS Summit and prepares for a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The renewed connectivity signals improving India-China engagement alongside ongoing efforts to manage bilateral differences. (PC: NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to discuss key bilateral issues on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The talks come amid continuing differences over the India-China boundary, particularly China’s claims concerning Arunachal Pradesh. Economic and trade-related concerns are also expected to feature prominently as both countries seek to stabilize ties. The meeting could provide an opportunity to strengthen dialogue following recent efforts to improve bilateral relations. However, territorial disputes, strategic mistrust and competing economic interests remain significant challenges. The outcome of the Modi-Xi engagement will be closely watched for indications of further progress in India-China relations. (PC: The Hindu)

India is facing a delicate diplomatic challenge as it hosts the 2026 BRICS Summit in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi must balance India’s strategic partnership with the United States while maintaining important relations with Russia and China, which are pushing for changes in the global order. Iran’s participation adds another layer of complexity amid its conflict with the US, involving regional powers such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The summit brings together countries with competing geopolitical interests. India’s handling of these tensions will test its long-standing policy of strategic autonomy and its ability to build consensus within BRICS. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to resolve the West Asia conflict through dialogue and diplomacy during their meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. Modi stressed continued efforts for lasting regional peace and stability, freedom of navigation and commerce, and the safety and well-being of seafarers. The meeting was their second since August 31 and marked Pezeshkian’s first India visit as president. Modi said India remains committed to enduring peace and discussed India-Iran friendship and bilateral relations. India has raised concerns over attacks on merchant vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran’s closure of the waterway has affected India’s energy and fertiliser supplies. Modi also thanked Iran for its BRICS participation. (PC: @pmoindia)