India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with U.S. Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor in New Delhi during Gor’s official visit. The two discussed the future of India–U.S. relations, emphasizing the global significance of their partnership. Gor is in India from October 9 to 14 before formally assuming his role, accompanied by U.S. Deputy Secretary Michael Rigas. The meeting comes amid ongoing efforts to enhance strategic, trade, and diplomatic cooperation. (PC: X)

The United States has imposed sanctions on nine Indian companies and eight Indian nationals for violating U.S. restrictions on Iranian oil, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and petrochemical trade. The sanctions, issued by the Treasury’s OFAC and the State Department, freeze all U.S. assets of the designated entities and individuals, and block companies controlled 50% or more by them. The firms, including CJ Shah & Co, Chemovick, and Haresh Petrochem, allegedly imported Iranian energy products worth hundreds of millions. The move aims to curb Iran’s revenue streams and pressure its regime over regional activities.  

India has officially restored full diplomatic relations with Afghanistan by upgrading its technical mission in Kabul to a full-fledged embassy. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar conveyed the decision to Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, emphasizing the historical ties and India’s consistent support during crises. The embassy had been downgraded four years ago due to escalating violence, prompting evacuation of personnel via military aircraft. A technical team was later deployed after the Taliban assured security. Muttaqi praised India’s swift humanitarian aid following the August 31 earthquake that killed over 2,000 people and destroyed 5,000 homes. He also affirmed that Afghan soil will not be used for terror against India, marking a significant step forward in bilateral relations.

The US Treasury Department sanctioned over 50 entities, including two Indian nationals Varun Pula and Soniya Shrestha for facilitating Iranian energy sales worth billions. Pula owns Marshall Islands-based Bertha Shipping Inc., operating vessel PAMIR, which transported nearly four million barrels of Iranian LPG to China since July 2024. Shrestha owns Vega Star Ship Management, operating vessel NEPTA, transporting Iranian LPG to Pakistan since January 2025. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated the sanctions aim to degrade Iran's cash flow by dismantling its energy export machine. The blacklist also includes China's Rizhao Shihua Crude Oil Terminal, processing 9% of China's crude imports, targeting outlets for Iran's sanctioned crude reaching Chinese refineries. (PC: Free Beacon & The Federal)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paused his security cabinet meeting on Gaza's ceasefire deal to take a congratulatory phone call from PM Narendra Modi. Modi welcomed the hostage release agreement and enhanced humanitarian assistance under President Trump's 20-point Gaza Peace Plan, reaffirming that terrorism is unacceptable anywhere. The Israeli government subsequently approved "phase one" of the ceasefire, with officials stating it takes effect immediately. Trump announced hostages would be released Monday or Tuesday, planning an Egypt trip for official signing. US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner attended Jerusalem's government meeting where the US-brokered deal was approved, marking what Trump called a "momentous breakthrough." (PC: The Hindu)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paused a crucial security cabinet meeting on October 9, 2025, to speak with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the Gaza peace agreement. The discussion focused on the first phase of the US-brokered 20-point plan, which includes a ceasefire and the release of hostages. PM Modi congratulated Netanyahu on the progress and welcomed the agreement, emphasizing India's commitment to peace and humanitarian aid. The Israeli government has approved the ceasefire, with immediate implementation expected. (PC: NDTV)  

In a pivotal diplomatic push, the Taliban are urging India to formally recognize the “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan” as their government, coinciding with Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s six-day visit to New Delhi. This is the first high-level Afghan government engagement in India since the Taliban takeover. Taliban envoy Suhail Shaheen indicated bilateral relations should be elevated via recognition. Despite this, India continues to tread carefully, balancing domestic concerns and alignment with the international community. Reconstruction, development, and security cooperation are expected to dominate talks. (PC: X)  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to congratulate them on the Gaza peace deal. Modi praised Trump’s 20-point plan that aims to end the 2-year Gaza war and secure hostage release. He said India supports peace and stronger global cooperation. Modi also discussed ongoing India-US trade talks, which had slowed after the US raised tariffs on Indian goods. Both sides agreed to review progress and stay in touch. Netanyahu thanked Modi for his support and called India a valued friend of Israel. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump to congratulate him on the success of the historic Gaza peace plan. The plan, brokered by the U.S., Israel, Egypt, and Qatar, aims to end the two-year-long Gaza war. It includes provisions for the release of hostages and prisoners and the withdrawal of Israeli forces. During their conversation, Modi and Trump also reviewed the progress in ongoing trade negotiations between India and the U.S., agreeing to stay in close touch over the coming weeks. (PC: India Today) 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer enjoyed a live performance of Arijit Singh and Ed Sheeran’s song Sapphire at a cultural event in Mumbai. Modi shared the video on X, calling it “a great example of India-UK cultural partnership.” The fusion track, blending Indian classical and Western pop sounds, quickly went viral online. Earlier, Starmer visited Yash Raj Films studio in Mumbai, welcomed by actress Rani Mukerji and producer Aditya Chopra. The visit highlighted growing ties in film, music, and trade between India and the UK under the Vision 2035 roadmap.