Indian equity markets came under heavy pressure on Wednesday as renewed US-Iran military strikes intensified geopolitical uncertainty and pushed crude oil prices higher. The Sensex fell 0.79% to 76,333.20, while the Nifty 50 declined 0.89% to 23,841.40. All 16 major sectors recorded losses, with mid-cap and small-cap stocks also falling. Brent crude climbed to around $95.40 a barrel, raising concerns over inflation and India’s import bill. Oil-sensitive sectors, including airlines, tyre and paint companies, were particularly affected. Investors remained cautious amid fears that prolonged conflict could disrupt oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. (PC: Reuters)

Bihar authorities have warned residents against catching, buying, selling or consuming fish carried into the state by floodwaters following flash floods in Nepal. Water from Nepal’s Trishuli River has entered Bihar through the Gandak and Kosi rivers, bringing unfamiliar fish, debris and other contaminants. Officials said floodwater can expose fish to sewage, dead animals, bacteria, viruses and other pathogens, making them unsafe to eat until conditions stabilise. Residents have also been advised to seek medical help if symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, dizziness or breathing difficulties develop after eating such fish. Contaminated floodwater could also affect drinking water, increasing risks of diarrhoea, cholera, typhoid and hepatitis, while stagnant water may increase mosquito-borne diseases.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the S-500 missile defence system and Su-57 stealth fighter on the sidelines of the SCO Summit, as India considers expanding military cooperation with Russia. The discussions follow the reported effectiveness of India’s S-400 system during Operation Sindoor against aerial threats, strengthening interest in newer Russian defence capabilities. India could explore co-producing the S-500 with a Russian defence partner rather than simply purchasing it, though technical specifications, costs, manufacturing arrangements and logistics would require further negotiations. The Su-57, Russia’s fifth-generation stealth fighter, is also being discussed as India seeks to address its fighter aircraft requirements. Potential agreements remain subject to detailed negotiations. (PC: The Economic Times) 

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina says she intends to return to Bangladesh by December, questioning Dhaka’s decision to make her extradition a condition for a possible visit by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to India. Hasina said her return would be her own decision and that she could not remain abroad indefinitely. She criticised the BNP government, alleging persecution of Awami League members and describing the extradition issue as politically motivated. She defended the party’s role and questioned its ban, while raising concerns about Bangladesh’s economy, extremism and regional security. Hasina also questioned a reported $2.3-billion Chinese fighter-jet deal. India says her extradition request is being carefully examined through established processes. (PC: NDTV)

As many as 163 Indian nationals have been rescued from flood-hit Nepal, while 151 Indians left China on Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs said in its latest update. Five more Indians were rescued since Monday. Indian teams continued search operations at hydropower tunnels in Chilime, where difficult terrain, restricted access and a marshy tunnel floor have hampered efforts to reach possible survivors. The team used improvised floats to move deeper into the tunnels. India has also expanded forensic assistance, including DNA analysis, with Nepalese authorities. The devastating floods have killed more than 1,050 people, while over 580 foreign nationals remain missing. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the Ukraine war, saying every day of conflict pushes humanity backwards while peace brings hope. Modi’s appeal reflects India’s long-standing policy of strategic autonomy, as New Delhi maintains close ties with Moscow while also strengthening relations with Western nations. Putin responded politely but gave no clear commitment to halt the fighting. Russia’s leadership still appears to believe that military pressure will eventually bring victory, making an immediate peace deal unlikely. Modi’s remarks are not expected to damage India-Russia ties, which remain important for energy and defence cooperation. (PC: BBC)

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif raised the Indus Waters Treaty issue at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, a day after India rejected a Hague-based Court of Arbitration ruling that the 1960 treaty remains legally binding. Sharif called water the “lifeblood” of the region, stressing its importance to millions, agriculture and future generations. He said shared water resources must never be used as a political weapon, coercive tool or source of political leverage. Sharif argued that treaties governing shared waters are solemn, binding international commitments that cannot be discarded for political convenience. His remarks came amid renewed tensions over the Indus Waters Treaty, with India rejecting the court’s ruling and maintaining its position on the treaty’s status.

India has confirmed that 227 Indian nationals have been recruited into the Russian armed forces, of whom 139 have been discharged and 51 have died, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said. Speaking during a Ministry of External Affairs briefing on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kyrgyzstan, Misri said India has repeatedly raised the issue with Moscow and is seeking the early release and repatriation of those still serving. The Indian Embassy in Moscow is also regularly monitoring the situation. Misri said discussions with Russia remain ongoing to ensure the remaining Indians are discharged and returned to their families. He also highlighted plans to organise an Indian Exporters Forum in Russia to expand bilateral trade and diversify exports. 

Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Office drew attention at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek after sharing a group photograph in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been cropped out. The image, featuring leaders of the 10 SCO member countries, appeared to position Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif at the centre. PM Modi’s version of the family photograph showed the complete group, including Sharif. The Pakistan PMO’s image also cropped Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and several other leaders. The move triggered backlash on social media, following which Sharif posted the full group photograph on his personal X account. The episode came amid the SCO summit, where Modi and Sharif were among participating leaders. (PC: X)

Fifty-one of the 227 Indian nationals recruited into the Russian armed forces have died, the government said on Monday. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said 139 Indians have been discharged so far.   India is in regular talks with Russia to secure the release and return of those still serving in the Russian army. The Indian Embassy in Moscow is also monitoring the situation.   Misri said New Delhi wants the remaining Indian nationals to be discharged and reunited with their families as soon as possible. He shared the update during a briefing on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kyrgyzstan.