New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the Khalistan issue has caused "a huge amount of pain and suffering" in India. He said New Zealand supports free speech but will not tolerate threats, intimidation or violence. Speaking to CNN-News18, Luxon said the issue would not affect ties between India and New Zealand. On the possibility of a Khalistan referendum, he called it a hypothetical situation. He said any decision would depend on police assessments of security risks. Luxon added that people must respect the country's laws and responsibilities, and police would continue to monitor public demonstrations closely. (PC: AFP)

Iran has thanked India for joining the funeral of late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In a post on X, the Iranian Embassy said it appreciated the support shown by the Indian government and people during the country's time of grief. An Indian delegation, led by Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Syed Ata Hasnain, attended the ceremony. Several Indian political and religious leaders also paid tribute. Iran said the gesture reflected the strong friendship and long-standing ties between the two countries. Khamenei was killed in a US-Israel strike in Tehran earlier this year.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said India is one of Israel's strong friends. He made the comment after US Vice President JD Vance said the United States was Israel's only powerful ally. Netanyahu said India, with 1.4 billion people, gives Israel tremendous support. He also said he receives strong support from people in India on Facebook. Netanyahu praised India's ties with Israel and called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a personal friend. His remarks came as reports spoke of differences between Israel and the US over the Iran conflict. Netanyahu said Israel has many friends, even though the US remains an important ally. (PC: X/@narendramodi)

Sardar Aman Khan, leader of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), has appealed to India for humanitarian assistance, alleging that Pakistan's crackdown in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has created severe shortages of food and medicines. Addressing a large gathering in Rawalakot, Khan urged New Delhi to open the Line of Control for civilian movement if conditions continue to worsen. He claimed residents were facing an economic blockade and growing hardship following security operations against protesters. NDTV reported that it could not independently verify the authenticity of the viral video of Khan's remarks. The appeal comes amid continuing unrest and protests across PoK. (PC: NDTV)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected US Vice President JD Vance's claim that the United States is Israel's only powerful ally, saying India is among Israel's strongest supporters. In an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu said Israel receives "tremendous support" from India and praised the backing he sees from Indians on social media. His remarks come amid reports of differences between the US and Israeli leadership over the Iran conflict. Netanyahu said he respects Vance but does not agree with all his views, while stressing that many countries continue to seek Israel's military, cyber and AI expertise. (PC: X)

India's Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has rejected reports claiming Bhutan refused to import E20 petrol, clarifying that no Indian oil marketing company ever offered E20 exports and no such proposal exists. The ministry issued a fact-check after media reports suggested Bhutan requested continued supplies of regular petrol due to concerns over ethanol-blended fuel storage and infrastructure. Bhutanese publication The Bhutanese defended its reporting, citing official government responses that highlighted storage challenges and requests for continued conventional petrol supplies. The ministry urged the public to rely only on official information regarding India's ethanol-blending programme. (PC: X)

Indian Navy's sail training ship INS Sudarshini represented India at the United States International Naval Review 250 and Sail4th 250 in New York during celebrations marking America's 250th Independence Day. The three-masted barque participated in the Parade of Sail on the Hudson River, flying the Indian tricolour and highlighting India's maritime heritage. The visit is part of the Navy's 10-month transoceanic expedition, Lokayan 2026, aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation and naval diplomacy. After earlier stops in Norfolk and Baltimore, INS Sudarshini continues its voyage, reflecting India's commitment to international partnerships and the spirit of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam."

A 21-year-old Indian student from Karnataka died in a suspected drowning incident near Leipzig, Germany, during an outing with friends, prompting an ongoing police investigation. Mohammed Aniz Abubakker, a third-semester Bachelor of Business Administration student at Rahn Education Institution in Halle, had moved to Germany around 18 months ago for higher studies. After a trekking trip with classmates, the group visited a water recreation area near Leipzig’s Red Bull Arena, where Aniz reportedly went missing before rescue teams recovered his body. German police have questioned four students, including two Indians, as part of the investigation. The Indian Embassy in Berlin is assisting with the repatriation of his mortal remains to Mangaluru. (PC: AP)

India has slipped one place to 125th in the Global Passport Index 2026, according to the fifth annual report by Global Citizen Solutions, despite recording its highest composite score in five years. The Indian passport now offers visa-free access to 26 countries and has improved only two positions since 2021. Unlike traditional passport rankings focused on travel, the index evaluates passports across Enhanced Mobility, Investment and Quality of Living. India ranked 136th in mobility, 118th in quality of living and 94th in investment, showing gains in the latter two categories. Sweden topped the 2026 rankings, followed by Switzerland, Finland, Germany and the Netherlands. (PC: CN Traveller)

India has withdrawn most emergency natural gas supply restrictions imposed during the West Asia conflict after LNG shipments through the Strait of Hormuz resumed following a ceasefire. The Petroleum Ministry amended the March 9 Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, ending government-controlled priority allocation of domestic gas and imported LNG. The emergency measures had been introduced after disruptions triggered force majeure declarations and threatened supplies. Earlier restrictions on LPG production and diesel sales had already been lifted. During the crisis, the government prioritised gas for PNG households, CNG, fertiliser plants and essential sectors while curbing supplies to petrochemical units and power plants. Officials said improved regional conditions and resumed maritime traffic made the emergency measures unnecessary. (PC: The Tribune )