India has confirmed receiving a note verbale from Bangladesh regarding an extradition request for Sheikh Hasina, the ousted Prime Minister of Bangladesh. A source stated, "We confirm that we have received a note verbale from the Bangladesh High Commission today in connection with an extradition request. At this time, we have no comment to offer on this matter." Hasina has been residing in India after being ousted in Bangladesh. The issue arises amid the presence of a caretaker government in Bangladesh. Authorities have refrained from providing further details or commenting on the request.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will visit the US from December 24 to 29. This is the first high-level visit since Donald Trump’s recent election win. He will meet US officials to discuss key issues, including strengthening India-US ties and addressing global challenges. The talks aim to boost cooperation in areas like trade, technology, and defence. During his visit, Jaishankar will also chair a meeting with India’s Consul Generals in the US. The Ministry of External Affairs said the visit reflects India’s commitment to deepening ties with the US and addressing regional and global issues together.

Bangladesh's interim government has sent a diplomatic note to India, requesting the return of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, 77, who has been in exile in India since August 5, 2024. Hasina fled Bangladesh during widespread student-led protests that ended her 16-year rule. Dhaka's International Crimes Tribunal has issued arrest warrants for Hasina and several officials for "crimes against humanity and genocide." Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain confirmed the extradition request, citing an existing treaty with India. Home Adviser Jahangir Alam added that efforts are underway to facilitate the judicial process.

UK Minister Dan Jarvis assured the Sikh Federation of protection, stating, “We do not tolerate intimidation or threats to life.” The assurance follows allegations that Indian agencies targeted British Sikhs. India rejected the claims as baseless, with ex-diplomat Kanwal Sibal stating, “UK authorities have long encouraged Khalistani extremists to threaten India’s sovereignty.” Jarvis also urged India to cooperate with Canada on the Nijjar case, which India labeled politically motivated and lacking evidence. Many Sikhs distanced themselves from the Sikh Federation, criticizing its divisive rhetoric. Questions linger over the allegations’ credibility.

Indian-American entrepreneur Sriram Krishnan has been appointed Senior Policy Advisor on Artificial Intelligence by US President-elect Donald Trump. The announcement came as part of a series of new appointments. Krishnan will work in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, focusing on maintaining American leadership in AI. He will collaborate closely with David Sacks, the AI and Crypto Czar. Krishnan, who has worked at Microsoft, Facebook, and Twitter, expressed his gratitude, calling it an honour to serve the country. The Indian-American community welcomed the decision, calling it a proud moment for their diaspora.

Kuwaiti singer Mubarak Al Rashed sang the iconic Indian patriotic song Saare Jahaan Se Accha at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's community event, #HalaModi, in Kuwait. The event took place at the Shaikh Saad Al Abdullah Indoor Sports Complex during PM Modi's historic two-day visit, the first by an Indian prime minister in 43 years. Al Rashed expressed pride in the strong ties between Kuwait and India, saying PM Modi encouraged Kuwaitis to visit India. PM Modi arrived to a warm welcome and held meetings with top Kuwaiti leaders to discuss a roadmap for strengthening the partnership between the two nations.

7 Indians were injured in a car-ramming attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, killing five and injuring 205. Three Indians have been discharged from hospital, and the Indian Embassy is assisting the injured and their families. The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the "senseless attack," offering prayers for the victims. The suspect, Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, a Saudi atheist, held anti-Islamic and anti-migrant views. He drove an SUV into the crowded market, causing mass casualties. German leaders, including Chancellor Olaf Scholz, called the attack "terrible." The Christmas market has been shut down as a mark of respect for the victims.

In response to Bangladesh deploying Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drones near its border with India, the Modi government has strengthened surveillance in West Bengal. India has deployed indigenously-made UAVs, including the Heron TP, to counter potential threats. The drones were stationed near the sensitive "chicken neck" corridor, a crucial area connecting northeast India to the rest of the country. This move comes amid growing tensions between India and Bangladesh, which have been strained after Sheikh Hasina’s ouster and allegations of communal violence in Bangladesh, further complicating bilateral relations.

During his visit to Kuwait, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Indian workers that India has the cheapest mobile internet in the world. Speaking at the Gulf Spic Labour Camp, Modi highlighted how low data costs allow people in India to stay connected with family through video calls. He emphasized that video conferencing is affordable in India, making it easy to communicate globally. Modi’s visit is the first by an Indian prime minister in over four decades. He also discussed India-Kuwait relations, including energy and trade collaboration.

Seven Indians were injured, and five people were killed in a car-ramming attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. Among the injured, three have been discharged. The Indian Embassy is assisting affected citizens. The suspect, Saudi national Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, reportedly held Islamophobic views and opposed Germany’s migrant policies. The attack injured 205 others, with a nine-year-old among the deceased. Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the act as “terrible, insane.” The market event has been canceled in mourning for the victims. Authorities are investigating potential motives behind the incident.