Khalistani sympathizers, led by fugitive gangster Amritbir Singh Cheema, have gathered in Vancouver, Canada, to demonstrate their support. Cheema, a wanted individual in Punjab, has sought asylum in Canada since 2015. The group employs a radio station, Radio Punjab Vancouver, for a daily two-hour program aimed at radicalizing people, mainly receiving calls from California rather than local Canadians. Despite local Sikh complaints, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) reportedly refuses to intervene, regarding it as an internal matter. The Indo-Canadian community expresses concern about Canada's enabling of Khalistani extremists, urging against political appeasement amid tensions between Canada and India.  

The tallest statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar outside India was unveiled in Maryland, US. The 19-foot tall "Statue of Equality" was formally inaugurated amid chants of "Jai Bhim." Over 500 Indian-Americans attended, some travelling 10 hours. Sculpted by Ram Sutar, the statue is at the Ambedkar International Center, which will also have a library and Buddha Garden. Earlier seen as a Dalit leader, Ambedkar is now recognized for empowering marginalized sections andcontribution as architect of India's constitution. His ideology of nation's prosperity through empowering all citizens is inspiring developed and underdeveloped nations alike.

The inaugural 2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue between India and the UK was conducted in New Delhi today. The Indian delegation, led by Piyush Srivastava, Joint Secretary (Europe West) from the Ministry of External Affairs, and Vishwesh Negi, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) from the Ministry of Defence, engaged in discussions with their UK counterparts, including Ben Mellor, Director from the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO), and Lt. Gen. Rob Magowan, Deputy Chair of Defence Staff from the Ministry of Defence. The dialogue primarily revolved around assessing the progress made within the India-UK Roadmap 2030 and exploring potential avenues for future collaboration and cooperation.

A recent Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) report highlights that among major economies, only India, Indonesia, the UK, and Switzerland are on course to achieve their 2030 Paris Agreement objectives. This report underscores a substantial disparity in global climate action. Major economies are falling short in accounting for their historical emissions and in recognizing the distinct responsibilities of affluent and developing nations in the pursuit of common climate goals. The 2030 Paris Agreement targets serve as a critical milestone in the global effort to combat climate change, with these countries showing promising progress toward fulfilling their commitments.

India launched 'Operation Ajay' on Wednesday to facilitate the return of citizens from Israel amid the ongoing conflict. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced the operation on social media, saying special charter flights and arrangements are being made. The Indian embassy in Tel Aviv informed "The Embassy has emailed the first lot of registered Indian citizens for the special flight tomorrow. Messages to other registered people will follow for subsequent flights." India in Israel has also set up a 24/7 control room to monitor the situation and assist citizens. Over 2,200 have died as the war entered its fifth day. Israel continues heavy bombardment, flattening Gaza blocks, while Hamas militants fired a barrage of rockets on Ashkelon on Wednesday. India is focused on safely evacuating its nationals from the escalating crisis.

Canada's Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly said diplomatic engagement with India remains "private" when asked if Canada has downsized its mission in India per New Delhi's demand. This after India set a deadline for Canada to cut diplomats over Justin Trudeau's comments on Indian involvement in a separatist's killing. While Canada let the deadline pass, reports suggest most diplomats remain in India as talks continue. Joly stressed keeping talks private, though Trudeau has publicly raised the issue with world leaders. Her statement indicates Canada is reluctant to openly act on India's call to pare diplomatic staff as both sides attempt to resolve the dispute.

At the Indian Ocean Rim Association meeting, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar described India as a 'Vishwa Mitra' or the world's friend, representing the voice of the Global South. As vice-chair for 2023-25, Jaishankar said India will strengthen IORA's framework towards realizing its potential. Using 'Vishwa Mitra' instead of 'Vishwa Guru', he evoked 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' for oneness. He stated India will help harness women's power and democratize technology in IORA states. Jaishankar reiterated India's commitment as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean region, based on its Neighborhood First policy. The two-day IORA meeting has 16 ministers from member states attending.

India's anti-terror agency NIA conducted raids and confiscated properties of Khalistani terrorist Lakhbir Singh Rode on Wednesday in Punjab. Rode, head of the banned International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), is designated a terrorist by India's government. He faces charges including arms smuggling, attack conspiracies, and spreading hatred in Punjab. NIA seized 1.4 acres of Rode's ancestral land among other assets per a court order under anti-terror laws. Rode is wanted in India for multiple terror cases between 2021-2023. The seizure of his assets is seen as a blow to Rode who operates from Pakistan.

Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly reportedly held a secret meeting with India's Minister of External Affairs, S Jaishankar, in Washington amid the diplomatic standoff over Canada's allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. While neither country confirmed the meeting, Canada is making efforts to resolve the situation privately. Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasized responsible engagement with India, stating they don't want to escalate the situation. Following the allegations, both countries expelled diplomats, and India asked Canada to reduce staff to achieve diplomatic parity. Approximately 30 Canadian diplomatic staff were relocated from India to Kuala Lumpur or Singapore.

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan was awarded an honorary doctorate by Jawaharlal Nehru University on Tuesday, becoming the first woman recipient of the honor. Hassan was recognized for fostering India-Tanzania ties, promoting economic diplomacy and achieving regional integration. In her acceptance speech, Hassan reminisced about falling in love with India during her first visit in 1998. She said India has always been a stalwart against colonialism and that the countries can champion positive change together. The event was attended by Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Hassan is the first foreign university to confer an honorary degree to the Tanzanian president. (Image Courtesy: JNU on X)