Seven Indian tourists from Punjab and Haryana claim they were deceived into military service in Russia and sent to fight in the Ukraine conflict. Identified as Gagandeep Singh, Lovepreet Singh, Narain Singh, Gurpreet Singh, Harsh Kumar, and Abhishek Kumar, they allege being abandoned by an agent in Belarus, where they were handed over to Russian authorities. Forced to sign documents in Russian, they now seek assistance after being deployed to the Donestsk region. This incident follows reports of Indian nationals seeking help for discharge from the Russian Army amid casualties in the Ukraine war.          

The Indian Navy swiftly responded to a distress call in the Gulf of Aden, rescuing 23 individuals, including 13 Indian nationals, from a merchant vessel attacked by drones. The Liberian-flagged ship, MSCSkyII, was ablaze following the assault on March 4. Promptly arriving at the scene, INS Kolkata deployed a specialized firefighting team and assisted in risk assessment. The crew, comprising 23 personnel, was safely escorted to secure waters. This incident underscores growing global apprehensions over maritime security, particularly amidst escalating attacks by Houthi militants on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

Pat Nibin Maxwell, a 31-year-old from Kerala, lost his life in a missile strike near the Israel-Lebanon border. Having moved to Israel two months ago, Nibin leaves behind a pregnant wife and a 5-year-old daughter. Two others from Kerala were injured in the same attack and are currently receiving treatment. The Indian embassy in Israel has issued a relocation advisory for nationals in border areas. Nibin's family received the news from his wife, and his body is expected to be repatriated to Kerala after necessary procedures. The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict remains a cause for concern.

The Indian Embassy in Israel advises nationals to relocate after a Kerala man is killed in an anti-tank missile strike. The attack, attributed to Hezbollah, targeted an orchard in Margaliot. Patnibin Maxwell died, while Bush Joseph George and Paul Melvin were injured. Israel confirms the attack, denouncing Hezbollah's actions as terror. Tensions escalate between Hezbollah and Israel, resulting in casualties on both sides. Indian citizens are urged to move to safer areas within Israel amid ongoing conflicts. The Indian Embassy provides a helpline and urges locals to disseminate the advisory. Casualties and tensions rise as Hezbollah continues attacks on Israeli territories.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu reiterated that no Indian military personnel, not even in civilian attire, would remain in the country post-May 10. His statement follows a recent agreement with China for free military aid. This comes despite India's ongoing efforts to withdraw its troops from the Maldives. Muizzu's remarks signal heightened tensions between India and the Maldives, with the latter increasingly aligning with China. The strategic significance of the Maldives, situated close to India's western coast, adds complexity to the geopolitical dynamics in the Indian Ocean Region.    

In an address at the World Youth Forum in Sochi, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov commended India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar for advocating national dignity amid questions about India's oil purchases from Russia. Lavrov highlighted the enduring ties between the two nations, emphasizing Russia's support during the Cold War and collaborative defense projects like the BrahMos missile system. Lavrov quoted Jaishankar's response at the UN, where he advised critics to focus on their own affairs, showcasing India's assertive stance on its strategic partnerships. Jaishankar previously affirmed that Russia has consistently upheld India's interests, underscoring the stability and warmth of the bilateral relationship. Lavrov's remarks reaffirm the strength of India-Russia friendship.

In the first Indian casualty amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, a man from Kerala died in a Hezbollah missile strike in north Israel's Margaliot. Two others were injured while cultivating an orchard during the attack. The Israel embassy in India condemned the "cowardly" strike, offering prayers to the victims' families and ensuring medical assistance. The anti-tank missile, fired from Lebanon, underscores the escalation in violence. New Delhi expressed deep concern over the conflict, condemning civilian casualties and reaffirming support for a two-state solution, emphasizing Israel's security needs and Palestinian sovereignty.      

Pakistan refutes Indian claims that the Karachi-bound ship seized in Mumbai was carrying equipment for a nuclear programme. The Pakistan Foreign Office asserts the vessel was transporting a commercial lathe machine for an automotive company in Karachi, emphasizing transparent banking channels and commercial use. Describing the seizure as unjustified, Pakistan condemns India's actions as a violation of international norms. Indian officials maintain the seized CNC machine had potential military applications, citing discrepancies in shipping details. Investigations continue into the incident, amid tensions between the two nations.

Pro-Khalistan groups staged protests near Indian consulates in Toronto and Vancouver, Canada, following the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, deemed a terrorist in India. Despite their efforts, both consulates remained unaffected as they were closed for the weekend. Police presence kept protesters at bay, with limited impact on operations. The protests, organized by separatist group Sikhs for Justice, aimed to avenge Nijjar's assassination. Meanwhile, High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma addressed an event in Surrey, where RCMP blocked entrances amid fiery exchanges with protesters. Verma later described the event as well-attended and covered various topics.    

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow and extended sympathies to the victims of a tragic fire at a shopping mall in Dhaka, Bangladesh. At least 46 lives were lost, with over 20 sustaining severe injuries in the blaze. In a letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, PM Modi conveyed heartfelt condolences and wished speedy recovery to the injured. Affirming India's solidarity with Bangladesh, PM Modi assured that thoughts and prayers are with the affected, emphasizing the enduring bond between the two nations. Authorities have initiated investigations, leading to the arrest of three individuals.