Russian President Vladimir Putin commended India's economic growth and the 'Make in India' initiative under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking at his annual press conference in Moscow, Putin highlighted India's position among the top global economies, alongside China and the US. He emphasized the strength of Russia-India ties, mentioning recent discussions with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Putin expressed Russia's interest in expanding manufacturing in India, noting the stability provided by Modi's leadership. The Russian leader also drew parallels between India's 'Make in India' program and Russia's import substitution efforts, lauding their shared focus on economic resilience and development.

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced a $900M plan to strengthen border security following US President-elect Donald Trump’s warning. The crackdown aims to combat illegal immigration and drug trafficking along the US-Canada border. Known as the "dunki route," this path had become a preferred alternative for Indians seeking to enter the US illegally, with over 43,000 attempting crossings in 2024. Stricter measures include drones, surveillance towers, and increased patrols, making the route more perilous. Human smugglers charge $50,000-$100,000 per person for the journey, often involving dangerous conditions, fraud, and severe risks to life.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed 13 Indian business leaders to Downing Street to strengthen UK-India ties. The delegation, supported by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), met senior ministers, including Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Foreign Secretary David Lammy, to discuss boosting investments, job creation, and advancing the UK-India trade partnership. “These discussions build on the strong relationship between our nations,” Starmer said. “India is a vital partner for the UK, and we aim to unlock more opportunities together, focusing on economic growth and innovation.” The Indian delegation included leaders from Bharti Enterprises, Tata Steel, and Reliance Industries, representing over £10 billion in investments and thousands of UK jobs. Sunil Bharti Mittal, founder of Bharti Enterprises, emphasized India’s fast-growing economy and the potential of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). “The India-UK FTA negotiations present significant opportunities for mutual growth. This delegation will pave the way for numerous collaborations,” Mittal said. The visit follows Starmer’s meeting with Indian PM Narendra Modi at the G20 Summit, where they agreed to enhance cooperation in technology, defence, and climate. Talks on the trade deal will resume in 2025, with a shared goal of strengthening economic ties worth £42 billion.

Indian NSA Ajit Doval met Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing for the 23rd Special Representatives meeting. They discussed border peace, disengagement progress in Demchok and Depsang, and solutions for the boundary issue. Both agreed to maintain calm at the border and avoid disruptions to bilateral ties. Measures for resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, river data sharing, and border trade were discussed. They emphasized stable India-China relations for global peace. Doval invited Wang to India for the next round of talks, reinforcing their commitment to resolving tensions that began in the Western sector in 2020.

Two Indian-origin men, Jaskaran Singh Sidhu and Prabhjyot Bhatti, both 25, received life imprisonment in Canada for the 2019 revenge killing of Indian-origin drug dealers Jasdeep Singh (25) and Japneet Malhi (22). The attack, orchestrated by gang leader Amandeep Saggu, stemmed from a 2016 stabbing incident. The victims were ambushed outside a lounge in Calgary. Saggu, who pled guilty to manslaughter last year, is serving an 8-year term. Sidhu and Bhatti, who fired the fatal shots, plan to appeal the jury’s verdict, citing trial errors. The case underscores escalating gang violence among Indian-origin groups in Canada.

12-year-old girl appeared in court charged with manslaughter after the death of 80-year-old Bhim Kohli in Leicestershire. Mr Kohli suffered serious injuries while walking his dog in Franklin Park on 1 September and died the next day in hospital. The girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was granted bail and will appear at Leicester Crown Court on 3 February. A 15-year-old boy has already been charged with Mr Kohli’s murder. Following his death, Mr Kohli’s family described him as a “loving, caring person” who adored his grandchildren and treasured time with his family.

The US Visa Bulletin for January 2025 brings good news for Indian applicants waiting for green cards. Significant progress has been made in both family-sponsored and employment-based visa categories. The final action dates for many visa preferences have advanced, benefiting applicants from India. Over a million Indians are in the green card queue, with many waiting for years. The Visa Bulletin also shows small but notable changes in filing dates. This advancement provides hope for many seeking to settle in the US, as wait times remain a challenge for Indian applicants.

India has reopened its embassy in North Korea, marking a significant shift in its diplomatic approach. After closing the embassy in 2021 due to COVID-19, New Delhi quietly resumed operations earlier this month. The embassy, which had been shut for over three years, is undergoing a thorough check and debugging process. North Korea's growing military capabilities and its strengthening ties with countries like Russia, China, and Iran make it strategically important for India. Reopening the embassy is seen as a step to enhance communication and safeguard India’s interests in the region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the destruction caused by Cyclone Chido in Mayotte, a French island near Madagascar. He offered India’s support to France during this crisis. The cyclone, with winds up to 200 km/h, killed 22 people and injured over 1,400. Many remain trapped under rubble, and roads are blocked. French authorities called the damage “devastating,” with 70% of residents affected. A nighttime curfew has been imposed to prevent looting. Cyclone Chido also hit Mozambique, leaving 34 dead and over 300 injured. Experts warn stronger cyclones may occur due to global warming.

A 12-year-old girl has been charged with manslaughter following the death of 80-year-old Bhim Sen Kohli in September. Kohli died after an assault while walking his dog in a park near Leicester, eastern England. The girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Leicester Youth Court on Monday. A 15-year-old boy had previously been charged with murder and remains in custody. The incident, which involved several minors, has left Kohli's family devastated. A post-mortem revealed the cause of death as a neck injury, and investigations continue.