India rejected Pakistan’s allegations over the recent Arabian Sea collision involving INS Kolkata and Pakistani Naval Ship Hunain, calling Islamabad’s response “usual prevarication.” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said INS Kolkata was on routine deployment when Hunain conducted an “unacceptable and unprofessional” manoeuvre that caused the collision. India said the Pakistani vessel violated Article 10 of the 1991 agreement requiring naval units to remain at least three nautical miles apart, as well as international collision-prevention regulations. Jaiswal said the incident caused no major damage to INS Kolkata, which remains at sea. Both countries summoned each other’s diplomats and lodged complaints following the incident, after both sides lodged formal protests over the incident.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs expressed concern over escalating conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, warning that it undermines regional stability and threatens freedom of navigation through the Bab-el-Mandeb strait. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India condemned attacks on Saudi sovereign territory, including civilians and economic assets, and referred to its statement following an attempted attack on the holy city of Makkah. He said such attacks threaten regional peace and security and called the situation “totally unacceptable” to India. The escalation has also raised concerns about Gulf oil supplies by jeopardising the Red Sea route, while traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains constrained amid US-Iran tensions. India called for early restoration of peace.

Mohammed Jaber Hussain, a 28-year-old civil engineer from Hyderabad, was found dead at his residence in Lowell, Massachusetts, just 17 days after his marriage. Hussain had married in Texas on August 28 and later returned to Massachusetts for work. He last spoke with his family on September 14, and about eight hours later, his roommate reportedly informed them that Hussain had died in his sleep. The exact cause of death remains unclear, with the family awaiting postmortem and medical reports. His family has appealed to the Indian government for assistance in bringing his remains back to Hyderabad. (PC: NDTV)

India has called for a stronger international framework to keep vital maritime routes open during crises, warning that disruptions at key sea chokepoints can affect global trade, energy and food supplies. Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting, India’s Permanent Representative Harish Parvathaneni stressed that commercial vessels should not become targets of geopolitical tensions and that freedom of navigation must comply with international law. India highlighted its maritime security operations in the Indo-Pacific and Gulf of Aden–Red Sea, which have helped ensure the safe transit of 449 merchant vessels carrying nearly 20.3 million tonnes of cargo and oil. (PC: X)

India and Bangladesh have restarted official-level discussions on arranging Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s proposed visit to New Delhi after a brief disruption in bilateral engagement. Officials are working on the visit’s agenda, with discussions expected to cover bilateral trade and the renewal of the Ganga Water Treaty. Rahman had previously received invitations from India for a bilateral visit and to attend the BRICS Summit, but did not travel to New Delhi for the summit. The renewed talks come amid efforts to stabilise relations that have faced tensions since Sheikh Hasina’s removal from power in 2024. (PC: Reuters)

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) expects to begin deliveries of LCA Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets to the Indian Air Force by the end of 2026, with deliveries likely starting in December. HAL Chairman and Managing Director Ravi K said the company is addressing remaining radar-related issues and completing weapons-integration testing, which could take about a month. HAL has 27 Mk-1A airframes ready and has received 10 GE Aerospace engines. The IAF has ordered 180 Mk-1A fighters under two contracts worth around ₹1.1 lakh crore. HAL plans to deliver about 10 aircraft during FY 2026-27. (PC: X)

A 28-year-old Punjabi Sikh truck driver from Sacramento, California, was stabbed 17 times at the Bitter Creek Rest Area on Interstate 80 in Wyoming while travelling to Pennsylvania. The driver, identified by NPR only as Singh, said another man followed him into a bathroom and attacked him with a knife, causing injuries to his neck, chest, arms and ribs. A Hispanic family at the rest stop helped him and provided police with information about the suspect’s truck. Wyoming Highway Patrol later arrested 45-year-old Andrew Kris Bzdak near Rawlins. He has been charged with attempted first-degree murder. Authorities have not established a motive. 

The US House of Representatives has passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by 262–159, sending it to President Donald Trump for his signature. The legislation expands sanctions against Russian officials, financial institutions, energy companies and its “shadow fleet” of tankers. It also gives the president authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and gas, potentially including India and China. The measure does not automatically impose a 100% tariff on India; it creates the legal authority for such action under specified conditions. (PC: The Times of India)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, September 17, wished Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 76th birthday and praised his leadership. In a post on X, Netanyahu said Modi’s leadership had transformed India into a “world power.” He also described the relationship between India and Israel as an “unprecedented partnership” and said friendship between the two countries had never been stronger. Netanyahu expressed confidence that bilateral ties would reach greater heights and wished Modi continued leadership, good health and fulfilment. The message came as leaders and diplomatic representatives from several countries extended birthday greetings to the Indian Prime Minister.

A Pakistani naval vessel, PNS Hunain, collided with the Indian Navy’s INS Kolkata in the North Arabian Sea on September 15, according to reports. Indian officials described the Pakistani vessel’s manoeuvring as “unprofessional and unsafe,” saying it approached the Indian destroyer at high speed despite warnings. The Pakistani ship sustained damage and headed toward its home port, while INS Kolkata reportedly continued its surveillance mission without structural damage. Defence experts cited by India Today said the manoeuvre appeared similar to maritime intimidation tactics associated with Chinese naval and coast-guard encounters. India also said the incident violated the 1991 India-Pakistan agreement on maintaining safe separation between naval vessels. (PC: PTI)