Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, "India has always been a great friend and will remain so," during a virtual press conference from Delhi. She said the friendship between India and Bangladesh would stay strong despite recent political developments. Hasina has been living in India since August 2024 under full security after leaving Bangladesh. She also repeated her wish to return to her country. Ahead of the event, India's Ministry of External Affairs said the government had no role in the press conference and did not endorse any views expressed there. Bangladesh has raised concerns over her political activities from India.

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has vowed to return to Bangladesh despite saying she could face arrest or imprisonment, declaring that "fear can't decide my duty." Speaking publicly for the first time since her 2024 ouster in a virtual address from New Delhi, Hasina alleged the July-August 2024 uprising was a "planned regime change" rather than a genuine student-led movement. She claimed the protests were orchestrated to remove her government outside the democratic process. The address came despite objections from Dhaka, while India reiterated that the event was organised by a private entity and did not reflect the Indian government's views or involvement. (PC: Reuters)

The Forward Seamen's Union of India (FSUI) has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deploy Indian Navy assets to protect Indian merchant vessels operating in high-risk maritime zones after an India-flagged cargo ship was attacked in the Red Sea. The appeal follows the sinking of MSV Faize Noore Oliya 14 near Yemen's western coast after it was struck by a projectile. All 14 crew members, including 13 Indian seafarers, were rescued. Citing escalating missile, drone and maritime attacks in the Red Sea, Strait of Hormuz and Black Sea, the union urged immediate naval protection, warning that Indian merchant mariners remain increasingly vulnerable amid widening regional conflicts. (PC: iStock)

India strongly rejected Pakistan's remarks on the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, calling them "malicious propaganda" and reiterating that Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh "are, have always been, and shall forever remain" integral parts of India. Responding to Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar's appeal for international intervention on Kashmir, the Ministry of External Affairs said the constitutional changes of August 5, 2019, were entirely India's internal matter. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also criticised Pakistan over continuing violence in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), pointing to reports of civilian killings and urging Islamabad to address governance and human rights concerns in territories under its control. (PC: AP)

India and Myanmar are discussing a possible territorial exchange to resolve a long-pending undemarcated section of their border along Manipur, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed. Responding to reports of a proposed land swap, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said discussions were underway to settle unresolved border sectors but stopped short of confirming any agreement. The reported proposal, first highlighted by The Diplomat, suggests exchanging about 1.4 square miles of territory between border pillars 65 and 68 to complete demarcation. The possibility has sparked opposition from civil society groups in Manipur, which have raised concerns over the state's territorial integrity and national sovereignty. (PC: Wikimedia Common)

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made her first public media appearance in nearly two years, addressing journalists virtually from India at an event organised by the Foreign Correspondents' Club (FCC) South Asia in New Delhi. Held on the second anniversary of her departure from Bangladesh, the interactive session focused on her plans to return, the future of the Awami League and questions from international media. The FCC defended hosting the event as an exercise in press freedom rather than political endorsement. The appearance came amid renewed concerns from Bangladesh, which has sought Hasina's extradition and urged India not to allow its territory to be used for her political activities. (PC: NDTV)

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu have proclaimed August 15 as "India Day" to mark India's Independence Day and recognise the contributions of the Indian-American community. The proclamation highlights India's position as the country with the world's largest diaspora, with over 36 million people living abroad. It also acknowledges the growing cultural, economic and educational ties between India and Massachusetts. The move comes ahead of India's 79th Independence Day and celebrates the achievements of Indian-Americans across sectors, including healthcare, technology, business, education and public service. (PC: Tribune India)

US Congressman Riley Moore has criticised India’s proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, calling it a “clear attack against Christians” and warning it could strain India-US relations. Moore alleged that the proposed law could enable government authorities to take control of churches and religious charities whose FCRA registrations are cancelled, surrendered or not renewed. The Bill proposes creating a Designated Authority to manage foreign contributions and assets in such cases, while requiring places of worship to retain their religious character. The Indian government says the amendments aim to strengthen transparency, oversight and accountability in foreign funding. (PC: X)

An Indian-flagged vessel came under attack in the Red Sea, highlighting the continuing security risks faced by commercial shipping in the region. The incident occurred amid renewed attacks on merchant vessels linked to the wider conflict in West Asia. The attack raised concerns about the safety of Indian seafarers and the uninterrupted movement of goods through the strategically important Red Sea route. India has been closely monitoring the situation and taking measures to protect its maritime interests and citizens. The incident also underlines the wider impact of regional conflicts on global trade, shipping routes, energy supplies and maritime security. (PC: Reuters)

The Trump administration is considering new fees for H-1B and L-1 visa renewals in the United States. At present, the extra fee applies only to new visa applications and certain job changes. If approved, large employers would also pay the fee when renewing visas for existing workers. The proposal is expected to increase costs for companies that employ many foreign workers, especially in the technology sector. Indian professionals may be affected the most, as they account for most H-1B visa renewals. The US government said the proposal would help fund its biometric entry and exit system.