Despite the release of seven naval veterans from Qatar after 16 months of imprisonment, uncertainty lingers over the return of Commander Purnendu Tiwari. While allowed to return to his house in Doha, Tiwari remains detained due to a travel ban, awaiting clearance from Qatari courts. Requests for his return have been made, but formalities delay his reunion with family. The Ministry of External Affairs confirms his pending return, yet the exact timeline remains uncertain. Tiwari's prolonged absence prolongs anxiety for loved ones, emphasizing the need for swift resolution.

Conservative party's major donor, Frank Hester, faces backlash after making racist remarks during a meeting, including suggesting staff climb on a train roof and seeking jokes about Malaysian people. Hester, who donated £10m to the Tories, also commented negatively about Diane Abbott. His remarks sparked condemnation, with politicians and leaders denouncing them as racist. Hester issued an apology, acknowledging his comments were rude, but denying gender or racial bias. Despite attempts to clarify, Hester's remarks continue to stir controversy, with calls for accountability and scrutiny over his company's contracts with the NHS and Department of Health.    

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the gravity of the situation at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, describing it as "very tense and dangerous." Speaking at the Express Adda event in New Delhi, he addressed concerns over the prolonged presence of an estimated 50,000-60,000 troops on both sides of the border in eastern Ladakh for nearly four years. Jaishankar stressed the mutual interest in reducing forces at the LAC and adhering to existing agreements. His remarks underscored the need for diplomatic efforts to resolve tensions and maintain stability in the region amidst ongoing border disputes.

New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters has cast doubt on Canada's claims of an alleged Indian link in the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. As a member of the Five-Eyes intelligence alliance, New Zealand received intelligence from Canada regarding the case. However, Peters expressed skepticism about the evidence during an interview, marking the first instance of a Five-Eyes partner openly challenging Canada's assertions. Nijjar, designated a terrorist in India, was shot dead in Surrey, British Columbia, sparking a diplomatic row. Despite Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations, India has dismissed them as baseless, and no evidence has been presented.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic discussion with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, emphasizing the need for a swift conclusion to a mutually beneficial India-UK Free Trade Agreement. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to bolster the bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, acknowledging progress in various sectors under the Roadmap 2030, including trade, investment, defense, and emerging technologies. They expressed satisfaction with advancements toward the trade agreement and exchanged perspectives on regional and global developments. Additionally, they extended warm wishes for the upcoming Holi festival and pledged to stay connected.

Six Pakistani nationals were apprehended near Gujarat's Porbandar coast while attempting to smuggle drugs worth Rs 400 crore into India. Acting on a tip-off, a joint operation by the Narcotics Control Bureau, Indian Coast Guard, and Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad led to their capture. This marks the second significant drug bust in the region within a month, following a previous seizure of drugs valued at over Rs 2,000 crore on February 28. The individuals were allegedly planning to transport the banned substances to Delhi and Punjab via an Indian vessel. The operation underscores ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking along the coast.

India has signed a landmark free-trade agreement (FTA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), comprising Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. The deal promises $100bn in investments in India, spanning over 15 years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the pact as a boost to economic progress and youth opportunities. The agreement, following 16 years of negotiations, entails India lifting most import tariffs on industrial goods from the EFTA nations in exchange for investments across various sectors. Ratification by both parties is required before implementation, with Switzerland aiming for completion by next year.

The Indian embassy in China's tweet celebrating the successful flight test of the Agni-5 ballistic missile, dubbed 'Divyastra', has garnered significant attention, with over 11,000 likes and 2,800 reposts. The test, featuring Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, bolsters India's nuclear deterrence against nations like China. Meanwhile, a report reveals that China deployed a research vessel near India's shores to monitor the Agni-5 test, indicative of heightened regional tensions. India's entry into the MIRV-capable nations club signifies a significant advancement in its defense capabilities.

China lodges a diplomatic protest with India over PM Narendra Modi's visit to Arunachal Pradesh, where he inaugurated the strategically vital Sela tunnel. China claims Arunachal as South Tibet and argues India's move will "only complicate" the boundary issue. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin asserts China's opposition, stating India lacks the right to develop the area of Zangnan. PM Modi opened the tunnel, linking Tezpur to Tawang, reducing travel time and enhancing troop movement along the Line of Actual Control with China.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's diplomatic efforts, along with global support, are credited with preventing a potential Russian nuclear attack on Ukraine, according to a CNN report. US officials claim that PM Modi's outreach, alongside Chinese leader Xi Jinping's statements, influenced President Putin to abandon the nuclear threat amid setbacks on the battlefield. The report suggests that as Ukrainian forces closed in on Kherson, fears of a Russian nuclear response grew. The US sought international support, including from India, to dissuade Russia. India, consistently advocating for peace, had PM Modi emphasizing a commitment to peaceful resolutions during the SCO summit in September 2022.