At least 13 people, including Indian and Pakistani nationals, were killed and 66 others injured in an explosion at Qatar's Barzan gas facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City. The blast occurred while workers were restarting operations that had been disrupted by earlier war-related damage. Qatar's Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi described the incident as a technical accident and said an investigation was underway. Authorities confirmed that LNG export operations remain unaffected and there is no environmental risk. The Indian Embassy in Doha expressed condolences and said it is working closely with Qatari authorities to assist those affected. (PC: India Today)

A statue of Maharishi Sushruta, widely regarded as the father of surgery, has been unveiled at the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh, Scotland. The event celebrated India’s ancient medical heritage and the long-standing links between India and Scotland in medicine. The statue was donated by the Cheruvu Family Foundation and created by a sculptor from Tamil Nadu. Sushruta is known for writing the ancient medical text Sushruta Samhita, which described several surgical techniques, including early plastic surgery. The ceremony was attended by medical experts, diplomats and dignitaries from India, the UK and the United States. (PC: X/ @IndiaInScotland)

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that Pakistan could go to war if it believes India's actions threaten its water supply from the Indus river system. Speaking to local media, Asif said water security is a matter of national security for Pakistan. His remarks come amid rising tensions after India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty following the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. Pakistan has opposed the move and raised the issue at international forums. The treaty is important for Pakistan's agriculture and economy. The dispute has become a major point of tension between the two neighbouring countries.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will visit Mongolia on June 22–23 and South Korea on June 24–25 to strengthen India’s strategic, economic and technological partnerships. In Mongolia, he will meet the country’s leadership and Foreign Minister B. Battsetseg, focusing on expanding bilateral cooperation rooted in longstanding cultural and democratic ties. In South Korea, Jaishankar will hold talks with Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and deliver the keynote address at the Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity. Discussions are expected to cover semiconductors, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, supply-chain resilience, defence cooperation, CEPA implementation, and the India–Republic of Korea Joint Strategic Vision roadmap. (PC: Reuters)

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has threatened war against India over water security after New Delhi reaffirmed that the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty remains unchanged following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. Speaking to ARY News, Asif said Pakistan would consider military action if it believed India was moving at an “alarming speed” to disrupt water supplies. He accused India of “weaponising water” but admitted lacking updated information. The remarks come amid Pakistan’s worsening domestic water crisis, with severe shortages affecting Sindh and Balochistan. Official data shows major canal deficits, while local leaders warn of an escalating economic and agricultural catastrophe nationwide.

US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer will visit New Delhi this week for talks with Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and senior officials, as India and the United States push forward negotiations on the proposed India–US Bilateral Trade Agreement. The discussions will also review progress under the interim arrangement reached between the two countries. According to a June 21 statement from the US Trade Representative’s office, Greer’s visit aims to advance commitments outlined in the historic India–US Joint Statement issued following the meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump on February 13, 2025. The visit is expected to further strengthen bilateral economic engagement. (PC: Rollcall.com)

An India-bound liquefied natural gas tanker was among the final ships to pass through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz before Iran issued a new closure order amid escalating regional tensions. The vessel's transit highlighted the growing risks to global energy supplies and maritime trade, particularly for countries like India that depend heavily on Gulf imports. The renewed restrictions have raised concerns over oil and gas shipments, insurance costs, and shipping security. Analysts warn that any prolonged disruption in the narrow waterway could trigger fresh volatility in global energy markets and complicate supply chains worldwide. 

India increased crude oil imports from Russia and the United Arab Emirates in June as it worked to strengthen energy supplies. Imports from Russia rose to 2.66 million barrels per day, making it India's largest oil supplier. Shipments from the UAE also remained close to record levels. The move comes as uncertainty continues over the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route. Experts say India has reduced risks by diversifying its energy sources and supply routes. Analysts expect the reopening of the strait to improve energy flows, especially for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imports. (PC: The Hindu)

3 Indian-flagged crude oil tankers carrying more than 8.6 lakh metric tonnes of cargo successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday and are heading to India. The ships — Desh Vaibhav, Desh Vibhor and Sanmar Herald — have 94 Indian crew members on board. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the vessels completed the transit safely and are expected to arrive at Indian ports between June 24 and July 1. “The government is working on the highest priority to secure India's maritime interests,” Sonowal said. Authorities continue to monitor the security situation in the region. (PC: AP)

US President Donald Trump lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing him as a “very tough cookie” and a “great leader” who has provided stability to India for more than 12 years. In an interview, Trump said he admired Modi’s leadership style, noting that India had experienced frequent political changes before Modi’s long tenure. He also praised Modi for keeping India away from wars and named him among the world leaders he most respects. Trump’s remarks came amid efforts to strengthen India-US ties following their recent meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France. (PC: AP)