US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday dismissed criticism by UN human rights experts over India’s handling of anti-CEC protests, questioning their credibility by calling “UN experts” an “oxymoron”. More than 20 UN experts had urged an independent investigation into alleged excessive force, arbitrary detentions and restrictions on peaceful assemblies. The protests involve opposition parties and student groups demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in electoral roll revision. Rubio described demonstrations as part of democratic discourse and said Washington would not comment on India’s internal affairs. India has rejected the criticism as interference in domestic matters. (PC: India Today)

Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, near Toronto, will host an Indian consular camp on November 15, 2 years after pro-Khalistan protesters stormed the temple and assaulted worshippers in November 2024.   India’s Consulate in Toronto has announced 15 consular camps across Canada from November 1 to 29. The camps will provide services, including life certificates for pensioners, and consular assistance to members of the Indian community.   Indian missions had cancelled several camps after the 2024 violence over security concerns. The return to the temple marks a renewed effort to provide services to Indians living far from diplomatic offices. The schedule also includes temples, a gurdwara and a church. (PC: HT)

The United States aims to more than double bilateral trade with India to over $500 billion within three years, up from a record $240 billion, US Ambassador Sergio Gor announced. The announcement came as President Donald Trump said Washington and New Delhi were “pretty close” to reaching a trade agreement, adding that the deal would differ significantly from previous agreements. Speaking to reporters at the Oval Office on Tuesday, Trump expressed confidence that an agreement was within reach. Earlier, at the Freedom 250 reception in Mumbai, Gor highlighted the countries’ economic and strategic partnership, saying Trump had tasked him with delivering tangible results rather than merely discussing future cooperation.

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has ruled that a minor cannot lose Indian citizenship merely because his father acquired British citizenship. The court heard a petition filed by the child through his father, N.S. Gurudev Nagaiah Shanmugam of Madurai, seeking renewal of the minor’s passport. The petitioner asked the court to direct the Madurai Regional Passport Officer to process the application. The judge observed that the child acquired Indian citizenship by birth because both parents were Indian citizens at the relevant time. The court directed the Regional Passport Officer to consider and dispose of the passport renewal application within three months, according to The Hindu’s report published October 21, 2026. (PC: The Hindu )

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani joined members of the Indian community for Navratri celebrations, dancing Garba to traditional Gujarati music while wearing a dupatta over his black suit, NDTV reported. A widely shared social media video showed his performance. Mamdani subsequently visited a temple, where he was seen seeking blessings from a priest. On X, he extended festive greetings to Hindu communities, acknowledging traditions including Durga Puja, Dashain, Dussehra, Navratri, Sindur Khela and Golu displays. Mamdani has previously celebrated Diwali and Raksha Bandhan with local residents. The mayor, of Indian origin, is New York City’s first South Asian, Indian American and Muslim mayor.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s second visit to Bharat in months signals a pragmatic approach to strained bilateral relations, according to a Firstpost opinion article. Speaking to Network18 Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi, Rubio explained his visits to Mumbai and Jamnagar, highlighting their financial, industrial and energy significance. He described the long-awaited Bharat-US trade agreement as “incredibly close”, with technical details remaining and completion anticipated within weeks. Rubio acknowledged tensions over Russian oil, sanctions, tariffs and strategic differences, defending President Donald Trump’s decision to delay additional punitive measures. He also criticised Iran’s threats to commercial shipping and explained Washington’s continued engagement with nuclear-armed Pakistan, while opposing terrorism worldwide.

India and the United States are close to finalising a long-pending bilateral trade agreement, with US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing optimism about an early breakthrough. During his October 20–21 visit to India, Rubio met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Mumbai to discuss trade, energy security, defence, technology and regional developments. Rubio said only a few issues remained unresolved and hoped an announcement would follow soon. Trump also indicated that both countries were nearing an agreement. Discussions additionally focused on diversifying India’s oil imports and expanding energy cooperation. However, the deal has not yet been officially signed. (PC: PTI)

Delhi Police have arrested 4 more people, including 2 women, in connection with the shooting incident outside actor Tiger Shroff’s residence in Mumbai. The arrests were made by the Delhi Police Special Cell on Tuesday as investigators probed the alleged conspiracy behind the attack. The accused, identified as Kunal, Sumit, Radha and Babita, were handed over to the Mumbai Police. According to investigators, Kunal and Sumit allegedly arranged the weapons, while Radha and Babita delivered the guns to the 3 shooters in Mumbai’s Dadar area. With these arrests, the total number of people arrested in the case has reached 7. (PC: NDTV)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged India to increase purchases of American energy, defence equipment and technology during talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Mumbai on Tuesday. The discussions focused on energy security, defence cooperation, trade and regional developments amid continuing strains in bilateral ties. Rubio said greater energy trade could help India diversify its supplies and meet growing demand. He also expressed optimism about finalising a bilateral trade deal, saying only a few issues remained. Rubio highlighted India’s refining capacity and said Indian companies could process more Venezuelan crude as supplies increase in global markets. 

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reiterated on Monday that she would return to Bangladesh in December, despite the risk of arrest, torture or death. Speaking virtually at an event hosted by the Center for US-Bangladesh Relations in Washington, DC, Hasina told India Today, “I will go back to Bangladesh in December.” She added that she was not afraid, acknowledging that authorities could kill, arrest or torture her. The Awami League chief has been living in India since fleeing Dhaka after her government fell following a student-led uprising on August 5, 2024. Her latest remarks renew a commitment she previously made in July and on the second anniversary of her removal. (PC: X)