A small plane crashed near Unity oilfield in South Sudan on January 29, 2025, killing 20 people, including an Indian national. The flight, chartered by Chinese oil firm Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC), had 21 people on board, including two pilots. The crash occurred while the plane was taking off for Juba, the capital. Authorities confirmed that only one survivor, a South Sudanese engineer, was found. The incident raises concerns about the nation's air safety, with South Sudan having a history of air accidents due to poor infrastructure and overloading.

Donald Trump criticised India, China, and Brazil for imposing high tariffs, calling them "tremendous tariff-makers." Speaking at a Republican retreat in Florida, he said his government would put "America first" by imposing tariffs on countries that harm U.S. interests. Trump urged foreign companies to set up plants in America to avoid these tariffs. He also announced plans to tax imports like steel and aluminium to boost U.S. manufacturing. Trump's remarks come as Prime Minister Modi is expected to visit Washington next month. Trump’s comments reflect his push to prioritise domestic production and reduce dependence on foreign imports.

5 Indian fishermen were injured in Sri Lankan Navy firing near Delft Island. Two are in serious condition and are being treated at Jaffna Teaching Hospital. The Indian government summoned Sri Lanka's acting high commissioner and lodged a strong protest. India said the use of force is unacceptable and called for humane treatment of fishermen. Officials from the Indian consulate visited the injured fishermen and offered help. Tensions over fishing rights in the Palk Strait continue, with arrests and detentions of Indian fishermen being a recurring issue. India urged Sri Lanka to follow existing agreements on this matter.

Indian-origin politician Ruby Dhalla has launched her campaign to replace Justin Trudeau as the leader of Canada's Liberal Party. A former MP and the first Indian-origin woman elected to Canada's Parliament, Dhalla vows to deport illegal immigrants and target human traffickers if elected. Born to Punjabi immigrants in Winnipeg, Dhalla's diverse career spans politics, acting, and entrepreneurship. Her bold immigration stance has sparked both support and criticism. Dhalla faces tough competition from prominent figures like Mark Carney and Chrystia Freeland. The new leader will be sworn in as Canada’s prime minister if the Liberal Party wins the federal election.

India lodged a strong protest with Sri Lanka after its Navy fired on 13 Indian fishermen near Delft Island on Tuesday, injuring 5, including 2 critically. The incident occurred during an alleged apprehension attempt by the Sri Lankan Navy. The injured are receiving treatment at Jaffna Teaching Hospital, with Indian consular officials providing assistance. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the use of force, calling it "unacceptable." Sri Lanka claimed the firing was accidental, alleging the fishermen attempted to assault naval personnel. Diplomatic channels are engaged, emphasizing humane treatment of fishermen and adherence to bilateral agreements.

India and China have announced measures to rebuild bilateral ties, including resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, restoring direct flights, and easing visa issuance for journalists and think tanks. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's visit to Beijing facilitated discussions with Chinese officials, including Wang Yi. Both sides agreed to share trans-border river data and strengthen people-to-people exchanges. The initiatives aim to stabilize relations following tensions from the 2020 military standoff. As 2025 marks 75 years of diplomatic relations, commemorative events will enhance mutual understanding. Economic and trade concerns were also addressed to boost long-term policy transparency.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit the US in February. He and President Donald Trump spoke on the phone, discussing ties between the two nations. Trump praised their relationship and said Modi would "do what’s right" on illegal Indian immigrants in the US. Both leaders agreed to work together for global peace and stability. The call also covered security, trade, and regional issues like the Indo-Pacific. Trump urged India to buy more US-made security equipment. The visit highlights the strong ties between the two countries. Modi last visited the US in September for the Quad Leaders’ Summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to US President Donald Trump in their first call since Trump’s second-term inauguration. Modi congratulated Trump and reaffirmed their commitment to a strong partnership. The leaders discussed boosting ties in technology, trade, defence, and energy. They also exchanged views on global issues like Ukraine and Gaza, agreeing to work together for peace and prosperity.   PM Modi later posted, "Delighted to speak with my dear friend President Trump. We are committed to a trusted partnership and global peace." The two leaders plan to meet soon at a mutually convenient date.

Indian-Americans, once seen as "model immigrants," are now targets of online hate from MAGA supporters. Criticism focuses on H-1B visa holders, accused of taking jobs, and claims of "casteist attitudes." Many fear these online attacks could lead to real-life harassment. Social media posts highlight resentment towards Indian culture and religion. Some accuse Indians of favouring their own in hiring. However, others defend Indian workers, stressing their contributions to the U.S. economy. The rising hate has alarmed Indian communities, with many urging vigilance and action against racism, fearing the hostility may extend beyond the internet.

India and China have agreed to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and direct flights between the two nations in 2025, marking 75 years of diplomatic relations. The decision was made during a meeting between Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The Yatra, which had been suspended since 2020, will resume in the summer of 2025. Both nations also agreed to hold a meeting to discuss resuming hydrological data provision and enhancing bilateral cooperation. Additionally, efforts will be made to boost people-to-people exchanges, media interactions, and public diplomacy.