British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak issued Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas greetings on Saturday, expressing hope for a brighter future. In his message, the Hindu leader referenced his Indian heritage as the first British Asian PM. Sunak said the lighting of diyas represents "the triumph of light over darkness" and a "determination to change things for the better." He called the festivals a celebration of the "fantastic ethnic and cultural diversity" of the UK. Earlier this week, Sunak hosted a Diwali reception at 10 Downing Street attended by prominent British Indians and Bollywood celebrities. The residence was decorated with vibrant decor as Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty marked their first Diwali since he became PM.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will visit the United Kingdom from November 11-15 for discussions with his counterpart James Cleverly. The Ministry of External Affairs said Jaishankar's visit aims to boost the India-UK strategic partnership and give impetus to friendly relations. The two countries launched a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Roadmap 2030 last year. The visit comes amid Israel-Hamas tensions in West Asia. It is unclear if the delayed India-UK free trade agreement will be discussed.

African-American singer Mary Millben wished Indians a happy Diwali, saying "My favorite time of year has come! Diwali!" The singer shared a video on social media handle X (formerly Twitter) wearing Indian attire, she sang the devotional hymn 'Om Jai Jagdish Hare' and wrote, "I look forward to celebrating with you this weekend and officially on November 12th." Millben extended "Happy #Diwali to Indian communities across the world!" and said, "Take your candle, the light inside of you, and go light the world!! I love you." The singer conveyed warm Diwali greetings to Indians globally in a video singing a Hindu hymn, saying Diwali is her favorite time of year.

"Diwali is about family, friends, and fun - so we brought all of that together in the office. Aap sabhi ko humari taraf se Diwali ki shubhkamnayein (A very Happy Diwali to all of you from our side)," the British High Commission in India posted on X (formerly Twitter) wishing all Indians on the occasion of Diwali. . British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis wished for a safe, happy and prosperous Diwali for everyone. "Namaste! We wish you all a very Happy Diwali from the side of the British High Commission. Diwali is truly a global event, celebrated in India, celebrated across the world including in 10 Downing Street, and across the United Kingdom," Ellis said. He said, "That's why I would like to say... 'Aap aur aapki Diwali surakshit, samridh aur khushaal rahe' (We wish you and your Diwali stay safe, prosperous and happy)".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and expressed deep concern over the escalating Israel-Hamas conflict in West Asia. Both leaders shared worries about the terrorism, violence and civilian casualties. They called for urgent efforts to resolve the tense situation peacefully. PM Modi conveyed India's full support to Brazil for the success of its upcoming G20 presidency. The two leaders also discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across all sectors, building on their recent meeting at the G20 summit in India. This comes after PM Modi's conversations with leaders in the West Asia region including Iran, UK and UAE where he emphasized ending the crisis and stopping loss of innocent lives. 

UK Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero, Claire Coutinho, calls for enhanced collaboration between the UK and India in addressing common climate goals. Speaking at the India Global Forum’s Diwali Reception, Coutinho highlights the valuable partnership, emphasizing shared ambitions in energy and climate change. The event, attended by eminent figures, celebrates the robust UK-India relationship. High Commissioner of India to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, outlines the potential for impactful UK-India partnerships in achieving global Net Zero targets. The Diwali event sets the stage for future collaborations and explores the vast potential in leveraging technology for positive change. [ photo: Claire Coutinho/X ]

During the '2+2' ministerial meeting, India strongly conveyed its serious concerns to the US regarding the escalating activities of pro-Khalistani elements in Canada. Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra emphasized India's core security concerns, pointing to recent videos. The American delegation, led by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, acknowledged India's apprehensions. Tensions between India and Canada have risen since Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau's allegations in September. India temporarily halted visa issuance to Canadians, leading Canada to withdraw 41 diplomats and family members, though some visa services have resumed.          

Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh symbolically handed over World War II-era items recovered in Assam to visiting US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. The items included parts of a parachute, uniform and airplane belonging to missing US air force personnel who crashed in northeast India while supplying Chinese troops over the Himalayas. The exchange was part of the US DPAA mission to find remains of over 81,800 service members still missing from WWII to Iraq. Austin thanked India for aiding the agency's work since 1978. The items will help provide closure to families of lost US soldiers. Their return highlights cooperation on accounting for all troops no matter how long it takes.

India and the US held the 2+2 dialogue between defense and foreign ministers on Friday to expand strategic ties. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, EAM S Jaishankar and their American counterparts discussed bolstering cooperation in critical minerals, high technology and Indo-Pacific security amid geopolitical challenges like Ukraine. Despite differences on Ukraine, strategic and security cooperation has advanced with the US viewing India as a counter to China. Key areas were Indo-Pacific, West Asia and Ukraine per Jaishankar. Singh called defense pivotal. Blinken emphasized jointly promoting an open Indo-Pacific. With momentum in ties, delivering for people amid global crises was important per Blinken. India-US ties have progressed despite global turbulence.

Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly acknowledged tensions with India, saying the relationship is going through a "difficult moment." Speaking after a G7 meeting, Joly said she was in close contact with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during this tough phase. Bilateral ties plunged in September when Canada alleged Indian agents killed a Sikh separatist, which India denied. After Canada expelled dozens of Indian diplomats invoking parity, Joly said their safety was at risk. However, she expressed confidence Canada and India would get through this difficult period given their longstanding relationship. EAM Jaishankar recently echoed they were in a difficult phase due to certain Canadian policies. Both sides acknowledged challenges but hoped to move past the diplomatic spat.