Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong attended India’s 80th Independence Day celebrations at the historic Red Fort in New Delhi on August 15. He congratulated India on the occasion, posting, “Warm congratulations to India on the 80th anniversary of independence!” on X. Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Beijing held its own Independence Day ceremony despite rainy weather, with Ambassador Vikram Doraiswami hoisting the Tricolour and reading excerpts from President Droupadi Murmu’s address. The celebrations also included recognition of cultural and quiz competition winners. The diplomatic participation highlighted international goodwill and people-to-people ties surrounding India’s Independence Day. (PC: X)

India on Friday reaffirmed its “longstanding ties” with Afghanistan and the Afghan people, days before the fifth anniversary of the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India has maintained several engagements with Afghanistan over the past year, including multiple ministerial visits to India. He said these interactions have strengthened partnerships in areas including development cooperation, trade and connectivity. Jaiswal’s remarks underline New Delhi’s continued engagement with Afghanistan despite the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. The statement comes amid India’s efforts to maintain diplomatic and economic links with Afghanistan while focusing on development assistance, regional connectivity and trade relations.

A video circulating on social media shows a Sikh youth purportedly stranded in Mexico warning Indians against using the illegal “dunki” route to enter the US. The clip, first posted on TikTok and later shared on platforms including X, shows the man lying on a bed with folded hands and crying as he describes his alleged ordeal. He claims he was severely beaten after attempting to escape and is now unable to walk properly. The youth repeatedly urges others not to travel to Mexico through the dangerous route, warning them about the hardships he says he experienced while trying to reach the US. The video highlights the risks faced by migrants attempting irregular journeys to America. (PC: X)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he held another “very friendly conversation” with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking their second phone call in two weeks. In a video statement, Netanyahu said support for Israel in India was “immense” and that both countries were translating it into stronger security and economic relations. The latest conversation followed their August 6 call, when they reviewed progress in the India-Israel strategic partnership, discussed developments in West Asia and agreed to remain in close contact. Meanwhile, bilateral economic ties have gained momentum, with India and Israel concluding the second round of negotiations for a proposed Free Trade Agreement in July. Modi had not issued an update on Friday’s conversation.

Indian AI engineer Prayut Jain, a founding engineer at a San Francisco-based startup, says he was fired while in India caring for his critically ill father, just weeks before his equity cliff. Jain, who has worked in the US since 2022 on an H-1B visa, flew home on July 12 after his father developed severe pneumonia, ARDS and required a ventilator and ECMO. Despite continuing to work remotely, Jain said he was informed by phone on July 30 that his employment would end in 15 days. He had no formal termination letter at the time. Jain questioned the ethics of the decision and said he hopes to remain in the US, while remaining open to opportunities in India. (PC: HT)

A viral video shows a Punjabi Sikh youth in Mexico tearfully warning people against using the illegal “donkey” route to reach foreign countries. Lying on a bed, he alleges he was assaulted after attempting to escape the network and says his injuries have left him struggling to walk. The unidentified youth claims he travelled to Mexico through the route and warns others against agents promising safe passage abroad. He admits he “made a mistake” and says he has already paid the price. The 33-second video, reportedly uploaded August 13, also carries social-media claims that several youths remain stranded in Mexico. The illegal route can cost ₹20-70 lakh and exposes migrants to exploitation, violence, extortion and detention.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday stressed mutual respect in diplomatic discourse after Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sandeep Dikshit referred to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni while criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India-Italy ties have expanded and strengthened “in every way” and should continue deepening through mutual understanding and respect. Gandhi had mocked Modi’s “hug diplomacy” at the Rachnatmak Congress National Convention, questioning the role of personal relationships in foreign policy. Dikshit then made a remark referring to Meloni, prompting political criticism. The BJP accused Gandhi of crossing political discourse limits. Gandhi also criticised Modi over India’s role in the US-Iran conflict, while the MEA focused on strengthening India-Italy relations.

A video circulating online shows a Sikh youth in Mexico warning Indians against using the illegal “dunki” route to enter the US. The man is seen crying and lying on a bed. He claims he was beaten after trying to escape and is now unable to walk properly. He also warns people against agents who promise safe travel through illegal routes. The man urges others not to repeat his mistake. However, India Today could not independently verify the video or his claims. The “dunki” route involves illegal travel through several countries and dangerous border crossings to reach the US.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has spoken publicly about Operation Sindoor for the first time since India’s military action against Pakistan in May 2025. In Discovery’s upcoming documentary, “Declassified: Operation Sindoor”, Doval said Pakistan’s support for terrorism cannot be accepted. He said India is ready to go as far as needed to protect its sovereignty. Doval also warned that India’s tolerance should not be seen as weakness. Operation Sindoor was launched after the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people. The documentary will premiere on August 15 and will detail the decisions behind India’s 88-hour military response.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will visit New Delhi to attend the 18th BRICS Summit in September, Iranian sources said on Friday. India is hosting the summit under its 2026 BRICS chairship. The event will focus on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. Pezeshkian last met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the BRICS Summit in Russia in October 2024. Iran became a full BRICS member in 2024. Earlier in June, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited India for a BRICS meeting. He said India could play a bigger role in reducing tensions in West Asia and welcomed any constructive role by New Delhi.