India stated Friday that approximately 9,000 Indian nationals in Iran mostly students, businesspeople, professionals, pilgrims, and seafarers can return via continuing commercial flights. The government is exploring evacuation options once commercial flights cease or domestic travel becomes difficult. The MEA confirmed India holds a conditional US sanctions waiver for Iran's Chabahar port project valid until April 26, 2026, and remains engaged with Washington on arrangements. Amid street protests threatening Iran's regime, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized India's commitment to citizen welfare while maintaining "long-standing relations with Iran." The Indian embassy in Tehran stays connected with the community. Chabahar port provides India strategic access to Afghanistan and Central Asia. (PC: AP) 

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announced the India-EU free trade agreement is nearing completion, calling it the "mother of all deals" with announcement expected by January 27. The pact, India's largest trade agreement covering 27 developed European economies, coincides with EU leadership's Republic Day visit. Goyal emphasized the mutually beneficial "super deal" will unlock massive export opportunities for India. The EU currently accounts for 17% of India's exports, with 2024-25 bilateral trade at $136.53 billion. The FTA gains significance amid US tariff disruptions, helping India diversify markets and reduce China dependence. Since 2014, India finalized seven trade agreements including Australia, UAE, and UK. (PC: X)

Chaotic scenes erupted on IndiGo flight 6E 1085 from Mumbai to Thailand's Krabi after the pilot refused to fly beyond duty hours on Thursday. The flight, scheduled for 4:05 am departure, was delayed over three hours. Viral video footage shows heated arguments between passengers and cabin crew, with one passenger kicking the exit door. IndiGo stated the delay resulted from late aircraft arrival, air traffic congestion, and crew duty time limitations. Two passengers behaving inappropriately were deboarded and handed to security agencies, causing further delays. The airline served multiple meals during the wait. The flight, scheduled to land at 10 am, finally reached Krabi around 1 pm.

India's Ministry of External Affairs clarified that it has not withdrawn from Iran's Chabahar port development despite US sanctions. The MEA stated that India remains engaged with Washington following a conditional sanctions waiver issued by the US Treasury on October 28, 2025, valid until April 26, 2026. The clarification addresses reports suggesting India's strategic role at the port collapsed after President Trump announced 25% tariffs on countries doing business with Iran. The US reimposed sanctions on Chabahar from September 29, 2025, but granted India a six-month exemption based on its wind-down plans. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar discussed recent developments with Iran's foreign minister regarding the strategic port. 

India is very close to finalising a long-awaited trade deal with the European Union, Trade Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said, marking what would be New Delhi’s largest trade agreement yet as it seeks expanded market access amid stalled talks with the United States. Agrawal noted that most negotiation chapters are wrapped up and both sides are exploring whether the pact can be concluded ahead of an India-EU summit in New Delhi later this month, with EU leaders attending Republic Day events. The deal aims to open India’s huge market to European goods. Remaining issues include carbon tax concerns and sensitive sectors, while agriculture has been kept outside the scope to ease political sensitivities. If finalised, it could reshape global trade dynamics and deepen economic ties between India and the EU. (PC: Reuters)

The Embassy of India in Israel issued an advisory Thursday urging Indian nationals to remain vigilant amid escalating regional security tensions. Citizens must strictly follow safety guidelines from Israeli authorities and the Home Front Command, while avoiding all non-essential travel to Israel until further notice. Emergency helplines (+972-54-7520711 or +972-54-3278392) are available 24x7. Separately, India has drawn contingency plans to evacuate nationals from Iran amid ongoing unrest, though sources clarified execution is not immediate following latest ground assessments. The Indian Embassy in Tehran urged students, pilgrims, businesspeople, and tourists to exit Iran using commercial flights, requesting they keep travel documents readily available and contact the embassy for assistance. (PC: AP)

The Indian Coast Guard intercepted a Pakistani fishing vessel with nine crew members in Indian waters near the International Maritime Boundary Line during a night patrol in the Arabian Sea on January 14, 2026. Gujarat Defence PRO Wing Commander Abhishek Kumar Tiwari described the operation as "swift and precise," stating the Pakistani boat was caught attempting to flee after being sighted inside Indian territorial waters. All nine crew members were detained following the interception. The Coast Guard ship was conducting routine patrol operations when it spotted the vessel near the notional International Maritime Boundary Line. The incident highlights ongoing maritime security enforcement along India's western coast and the Coast Guard's vigilance in monitoring unauthorized fishing activities. (PC: Times Now)

An emotional audio clip reveals Indian Sikh woman Sarabjeet Kaur pleading with her former husband to take her back to India, claiming harassment in Pakistan. Sarabjeet disappeared during a November 4 religious pilgrimage and married Pakistani Muslim Nasir Hussain the next day in Sheikhupura district. She was later arrested and sent to a Lahore shelter home despite Lahore High Court orders to stop police harassment. In the audio, Sarabjeet claims financial distress, alleges Hussain's wife deceived her, and fears for her life, stating she lacks basic necessities like warm clothes. She traveled with a 1,932-member Sikh pilgrimage for Guru Nanak Dev's 556th birth anniversary celebrations. Authorities attempted deportation but failed due to Wagah-Attari border closure. (PC: The Indian Express)

India and the United States are actively engaged in trade deal negotiations, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal confirmed Thursday, stating "both sides feel there can be a trade deal." Despite facing high tariffs, Indian exports to the US continue showing positive growth. A virtual meeting occurred in December 2024 between Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, with negotiating teams discussing pending issues virtually. Agrawal emphasized ongoing engagements but declined to set a deadline, saying the announcement will happen "as long as both sides are ready, they feel it is the right time." India maintains consistent dialogue with the US on bilateral trade matters despite existing tariff challenges. (PC: PTI)

Three years after Canada's largest gold heist worth over $20 million, authorities are closing in on key suspect Simran Preet Panesar, a 32-year-old former Air Canada manager now in Chandigarh. On April 17, 2023, 400 kg of pure gold disappeared from Toronto Pearson International Airport after arriving from Zurich. Panesar allegedly tracked the flight and accessed the storage facility before fleeing to India. India's Enforcement Directorate raided his Mohali house in February 2025, discovering he allegedly transferred ₹8.5 crore via hawala transactions, routing money through music industry channels for his wife's film production. Canada formally requested extradition. Nine individuals face charges; seven arrested, including recent suspect Arsalan Chaudhary at Toronto airport. (PC: Peel Police)