Australia has announced stricter migration rules that will prevent most international students and graduate visa holders from bringing family members into the country. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced the changes on September 17 as the government seeks greater control over migration. Students already in Australia are exempt, while some Pacific and ASEAN students and those in certain courses, including PhDs, are also excluded from the restriction. Students will generally be allowed to move only to higher qualifications, with fresh visa applications required for some course changes. Australia also plans limits on working holiday visas and aims to reduce net overseas migration to 245,000 in 2026-27. (PC: HT)

Russia defended its crude oil exports to India, saying energy cooperation helped cushion the impact of the war in West Asia. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko called Moscow a “reliable exporter” able to meet partners’ needs even under difficult geopolitical conditions. His remarks came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged India, China and Turkey to stop energy trade with Russia, arguing that such purchases support Moscow’s war economy. Zelenskyy’s comments followed a US law allowing President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian oil. India has maintained that its energy import decisions are guided by energy security, availability, affordability, market conditions and commercial viability. (PC: X)

An Indian seafarer, Wiper Suraj Yadav from Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, was killed after Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier MV Cape Dao came under attack while sailing towards India. The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) said the vessel was struck by two torpedoes, with one hitting the port-side C-deck accommodation area and another striking the port-side hull near the engine room. The ship had 28 crew members, including 20 Indian nationals. Surviving crew members were evacuated to safety in Oman, while another Indian crew member reportedly sustained a minor injury. FSUI demanded accountability, safe passage for seafarers and justice for Yadav, amid continuing security risks around the Strait of Hormuz.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Jaishankar said he reiterated India’s concerns regarding the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act (SRIA), while discussing the Gulf and Ukraine. The meeting came after the US Congress passed legislation authorising Donald Trump to impose sanctions and tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian oil and gas. India has continued to emphasise energy security amid potential tariff pressures. Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra said energy security remains guided by availability, affordability, market conditions and viability. Rubio said Washington and New Delhi were coordinating on regional priorities. (PC: News18)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the Global South is in the “front row” of global crises but remains in the “back row” of decision-making, calling for greater solidarity among developing countries. Speaking at a high-level meeting on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York, Jaishankar said the world faces considerable uncertainty from conflicts, geopolitical tensions, disrupted supply chains, trade barriers, fragmented investment flows, climate shocks and pressure on international law. He argued that international institutions reflect outdated power structures and called for greater Global South participation in decisions affecting its future. Jaishankar also highlighted cooperation on energy, food security, trade, connectivity, climate action and emerging technologies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit the United States in December as part of a four-nation tour, according to sources cited by NDTV. Modi is expected to lead India’s delegation at the G20 Summit in Miami on December 14-15. A bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump could take place on the sidelines of the summit. The visit may also include discussions on India-US ties and the ongoing trade negotiations between the two countries. The proposed tour is expected to begin in Germany, followed by visits to the US, Canada and Belgium. The final schedule and meetings have not yet been officially confirmed. (PC: X)

Indian-origin US Army veteran Ruchir Bakshi has criticised calls to remove a 90-foot Lord Hanuman statue at the Asthalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land, Texas. Conservative YouTuber Jesse Hughes shared a picture of the statue with the caption, “When we win, we are tearing this down,” without explaining what he meant. Bakshi, who served in combat missions in Afghanistan and Iraq, said he did not wear the US military uniform to see another American community’s religion targeted. He described the remarks as a threat against Hinduism. The statue, known as the Statue of Union, was unveiled in 2024 and has faced criticism from some conservative groups. (PC: India Today)

The Indian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur has warned Indian nationals against using Malaysia's 30-day visa-free facility to seek employment, calling it a clear violation of immigration rules. The advisory follows a noticeable rise in Indians arriving under the scheme to look for work, many misled by agents making false job promises. This can lead to overstay, illegal status, exploitation, detention and legal action, the mission said. The visa-free entry is meant only for tourism and social visits. Genuine tourists were advised to carry a confirmed return ticket, hotel booking, MDAC registration and a passport valid for six months. (PC: HT)

Canada's immigration authority, IRCC, has issued a fresh advisory warning against marriage fraud, cautioning citizens and permanent residents against entering "relationships of convenience" for immigration purposes. The warning comes amid a rise in so-called "contract marriages" in Punjab, where grooms' families fund a bride's IELTS coaching, education or travel costs in exchange for a promised spousal sponsorship to Canada — only for the bride to cut ties after settling abroad. Punjab Police have registered several such cheating cases this year, including one racket that allegedly extracted over Rs 1.60 crore from victims through fake engagements and marriages. (PC: X)

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Tuesday that trade talks with India were making “good progress” and that both countries aimed to conclude negotiations by the G20 summit in December. Carney said he was also looking forward to hosting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Canada around the summit, although the exact date of Modi’s visit has not been finalised. Canada and India formally began negotiations for a comprehensive trade agreement in March, with both sides earlier aiming to complete the pact by the end of 2026. Carney said the talks were part of Canada’s wider effort to expand trade beyond the United States. (PC: NDTV)