Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Andy Burnham on becoming the United Kingdom's new Prime Minister, expressing confidence that India and the UK would continue strengthening their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. In his message, Modi said he looked forward to working closely with Burnham to deepen cooperation across trade, investment, technology, defence, innovation and people-to-people ties. The congratulatory message came as both countries seek to expand collaboration following recent progress in bilateral relations. Modi reaffirmed India's commitment to advancing shared priorities and enhancing cooperation on regional and global issues, underscoring the importance of the India-UK partnership in promoting mutual growth, economic opportunities and strategic engagement in the years ahead.

India has hardened its position on the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty, stating it cannot be restored in its current form and would require a complete renegotiation, according to government sources cited by PTI. New Delhi has made clear that any future river water-sharing arrangement will depend on Pakistan permanently ending cross-border terrorism against India. The remarks come amid repeated warnings from Pakistan's military and political leadership over India's suspension of the treaty last year, including references to possible war and nuclear escalation if water flows are halted. Sources also said India is not currently seeking to exit the treaty but retains the sovereign right to terminate agreements deemed against its national interests. (PC: Arunesh's Blog)

A group of Indians in Berlin held a protest in support of activist Sonam Wangchuk and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement. A video of the gathering near the Brandenburg Gate has gone viral on social media. Protesters carried placards demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. One poster read, “We stand with Sonam Wangchuk, the students of India.” The protest received support online, with many praising the Indian diaspora. Some users also expressed interest in joining future demonstrations in Berlin in support of the ongoing student movement.

4 Indian nationals were killed and another was critically injured after a cargo ship leaving Ukraine's Odesa port came under attack on July 19. The Ministry of External Affairs said the Guinea-Bissau-flagged MV Golden Leo had 17 crew members, including five Indians. India condemned the attack, saying, “Targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members... is deplorable.” Ukraine blamed Russian cruise missiles for the strike, while Russia has not commented on the allegation. The Indian mission in Ukraine is assisting those affected. The attack has raised fresh concerns over the safety of commercial shipping in the Black Sea. (PC: AFP)

US President Donald Trump drew attention during the FIFA World Cup 2026 trophy presentation after Spain's 1-0 victory over Argentina. After handing the World Cup trophy to Spain captain Rodri, Trump remained on the podium as the team prepared to celebrate. Rodri appeared to gesture for him to move, but Trump stayed in place. FIFA President Gianni Infantino then stepped in and guided Trump toward the side of the stage, allowing Spain's players to continue their celebrations. Videos of the moment quickly spread across social media, sparking widespread discussion. Trump and Infantino were also booed by sections of the crowd during the ceremony. (PC: NDTV)

India has advised its citizens to postpone all travel to Iran and urged those already there to consider leaving temporarily as instability and military activity intensify, particularly along the country's southern coast. In a revised advisory, the Indian Embassy in Tehran asked travellers to avoid non-essential visits until the security situation improves. Indians remaining in Iran were urged to exercise the highest level of caution, avoid areas with heavy military activity, monitor local developments, follow authorities' instructions and stay in contact with the embassy. The advisory follows escalating regional tensions after recent US strikes inside Iran and Tehran's retaliatory actions across West Asia. Emergency helplines remain available.

India has issued a fresh travel advisory asking its citizens to postpone travel to Iran as tensions continue to rise in West Asia. The Indian Embassy in Tehran said people planning to visit Iran should wait until the security situation improves. Indians already in Iran have been advised to consider leaving the country using available flights. Those staying back should remain alert, avoid areas with military activity, and closely follow local news. The embassy also asked unregistered Indian nationals to register immediately. Emergency helpline numbers and email support have been shared for citizens needing consular assistance.

A 26-year-old woman from Hyderabad has alleged that she was abused after going to Oman for a housemaid job. Shabnam Begum said she travelled to Muscat on March 26 after a local agent promised her a monthly salary of 200 Omani riyals. She claimed she worked 12 to 15 hours every day but was not paid for more than three months. “They made me work day and night and did not pay me,” she said in a video. Shabnam later escaped and reached the Indian Embassy in Muscat. The embassy said it has taken up the matter and is working on it.

India-UK relations are expected to remain strong as Andy Burnham prepares to take office as Britain's new prime minister on July 20. Burnham, 56, was elected unopposed as Labour leader and succeeds Keir Starmer. Experts believe recent progress, including the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), will continue under his leadership. Burnham has long supported stronger ties with India through trade, education, innovation and regional partnerships. Diplomats and analysts expect his focus on economic growth, investment, defence cooperation and regional engagement to deepen bilateral relations. Business leaders also hope for greater stability to boost trade and investment between both countries. (PC: HT)

Sonam Wangchuk’s wife has spoken publicly after the activist was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital following the deterioration of his health during a prolonged hunger strike. She said that no medical treatment should be administered without Wangchuk’s informed consent, stressing his right to decide on his care. Her statement came amid growing concern over his condition and questions surrounding his transfer from Jantar Mantar. Meanwhile, supporters and several public figures have renewed calls for dialogue between the government and protesters, while authorities maintain that the hospitalisation was necessary to ensure Wangchuk’s safety and medical well-being. (PC: X)