US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said India’s decision to diversify crude oil imports was driven by its national interests, not American threats or pressure. In an exclusive interview with India Today on October 22, during his three-day visit to India, Rubio stressed that dependence on a single oil supplier could leave countries vulnerable to supply disruptions. He said India had made real progress in diversifying its energy portfolio independently. The issue remains sensitive because India’s purchases of Russian crude have been a source of friction with US President Donald Trump. Rubio’s remarks signal Washington’s recognition of India’s efforts to broaden its energy sources while managing supply security concerns. (PC: ABC)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on October 22, 2026, that India is diversifying its crude oil imports to protect its own energy interests, not because of threats from Washington. During an interview with India Today, Rubio highlighted the risks of relying heavily on a single supplier and acknowledged India’s progress in expanding its energy sources. India’s purchases of Russian crude have strained relations with US President Donald Trump’s administration. Rubio said the United States could help meet India’s energy needs, mentioning Venezuela and other potential suppliers as alternatives to Russian oil. (PC: India Today)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar to participate in Israel’s Independence Day torch-lighting ceremony next year. The invitation follows Machchhar’s courageous actions during an alleged cockpit attack aboard a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight on September 30, 2026. Despite suffering serious injuries, the Indian pilot managed to open the cockpit door, allowing others to intervene. Netanyahu praised his bravery and described him as a hero of India, Israel and the world. The proposed participation highlights India-Israel friendship, though the ceremony’s formal selection process remains applicable. (PC: X)

India and Poland are seeking to expand defence cooperation through joint development and co-production of military equipment and technologies. The initiative was discussed during Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s visit to India on October 21–23, 2026, and his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both countries also agreed to deepen collaboration in space, nuclear energy and other strategic sectors. The partnership aims to strengthen India’s domestic manufacturing capabilities while creating opportunities for Polish defence companies. The two leaders also highlighted broader cooperation in trade, technology and investment amid changing global security challenges. (PC: X)

India on Thursday strongly condemned attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia after an Indian national was killed in an attack on Dammam airport. The strike on King Fahd International Airport on October 21 killed 2 people and injured 8 others, including 2 Indians.   Another Indian national was injured in an attack on Saudi Aramco’s Shaybah oilfield in the Eastern Province. The Ministry of External Affairs called the attacks “completely unacceptable” and demanded an immediate halt. India expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and said its embassy in Riyadh was coordinating with local authorities to assist affected Indians and their families.  

Yemen’s Houthi rebels have claimed that Saudi Arabia attacked a yacht carrying 14 Indian nationals near Zuqar Island in the Red Sea. The group said it had launched a rescue operation for those aboard the vessel.   Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree alleged that the incident threatened maritime security in the region. However, the claim has not been independently verified, and details about the yacht’s condition and the passengers’ safety remain unclear.   The incident comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East and growing concerns over security in the Red Sea, a key route for international shipping.

An Indian national was among 2 people killed in an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday evening, October 21. Two other Indian nationals were among 8 people injured in the incident, Saudi authorities and the Indian Embassy confirmed on Thursday.   The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation said some of the injured were in serious condition. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh said it was gathering further details and contacting the affected families. The attack comes amid a surge in strikes on Saudi infrastructure linked to the conflict involving Yemen’s Houthi rebels.  

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said Washington shares India’s concerns about terrorism while defending the need to maintain diplomatic ties with Pakistan. Speaking during his visit to India, Rubio said the United States opposes terrorism and any country that sponsors it. He argued that engagement with Pakistan could help Washington discourage actions that concern New Delhi and risk regional conflict. Rubio cited Pakistan’s nuclear weapons and strategic location as reasons for maintaining relations. He also assured India that US ties with Pakistan would not come at the expense of its partnership with New Delhi, pointing to ongoing cooperation and trade negotiations between the two countries. (PC: India Today)

India has strongly criticised a United Nations report describing fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim’s D-Company as an “India-based” criminal group, calling the description factually inaccurate. Speaking at the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee, Indian diplomat Raghoo Puri said Ibrahim had been wanted in India in connection with terror attacks since 1993. He argued that the report failed to mention that Ibrahim had left India before the UN Security Council listed him in 2003 for links with Al-Qaeda. Puri said Ibrahim was based in Pakistan, referring to the country where Osama bin Laden was found and killed. India also raised concerns over alleged bias and a lack of accountability in UN reports. (PC: News18)

An Indian national and a Saudi citizen were killed in an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday, according to the Saudi civil aviation authority. Eight others were injured, including nationals of India, Yemen and Bangladesh. Authorities were assessing the damage, while airport operations and air traffic had returned to normal. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh said it was gathering information and contacting affected families. The attack comes amid intensified Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia. The US has ordered non-essential embassy staff and their families to leave the country. (PC: HT)