US President Donald Trump has signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, giving him authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries that continue major purchases of Russian oil and gas. India and China, among the largest buyers of Russian energy, could potentially face such measures, though the law does not automatically impose them. The legislation expands sanctions on Russia, targets its energy sector, banks, officials and shadow fleet, and extends existing sanctions on Iran. India has expressed concern over possible effects on bilateral ties, energy security and markets. New Delhi says it will continue sourcing energy based on prices and availability. (PC: NY Times)

Japanese airmen at the India-Japan air exercise "Veer Guardian 2026" have praised Indian Air Force personnel as "approachable" and spoken warmly of Indian curry and yoga.   The drill is being held at the Air Force Station in Jodhpur and will run until September 22. The IAF welcomed Japan's F-2 fighter jets and 110 Japan Air Self-Defense Force members on September 8.   Airmen from Tsuiki Air Base said training with aircraft their force does not have is improving their skills. They called the curry "super delicious" and said yoga left an impression. Rajnath Singh called the visit a "significant milestone" for India-Japan defence ties. (PC:  HT)

A 24-year-old Indian national has become the first person to be charged under the UK's new border security law for advertising illegal immigration services online.   Hem Raj, who lives in the West Midlands, was arrested in Smethwick on Tuesday and appeared before Birmingham Magistrates Court on Wednesday. The National Crime Agency (NCA) said his arrest followed social media posts allegedly offering advice on fraudulent visa and asylum applications.   Raj is charged under Section 17 of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025. He is also charged with illegally providing immigration advice under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. (PC: Economic Times)

The Government of India said on Saturday it will act in its own interest and is not under external pressure, after US President Donald Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 into law.  The law lets the US President impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on major buyers of Russian oil and gas, but does not automatically impose them on any country.  Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh called such tariffs unfair and said energy is a primary concern for India. India will buy from commercially viable sources, he said. (PC: The Tribune)

An India-Pakistan naval collision in the North Arabian Sea has renewed attention on the two countries’ long history of maritime confrontations. On September 15, Pakistani offshore patrol vessel PNS Hunain collided with Indian Navy destroyer INS Kolkata in international waters. India said the Pakistani vessel approached at high speed and manoeuvred unsafely, while Pakistan disputed India’s account. The incident prompted diplomatic protests from both sides. India also cited the 1991 bilateral agreement requiring naval vessels to maintain at least three nautical miles of separation. The episode follows earlier clashes, including confrontations during the 1965 and 1971 wars. (PC: LCM)

US President Donald Trump has signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, expanding Washington’s sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine. The law targets Russian officials, banks, energy interests and the country’s “shadow fleet” of oil tankers. It also authorises tariffs of up to 100% on goods from major buyers of Russian oil and gas, potentially affecting India and China. However, the legislation does not automatically impose a 100% tariff on India; Trump would have to exercise the authority provided by the law. The measure passed the House 262–159 before Trump signed it. (PC: WION)

Satellite imagery shows ongoing repair work at the intersection of a runway and taxi-track at Pakistan Air Force Base Mushaf in Sargodha, struck by the Indian Air Force during Operation Sindoor in May 2025. A September 12, 2026 Vantor image shows disturbed pavement and fresh resurfacing, while an earlier repaired missile crater has been excavated to subgrade level for reconstruction. Analysts said the crater was 8-9 metres wide and 4-5 metres deep. Primary runway, measuring 3,200 metres, was hit twice. The IAF has not commented on weapons used, though NDTV said the crater appeared consistent with an air-launched BrahMos missile. Repairs remain underway sixteen months after the strikes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Friday, discussing developments in West Asia and ways to strengthen India-UAE ties. The leaders reaffirmed cooperation and coordination to promote peace, security and stability in the region. They discussed expanding the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership across energy, defence, technology, investment and health. The call came a day after Modi turned 76, with Sheikh Mohamed conveying birthday wishes. Modi thanked him for the call and wishes. The UAE President also congratulated Modi on India’s BRICS Presidency. Modi appreciated UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled’s participation in the BRICS Summit and thanked the UAE for its cooperation and partnership.

India rejected Pakistan’s allegations over the recent Arabian Sea collision involving INS Kolkata and Pakistani Naval Ship Hunain, calling Islamabad’s response “usual prevarication.” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said INS Kolkata was on routine deployment when Hunain conducted an “unacceptable and unprofessional” manoeuvre that caused the collision. India said the Pakistani vessel violated Article 10 of the 1991 agreement requiring naval units to remain at least three nautical miles apart, as well as international collision-prevention regulations. Jaiswal said the incident caused no major damage to INS Kolkata, which remains at sea. Both countries summoned each other’s diplomats and lodged complaints following the incident, after both sides lodged formal protests over the incident.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs expressed concern over escalating conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, warning that it undermines regional stability and threatens freedom of navigation through the Bab-el-Mandeb strait. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India condemned attacks on Saudi sovereign territory, including civilians and economic assets, and referred to its statement following an attempted attack on the holy city of Makkah. He said such attacks threaten regional peace and security and called the situation “totally unacceptable” to India. The escalation has also raised concerns about Gulf oil supplies by jeopardising the Red Sea route, while traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains constrained amid US-Iran tensions. India called for early restoration of peace.