India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar forcefully defended New Delhi’s Russian oil purchases during the Kultaranta Talks in Finland, rejecting Western criticism over India’s energy ties with Moscow. Responding to questions on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Jaishankar said India buys oil based on affordability and availability, noting that European demand for Middle Eastern crude after 2022 pushed India toward Russian supplies. He also revealed that the United States had encouraged India to continue buying Russian oil to help stabilise global energy markets. Criticising Europe’s position, Jaishankar argued that European-made weapons had been used against India for decades, while India had never supplied arms threatening European security or interests.

India on Friday summoned US Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks for the second time in a week after a third attack on a commercial vessel carrying Indian crew members near the Strait of Hormuz. The move follows the death of three Indian seafarers in a recent strike on the tanker MT Settebello off Oman. New Delhi lodged a strong diplomatic protest, expressing concern over the safety of Indian nationals and escalating maritime tensions in the Gulf region. The Ministry of External Affairs called for an immediate end to attacks on civilian shipping and urged all sides to pursue dialogue and de-escalation. (PC: India Today)

India has heightened security and monitoring measures in the strategic Strait of Hormuz following a U.S. military strike that reportedly hit a commercial vessel, resulting in the deaths of three Indian seafarers. The government is closely tracking developments in the Gulf region amid rising tensions and has assured that it is prepared to respond to any situation affecting Indian nationals or maritime interests. Indian diplomatic missions are coordinating with local authorities, while the Ministry of External Affairs is assisting affected families. Officials have emphasized the importance of safeguarding shipping routes as regional instability continues to grow. (PC: X)

Iran has strongly condemned the US attack on the commercial vessel Settebello near Oman that killed three Indian crew members, accusing Washington of “armed robbery” and “state piracy.” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei expressed condolences to the victims’ families and warned that such actions threaten global security and freedom of navigation. India’s Ministry of External Affairs also condemned the incident, confirming that 21 Indian crew members were rescued while expressing concern over rising maritime tensions. New Delhi called for immediate de-escalation and a diplomatic solution amid repeated shipping attacks linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict.

The crackdown on civil rights protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir has sparked coordinated demonstrations by the Kashmiri diaspora across the United Kingdom, United States, and Western Europe. Protesters accused Pakistani authorities of excessive military force, arbitrary arrests, and communication blackouts, while demanding the withdrawal of security forces from the region. Major demonstrations were held outside Pakistani diplomatic missions in London, Bradford, Birmingham, Manchester, and New York. The movement has also gained political traction, with nearly 50 British MPs reportedly urging the UK government to intervene diplomatically. Diaspora organisations, including the United Jammu Kashmir Forum, called for international scrutiny, warning that suppressing economic and political grievances could further destabilise the region.

The United States reportedly struck the MT Jalveer tanker in the Strait of Hormuz using Hellfire missiles, amid escalating tensions linked to Iran-related maritime operations. The vessel, which had over 20 Indian crew members on board, was targeted near Oman’s coast during a broader U.S. crackdown on suspected oil smuggling routes. According to reports, all Indian sailors were safely rescued and evacuation efforts were completed without casualties. The incident marks the third such attack on commercial vessels in the region within a week, raising serious concerns over maritime security, regional stability, and the safety of international shipping routes in the Gulf.

India has said it is working to ensure that “not a single drop of water” flows into Pakistan after placing the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance last year. Union Water Resources Minister CR Patil stated that efforts are being made under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s direction, with Home Minister Amit Shah monitoring the matter. The 1960 treaty, brokered by the World Bank, governs sharing of six Indus Basin rivers between India and Pakistan, with Pakistan receiving rights over the western rivers and India over the eastern rivers. Pakistan has accused India of weaponising water and warned that any attempt to alter river flows could be considered an act of war. (PC: X)

Indian-American financier Mahender Makhijani has been arrested in California over allegations of orchestrating a $100 million bank fraud scheme involving falsified documents, shell companies and misleading collateral records. Prosecutors allege that through Cantor Group V LLC, Makhijani deceived Western Alliance Bancorp by altering real estate title documents to falsely show first-lien security for loans. Investigators claim manipulated PDFs, fabricated spreadsheets and misleading communications were used to maintain funding. Authorities also allege that funds were diverted through complex financial networks while Makhijani maintained a luxury lifestyle. He faces federal bank fraud charges carrying a potential 30-year prison sentence, with investigators continuing efforts to trace and recover allegedly hidden funds.

A third vessel carrying Indian crew members has come under attack near Oman within four days, raising fresh concerns over maritime security in the region. The latest incident follows attacks on other commercial ships, highlighting growing risks faced by vessels operating along strategically important shipping routes. Authorities are monitoring the situation as repeated incidents threaten international maritime movement and raise concerns for crew safety. The attacks have drawn attention to vulnerabilities in regional waters, where commercial shipping plays a crucial role in global trade and energy transportation. With multiple vessels targeted in a short period, security agencies are assessing possible threats and strengthening measures to protect ships and personnel operating in the area.

The Chinese Embassy in India has sparked debate after highlighting the smooth conduct of China's national college entrance exam, Gaokao, amid the controversy surrounding NEET-UG 2026. In a post on X, embassy spokesperson Yu Jing said nearly 1.3 crore students completed the two-day examination without disruption, describing Gaokao as China's equivalent of India's JEE and NEET combined.   The post came as India continues to face questions over alleged irregularities in NEET-UG 2026. While the embassy did not directly mention the Indian exam, the timing of the message led to speculation that it was a subtle dig at the ongoing controversy. Reports, however, note that China's examination system has also faced cheating and paper leak cases in the past.