India declined to sign a joint communique at a Swiss summit on Ukraine peace, citing the need for a negotiated settlement acceptable to both parties. The communique, signed by 80 countries, emphasized Ukraine's territorial integrity as the basis for peace. However, India's representative, Pavan Kapoor, stressed that enduring peace requires dialogue, diplomacy, and engagement between all stakeholders. India's stance comes after Russia skipped the summit, calling it a "waste of time". The summit aimed to explore ways forward for a negotiated settlement to end Russia's war in Ukraine.

Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national, has been extradited to the United States from the Czech Republic on charges of plotting the murder of Khalistani terrorist and US citizen Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Gupta, 52, is currently detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons website. His extradition follows a Czech court's decision last month to reject his petition against extradition. Gupta is expected to appear in a federal court in New York on Monday. This development comes ahead of US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's visit to New Delhi for the annual ICET dialogue, where the issue may be addressed.

A debate erupted on Twitter between Elon Musk and Indian political figures over the security of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Musk expressed doubts about EVM reliability, citing hacking risks, leading to responses from former Indian minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who defended India's EVMs as secure. Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav joined Musk in questioning EVMs, advocating for a return to paper ballots. Chandrasekhar countered, emphasizing the secure, network-isolated design of Indian EVMs. This exchange highlights ongoing concerns about the integrity of electronic voting systems.

India has called for direct talks between Russia and Ukraine for lasting peace. At a Swiss peace summit, India chose not to back any joint statement, stressing that solutions must be acceptable to both Russia and Ukraine. India’s Secretary (West) Pavan Kapoor emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy. Although 80 countries supported a final communique, India, along with a few others, abstained. The summit aimed to start a peace process and gather ideas for a just and lasting resolution to the conflict. Russia and China did not participate.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Eid Al-Adha greetings to Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, underscoring the festival's values of sacrifice, compassion, and brotherhood crucial for global peace. Modi highlighted India's vibrant multicultural celebrations of Eid and reaffirmed commitment to bilateral ties. The gesture follows Muizzu's recent visit to India, where discussions centered on enhancing cooperation. Unlike predecessors, Muizzu visited Turkey and China before New Delhi, marking strategic diplomacy shifts. The High Commission of India shared photos of the leaders' exchange, emphasizing mutual goodwill.

Elon Musk's tweet on the potential hackability of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) has revived concerns about their security in India. Musk's remark, in response to a post by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on election irregularities, has been shared by Indian opposition leaders. Rahul Gandhi called EVMs a "black box," and Akhilesh Yadav demanded a return to paper ballots, citing global concerns and expert warnings. The issue has intensified following reports that a relative of Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Waikar allegedly used a phone linked to an EVM. Opposition leaders are pressing the Election Commission for clarity and action on EVM security.

Rajeev Chandrasekhar, former Indian minister and tech entrepreneur, rebuked Elon Musk's recent criticism of electronic voting machines (EVMs). Musk expressed concerns over the vulnerability of EVMs to hacking, suggesting they should be eliminated. Chandrasekhar countered Musk's statement, clarifying that Indian EVMs are specially designed to be secure and are not connected to any networks or media. He pointed out that unlike in the US and other countries where internet-connected voting machines are used, Indian EVMs operate on a different, secure model. Chandrasekhar highlighted the stringent security measures in place, such as factory-programmed controllers that cannot be altered, ensuring the integrity and reliability of India's electoral process.

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will meet India's NSA Ajit Doval on June 17-18 for the second Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) initiative, following PM Modi's third term. They will review projects from January 2023, including technology transfer for Tejas Mark II jets. Despite media speculation about strained ties over a proscribed terrorist, PM Modi and President Biden affirmed strong India-US relations at the G-7 summit. Earlier concerns were dispelled as both leaders met cordially, reaffirming deep bilateral engagement.

On June 15, London's Trafalgar Square hosted a lively International Day of Yoga celebration, defying the rainy weather. The High Commission of India organized the event, which drew a large crowd of people from all backgrounds. Participants practiced yoga in synchrony, enjoying a peaceful experience in the iconic square. The event showcased the growing popularity of yoga in promoting well-being and unity. Despite the rain, the collective enthusiasm for yoga shone through, highlighting its ability to bring people together. The celebration was a testament to yoga's universal appeal and its power to transcend cultural boundaries.

NBTC Managing Director K G Abraham has rejected claims of overcrowding at the Kuwait apartment building where a devastating fire killed 49 people, mostly Indian nationals. Abraham attributed the tragedy to a short circuit and announced a comprehensive compensation package for the victims' families. Each family will receive Rs 8 lakh, four years' salary, and additional benefits. The company will also provide support for education and employment to the affected families. The fire gutted an apartment in the Al-Mangaf area, claiming 23 lives from Kerala alone. Abraham's children will personally meet the families to offer condolences and assistance.