India has rejected the US Commission on International Religious Freedom’s (USCIRF) report, which criticized India for alleged religious freedom abuses. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) dismissed the report as "biased" and claimed it promotes a "motivated narrative." The USCIRF's annual report recommended designating India as a "Country of Particular Concern" over alleged violations, including violence against religious minorities and destruction of homes and worship places. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal urged the USCIRF to "desist from agenda-driven efforts" and focus on human rights issues in the US instead.

Indian citizens in Israel are voicing their fears after Iran launched ballistic missiles targeting the country. The Indian embassy urged citizens to remain vigilant and adhere to local safety protocols. Nilabja Roychowdhary, a medical student from Kolkata, stated, “The situation is getting scarier by the day,” recalling a bomb dropping near a friend's home. Caregivers expressed concerns, with one stating, “We have not seen something as threatening as this ever.” Many are currently in bomb shelters, with the embassy reporting approximately 18,000 nationals in Israel, mostly caregivers and IT professionals, while monitoring the situation closely.

S Iswaran, Singapore's former transport minister of Indian origin, was sentenced to one year in prison after pleading guilty to five corruption charges. This sentence exceeds the prosecution's request of six to seven months, deemed "manifestly inadequate" by Justice Vincent Hoong. Iswaran is the first individual prosecuted under Section 165 in post-independent Singapore. The judge highlighted that the former minister's public service was a neutral factor, noting his lack of remorse. Despite mitigating factors like his early guilty plea, the repetitive nature of his offenses led to an increased level of culpability.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his wishes to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the people of Israel, and the global Jewish community on the occasion of Rosh Hashanah. In a post on X, PM Modi said, "Best wishes on Rosh Hashanah to my friend PM @netanyahu... May the new year bring peace, hope, and good health in everyone's life." The Indian Embassy in Israel also joined the celebrations, raising a toast with Israeli friends. Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days, celebrated for two days each autumn.

India has expressed deep concern over escalating tensions in the Middle East, urging all parties to exercise restraint following Iran's missile attacks on Israel. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized the importance of “dialogue and diplomacy” to resolve conflicts and prevent the situation from escalating regionally. Iran reportedly fired over 180 ballistic missiles at Israel, with Israel's Iron Dome intercepting many of them. While no casualties were reported in Israel, one person was killed in the West Bank. The region has faced increasing instability since the onset of the Gaza conflict nearly a year ago.

As tensions between Israel and Iran intensify, Indian businesses brace for significant disruptions in sea trade. The Red Sea route, a crucial channel for India’s exports, is threatened by Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who have attacked ships since last year. Indian petroleum exports have already dropped by 37.56% in August. A recent Crisil report highlighted that India relies on the Red Sea for 50% of its exports and 30% of its imports. With rising freight rates and delays, companies may need to seek longer, costlier routes, impacting trade efficiency.

The Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv has issued a safety advisory for Indian nationals in Israel, urging them to remain vigilant due to escalating tensions following Iran's missile attacks in retaliation for the killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah. The embassy shared emergency contact numbers (+972-547520711 and +972-543278392) and an email address for assistance. With air raid sirens sounding in Tel Aviv and warnings activated in Jerusalem, the embassy stressed the importance of adhering to local safety protocols and registering with the embassy for safety measures during this volatile period.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed India's concern over the escalating Middle East conflict, particularly the tensions between Iran and Israel. Speaking at a Washington DC think tank event, Jaishankar highlighted the risks of a full-scale war and stressed the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law to avoid civilian casualties. He acknowledged Israel's need to respond to the October 7 terrorist attack but urged caution in broadening the conflict. Hours after his remarks, Iran launched 180 missiles into Israel following the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, raising fears of a wider regional war.

Iranian-backed Iraqi armed groups have issued a warning that U.S. military bases in Iraq and the broader region will be targeted if the United States retaliates against Iranian missile strikes on Israel. They also threatened action if Israel utilizes Iraqi airspace for operations against Iran. This statement follows heightened tensions in the region, with the potential for increased conflict as various factions respond to recent hostilities. The Iraqi military emphasized that any involvement by the U.S. would escalate the situation and put their bases at risk.

In response to Iran firing barrages of rockets at Israel, the Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv has issued an urgent advisory to all Indian nationals in the country. The embassy urged citizens to stay vigilant, follow local safety protocols, and avoid unnecessary travel. Shelters have been opened across Israel as tensions escalate after the killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli missile attack. The embassy provided 24/7 helpline numbers and requested all unregistered Indian nationals to register immediately for assistance during emergencies.