The Netherlands has returned the 11th-century Anaimangalam Copper Plates, also known as the Leiden Plates, to India during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit. The copper plates date to the reign of Emperor Rajaraja Chola I and record land grants to a Buddhist monastery in Nagapattinam. The artefacts had been kept at Leiden University for more than a century. Their return follows years of diplomatic efforts and marks an important step in restoring India’s cultural heritage. (PC: Wikimedia Commons, Prof Benoy K Behl)

Foreign ministers of BRICS on Friday reaffirmed support for an independent State of Palestine within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. The decision was announced after a meeting in New Delhi. Members agreed on backing Palestine’s full membership in the United Nations. However, differences between Iran and the United Arab Emirates over Gaza and the Strait of Hormuz prevented the release of a joint statement. Instead, BRICS issued a Chair’s Statement and Outcome Document. (PC: ANI)

US Senator Eric Schmitt criticised the H-1B visa programme and referred to Chilkur Balaji Temple in Hyderabad, popularly known as the “Visa Temple.” In posts on X, Schmitt said the system hurts American workers and called it a “Visa Cartel.” He claimed many Indians visit the temple to pray for US work visas. The temple is well known among students and professionals seeking visa approvals. India receives the largest share of H-1B visas issued by the United States each year.

Abbas Araghchi has urged India to continue investing in Chabahar Port despite US sanctions on Iran. Speaking in New Delhi, Araghchi called the port a “golden gate” for India to access Central Asia, the Caucasus and Europe. He said progress had slowed because of American sanctions but expressed hope that India would complete the project. Chabahar gives India direct access to Afghanistan and Central Asia without passing through Pakistan. Iran also asked India to play a bigger role in promoting peace in West Asia.

An Indian imam in the United Kingdom has been sentenced to life in prison for raping seven women and girls over nine years. Abdul Halim Khan used his position as a religious leader in London to gain the trust of victims from the Bangladeshi Muslim community. He falsely claimed he was possessed by a djinn and could remove evil spirits. Some victims were as young as 12. A court found him guilty of 21 offences, including rape and child sexual abuse. He must serve at least 20 years before being considered for release. (PC: London Metropolitan Police)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan agreed to expand energy cooperation during talks in Abu Dhabi. Under the agreement, the United Arab Emirates will store up to 30 million barrels of crude oil in India’s strategic petroleum reserves. The two countries also signed long-term deals for LPG supply and discussed creating strategic gas reserves in India. Both sides stressed the need to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and announced $5 billion in UAE investments in India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima on Saturday during his visit to the Netherlands. Talks are expected to focus on semiconductors, renewable energy, defence, technology and trade. Modi said the India-EU free trade agreement will help strengthen economic ties. He will also meet Dutch business leaders and interact with the Indian community. The Netherlands is one of India’s largest trade partners and investors in Europe.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held extensive talks with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi during the first leg of his five-nation tour, securing a landmark defence framework, major energy agreements, and $5 billion in UAE investments into India. The UAE pledged investments through Emirates NBD, ADIA, and International Holding Company across banking, infrastructure, and finance sectors. India and the UAE also strengthened cooperation on strategic petroleum reserves, LPG supply, gas storage, defence technology, maritime security, cyber defence, AI supercomputing, and shipbuilding. Modi reaffirmed support for safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, calling it critical for regional stability, energy security, and global trade amid ongoing West Asia tensions. (PC: X)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Pakistan is currently helping facilitate communication between the United States and Iran amid escalating West Asia tensions, but suggested India could emerge as a stronger long-term mediator. Speaking in Delhi during the BRICS Summit, Lavrov said Pakistan was assisting in establishing dialogue channels between Washington and Tehran to address “urgent problems.” However, he noted that India’s extensive diplomatic experience makes it better suited for a sustained mediation role if both sides seek long-term engagement. Lavrov’s remarks come amid growing geopolitical uncertainty surrounding US-Iran relations, maritime security concerns, and wider regional instability across West Asia.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s brief 2.5-hour visit to the United Arab Emirates delivered major strategic and economic gains for India amid escalating West Asia tensions. India and the UAE signed key agreements covering defence cooperation, energy security, maritime connectivity and infrastructure development, while Abu Dhabi announced USD 5 billion in fresh investments. The discussions focused heavily on safeguarding regional stability and ensuring uninterrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz amid fears of wider conflict disruptions. Both countries also stressed economic resilience, trade expansion and long-term connectivity. Modi’s meeting with Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reinforced India-UAE ties during a volatile geopolitical moment.