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.

Gurasis Singh, a 22-year-old Indian student from Punjab, was stabbed to death during a kitchen fight with his flatmate at a shared home in Sarnia, Canada. Singh, studying business at Lambton College, suffered multiple stab wounds. Police arrested the accused, 36-year-old Crossley Hunter, at the scene and charged him with second-degree murder. Authorities confirmed no racial motive in the ongoing investigation. Lambton College expressed grief, offering support to students and aiding Singh's family with funeral arrangements. Hunter, remanded in custody, will appear in court via video on December 6, 2024.

Amid rising tensions, Bangladesh has urgently recalled its acting Deputy High Commissioner in Kolkata, Shikdar Mohammad Ashraful Rahman, and Assistant High Commissioner in Agartala, Arif Mohammad. Protests in West Bengal and Tripura over the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu in Bangladesh and attacks on minorities escalated the situation. A security breach at Bangladesh’s Agartala mission saw protesters vandalizing the flagpole and desecrating the national flag. Diplomatic sources confirmed the diplomats are to work from Dhaka until further notice. Bangladesh's Foreign Ministry condemned the breach, calling it a pre-planned act, criticizing local law enforcement.              

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has called for a balanced approach to trade with China. Speaking at an Assocham event, he highlighted India’s need to avoid over-reliance on Chinese supply chains and safeguard domestic industries like MSMEs. While recent talks on border disputes have eased tensions slightly, Jaishankar stressed the importance of addressing unresolved issues along the Line of Actual Control. He urged businesses to consider long-term impacts when trading with China. Jaishankar also discussed strengthening ties with Russia for better access to its economy and preparing for deeper collaboration with the incoming Trump administration in the US.

India and China held diplomatic talks on Thursday to review the border situation, following the recent disengagement in eastern Ladakh. The discussions were part of the 32nd meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on border affairs. India’s delegation, led by Gourangalal Das, and China’s team, led by Hong Liang, highlighted the importance of maintaining peace through regular diplomatic and military exchanges. Both sides affirmed the implementation of the disengagement agreement and planned the next meeting of Special Representatives. They emphasised effective border management to prevent a repeat of the 2020 tensions.

Nepal has officially joined China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), finalizing a framework agreement during Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s visit to Beijing. This marks a significant step seven years after Nepal’s initial in-principle agreement in 2017. The deal includes project planning, coordination, and financing details. While Beijing hails the pact as a milestone, it raises concerns in New Delhi over potential security threats and China’s "debt diplomacy." India previously restricted its airspace to a Chinese-funded airport in Pokhra, citing security risks. Critics within Nepal also express fears of mounting debt from Chinese loans, intensifying political debates over the agreement.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will visit Dhaka on December 9 or 10 for the Foreign Office Consultation (FOC), marking the first high-level visit since the interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, assumed power. Discussions will cover extradition of Sheikh Hasina, visa issues, and minority rights. Bangladesh Foreign Adviser Md. Touhid Hosain stressed building relations on reciprocity. Sheikh Hasina faces trial for alleged involvement in mass killings during the July-August uprising. Bangladesh's Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin will co-lead the discussions with Misri. The visit highlights efforts to stabilize bilateral ties amidst regional tensions.

Bill Gates sparked outrage after calling India “a kind of laboratory to try things” during a podcast with Reid Hoffman. Critics accused him of insensitivity, with one user saying, “We Indians are guinea pigs for Bill Gates.” Gates clarified his admiration for India’s progress, stating, “India is stable enough and generating its own government revenue... things proven in India can be applied elsewhere.” Supporters defended Gates, highlighting his contributions to global health. “There’s no guinea pig-style experiments for vaccines happening in India, period,” said one user, urging balanced interpretation of his comments.

Indian envoy Pranay Verma assured that India and Bangladesh share strong, multi-dimensional ties despite recent tensions. He was summoned by Bangladesh’s foreign ministry after protesters vandalized the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala, Tripura. The protest was against attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh and the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das. Verma called the incident “deeply regrettable” and stressed India’s commitment to positive relations. Three police officers were suspended over the security breach. Tensions have risen due to concerns over minority safety in Bangladesh, but both nations continue to work on mutual cooperation in various fields.

Bangladesh summoned Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma to discuss rising tensions over violence against Hindu minorities and a recent protest at its Agartala Assistant High Commission. Acting Foreign Secretary Reaz Hamidullah chaired the meeting. Verma emphasized India's commitment to fostering positive bilateral ties and mutual benefits through trade, power transmission, and security cooperation. Bangladesh expressed concerns over local police inaction during the Agartala protest, which left its mission staff feeling insecure. India called the incident "deeply regrettable" and pledged increased security at Bangladeshi missions nationwide. The diplomatic dialogue comes amid heightened tensions following Sheikh Hasina’s departure to India.