India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are strengthening their comprehensive strategic partnership through frequent high-level diplomatic exchanges. During UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s October 19–20 visit to India, he held discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Mumbai. Both sides reviewed cooperation in trade, investment, energy, defence, technology, education and cultural relations. Bilateral trade has crossed US$100 billion since the 2022 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. The leaders also discussed regional and global developments, emphasising dialogue, diplomacy, peace and uninterrupted trade flows amid West Asian tensions. (PC: X)

An Indian national was killed and three others injured in two separate attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis on Saudi Arabia, according to The Indian Express. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh said an Indian was among two people killed and two Indians were among eight injured in an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on Wednesday evening. Another Indian sustained injuries in a separate attack on Saudi Aramco’s Shaybah oil field. On Thursday, India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attacks on Saudi Arabia’s civilian and critical infrastructure for the third time in two weeks. New Delhi is also working to bring home Indian pilgrims stranded in the region.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 22, 2026, and invited him to light a torch alongside Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar on Israel’s Independence Day. In a post on X, Netanyahu described Modi as his friend and called Machchhar a heroic Indian pilot. According to Netanyahu, Modi thanked him for the invitation and said India and Israel fight terrorism together, both on the ground and in the air. Modi also expressed appreciation for the countries’ longstanding relationship, Netanyahu said. The invitation highlights the bilateral ties between the two countries, with the proposed ceremony set to recognise Machchhar alongside the Indian prime minister.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said India’s decision to diversify crude oil imports was driven by its national interests, not American threats or pressure. In an exclusive interview with India Today on October 22, during his three-day visit to India, Rubio stressed that dependence on a single oil supplier could leave countries vulnerable to supply disruptions. He said India had made real progress in diversifying its energy portfolio independently. The issue remains sensitive because India’s purchases of Russian crude have been a source of friction with US President Donald Trump. Rubio’s remarks signal Washington’s recognition of India’s efforts to broaden its energy sources while managing supply security concerns. (PC: ABC)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on October 22, 2026, that India is diversifying its crude oil imports to protect its own energy interests, not because of threats from Washington. During an interview with India Today, Rubio highlighted the risks of relying heavily on a single supplier and acknowledged India’s progress in expanding its energy sources. India’s purchases of Russian crude have strained relations with US President Donald Trump’s administration. Rubio said the United States could help meet India’s energy needs, mentioning Venezuela and other potential suppliers as alternatives to Russian oil. (PC: India Today)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar to participate in Israel’s Independence Day torch-lighting ceremony next year. The invitation follows Machchhar’s courageous actions during an alleged cockpit attack aboard a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight on September 30, 2026. Despite suffering serious injuries, the Indian pilot managed to open the cockpit door, allowing others to intervene. Netanyahu praised his bravery and described him as a hero of India, Israel and the world. The proposed participation highlights India-Israel friendship, though the ceremony’s formal selection process remains applicable. (PC: X)

India and Poland are seeking to expand defence cooperation through joint development and co-production of military equipment and technologies. The initiative was discussed during Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s visit to India on October 21–23, 2026, and his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both countries also agreed to deepen collaboration in space, nuclear energy and other strategic sectors. The partnership aims to strengthen India’s domestic manufacturing capabilities while creating opportunities for Polish defence companies. The two leaders also highlighted broader cooperation in trade, technology and investment amid changing global security challenges. (PC: X)

India on Thursday strongly condemned attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia after an Indian national was killed in an attack on Dammam airport. The strike on King Fahd International Airport on October 21 killed 2 people and injured 8 others, including 2 Indians.   Another Indian national was injured in an attack on Saudi Aramco’s Shaybah oilfield in the Eastern Province. The Ministry of External Affairs called the attacks “completely unacceptable” and demanded an immediate halt. India expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and said its embassy in Riyadh was coordinating with local authorities to assist affected Indians and their families.  

Yemen’s Houthi rebels have claimed that Saudi Arabia attacked a yacht carrying 14 Indian nationals near Zuqar Island in the Red Sea. The group said it had launched a rescue operation for those aboard the vessel.   Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree alleged that the incident threatened maritime security in the region. However, the claim has not been independently verified, and details about the yacht’s condition and the passengers’ safety remain unclear.   The incident comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East and growing concerns over security in the Red Sea, a key route for international shipping.

An Indian national was among 2 people killed in an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday evening, October 21. Two other Indian nationals were among 8 people injured in the incident, Saudi authorities and the Indian Embassy confirmed on Thursday.   The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation said some of the injured were in serious condition. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh said it was gathering further details and contacting the affected families. The attack comes amid a surge in strikes on Saudi infrastructure linked to the conflict involving Yemen’s Houthi rebels.