In a significant diplomatic endeavor, the Indian government is fervently working to secure the release of nine citizens facing the death penalty in Gulf nations. The focus is on eight former Navy officials in Qatar and one woman in Yemen, identified as Nimishi Priya, a Malayali nurse. While MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi acknowledged ongoing legal proceedings, he emphasized the government's commitment to providing extensive legal and consular support. Despite the confidentiality surrounding the Qatari court order, consular access has been granted, and an appeal has been filed. The nation strives to ensure justice and safeguard its citizens overseas.

Fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi, facing extradition to India, informed a UK court that he might remain in England for an extended period due to ongoing legal proceedings hindering his extradition. During a hearing on fines totaling GBP 150,247 accrued from his failed extradition appeal, the former billionaire, dressed in prison attire, confirmed compliance with monthly payments. Emphasizing the uncertainty, he stated, "It is very likely I will be in England for a long time, could be three months, six months, could be years." The case was adjourned to February 8, 2024, with the outstanding balance at GBP 70,247.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has called on Canadian PM Justin Trudeau to share evidence regarding the alleged involvement of the Indian Government in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Stressing the need for evidence, Jaishankar expressed openness to an investigation but emphasized that Trudeau's government hasn't presented any proof. Canada, meanwhile, has ruled out trade talks with India until cooperation is assured in the Nijjar investigation. Jaishankar accused Canadian politicians of allowing advocates of violence and lethal means free space, citing intimidation of Indian diplomats. The MEA urged Ottawa to respect the Vienna Convention for diplomats.

The Supreme Court of Yemen rejected an appeal against the death sentence for Indian nurse Nimisha Priya from Kerala, imprisoned since 2017 for murdering a Yemeni national. Priya was convicted of killing Talal Abdo Mahdi after injecting him with sedatives while trying to retrieve her passport. The Delhi High Court urged the Centre to decide within a week on Priya's mother's request to travel to Yemen to potentially negotiate 'blood money' compensation with Mahdi's family for her release. However, the court refused to order the Centre to negotiate, only asking it to pursue legal measures against Priya's conviction. (Image Courtesy: @myvakil on X)

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal met US President Joe Biden at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) welcome reception, expressing honor at the encounter. Goyal, attending the APEC Summit in San Francisco, also engaged with US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Peru's Minister of Foreign Trade Juan Carlos Mathews, and Qualcomm President Alex Rogers. Discussions included progress on the India-Peru Free Trade Agreement and collaboration opportunities in India's semiconductor sector. Goyal highlighted positive sentiments towards India's investment landscape. Additionally, he welcomed the announcement of the US-India Green Transition Fund, aiming to support India's renewable energy goals.

Canadian Minister Mary Ng emphasizes a focus on India's cooperation in investigating Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing, stating, "Our focus is, of course, on this investigation, that work has to take place." Ng asserts Canada's commitment to allowing the probe to proceed before considering the resumption of trade talks. Amid strained relations, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar seeks evidence from Canada. Canada-India ties soured after PM Trudeau's September allegations of potential Indian agent involvement in Nijjar's death, labeled "absurd" by India. While Canadian businesses continue in India, Ng ensures support tools for investors. Relations hinge on the investigation's progress.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the Voice of Global South Summit, condemned civilian casualties in the Israel-Hamas war. Stressing India's anti-violence stance, he called for restraint and dialogue as essential conflict-resolution elements. Referencing the October 7 Hamas attacks, Modi highlighted India's condemnation and efforts, including humanitarian aid to Palestine. Emphasizing global south unity in the face of emerging challenges, he urged collective action for the greater good. The summit aims to facilitate collaboration on shared concerns among nations primarily in Asia, Africa, and South America.

A Sikh restaurateur in Australia, Jarnail Singh, running a restaurant in Hobart, Tasmania, reported facing racial targeting over the last two to three months. Incidents include dog excrement smeared on his car handles and racist graffiti telling him to "Go home, Indian." Singh, stressed by the continuous attacks, reported the incidents to the police, though lack of video evidence hinders identification of the perpetrators. Tasmania Police are investigating, stating that racial motivation can be an aggravating factor in sentencing. Singh, residing in Australia for 15 years, urges action against such harassment. [ photo source : Dawat the invitation/Facebook] 

India reiterates its call for de-escalation in the Israel-Hamas conflict, emphasizing adherence to international humanitarian law amidst rising civilian casualties. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, in a weekly briefing, stated India's intention to send additional humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people. Responding to Israeli troops' actions at Gaza's Al-Shifa hospital, Bagchi emphasized India's consistent stance on avoiding civilian casualties, observing humanitarian law, and supporting relief efforts. India strongly condemned both Hamas attacks on Israel and the October 7 terrorist incident, reaffirming zero tolerance for terrorism and advocating for the hostages' immediate release.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar raised India's "long-standing concerns about pro-Khalistan extremism in the UK" during his visit. He stressed Britain should guard against the "misuse of freedom of expression and speech." Referring to the attacks on the India House, Jaishankar said "the gravity of the situation is sharply recognised" and India expects requisite protection for its diplomats to work "unrestricted." He said, "We have been trying to get the government here to understand that while we as a fellow democracy certainly understand the importance of freedom of expression, and of speech, they should be on guard against the misuse of these freedoms." Jaishankar warned the UK against letting freedoms be misused by pro-Khalistan elements, conveying India's concerns over extremism.