Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Indonesia's highest civilian honour, the Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia, by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during his state visit to Jakarta. The award recognises Modi's contribution to strengthening India-Indonesia ties and expanding cooperation in trade, defence, connectivity and regional security. Accepting the honour, Modi dedicated it to the people of India and described it as a symbol of the enduring friendship between the two countries. The honour comes as both nations seek to deepen their strategic partnership across the Indo-Pacific region.

An Indian-origin businessman, Gaurav Srivastava, allegedly posed as a CIA operative to gain access to Indonesia's top political and defence leadership and influence multibillion-dollar military deals, according to an investigation by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP). The report says Srivastava built close ties with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, including during his tenure as defence minister, while claiming links to the CIA. The allegations are based on civil lawsuits filed by his former business partner, who accused him of using the false identity to secure access to discussions involving fighter jets and other defence equipment worth nearly $13.9 billion. The claims have not been proven in court. (PC: The Indian Express)

Iran has thanked India for sending a high-level delegation to the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, calling it a "gesture of friendship." The message came as Iran's Tasnim News Agency claimed that US diplomatic pressure led 13 countries to withdraw or reduce their participation in the state funeral. The report alleged that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged governments to avoid attending, although Washington has not publicly confirmed the claims. India was among the countries that maintained representation at the ceremony in Tehran. (PC: India Today)

The UK's Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) has officially recognised 9,909 previously forgotten soldiers of the British Indian Army who died during World War I. Their names were uncovered after years of research using historic Punjab Registers preserved at the Lahore Museum. The update is the CWGC's largest revision of casualty records in more than 80 years. Many soldiers had been left out under colonial-era policies because they died away from the battlefield. The recognition honours their sacrifice and acknowledges the contribution of soldiers from pre-Partition Punjab to the war. (PC: BBC)

India and Indonesia are set to launch the restoration of the historic Prambanan, the world's largest Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Yogyakarta. The restoration project follows a 2025 commitment by both countries and highlights their shared cultural and civilisational heritage. The initiative is expected to deepen bilateral ties while preserving one of Southeast Asia's most significant Hindu monuments. The announcement comes as India and Indonesia expand cooperation in defence, trade and cultural diplomacy during Modi's two-day visit. (PC: X)

Thousands of forgotten Punjabi soldiers who served and died in World War I have been officially recognised after nearly 10,000 names were added to UK'S Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) casualty database. The names were uncovered by researchers studying historic Punjab Registers preserved at Lahore Museum in Pakistan. The update is the CWGC's largest since World War II and honours soldiers from the British Indian Army whose deaths were previously excluded from official records. Historians say the recognition helps acknowledge the contribution of troops from the Indian subcontinent and presents a more complete history of the First World War. (PC: BBC)

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the Khalistan issue has caused "a huge amount of pain and suffering" in India. He said New Zealand supports free speech but will not tolerate threats, intimidation or violence. Speaking to CNN-News18, Luxon said the issue would not affect ties between India and New Zealand. On the possibility of a Khalistan referendum, he called it a hypothetical situation. He said any decision would depend on police assessments of security risks. Luxon added that people must respect the country's laws and responsibilities, and police would continue to monitor public demonstrations closely. (PC: AFP)

Iran has thanked India for joining the funeral of late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In a post on X, the Iranian Embassy said it appreciated the support shown by the Indian government and people during the country's time of grief. An Indian delegation, led by Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Syed Ata Hasnain, attended the ceremony. Several Indian political and religious leaders also paid tribute. Iran said the gesture reflected the strong friendship and long-standing ties between the two countries. Khamenei was killed in a US-Israel strike in Tehran earlier this year.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said India is one of Israel's strong friends. He made the comment after US Vice President JD Vance said the United States was Israel's only powerful ally. Netanyahu said India, with 1.4 billion people, gives Israel tremendous support. He also said he receives strong support from people in India on Facebook. Netanyahu praised India's ties with Israel and called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a personal friend. His remarks came as reports spoke of differences between Israel and the US over the Iran conflict. Netanyahu said Israel has many friends, even though the US remains an important ally. (PC: X/@narendramodi)

Sardar Aman Khan, leader of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), has appealed to India for humanitarian assistance, alleging that Pakistan's crackdown in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has created severe shortages of food and medicines. Addressing a large gathering in Rawalakot, Khan urged New Delhi to open the Line of Control for civilian movement if conditions continue to worsen. He claimed residents were facing an economic blockade and growing hardship following security operations against protesters. NDTV reported that it could not independently verify the authenticity of the viral video of Khan's remarks. The appeal comes amid continuing unrest and protests across PoK. (PC: NDTV)