A UK court has rejected fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi’s plea to reopen extradition proceedings, upholding earlier rulings and accepting India’s assurances that he would not be interrogated if extradited. The High Court of Justice in London, led by Jeremy Stuart-Smith and Robert Jay, ruled no “exceptional circumstances” justified reopening the case. India assured that agencies like CBI and ED would not question Modi, with any future interrogation requiring UK consent. Modi, accused in the ₹6,498 crore Punjab National Bank fraud, argued risk of torture citing the Sanjay Bhandari case. The court acknowledged concerns but found India’s assurances specific, binding, and given in good faith. (PC: HT)

Iran announced selective access through the Strait of Hormuz, allowing vessels from five “friendly” nations, including India, to pass amid ongoing conflict. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said ships from Russia, China, Pakistan, and Iraq are also permitted safe transit after coordination. However, vessels linked to the US, Israel, and allied Gulf states remain restricted. Iran emphasised the strait is not fully closed but controlled based on geopolitical alignment. The move highlights Tehran’s leverage over a critical global oil route while signalling preferential access, raising concerns about selective disruptions to global energy flows. (PC: India Today)

The High Court in London has refused to reopen Nirav Modi’s extradition case. The decision may end his last legal option in the UK. This clears the way for his return to India after years in custody.   The court relied on assurances from the Indian government. It said Modi will not be questioned by five agencies. Judges called these assurances “specific” and given in “good faith”.   Modi had cited the Sanjay Bhandari case to argue risk of mistreatment. The court accepted concerns but said the assurances addressed them.   The CBI said its team was in London to support the case. Modi has been jailed in the UK since 2019. (PC: HT)

India strongly criticised Pakistan for backing Asiya Andrabi, who was sentenced to life imprisonment under UAPA. India said Islamabad’s remarks amounted to condoning terrorism and interfering in internal judicial matters. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal rejected Pakistan’s statement, asserting it has no locus standi and accusing it of sponsoring terrorism and spreading false narratives. Pakistan had termed Andrabi a political leader and criticised the verdict as unjust. India maintained that Andrabi’s organisation was banned and linked to terror activities, reiterating its consistent stance against external commentary on Kashmir-related issues. (PC: X)

S Jaishankar asserted that India will not act as a “go-between” like Pakistan in mediating US–Iran tensions. The remarks came amid Islamabad’s offer to host talks, backed by Donald Trump. Sources said such mediation reflects US–Pakistan bilateral dynamics. India defended its approach, highlighting diplomatic outreach to all stakeholders and evacuation of over 4.25 lakh citizens from Iran. The government assured stable energy supplies, citing diversified imports, especially from Russia. Emphasising balanced ties across West Asia, India reiterated commitment to safeguarding national interests while maintaining relations with the US, Israel, and regional powers. (PC: X)  

India is facing an LPG shortage due to disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. A key supply route has been affected by the West Asia conflict. Argentina has stepped in to help India meet its energy needs. In early 2026, Argentina exported 50,000 tonnes of LPG to India. This is more than double last year’s supply. Shipments were sent from Bahia Blanca port. Officials said the partnership is growing quickly. The long distance makes transport costly and slow. Still, India is working to diversify energy sources. The government is also promoting piped gas to reduce pressure on LPG supply across the country. (PC: Reuters)

India has criticised Pakistan’s offer to mediate in the Iran war. Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said India is not a “broker nation” like Pakistan, sources said. The remarks were made at an all-party meeting in Delhi. Pakistan had offered to help talks between the US and Iran. India said such moves are based on US-Pakistan ties. The government defended its approach to the crisis. It said India is in touch with all sides. Over 4.25 lakh Indians have been brought back from Iran so far. Officials said energy supplies remain stable. India stressed it will protect national interests and maintain balanced ties in the region.

The Indian government has stated that more Indian ships will continue to pass through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz despite rising tensions in West Asia. Officials emphasized that maritime operations remain active with necessary security precautions in place. At the same time, the Centre reiterated that the safety of the Indian diaspora in the region is its top priority. Authorities are closely monitoring developments and are prepared to take evacuation or emergency measures if needed, while maintaining coordination with regional governments to ensure the protection of Indian nationals and trade routes. (PC: HT)

Rishi Sunak has praised India’s rapid rise in artificial intelligence, stating that both India and the United Kingdom are now “AI superpowers.” His remarks come as India surpasses the UK in global AI rankings, reflecting its growing technological capabilities, talent pool, and innovation ecosystem. Sunak highlighted the importance of collaboration between the two nations in advancing AI development responsibly. The development underscores India’s increasing global influence in cutting-edge technology sectors, while also reinforcing the UK’s continued leadership and commitment to strengthening international partnerships in AI research, governance, and innovation.

The Indian Navy has started an operation to protect energy vessels moving through the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing war. Top defence sources said the mission is being carried out quietly and with extreme caution. The aim is to ensure safe passage for Indian-flagged cargo ships. Officials said the operation also focuses on evacuation if needed. “It is being conducted with the highest degree of caution and minimal publicity,” a source said. The Navy is closely monitoring the situation in the region. The Strait of Hormuz remains a key route for global oil shipments and is currently under high security risk. (PC: X)