British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will visit India in the second week of October at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This will be Starmer’s first official trip to India since taking office in July last year. He is expected to hold talks with Modi on trade, defence, and technology. The visit is seen as a step to strengthen ties between the two nations. Both leaders are likely to review recent developments in bilateral relations. Officials said the trip highlights India’s importance as a key partner for the UK in global politics and economic cooperation. (PC:X)

India has categorically rejected NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte's assertion that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss Moscow's strategy on Ukraine. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) termed the claim as "factually incorrect and entirely baseless," emphasizing that no such conversation took place. Rutte had suggested that U.S. tariffs on India were affecting Russia, prompting Modi to seek clarification from Putin. The MEA urged NATO leadership to exercise greater caution in making public statements.   

India is in talks with the US over the proposed $100,000 fee for H-1B visas. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said skilled Indian workers have boosted innovation and growth in both countries. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted that the US has given stakeholders one month to submit feedback on the new rules. The fee, announced by US President Donald Trump, is meant to stop misuse of the programme but could heavily impact Indians, who receive most H-1B visas. India hopes concerns will be considered as trade and migration remain key issues in bilateral discussions. (PC: HT)

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the necessity of a global workforce amid the escalating H-1B visa fee controversy. Speaking at the Observer Research Foundation's event during the UN General Assembly, Jaishankar highlighted that many nations face demographic challenges that hinder their ability to meet labor demands domestically. He advocated for a contemporary, efficient model of a global workforce, acknowledging the political debates surrounding its implementation. His remarks come in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's imposition of a $100,000 fee on H-1B visas, which predominantly affects Indian professionals.     

A heartwarming viral video shows hundreds of foreigners performing traditional Gujarati Garba dance with remarkable grace in Belgium during Navratri festivities. The event, reportedly organized at cultural centers like Shoonya Dance Centre in Ghent, featured workshops and live performances with participants dancing to Falguni Pathak's Navratri hits. The cross-cultural celebration occurred on Navratri Day 5, dedicated to Goddess Skandamata. The TimesNow X post garnered over 2,000 reactions, with netizens praising the beautiful cultural exchange. Comments highlighted how Indian culture spreads happiness globally without forcing participation. Users credited community builders like @swapkebolly for years of work glorifying Indian culture abroad. The video exemplifies how traditional festivals transcend geographical boundaries, creating joyful cultural bridges between diverse communities worldwide.

Indian national Partap Singh, who illegally crossed the US southern border in October 2022, was arrested by ICE for causing a devastating multi-vehicle crash in California. Singh's 18-wheeler truck critically injured five-year-old Dalilah Coleman in June 2024, leaving her unable to walk, talk, or eat orally. The child spent three weeks in coma, required six months hospitalization, and suffered skull fractures, broken femur, and diplegic cerebral palsy. Singh had received a commercial driver's license from California's DMV despite his illegal status. This marks the second such case involving Indians driving commercial vehicles illegally after Harjinder Singh killed three people in Florida. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem criticized California's licensing policies, while the US paused worker visas for commercial truck drivers following these incidents. (PC: X)

Khalistani terrorist Inderjeet Singh Gosal was released on bail within a week of his September 19 arrest in Ontario, Canada. Immediately after release from Central East Correctional Centre, he appeared with Gurpatwant Singh Pannun issuing threats against India's NSA Ajit Doval. Gosal declared "India, I'm out" and announced plans for a Khalistan referendum on November 23, 2025, claiming "Delhi will become Khalistan." Pannun taunted Doval to arrest him in Canada or Europe. Gosal, considered Pannun's key aide and SFJ Canada organiser after Hardeep Singh Nijjar's 2023 killing, faced firearm charges alongside two others. This marks his second swift bail after arrest at Brampton's Hindu Sabha Mandir violence last November. The quick release reignites questions about Canada's approach toward Khalistani separatists.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte claimed US tariffs on India have prompted Prime Minister Modi to call Russian President Putin seeking clarification on Ukraine strategy. Speaking at the UN General Assembly, Rutte alleged Modi told Putin he had supported Russia but now faces 25% reciprocal tariffs plus additional 25% penalty for buying Russian oil. Trump imposed these measures to discourage India's Russian energy purchases, citing indirect support for Moscow's military operations. India criticized the tariffs as unjustified, emphasizing energy security for 1.4 billion citizens amid global disruptions. The government noted US-EU maintained substantial Russian trade without similar strategic necessity. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal recently held trade talks addressing tariff tensions. Neither New Delhi nor Moscow immediately responded to Rutte's claims. (PC: Facebook)

From October 1, 2025, the US will levy 100 percent tariffs on branded and patented pharmaceutical imports—unless the company is actively building a drug manufacturing plant in the United States. The exemption applies even to firms that have “broken ground” or are under construction. The policy also includes high duties on furniture and heavy trucks, sparking concern over its impact on global supply chains. Analysts warn India’s pharma exports could face significant disruption unless firms pivot U.S. investments quickly. 

A U.S. State Department spokesperson clarified that President Donald Trump is not interested in mediating the Kashmir conflict, reiterating Washington’s long-standing stance that the matter should be resolved bilaterally between India and Pakistan. The official noted Trump already faces several global crises and does not want to be drawn into South Asia’s long-standing territorial dispute. However, the U.S. remains open to offering diplomatic support if both nations formally request it. This position reflects continuity in American foreign policy, discouraging outside interference while encouraging direct dialogue to maintain regional stability. (PC: NDTV)