New videos and intelligence inputs have raised fresh security concerns for India after Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) was reportedly seen training its cadres in artificial intelligence (AI), water-based infiltration and combat skills. Security officials say the training includes swimming, special operations, martial arts and modern technology. Some sessions are reportedly being held at Pakistan's Mangla Dam, where 26/11 Mumbai attacker Ajmal Kasab and other terrorists had also trained. Officials believe these new capabilities could strengthen LeT's operational planning, cyber activities and infiltration attempts. Indian agencies are closely monitoring the group's evolving tactics and training programmes.

Poland's Deputy Foreign Minister Wladyslaw Teofil Bartoszewski claimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi played a key role in persuading Russian President Vladimir Putin not to use tactical nuclear weapons during the Ukraine war in late 2022. Speaking after the India-Poland Joint Economic Commission meeting in New Delhi, Bartoszewski said Modi remains among the few global leaders whose advice Putin respects due to India's longstanding strategic relationship with Russia. He suggested New Delhi's diplomatic engagement helped avert a dangerous escalation of the conflict. The remarks underscore India's unique position in maintaining close ties with both Russia and Western nations while projecting itself as a credible diplomatic interlocutor on major international crises.

Indian marine engineer Heramb Karmarkar, 30, from Pune, was confirmed dead after an Iranian strike hit the Cyprus-flagged merchant vessel GFX Galaxy near Oman while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Moments before the attack, Karmarkar had texted his family saying, "Ship has safely crossed," believing the danger had passed. He was among the Indian crew reported missing after the strike. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, 10 Indian nationals aboard were rescued, while one remains missing. His family has urged the government to bring his body home intact. India condemned the attack as "deeply worrisome" and said its embassy in Oman is coordinating rescue and assistance efforts. (PC: NDTV)

The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) comes into force on Wednesday, reducing tariffs, expanding market access and boosting trade between the two countries. India will provide phased duty cuts on British products, including Scotch whisky, gin and UK-built luxury cars, while 99% of Indian exports by value will receive zero-duty access to the UK across sectors such as textiles, apparel, leather, footwear, gems and jewellery, engineering goods and seafood. The agreement also introduces a Double Contribution Convention, exempting eligible Indian professionals on temporary UK assignments from dual social security payments for up to five years. Analysts expect long-term gains through higher exports, investment and deeper economic cooperation. (PC: AI)

India will introduce a real-time vessel-by-vessel dashboard to monitor Indian seafarers operating in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman following recent attacks on merchant vessels that killed and injured Indian crew members. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal directed the Directorate General of Shipping to ensure every Indian seafarer is individually tracked, irrespective of a vessel's flag. The dashboard will include vessel location, cargo, crew welfare, threat assessments and voyage details. The Centre also ordered 24x7 monitoring, dedicated liaison officers for affected families, closer coordination with the Indian Navy, MEA and regional missions, and mandatory threat assessments and compliance reports before ships transit the high-risk waters. (PC: Firstpost)

A bipartisan group of US senators has introduced a revised Russia sanctions bill that could allow tariffs of up to 100% on countries, including India, that continue purchasing Russian oil. The proposal, backed by President Donald Trump, reduces the earlier proposed 500% tariff while maintaining pressure on Moscow by targeting its major energy buyers. The bill also expands sanctions on Russian officials, banks, energy projects and the shadow oil fleet. Although it still requires congressional approval, the proposal has raised concerns over India-US trade relations and the future of bilateral economic cooperation. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump has backed a proposed Russia sanctions bill that could impose tariffs of up to 500% on countries buying Russian oil, including India. The bill would allow the US President to penalise imports from nations trading with Russia's energy sector. Trump said the proposal has a good chance of becoming law. The White House confirmed his support for the bill. India is one of Russia's biggest oil buyers, though imports have fallen in recent months. If the bill is passed, it could affect India-US trade and increase pressure on countries to reduce purchases of Russian energy.

A 36-year-old American national, Jordan Brown, arrested while allegedly attempting to cross the India-Nepal border illegally, was found carrying a Chinese passport, Nepalese currency, religious books, an AI-powered translation device, a mobile phone, a diary and other belongings. Officials said no evidence of suspicious or anti-national activity has emerged so far, but multiple intelligence agencies are verifying his identity, travel history and the authenticity of the recovered documents. Brown claimed he lost his US passport in Thailand, travelled to Sri Lanka by sea and entered India through the sea route in November 2025 before living in Goa. He has been booked under the Immigration and Foreigners Act.

India has strongly condemned the attack on two oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz after an Indian sailor was killed. The Ministry of External Affairs also summoned Iran’s deputy envoy to protest the incident. The two vessels carried 30 Indian crew members. One Indian died, while six Indians and two Ukrainians were injured. India called for an immediate end to attacks on commercial ships and stressed the need for safe navigation through international waterways. The government also urged all sides to stop violence and return to dialogue. The attack comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East region. (PC: AI Generated Image)

Poland’s Deputy Foreign Minister Wladyslaw Teofil Bartoszewski praised India’s role in reducing tensions between Russia and Ukraine. He said Russian President Vladimir Putin listens to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and respects his views. Bartoszewski said PM Modi is one of the few world leaders who can influence Putin. He also claimed Modi helped discourage Russia from using tactical nuclear weapons in 2022. The Polish leader said India’s balanced ties with Russia make its voice important in peace efforts. He added that Poland and India now better understand each other’s views on India’s purchase of discounted Russian oil.