India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Canada’s new Foreign Minister Anita Anand held a telephonic conversation on May 25, marking the first high-level contact since Mark Carney became Prime Minister. The discussion focused on strengthening bilateral ties, deepening economic cooperation, and advancing shared priorities, indicating an effort to reset the strained relationship between the two countries, impacted by allegations made by former PM Justin Trudeau. Anand, a prominent Indian-origin Canadian lawyer and politician, has held several key positions within the Trudeau Caucus. Known for her disciplined and focused approach, she has been described as a “fixer” within the Canadian government. Her appointment as Foreign Minister in Carney’s cabinet is seen as a step to build trust, given her condemnation of hate speech against Indian diplomats and violent imagery by Sikh extremists. During Trudeau’s regime, bilateral ties plummeted to historic lows, catalyzed by the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar and subsequent allegations, leading to diplomatic expulsions and suspended trade negotiations. Anand’s pragmatic outlook and professionalism position her well to handle the delicate situation of India-Canada ties. (PC: Sputnik India & Hindustan Times)

On May 28, 2025, Rajasthan intelligence detained Sakur Khan Mangaliya, a state government employee and former personal assistant to senior Congress leader Shale Mohammad, on suspicion of spying for Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Khan, currently employed in the state's employment office in Jaisalmer, was apprehended following intelligence inputs about his alleged connections with a Pakistani Embassy official and possible links with the ISI. Investigators discovered multiple unknown Pakistani numbers on his mobile phone, which he failed to explain. During questioning, Khan admitted to visiting Pakistan six to seven times. His financial records are under scrutiny. The arrest is part of a broader national crackdown on espionage networks, known as Operation Sindoor. (PC: India Today)

On May 29, 2025, the U.S. Court of International Trade blocked former President Donald Trump's proposed tariffs, ruling he exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The Trump administration argued the tariffs were vital for foreign policy, claiming they facilitated the May 10 India-Pakistan ceasefire by offering both nations U.S. trading access to avert full-scale war. Commerce Secretary Howard W. Lutnick warned that limiting presidential power could destabilize the region. However, India rejected the U.S.'s claimed role, stating the ceasefire resulted from direct military talks. The court emphasized it does not assess the effectiveness of using tariffs as leverage. (PC: Outlook India & ABC)

Following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 that killed 26 people, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror camps in Pakistan and PoJK, eliminating over 100 militants. In a bid to internationalize its zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, India sent seven all-party delegations to 30 countries. These teams, comprising over 40 MPs, engaged with foreign governments, think tanks, and the Indian diaspora. Nations including Greece, Panama, and Saudi Arabia voiced strong support for India’s stance. The Indian diaspora echoed this backing, amplifying India’s message globally and calling for unified global action against terrorism. (PC: ANI)

On May 29, 2025, Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martinez Acha condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, including a Nepali national. During a meeting with an Indian multi-party delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, Acha emphasized Panama's commitment to combating terrorism and denounced nations that serve as safe havens for terrorists. He stated, "We cannot tolerate any kind of terrorism. We cannot tolerate countries sponsoring terrorism." The Indian delegation, visiting Panama as part of a global outreach following the attack, also met with Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino and National Assembly President Dana Castaneda, securing Panama's support in India's war against terror. (PC: ANI)    

In Riyadh, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticized Pakistan's promotion of Army Chief Asim Munir to Field Marshal, highlighting a photograph showing Munir alongside US-designated terrorist Mohammad Ehsan during the ceremony. Owaisi urged Pakistan's reinstatement on the FATF grey list, citing ongoing terror financing. He emphasized Pakistan's inaction against 26/11 perpetrators despite India's evidence, noting that prior progress occurred only when Pakistan was on the FATF list. Owaisi also exposed Pakistan's false claim about Sajid Mir's death, later admitting he was alive. He asserted that terror groups thrive in Pakistan with aims to destabilize India through communal unrest. Owaisi called for international scrutiny of Pakistan's actions. (PC: Prabhat Khabar)

The Philippines has rolled out a new visa-free entry policy for Indian nationals, effective May 2025, to boost tourism and bilateral engagement. Indian tourists can now enter the country visa-free for up to 14 days, provided they meet basic requirements such as valid passports, confirmed accommodations, return tickets, and no negative immigration history. Additionally, Indians holding valid visas or permanent residency from Australia, Japan, America, Canada, Schengen countries, Singapore, or the UK (AJACSSUK) can stay for up to 30 days without a visa. Both categories are non-extendable and applicable only for tourism purposes. (PC: Business Today)

The Indian Embassy in Tehran has strongly raised concerns with Iranian authorities over the disappearance of three Indian nationals who went missing after traveling to Iran. While the identities and circumstances remain undisclosed, the embassy is actively collaborating with Tehran to locate the individuals and ensure their safety. The Indian government has emphasized the urgency of the situation, pushing for immediate action from Iranian officials. This incident underscores the importance of diplomatic coordination between India and Iran in safeguarding the welfare of foreign nationals. (PC: PTI)  

High-resolution satellite images released by Maxar Technologies on May 28, 2025, reveal significant destruction at Pakistan's Nur Khan and Murid airbases following India's Operation Sindoor on May 10. At Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, a 7,000 sq ft structure was demolished, and two large command-and-control vehicles were destroyed. This base's proximity to Pakistan's military headquarters and nuclear command heightens strategic concerns. Murid Airbase in Chakwal, approximately 150 km from the Line of Control, sustained damage near a fortified underground facility, including a three-meter-wide crater. These strikes were part of India's broader retaliation targeting eight Pakistani airbases in response to earlier Pakistani attacks. (PC: Maxar Technologies)  

Three Indian nationals—Hushanpreet Singh (Sangrur), Jaspal Singh (SBS Nagar), and Amritpal Singh (Hoshiarpur)—have been reported missing in Iran since May 1, 2025. According to their families, the trio traveled from Punjab to Tehran with intentions of reaching Australia through unauthorized channels. Upon arrival, they were allegedly kidnapped, and the families have received ransom demands amounting to ₹1 crore. The Indian Embassy in Tehran has strongly urged Iranian authorities to urgently trace the missing individuals and ensure their safety. The embassy is maintaining regular communication with the families, providing updates on the efforts being made to locate the missing persons. This incident highlights the risks associated with illegal migration routes and the importance of international cooperation in such cases. (PC: Business News This Week)