India has called for a stronger international framework to keep vital maritime routes open during crises, warning that disruptions at key sea chokepoints can affect global trade, energy and food supplies. Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting, India’s Permanent Representative Harish Parvathaneni stressed that commercial vessels should not become targets of geopolitical tensions and that freedom of navigation must comply with international law. India highlighted its maritime security operations in the Indo-Pacific and Gulf of Aden–Red Sea, which have helped ensure the safe transit of 449 merchant vessels carrying nearly 20.3 million tonnes of cargo and oil. (PC: X)

India and Bangladesh have restarted official-level discussions on arranging Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s proposed visit to New Delhi after a brief disruption in bilateral engagement. Officials are working on the visit’s agenda, with discussions expected to cover bilateral trade and the renewal of the Ganga Water Treaty. Rahman had previously received invitations from India for a bilateral visit and to attend the BRICS Summit, but did not travel to New Delhi for the summit. The renewed talks come amid efforts to stabilise relations that have faced tensions since Sheikh Hasina’s removal from power in 2024. (PC: Reuters)

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) expects to begin deliveries of LCA Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets to the Indian Air Force by the end of 2026, with deliveries likely starting in December. HAL Chairman and Managing Director Ravi K said the company is addressing remaining radar-related issues and completing weapons-integration testing, which could take about a month. HAL has 27 Mk-1A airframes ready and has received 10 GE Aerospace engines. The IAF has ordered 180 Mk-1A fighters under two contracts worth around ₹1.1 lakh crore. HAL plans to deliver about 10 aircraft during FY 2026-27. (PC: X)

A 28-year-old Punjabi Sikh truck driver from Sacramento, California, was stabbed 17 times at the Bitter Creek Rest Area on Interstate 80 in Wyoming while travelling to Pennsylvania. The driver, identified by NPR only as Singh, said another man followed him into a bathroom and attacked him with a knife, causing injuries to his neck, chest, arms and ribs. A Hispanic family at the rest stop helped him and provided police with information about the suspect’s truck. Wyoming Highway Patrol later arrested 45-year-old Andrew Kris Bzdak near Rawlins. He has been charged with attempted first-degree murder. Authorities have not established a motive. 

The US House of Representatives has passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by 262–159, sending it to President Donald Trump for his signature. The legislation expands sanctions against Russian officials, financial institutions, energy companies and its “shadow fleet” of tankers. It also gives the president authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and gas, potentially including India and China. The measure does not automatically impose a 100% tariff on India; it creates the legal authority for such action under specified conditions. (PC: The Times of India)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, September 17, wished Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 76th birthday and praised his leadership. In a post on X, Netanyahu said Modi’s leadership had transformed India into a “world power.” He also described the relationship between India and Israel as an “unprecedented partnership” and said friendship between the two countries had never been stronger. Netanyahu expressed confidence that bilateral ties would reach greater heights and wished Modi continued leadership, good health and fulfilment. The message came as leaders and diplomatic representatives from several countries extended birthday greetings to the Indian Prime Minister.

A Pakistani naval vessel, PNS Hunain, collided with the Indian Navy’s INS Kolkata in the North Arabian Sea on September 15, according to reports. Indian officials described the Pakistani vessel’s manoeuvring as “unprofessional and unsafe,” saying it approached the Indian destroyer at high speed despite warnings. The Pakistani ship sustained damage and headed toward its home port, while INS Kolkata reportedly continued its surveillance mission without structural damage. Defence experts cited by India Today said the manoeuvre appeared similar to maritime intimidation tactics associated with Chinese naval and coast-guard encounters. India also said the incident violated the 1991 India-Pakistan agreement on maintaining safe separation between naval vessels. (PC: PTI)

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wished Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 76th birthday, calling him her friend and wishing him health, energy and success. In a post on X, Meloni said Italy and India were strengthening their deep bond of friendship while building a future of cooperation and prosperity for both nations. Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump also extended birthday wishes to Modi. Putin praised Modi’s contribution to strengthening the India-Russia special and privileged strategic partnership, while the US Embassy conveyed Trump’s wishes for health and happiness. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also congratulated Modi, praising his leadership and saying India-Israel friendship had never been stronger.

A Pakistani naval vessel, PNS Hunain, closed in at high speed on an Indian Navy Kolkata-class warship in the North Arabian Sea, raising questions over how the vessels ended up on a collision course despite radars, navigation systems and communications equipment. Indian officials said Hunain was manoeuvring in an “unprofessional and unsafe” manner. Senior journalist and defence expert Sandeep Unnithan told India Today Digital that he did not believe the incident was accidental. He described it as a form of maritime intimidation, a tactic he said is increasingly associated with China’s maritime forces in the South China Sea. The report suggests Pakistan may be adopting Chinese tactics alongside Chinese-built warships. (PC: PTI)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extended birthday wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, praising his leadership and saying it had transformed India into a “world power.” Netanyahu said the friendship between Israel and India had “never been stronger” and highlighted what he called an unprecedented partnership between the two countries. He expressed confidence that the nations would take their partnership to “even greater heights” and wished Modi many more years of leadership, health and fulfillment. Modi turned 76 on Thursday, receiving birthday greetings from leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Droupadi Murmu. Putin praised Modi’s contribution to strengthening India-Russia’s “special and privileged strategic partnership,” while Murmu highlighted his public service and governance contributions.