India strongly rejected Pakistan’s remarks on Jammu and Kashmir during an Arria-formula meeting of the UN Security Council, with India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Harish Parvathaneni, asserting that the Union Territory “is, and will remain” an internal matter of India. Addressing the meeting, Parvathaneni called for reviewing outdated mediation mechanisms under Chapter VI of the UN Charter, arguing they must evolve with changing realities rather than retain perpetual validity. He cited the Palestine issue as an example of evolving mediation frameworks and suggested Security Council mandates should also undergo review under the UN80 framework. India additionally accused Pakistan of politicising the forum.

A group of Indian tourists in Italy confronted a waiter over alleged derogatory remarks about India and Indian customers, an incident that has gained significant attention on social media. A video shared by Instagram user “@khushicupcake5” appears to show the waiter allegedly referring to the tourists as being from “f***ing India.” While the full circumstances preceding the exchange could not be independently verified, the women are seen challenging the comments and demanding an apology. Following police involvement, the waiter allegedly apologised and stated, “I’m sorry for abusing India.” The incident sparked widespread online support, with many users praising the tourists for demanding accountability while urging caution about drawing conclusions beyond the video.

A new book, Regime Change by Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, reveals that US Vice President JD Vance proposed deploying Indian troops to monitor a Ukraine-Russia ceasefire. Seeking a non-NATO alternative, Vance floated India during a January 2025 Oval Office meeting. However, President Donald Trump instantly dismissed the proposal. The book claims Trump laughed and stated, “The Indians won't do that. They won't pay for something like that.” Despite noting his excellent relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump reportedly added that “the Indians do not ever pay for anything.” The account, which also details Trump’s criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscores India's growing centrality in Washington's strategic calculations regarding global conflict resolution. (PC: NY Times)

US Vice President JD Vance suggested deploying Indian troops as part of a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine during a White House meeting on January 30, 2025, according to a new book by New York Times journalists Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan. The proposal was discussed as part of efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war. The book claims Vance proposed India or Saudi Arabia as non-NATO countries that could help oversee a ceasefire. Donald Trump reportedly dismissed the idea, saying India would not participate. The book also describes Trump's criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his comments on India's trade tariffs. (PC: HT)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a phone call from Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani after a gas explosion at Ras Laffan Industrial City killed 13 people, including 12 Indians.   In a post on X, Modi thanked the Emir for his condolences and said both countries share the grief of the affected families. He also wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the incident.   The explosion took place at a gas facility operated by QatarEnergy LNG. Sixty-six people were injured. India is working with Qatari authorities to identify the victims and arrange the return of mortal remains.  

India’s Ambassador to China, Vikram Doraiswami, completed the sacred Kailash Parikrama ahead of the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra after a five-year suspension. Inspecting facilities, medical centres, accommodation, transport and security arrangements along the Nathu La and Lipulekh routes, he assured pilgrims that extensive preparations have been made. Doraiswami described Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar as a “journey of a lifetime” but warned that the pilgrimage involves extreme altitudes exceeding 5,600 metres. He advised pilgrims to prepare for high-altitude sickness, carry essential medicines, wear waterproof trekking shoes, dress in layers, protect against intense UV radiation and help preserve the fragile Himalayan environment.

New York City has renamed a proposed horse carriage ban bill as “Romanch’s Law” in memory of 18-year-old Indian student Romanch Mahajan. He died after falling from a horse-drawn carriage in Central Park last week. Romanch jumped from the carriage while trying to help his mother after the horse suddenly bolted. At a memorial vigil, City Council member Christopher Marte announced the name change. The bill seeks to end horse-drawn carriage operations in the city by 2028. Romanch’s family has called for an immediate ban, saying public safety must come before tourism and business interests.

India has welcomed the memorandum of understanding signed between the United States and Iran after talks in Switzerland. Speaking at the BRICS National Security Advisers' Meeting, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval expressed “cautious optimism” about the agreement. He said the deal could improve global energy security and reduce supply chain disruptions. Doval also welcomed the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, calling it an important step for trade and navigation. He said the development could ease shortages of key goods such as fertilisers and chemicals. India hopes the agreement will support regional stability and economic growth.

India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval held a series of bilateral meetings with counterparts from BRICS nations during the 16th BRICS National Security Advisers’ Meeting in New Delhi, focusing on regional security and strategic cooperation. Discussions with Iran’s Ghadir Nezamipour centered on developments in West Asia, India-Iran relations and cooperation under the BRICS framework. Doval also met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, with both sides reviewing recent developments in bilateral relations and noting progress toward the gradual normalisation of India-China ties. The meetings highlighted India’s engagement on key geopolitical issues amid evolving regional and global security challenges.

A deadly explosion at Qatar’s Barzan gas facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City has claimed 13 lives, including 12 Indian nationals, while 66 people were injured and 18 remain missing. Qatar’s Energy Minister Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi described the blast as an industrial accident that occurred during efforts to restart the facility after months of shutdown. Search and rescue operations involving civil defence and security teams remain underway. The Barzan plant, a key component of Qatar’s energy infrastructure, supplies gas for electricity generation and water desalination. The Indian Embassy in Doha expressed condolences and solidarity with Qatar, while authorities confirmed that all injured individuals are receiving treatment and remain in stable condition.