A group of 117 prominent citizens from India and Pakistan, including former diplomats, academics, activists and public figures, has written an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, urging them to end prolonged hostility and restart bilateral dialogue. The signatories called for restoring diplomatic engagement, reopening communication channels, easing visa restrictions and addressing all outstanding issues, including Kashmir, through peaceful negotiations. They stressed that continued confrontation harms regional stability and the welfare of nearly two billion people. The appeal advocates confidence-building measures to foster trust, cooperation and lasting peace between the neighbouring countries. (PC: X)

The family of an Indian seafarer who died while working aboard a vessel anchored off Venezuela has alleged a cover-up surrounding the circumstances of his death. They claim they have not received the official autopsy report and have raised concerns over inconsistencies in the information provided by the shipping company and authorities. The family has urged the Indian government to intervene, ensure transparency, and facilitate an independent investigation into the incident. They are also seeking accountability and a detailed explanation to determine the exact cause of death and address their unanswered questions. (PC: X)

More than 100 prominent citizens from India and Pakistan have urged Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif to revive bilateral dialogue and take sustained steps toward restoring peace in South Asia. Spearheaded by Centre for Peace and Progress chairman OP Shah, the joint letter was signed by 61 Indians and 56 Pakistanis, including Farooq Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti, AS Dulat, Manoj Jha, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Mani Shankar Aiyar, Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri and Ashraf Jehangir Qazi. The signatories called for restoring diplomatic relations, appointing High Commissioners, resuming visa services, reopening trade, discussing Jammu and Kashmir, pursuing demilitarisation, addressing security concerns, and reviving Attari-Wagah connectivity and commercial ties.

US Senator Steve Daines described India as a “trusted ally and friend,” contrasting it with China during the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum Leadership Summit in Washington. Illustrating his trust, Daines said he carries his phone when visiting India but leaves it behind while travelling to China. He stressed that stronger US-India cooperation is vital for global stability and competitiveness, particularly in science, technology and innovation, while advocating engagement with China alongside risk reduction. Daines highlighted India’s large STEM talent pool as a strategic advantage. His remarks come as India and the US near completion of a bilateral trade agreement, with negotiators resolving the final outstanding issues after months of discussions.

Bangladesh has revived the tradition of "mango diplomacy" by sending 100 kg of mangoes to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, despite recent strains in India-Bangladesh ties over illegal immigration and border-related issues. The symbolic seasonal gesture reflects a longstanding diplomatic practice in which mangoes are exchanged to foster goodwill and maintain cordial relations between the neighbouring countries. Historically, mango diplomacy has been used as a soft-power tool to strengthen bilateral engagement during periods of political sensitivity. The latest outreach suggests an attempt to preserve channels of communication and cultural goodwill even as both sides continue to navigate contentious issues affecting their relationship and border management. (PC: MSN)

Venkatesh Doppalapudi, a 33-year-old Indian software engineer from Andhra Pradesh, died after his car was swept away by flash floods in the US state of Kansas during severe storms. According to authorities, he became trapped inside the vehicle as rapidly rising floodwaters carried it away. Emergency responders later recovered his body after extensive search efforts. The tragic incident has highlighted the growing danger posed by sudden flash floods in parts of the United States. Family members are coordinating with officials to complete formalities and repatriate his mortal remains to India. (PC: NDTV)

More than 100 prominent citizens from India and Pakistan, including former diplomats, politicians, academics and civil society leaders, have signed an open letter urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to revive bilateral dialogue and normal diplomatic relations. The appeal calls for restoring High Commissioners, resuming visa services, reopening airspace and restarting discussions on all outstanding issues, including Kashmir. It also proposes confidence-building measures such as expanding cross-border travel and religious access. The signatories said sustained engagement remains the only viable path to peace, regional stability and shared prosperity for nearly two billion people. (PC: PTI)

A group of 117 prominent citizens from India and Pakistan has jointly appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to end continued hostility and revive bilateral engagement. The signatories, including political leaders, diplomats and public intellectuals, called for restoring full diplomatic relations, appointing High Commissioners, resuming normal visa services and reopening airspace for commercial flights. They also urged both governments to restart comprehensive dialogue on all outstanding issues, expand trade and people-to-people exchanges, and improve religious and cultural access. The letter said lasting peace and cooperation are essential for the future of nearly two billion people in South Asia. (PC: The Indian Express)

Bangladesh's government has warned media outlets not to report former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's recent interview with NDTV. Officials said broadcasting her remarks is against a court order and could lead to legal action. Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman urged media organisations to follow the law and act responsibly. In the interview, Hasina said she plans to return to Bangladesh this year. She also raised concerns about attacks on Hindus and other minority communities, claiming temples were vandalised and violence had increased. The government has not responded directly to her claims in the interview. (PC: AFP)

India and Japan are planning a new system to settle trade directly in yen and rupees instead of using the US dollar. The proposal is expected to be discussed during the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit in New Delhi. Under the plan, Japanese firms could open accounts with Indian banks to make payments easier. The move aims to boost trade, investment and financial cooperation between the two countries. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is on a three-day visit to India for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders will also discuss defence, energy and infrastructure cooperation. (PC: Reuters)