India has criticised the UN Human Rights Office over its comments on recent events in New Delhi. The government called its concerns “unwarranted” and accused the body of interfering in India’s internal affairs. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful protest. He added that protests must follow the law and maintain public order. Jaiswal also accused the UN body of applying “double standards” by ignoring other incidents of alleged police action. He said such selectivity damages its credibility and contributes to a “loss of faith in multilateralism”.  

US Congresswoman Haley Stevens has called for stronger ties between the US and India. She described India as a democratic partner and said both countries should work more closely. “India is not funding our detractors, for the most part,” Stevens said, while comparing India’s approach with China’s ties to US rivals. She made the remarks after a bipartisan US delegation visited India and met Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. The comments come as Washington considers new tariffs on countries buying Russian oil. India has said it will protect its economic interests and follow an independent foreign policy.  

Indian Air Force Chief AP Singh joked about the US talking of selling F-35 fighter jets to India while keeping Indian officials away from the aircraft. Speaking alongside US Pacific Air Forces chief General Kevin Schneider in Jodhpur, Singh said, “Your people don't even let us go near the aircraft.” He later clarified that his remark was a joke. Six US F-35 jets took part in the Tarang Shakti-2026 air exercise for the first time in India. Indian personnel could fly near the jets but were not allowed into their cockpits. Singh also discussed Russia’s Su-57 fighter jet offer.  

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has criticised Elon Musk’s Starlink amid a growing dispute over the satellite internet service’s entry into India. Dubey said India would not change its security policy under pressure. He added that a parliamentary panel had studied the risks posed by Starlink. “India is a healthy democratic, sovereign nation; it does not change its security policy under pressure or social media,” Dubey wrote on X. He claimed Starlink raised concerns for security agencies, the Defence Ministry and the Home Ministry. The dispute grew after Musk accused Reliance chairman Mukesh Ambani of supporting a monopoly.  

The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) on October 10 expressed concern over reports of mass detentions during protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in Delhi. Spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan urged Indian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release those detained arbitrarily and respect peaceful protest rights. He said restrictions must meet the tests of necessity and proportionality. The UN also called for restraint by law enforcement and meaningful dialogue. More than 3000 detained by Delhi Police including youth leaders, opposition leaders, student activists, lawyers and journalists who were demonstrating at Jantar Mantar. India’s Permanent Mission in Geneva rejected the concerns as “misplaced” and “unwarranted interference” in its internal affairs, saying constitutional protections, reasonable restrictions and courts safeguard citizens’ right to assembly. (PC: X)

The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) has defended H-1B visas and employment-based green cards, saying Indian Americans make up 1.5% of the US population but contribute 6% to its GDP. The forum criticised the Trump administration’s latest immigration crackdown following the suspension of 8 major technology companies from the PERM programme, a key step in employer-sponsored green card applications. The affected firms include Microsoft, Adobe, Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services. Citing 2022 US Census Bureau data, USISPF highlighted immigrants’ economic contributions while supporting efforts to prevent fraud and misuse of legal immigration programmes. (PC: X)

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has registered a case into the alleged hijacking attempt aboard FlyDubai Flight FZ1073, following a directive from the Central Government on October 10. The incident occurred on September 30 during a Dubai–Tel Aviv flight carrying 174 passengers and six crew members. The Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked Indian Captain Smit Machchhar inside the cockpit, inflicting serious head and hand injuries. The aircraft reportedly made a sudden descent before diverting to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. The investigation will examine the alleged attack and possible security implications. (PC: X)

India strongly criticised Pakistan at the United Nations on October 9, 2026, warning that nuclear weapons must not be used as routine instruments of statecraft. Responding after Pakistan raised Jammu and Kashmir, Indian representative Anmol Sher Singh Bedi asserted that India would not bow to nuclear blackmail. He reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and warned that any terrorist attack would receive a fitting response. India also defended Operation Sindoor as an act of self-defence and raised concerns about cross-border terrorism, nuclear proliferation and the Indus Waters Treaty. (PC: The Hindu)

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk intensified his criticism of Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani over delays in launching Starlink satellite internet services in India. In a sarcastic post on X, Musk addressed Ambani as “Prime Minister Ambani,” alleging that powerful business interests were restricting competition. He argued that Starlink could improve internet access for underserved communities, helping students access education and small businesses reach global markets. The Indian government rejected claims of preferential treatment, citing pending regulatory and security requirements. Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia maintained that India would not allow monopolies in the satellite communications sector.

Elon Musk intensified his dispute with Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani on October 9, sarcastically calling him the “real boss of India” amid delays in launching Starlink’s satellite internet services. Musk accused powerful business interests of obstructing competition and argued that Starlink could improve internet access in underserved areas, benefiting students and small businesses. The Indian government rejected allegations of favouritism, stating that all satellite communication providers must meet security requirements. Starlink, Reliance Jio’s satellite venture and Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb are awaiting further regulatory clearances before commercial services can begin. Rahul Gandhi also called for fair competition. (PC: NDTV)