India’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports remained robust in September despite disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz crisis, while Oman replaced the United States as the country’s top supplier, according to the report. The US had been India’s largest LNG source in recent months after the West Asia conflict began, but European buyers increased competition for American cargoes. Over the five-month period, US supplies totalled 3.41 million tonnes, accounting for 28.7% of India’s LNG imports. Strong demand pushed Indian importers to purchase spot-market cargoes at unusually high prices, while some Asian buyers cut imports. India also sought suppliers less dependent on Hormuz, prioritising availability over cost for several key sectors. (PC: AP)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi condemned the arrest of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, calling it “an act of cowardice.” In a post on X, Gandhi said peacefully waving the national flag at Jantar Mantar was not a crime and described the site as belonging to the people of India. He vowed that it would be reclaimed. Gandhi said students, young people, journalists and the INDIA bloc were united in demanding constitutional rights despite representing different banners. A Delhi court remanded Das and Ranka to five days of judicial custody on Wednesday over trespassing at Jantar Mantar. Police argued they had disturbed public peace and breached bond conditions. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly discussed renewed strikes on Iran last week, Axios reported, citing four sources. A US official said Netanyahu wants to resume attacks and raised the idea with Trump, who reportedly told him to “get ready” without committing to a timeline. An Israeli official said Netanyahu was concerned by intelligence suggesting Iran was rebuilding its nuclear programme. Trump said the United States would not attack Iran before November’s midterm elections. However, both militaries remain on alert and are preparing for a change in policy. The White House denied they discussed restarting the war, while Netanyahu’s office declined to comment on their conversations. (PC: X)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar humorously added Japan to a moderator’s list of India’s foreign policy priorities during a panel discussion. The moderator had described the strategy as engaging America, managing China, cultivating Europe and reassuring Russia. Jaishankar pointed out that Japan was missing, saying, “You forgot a fifth country: Japan.” He joked that he had to mention it or he would be “in trouble at home with my wife.” His wife, Kyoko Jaishankar, is Japanese, and the couple met while he was serving as a diplomat in Tokyo. The exchange drew laughter. Japan’s wider strategic importance to India includes Indo-Pacific cooperation, Quad membership, trade, infrastructure and regional security.

A Saudi national employed by OpenAI was arrested after allegedly planting a recording device inside the company’s San Francisco office, according to OpenAI and federal prosecutors. OpenAI said its security team discovered a sophisticated hidden recording device late last month and referred the matter to the FBI. The US Justice Department said Abdulrahman Alfozan, a 35-year-old Saudi engineer who joined OpenAI in July 2025, was arrested on October 9. According to the department, Alfozan allegedly wrapped a USB device in toilet paper and inserted it into a television in an executive conference room. He was reportedly captured on camera near the room multiple times, despite lacking authorisation to attend meetings there.

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) conveners Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das were sent to five days of judicial custody on Tuesday following the Jantar Mantar incident, triggering reactions. The two leaders allegedly entered the protest site without authorisation and raised the national flag. Police said protesters had entered by jumping over locked gates. The action came a day after Jantar Mantar was removed from Delhi’s designated protest venues. Opposition leaders accused the Narendra Modi government of “dictatorship,” describing the developments as an “unofficial emergency.” Meanwhile, US singer Mary Millben expressed support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, praising his leadership. The custody decision has intensified debate over protest rights and the government’s response.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has described India-US relations as a strategic “partnership, not an alliance”, saying countries must reassess their engagement with Washington as its global approach changes. His remarks come amid differences between New Delhi and Washington over trade, tariffs and other bilateral issues, even as both continue cooperating on shared interests. Jaishankar said the shift in US policy was not directed at any single country and required governments to reconsider their relationships with Washington. His comments precede US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s scheduled five-day India visit beginning October 17, during which energy cooperation and broader strategic ties are expected to feature prominently on the agenda.

Pakistan’s Indus River System Authority (IRSA) has projected a 22% irrigation water shortage in Punjab and Sindh during the Rabi season, threatening the cultivation of wheat, barley, mustard and gram. Islamabad has repeatedly accused India of undermining Pakistan’s water rights after New Delhi placed the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. However, the report attributes the projected shortage to Pakistan’s domestic water-management challenges rather than India’s treaty decision. Inadequate storage capacity, reduced river inflows and delays in infrastructure projects have been identified as contributing factors. The shortage raises concerns about agricultural production and food security as Pakistan enters a crucial crop-growing season. (PC: X)

Katie Zacharia, US President Donald Trump’s newly appointed White House press secretary, delivered her first briefing on October 13, 2026. Lasting just 14 minutes, the appearance included questions from only three media outlets, all generally sympathetic to Trump. Zacharia relied heavily on scripted remarks highlighting the administration’s achievements and stumbled over her words during the briefing. She also announced that US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle had been asked to resign following allegations of misconduct. Trump praised Zacharia’s performance, while media observers criticised the limited questioning and raised concerns about transparency and her professional credentials. 

Pope Leo XIV was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on October 13, 2026, for lung surgery following medical concerns. According to reports, doctors identified a growth during medical examinations, prompting further investigation and treatment. The Vatican provided updates on the pontiff’s condition and medical care. His hospitalisation led to adjustments in his scheduled public engagements as he focused on recovery. The development has drawn international attention, with Catholics worldwide expressing concern about the Pope’s health. Further details regarding his diagnosis, recovery timeline and future engagements depend on official medical updates from the Vatican. (PC: AFP)