US Senator Steve Daines described India as a “trusted ally and friend,” contrasting it with China during the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum Leadership Summit in Washington. Illustrating his trust, Daines said he carries his phone when visiting India but leaves it behind while travelling to China. He stressed that stronger US-India cooperation is vital for global stability and competitiveness, particularly in science, technology and innovation, while advocating engagement with China alongside risk reduction. Daines highlighted India’s large STEM talent pool as a strategic advantage. His remarks come as India and the US near completion of a bilateral trade agreement, with negotiators resolving the final outstanding issues after months of discussions.

Bangladesh has revived the tradition of "mango diplomacy" by sending 100 kg of mangoes to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, despite recent strains in India-Bangladesh ties over illegal immigration and border-related issues. The symbolic seasonal gesture reflects a longstanding diplomatic practice in which mangoes are exchanged to foster goodwill and maintain cordial relations between the neighbouring countries. Historically, mango diplomacy has been used as a soft-power tool to strengthen bilateral engagement during periods of political sensitivity. The latest outreach suggests an attempt to preserve channels of communication and cultural goodwill even as both sides continue to navigate contentious issues affecting their relationship and border management. (PC: MSN)

Venkatesh Doppalapudi, a 33-year-old Indian software engineer from Andhra Pradesh, died after his car was swept away by flash floods in the US state of Kansas during severe storms. According to authorities, he became trapped inside the vehicle as rapidly rising floodwaters carried it away. Emergency responders later recovered his body after extensive search efforts. The tragic incident has highlighted the growing danger posed by sudden flash floods in parts of the United States. Family members are coordinating with officials to complete formalities and repatriate his mortal remains to India. (PC: NDTV)

More than 100 prominent citizens from India and Pakistan, including former diplomats, politicians, academics and civil society leaders, have signed an open letter urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to revive bilateral dialogue and normal diplomatic relations. The appeal calls for restoring High Commissioners, resuming visa services, reopening airspace and restarting discussions on all outstanding issues, including Kashmir. It also proposes confidence-building measures such as expanding cross-border travel and religious access. The signatories said sustained engagement remains the only viable path to peace, regional stability and shared prosperity for nearly two billion people. (PC: PTI)

A group of 117 prominent citizens from India and Pakistan has jointly appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to end continued hostility and revive bilateral engagement. The signatories, including political leaders, diplomats and public intellectuals, called for restoring full diplomatic relations, appointing High Commissioners, resuming normal visa services and reopening airspace for commercial flights. They also urged both governments to restart comprehensive dialogue on all outstanding issues, expand trade and people-to-people exchanges, and improve religious and cultural access. The letter said lasting peace and cooperation are essential for the future of nearly two billion people in South Asia. (PC: The Indian Express)

Bangladesh's government has warned media outlets not to report former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's recent interview with NDTV. Officials said broadcasting her remarks is against a court order and could lead to legal action. Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman urged media organisations to follow the law and act responsibly. In the interview, Hasina said she plans to return to Bangladesh this year. She also raised concerns about attacks on Hindus and other minority communities, claiming temples were vandalised and violence had increased. The government has not responded directly to her claims in the interview. (PC: AFP)

India and Japan are planning a new system to settle trade directly in yen and rupees instead of using the US dollar. The proposal is expected to be discussed during the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit in New Delhi. Under the plan, Japanese firms could open accounts with Indian banks to make payments easier. The move aims to boost trade, investment and financial cooperation between the two countries. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is on a three-day visit to India for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders will also discuss defence, energy and infrastructure cooperation. (PC: Reuters)

India is importing a record amount of crude oil from Russia, with Russian supplies expected to make up over 50% of its oil imports in June. Around 2.5 million barrels of oil are arriving each day. Analysts say Ukrainian drone attacks have damaged Russian refineries, forcing Moscow to export more crude instead of refining it. Lower demand from China has also increased supplies available for India. The discounted Russian oil is helping India reduce import costs and strengthen energy security. However, experts warn that India's strategic oil reserves remain low, making the country vulnerable to future global supply disruptions. (PC: Shutterstock)

The US Department of the Treasury has removed four Indian companies from its Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List in its latest sanctions update. The companies are Hyderabad-based RRG Engineering Technologies Private Limited and Lokesh Machines Limited, Ahmedabad-based Galaxy Bearings Ltd, and Delhi-based Shaurya Aeronautics Private Limited. All four had been sanctioned under Executive Order 14024, which targets activities linked to Russia. The delisting lifts US financial restrictions on the companies. The announcement came as the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) also added several individuals and entities linked to Mexican drug trafficking networks to the sanctions list. (PC: HT)

Iran has warned it is fully prepared for war if diplomacy with the United States fails, while maintaining that negotiations remain its preferred path ahead of high-stakes talks in Doha on implementing their memorandum of understanding (MoU). Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Iran’s nuclear rights, including uranium enrichment, are non-negotiable and stressed Tehran would not advance to the next phase of the agreement until all key provisions, including commitments related to Lebanon, oil exports and the Strait of Hormuz, are fully implemented. Despite the warning, Ghalibaf reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to dialogue, saying negotiations would continue while the country remains ready to defend its interests.