Germany has announced visa-free transit for Indian travelers at German airports, eliminating the requirement for Schengen transit visas during layovers. Chancellor Friedrich Merz made this announcement during his Gujarat visit, strengthening India-Germany ties. Previously, Indian nationals needed transit visas even when staying in international transit areas at Frankfurt, Munich, or Berlin airports without entering Germany or the Schengen area. This decision will significantly ease international travel for Indians passing through German airports. However, travelers must still obtain appropriate tourist, business, or student visas to actually enter Germany and other Schengen countries. The announcement coincided with multiple bilateral agreements deepening economic and security cooperation, including simplified defense trade procedures benefiting India. (PC: X)

Canadian police arrested Arsalan Chaudhary, 43, at Toronto Pearson International Airport in connection with Canada's largest gold heist   $20 million worth of pure gold bars stolen in April 2023. A shipment containing 400 kilograms of .9999-pure gold and $2.5 million in foreign currency vanished hours after arriving from Zurich. Chaudhary, arriving from Dubai, faces theft, possession of stolen property, and conspiracy charges. Another key suspect, Simran Preet Panesar, a former Air Canada employee who allegedly manipulated airline systems to divert the cargo, remains at large in India. Authorities traced him to Chandigarh last year. Ten individuals have been charged in this cross-border investigation, demonstrating international cooperation in pursuing sophisticated criminal networks. (PC: NDTV)

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw attended the Critical Minerals Ministerial meeting hosted by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington, focusing on securing and diversifying global supply chains for critical minerals and rare earth elements. The meeting addressed growing vulnerabilities in strategic sectors as India's electronics manufacturing expands rapidly. Finance ministers from Australia, Canada, EU, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, and UK participated, discussing technology sharing, refining processes, and funding for new projects. Bessent emphasized "prudent derisking over decoupling" to remedy supply chain deficiencies. The US highlighted existing investments and planned steps to create resilient, secure supply chains, with participants showing strong commitment to address key weaknesses quickly. 

US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor declared no country is more essential to America than India, announcing trade deal talks resume Tuesday. Speaking at the US Embassy in Delhi, Gor confirmed President Trump may visit India within one-two years, emphasizing Trump's "real" friendship with Prime Minister Modi. He stated "real friends can disagree but always resolve differences," addressing recent tensions. Gor announced India will join the Pax Silica alliance as a full member next month, a US-led initiative for secure silicon supply chains. He acknowledged trade negotiations are challenging given India's massive population but expressed determination to finalize the deal. Both nations collaborate on security, counter-terrorism, energy, technology, education, and health beyond trade. (PC: AFP)

Security was tightened in Jammu and Kashmir's Samba district after Pakistani drones were sighted along the Line of Control in the Naushera-Rajouri sector on Sunday evening. Indian Army troops undertook counter-unmanned aerial systems measures, forcing the drones to return. Locals reported extensive firing in Jangarh and Kalal areas around 7:28 pm, praising the Army's prompt response. A witness thanked armed forces for their alertness, stating residents remain peaceful due to their vigilance. Earlier on Saturday, BSF and Jammu Kashmir Police recovered an arms consignment from Paloora border village in Samba, including Chinese-made pistols, magazines, and a hand grenade, prompting a joint search operation. (PC: PTI)

Sergio Gor officially assumed his role as US ambassador-designate to India and special envoy for South and Central Asia during a ceremony in New Delhi. His entrance featured the 1966 soul classic "Hold On, I'm Comin'" by Sam & Dave, drawing cheers from attendees. Gor emphasized that President Trump's friendship with Prime Minister Modi is genuine, stating "real friends can disagree but always resolve differences." His appointment comes amid strained India-US relations over Trump's claims of brokering an India-Pakistan ceasefire after Operation Sindoor and imposing 50% tariffs on Indian imports for purchasing Russian oil. Gor expressed hope for a presidential visit within one-two years, highlighting the partnership between the world's oldest and largest democracies. (PC: X)

Indian nationals aboard the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera, seized by US forces in the North Atlantic, have been released. The vessel was intercepted during a US-led operation targeting a "shadow fleet" transporting oil for sanctioned countries including Venezuela, Russia, and Iran. Among 28 crew members detained were three Indians, along with Ukrainian, Georgian, and Russian nationals. The release coincides with new US Ambassador Sergio Gor assuming office in New Delhi, emphasizing continued US-India engagement despite differences. Russia previously criticized the seizure as illegal, warning prosecution was "categorically unacceptable." Moscow accused Washington of stoking tensions and threatening international shipping, claiming the operation generates acute international crisis situations. (PC: AFP)

Germany announced visa-free transit for Indian passport holders during Chancellor Friedrich Merz's first visit to India on January 12-13, 2026. Indian travelers passing through German airports en route to other countries will no longer need separate transit visas, simplifying international travel with less paperwork. Prime Minister Modi thanked Merz for this decision, which strengthens people-to-people ties between both nations. The joint statement emphasized growing exchanges of students, researchers, professionals, artists, and tourists, recognizing the Indian community's contributions to Germany's economy and culture. Discussions included expanding cooperation in education, research, and vocational training. Leaders welcomed rising Indian student numbers in Germany and agreed to create an Indo-German Comprehensive Roadmap on Higher Education. (PC: PTI)

Germany has announced visa-free airport transit for Indian passport holders. The decision was shared in the India-Germany joint statement after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to India on January 12–13. Merz made his first trip to India and Asia after taking office. Under the new rule, Indian travellers changing flights at German airports will no longer need a separate transit visa. This will cut paperwork and save time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked Merz for the move. Both leaders said strong people ties are key to the partnership. They also noted rising Indian students in Germany and plans to deepen cooperation in education, skills, and youth exchanges. (PC: India Today)

India said its defence sourcing choices are guided by national interest and not ideology. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri made the remarks during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to New Delhi. He said Germany has changed its defence policy approach towards India. Misri noted that approvals which earlier took a long time are now being cleared faster. India and Germany are in talks for a possible submarine project involving Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders. He said the technical and financial discussions are still underway and have not concluded. India continues to work closely with Russia on defence and energy ties. He added that sourcing from one country is not linked to another. (PC: NDTV)