India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Bangladeshi Foreign Adviser Mohammad Touhid Hossain in Dhaka, addressing recent attacks on religious institutions and minority communities. Misri described these incidents as "regrettable" and emphasized India's desire for a "positive, constructive, and mutually beneficial" relationship with Bangladesh's interim government. He stressed the importance of ensuring minority safety and welfare, calling the discussions "frank, candid, and constructive." This visit marks the first high-level dialogue since Bangladesh's political shift in August. Both sides agreed to evaluate their ties and focus on strengthening bilateral relations.

Videos of retired Bangladeshi army personnel making anti-India statements have gone viral, sparking concerns. In these clips, ex-soldiers claim Bangladesh could capture Kolkata and Assam within four days if supported by 3M citizens. These provocative remarks come amid strained India-Bangladesh ties following Sheikh Hasina’s ouster and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus leading an interim government. Communal violence against Hindus in Bangladesh has further deteriorated relations. While these statements are personal, they reflect shifting attitudes towards India. India accuses Dhaka of ignoring extremist violence. The Bangladeshi government has not officially endorsed these claims but tensions remain high.

Harshandeep Singh, a 20-year-old Indian student and security guard, was shot dead in Edmonton, Canada, on December 6, 2024. Police responded to reports of gunshots and found Singh unresponsive at an apartment building. Despite efforts to revive him, he was declared dead in the hospital. Two suspects, Evan Rain and Judith Saulteaux, both 30, were arrested and charged with first-degree murder. CCTV footage reportedly shows an attacker throwing Singh down the stairs before shooting him. The motive for the murder is still under investigation, and an autopsy is scheduled.

Kolkata saw escalating protests led by BJP leaders and Hindutva groups against Bangladesh, demanding an economic blockade. BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari argued India would benefit if bilateral trade is suspended, citing attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. BJP MP Jyotirmay Singh Mahato urged the Nobel Committee to reassess laureate Muhammad Yunus’s legacy, accusing him of failing to protect minorities. Hindutva groups burned Bangladeshi goods, calling for a boycott. Meanwhile, the BSF shot a Bangladeshi cattle smuggler near Jalpaiguri. West Bengal Speaker Biman Banerjee also criticized Yunus, emphasizing peace restoration failure in Bangladesh. India-Bangladesh trade and relations face renewed scrutiny.

The United States on Saturday rejected BJP’s claims that the American “deep state” and US-funded organisations collaborated with the OCCRP and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to undermine India’s image. A US embassy spokesperson termed the allegations “disappointing,” emphasizing America’s commitment to media freedom globally. The BJP had linked the OCCRP's funding to US entities, citing a French media report, and accused Gandhi of using its reports to criticize PM Modi and Gautam Adani. The US clarified that its support for journalism focuses on professional development and does not influence editorial choices. The controversy has sparked calls for transparency.

India's Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, will visit Bangladesh on December 9 for Foreign Office Consultations. His visit comes amid strained relations due to attacks on the Hindu community in Bangladesh. Reports indicate over 200 attacks on Hindus in more than 50 districts since August. The rise in violence has led to concerns from India and the United States. India has urged Bangladesh to ensure the protection of minorities and uphold legal rights. Misri's visit aims to address these issues and reaffirm India's expectations for justice and fairness in Bangladesh's legal processes.

Lord Rami Ranger, a Conservative peer, has been stripped of his Commander of the British Empire (CBE) honour. The Forfeiture Committee ruled he brought the honours system into disrepute after a Lords standards watchdog found he bullied a journalist on social media. The decision also considered his controversial comments about the Sikh community and Pakistanis. Lord Ranger, who received the CBE in 2016 for business and community services, called the decision “unjust” and plans to challenge it. Previously suspended from the Conservative Party, he was readmitted last month. Honours can be removed with the King’s approval.

The Indian government has urged its citizens in Syria to “leave at the earliest” due to the worsening situation in the country. In a late-night advisory, it stated, “Those who can, are advised to leave by the earliest available commercial flights.” For those unable to leave, it advised taking “utmost precaution” and restricting movement. Rebels have captured key cities like Aleppo and Hama, threatening President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The Ministry of External Affairs also shared an emergency contact for the Indian Embassy in Damascus, stressing, “Stay in touch and ensure your safety.” The crisis continues to escalate rapidly.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar praised US President-elect Donald Trump for boosting the Quad during his first term. The Quad, comprising India, the US, Japan, and Australia, expanded under Trump’s leadership. In 2019, he elevated it to the foreign ministers' level, making it a vital coordination platform. Jaishankar dismissed concerns of weakening support, noting all partners contribute equally. He highlighted shared challenges with Japan due to China's proximity and emphasised the need for peace on the India-China border. He also discussed India and Japan’s growing semiconductor ties, with Taiwan playing a key role in this partnership.

India has heightened surveillance along its border with Bangladesh after reports that Bangladesh deployed Bayraktar TB2 drones near West Bengal. The drones, recently acquired from Turkey, are reportedly being used by Bangladesh’s 67th Army for intelligence and reconnaissance missions. This move follows intelligence reports of increased terrorist activity in the region, with extremist groups exploiting political instability in Bangladesh after the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government. In response, India is preparing counter-drone measures and maintaining vigilance to safeguard its borders against potential threats.