Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the 22nd session of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Kyrgyzstan. Jaishankar emphasized the importance of adhering to international law, respecting each nation's sovereignty, and promoting economic cooperation within the region. The statement, seemingly directed at China's investments in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), highlighted the need for initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) to respect territorial integrity while fostering regional prosperity.

Canada has welcomed India's decision to resume certain visa services, terming it a positive step after recent diplomatic strains. Immigration Minister Marc Miller criticized the initial suspension, stating it "should never have happened." The move follows Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's accusation of Indian officials' involvement in the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a claim India dismissed. Ottawa is seeking India's cooperation in the investigation. India resumed services like entry, business, medical, and conference visas, citing improved responsiveness from Canadian authorities regarding diplomatic security. The resumption occurred after discussions spanning ten days, easing bilateral tensions.

India's High Commission in Canada announced the resumption of some visa services starting from October 26. This move aims to ease tensions stemming from the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. India had previously suspended new Canadian visas and called for a reduction in Canada's diplomatic presence due to allegations of a potential link between Indian agents and the murder, which Canada partially addressed by withdrawing 41 diplomats. India, however, denies any involvement in the shooting. The High Commission will now issue standard entry, business, medical, and conference visas, citing a reassessment of the security situation and recent Canadian actions.

In a Canadian Dussehra event, Khalistan supporters stirred controversy by burning an effigy adorned with Indian PM Modi, Amit Shah, and others' faces, wrapped in the Indian tricolor. The act, accompanied by Pro Khalistani slogans, triggered outrage. In response, an Indian Sikh named Jyot Jeet Singh gained attention for burning an effigy featuring Khalistani terrorist Pannu, sparking a viral reaction on social media. 

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak completes one year in office, succeeding Liz Truss amid challenges. The 43-year-old faced Labour leader Keir Starmer in Parliament, emphasizing a working day without celebration. Sunak acknowledged achievements but stressed more work ahead, addressing the nation's challenges. Conservative Chairman Greg Hands praised Sunak's actions, citing support for families, economic growth, and global conflicts. Anti-incumbency challenges persist as the UK gears up for a general election next year, with the Conservatives trailing behind Labour in polls.

India is shifting its approach to bilateral investment treaties (BITs) in negotiations with the UK, aiming to expedite the resolution of investor-state disputes in a new treaty to accompany a forthcoming free trade agreement. India has historically favored local remedies to address investment-related legal disputes, but is now considering international arbitration. The adjustment is targeted at strategically important countries, following India's exit from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). The shift stems from concerns about the time it takes to resolve disputes in India. The new BIT would address issues for new entrants or businesses entering the market.

In 2020, the Asian Indian population became the largest Asian-alone group in the United States, with significant growth of over 50% from 2010, totaling 4,397,737 individuals, the Census has revealed. They overtook Chinese Americans in this category. However, when considering the Asian population, including multiracial individuals, Chinese Americans remained the largest, with 5.2 million individuals. Chinese Americans also saw notable growth, increasing by 37%. The majority of Asian Indians are concentrated in California, Texas, New Jersey, New York, and Illinois, with Cook County, Illinois, being the largest at 134,169. This demographic shift reflects the evolving diversity in the United States.

An Indian diaspora organization, the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS), is urging the Biden administration to relax employment authorization card rules for the over 1.1 million Indian-origin non-immigrant visa holders stuck in decades-long green card backlogs. FIIDS said the 7% per-country limit causes nearly 135 years of delays, with many never getting permanent residency. Issuing work authorization during early green card processing would aid Indian Americans facing uncertainty. FIIDS asked USCIS to grant 5-year EADs to approved I-140 applicants without awaiting I-485 processing. It also pushed for 5-year auto-renewal EADs for H4-EAD spouses to enable independent contributions. FIIDS said avoiding quasi-indentured status for these individuals is a humanitarian imperative.

In a prestigious ceremony at the White House, President Biden awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation to Ashok Gadgil and the National Medal of Science to Subra Suresh, both distinguished Indian-American scientists. The accolades recognize their groundbreaking contributions, enabling life-saving medical treatments, combating the opioid crisis, enhancing food security, and improving accessibility. The awards, the nation's highest scientific honors, celebrate achievements in various scientific fields. The awardees' innovations have bolstered American leadership in science and technology, inspiring future generations and addressing global challenges.

British Airways is set to mark Diwali with a heartfelt brand advertisement, showcasing their staff members who are working during the festival to help passengers reunite with their loved ones. The ad features a diverse cast, including Indian-based cabin crew and customer service agents, highlighting their dedication to connecting families. The airline's director of marketing, Hamish McVey, expressed gratitude to the staff, emphasizing the importance of reuniting families during Diwali. The ad will run across various platforms, accompanied by special fares encouraging travel for the festive season.