India and Uzbekistan have agreed to establish a long-term uranium supply arrangement, strengthening cooperation in nuclear energy during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Tashkent. Modi and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev discussed expanding strategic and economic ties, with uranium supplies expected to support India’s growing nuclear power programme and long-term energy requirements. The agreement is part of a broader effort to deepen bilateral relations, including cooperation in trade, clean energy, connectivity and critical minerals. The two countries also agreed to elevate their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking a significant step in India’s engagement with Central Asia. (PC: ANI)

India and Uzbekistan have upgraded their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with the two countries also agreeing to work towards a long-term uranium supply arrangement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced the decisions after bilateral talks in Tashkent. They also set a target of increasing annual bilateral trade to $5 billion by 2030 and agreed to deepen cooperation in defence, energy, connectivity, technology and other strategic sectors. The leaders discussed expanding defence co-production and improving connectivity between India and Central Asia. Modi said the new partnership would give bilateral ties a broader and more ambitious direction. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the Order of Oliy Darajali Dustlik, described as Uzbekistan’s supreme state award, by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during his state visit to Tashkent. The honour was given in recognition of Modi’s role in strengthening ties between India and Uzbekistan. The award ceremony came as the two countries sought to deepen cooperation and advance their strategic partnership. Modi’s visit to Uzbekistan is part of his wider Central Asia tour, during which he is holding high-level talks to expand bilateral and regional cooperation. (PC: India Today)

A saree became a lifeline for 21 Tamil Nadu pilgrims who survived deadly floods and mudslides in Nepal during their Mount Kailash pilgrimage. Trapped near Timure, the group escaped through the driver’s side of their vehicle and tried to climb a muddy hillside. With several women unable to climb, a pilgrim, Poonguzhali, gave her saree to her husband, Ratnakumar, who used it as a makeshift rope to pull them to safety. The group spent nearly two days stranded before being rescued and flown out by helicopter. The dramatic escape came as Tamil Nadu authorities continued efforts to trace pilgrims still unreachable. (PC: The Indian Express)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a yoga event in Tashkent on Saturday during his two-day state visit to Uzbekistan, saying the country has developed a strong connection with yoga. Modi thanked President Shavkat Mirziyoyev for helping promote yoga and shared a video from the event. Later in the day, the Prime Minister is scheduled to hold delegation-level talks with Mirziyoyev. The leaders are expected to review the full range of bilateral relations and discuss ways to further strengthen the strategic partnership between New Delhi and Tashkent, including cooperation rooted in longstanding cultural and people-to-people ties.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, speaking at the “One World, One Humanity” faith leaders’ conference in New York, said Hinduism is based on the unity of humanity and respect for different faiths. He stated that anyone who believes Muslims should have no place in Bharat cannot remain a Hindu. Bhagwat argued that India’s traditional philosophy accepts diverse religious paths while recognising common humanity. He also criticised politics driven by self-interest, saying social change should begin within communities through education, dialogue and selfless service. His remarks came during the RSS’s centenary-year global outreach programme. (PC: X)

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, speaking at the Universal Oneness Celebration in New York, urged Indian-Americans to remain loyal to the country where they live and work. Calling India their “janma bhumi” and America their “karma bhumi,” he said the diaspora should first fulfil its responsibilities to American society before voluntarily contributing to India. Bhagwat also emphasised India’s tradition of unity in diversity, saying different identities should be respected and protected. Addressing concerns about minorities, he said Hinduism does not support excluding Muslims or other communities. His remarks came amid opposition to his US visit from some groups. (PC: PTI)

India has rescued 108 nationals from flood-hit Nepal and re-established contact with 50 others who were earlier untraceable, the Ministry of External Affairs said. However, more than 275 Indian nationals and 128 persons of Indian origin remain missing. The MEA said 598 Indians had safely crossed into Nepal from China over the past two days, while around 900 others stranded in China were safe and contactable. India is coordinating rescue and relief operations with Nepal and China, with round-the-clock control rooms and emergency helplines operating. Authorities are also facilitating the return of Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims.  

Nepal Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India’s support after devastating floods killed more than 600 people in Nepal. Calling Modi “exceptionally generous”, Wagle said New Delhi had indicated it would provide substantial assistance for Nepal’s reconstruction. Since Wednesday, India has sent 57.6 tonnes of relief supplies and deployed an 11-member team of medical and tunnel rescue experts following a request from Kathmandu. Nepal has also mobilised more than 11,000 security personnel for rescue operations. Authorities are now focusing on saving stranded people, restoring connectivity and delivering relief to areas cut off by damaged roads. (PC: NDTV)

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has said that a Hindu Rashtra does not mean excluding Muslims from India, adding that a Hindu who believes Muslims should have no place in the country may not truly understand Hindutva. Speaking at the One World, One Humanity event in New York, Bhagwat recalled a 2018 conversation with members of the Muslim community, who asked whether Hindus wanted to drive Muslims out of India. He said his answer was no, calling such an idea contrary to Hindutva. Bhagwat had made similar remarks earlier, saying a Hindu Rashtra could not exist without Muslims. (PC: India Today)