U.S. President Donald Trump praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “great man” and claimed his own intervention helped halt last year’s India-Pakistan hostilities following Operation Sindoor. Speaking at a peace event, Trump said he personally called both Modi and Pakistan’s leadership, threatening steep 200 % tariffs to pressure the sides into a ceasefire, asserting this averted further escalation and saved lives. He reiterated controversial claims that multiple jets were shot down and that economic leverage forced peace. India, however, has consistently rejected any third-party mediation, saying the truce was achieved through direct military-to-military dialogue. (PC: ANI)

India participated as an observer nation in the inaugural meeting of Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” convened in Washington, D.C., aimed at overseeing reconstruction and peace efforts in the Gaza Strip following the Israel-Hamas conflict. Represented by Namgya C. Khampa, Charge d’Affaires at India’s embassy, New Delhi chose not to formally join the board but attended the session at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace. During the meeting, Trump announced a US $10 billion commitment to the initiative alongside pledges from other countries, while the board’s role and potential implications for global institutions such as the United Nations continue to draw discussion. (PC: AP)

India will soon restore all categories of visa services for Bangladeshi citizens, a senior Indian diplomatic official in Sylhet announced, signalling warming ties between the two neighbours after months of limited operations. Currently, only medical and double-entry visas are being issued, but steps are underway to resume travel and other visas as normal, the official said at a press event. Visa services were suspended or scaled back amid strained relations following political upheaval and anti-India protests that led to closures of Indian visa centres and reciprocal curbs by Bangladesh. Full resumption is expected to strengthen India-Bangladesh diplomatic and people-to-people connections. (PC: HT)

India on Thursday took part in the first meeting of the Gaza “Board of Peace” in Washington as an observer. Chargé d’Affaires Namgya C Khampa represented India at the US Institute of Peace.   The White House had invited 50 countries to join the group. Around 26 nations have joined as founding members. The board was launched last month on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum. It aims to support stability, rebuilding and civilian governance in Gaza after the conflict.   US Army Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers said five countries have committed troops for an International Stabilization Force. Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo and Albania have pledged support. Jeffers said Indonesia accepted the role of deputy commander for the force. (PC: X)

Former UK prime minister Rishi Sunak joked about Delhi’s traffic as he addressed the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi. He began by apologising for reaching late to the session. “Sorry we're a few minutes late and it's entirely my fault. AI can do many things as we found out this week, but it can't yet fix Delhi's traffic,” he said. (PC: HT)   Sunak said there was no better place than India to discuss AI transformation. He said the summit provides a regular forum to talk about the technology. He added that AI can work for both developed and developing countries. Sunak said India is well placed to lead in AI due to its strong talent base and digital systems. (PC: HT)

India will soon restart all visa services in Bangladesh, a senior diplomat said. Aniruddha Das, India’s senior consular official in Sylhet, said, “Medical and double-entry visas are being issued now.” He added that steps are under way to resume other categories, including travel visas. “All types of Indian visa processing will return to normal soon,” he said. India had suspended visa services from December 17, 2025, citing security concerns and threats to its missions. Ties had worsened during the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government. Relations are now expected to improve after BNP chief Tarique Rahman became Prime Minister. Das said India-Bangladesh ties are based on “mutual respect and honour.” (PC: India Today)

Russia has rejected US claims that India agreed to stop buying Russian crude oil. Speaking at a briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Moscow has “no reason to believe” that India has changed its stand. She said India’s purchase of Russian hydrocarbons “benefits both countries and helps maintain stability in the international energy market.” The response came after US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed that India would halt imports. India has not confirmed the US statement. New Delhi has said that “national interests” guide its energy decisions. (PC: India Today)

22-year-old Sikh nurse was injured in an alleged racial attack at a gym in Geelong, Australia. Harmanpreet Singh said three men confronted him at around 11 pm in Corio. “They called me an ‘Indian dog’ and told me to go back,” he told 9News. As he left the gym, the men followed him outside. One man hit his head against Singh’s nose, breaking it. The attackers fled the scene. Locals took him to hospital. He is expected to undergo surgery. Singh said he feels traumatised and unsafe. His family said the incident has deeply shaken them. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called for inclusive and people-focused artificial intelligence at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. They said AI must benefit society and support development. The leaders backed stronger India-EU tech ties and faster implementation of the India-EU free trade agreement. They also discussed defence cooperation, trade, space, and digital technology. European leaders showed strong support for the trade deal. Modi said 2026 will be marked as the India-Spain Year of Culture, Tourism and AI. Both sides stressed global cooperation, responsible AI use, and stronger action against terrorism. (X/ @NarendraModi)

A 22-year-old Sikh nurse was assaulted at a gym in Australia in what police are treating as a suspected racist attack. According to reports, the victim faced verbal abuse before being physically beaten. Witnesses said the attacker shouted “Indian dog, go back” during the incident. The nurse suffered a broken nose and other injuries and is receiving medical care. A complaint has been filed and an investigation is under way. Community groups have raised concern over rising racial abuse cases. The incident comes months after anti-immigration protests were reported in parts of Australia. Authorities have not released details of the suspect so far. (PC: India Today)