Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declined to sign the SCO joint communiqué in Qingdao, citing its omission of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26, mostly tourists. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar supported the decision, noting a SCO member widely understood as Pakistan refused to include terrorism while the bloc aims to fight it. The draft did reference Pakistan’s Jaffar Express hijacking, seen as a diversion tactic. Singh highlighted India’s “zero tolerance,” praising Operation Sindoor, and warned against double standards. He urged holding terrorists' sponsors accountable, calling for SCO unity against cross‑border terrorism.

A vast sea of devotees has gathered in Puri for today’s Rath Yatra, where Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra embark on their sacred 3 km journey to the Gundicha Temple. The city is under a five‑tier security blanket, with about 10,000 personnel including CAPF, BSF, and Odisha police deployed under “Operation Sindoor”. AI‑enabled CCTV, drones, snipers, and traffic controls reinforce safety. Meanwhile, similar celebrations unfold in Digha (its first-ever Yatra, presided by CM Mamata Banerjee) and Ahmedabad (148th Rath Yatra), attracting massive crowds and top leaders including PM Modi, President Murmu, and Amit Shah.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar sharply criticized the Gandhi family today, on the 50th anniversary of the 1975 Emergency, saying they “trampled on the Constitution” and violated citizens’ fundamental rights. He condemned Congress leaders for suppressing free speech, arresting dissenters under MISA, and imposing authoritarian control. Jaishankar recalled that over 100,000 people including journalists and political opponents were imprisoned, and the press faced strict censorship. He emphasized that the Emergency remains a “bleak chapter” in India’s democratic history. The minister warned that such undemocratic episodes must be remembered to deter recurrence, asserting that the Gandhi dynasty bears responsibility for this period. (PC: Outlook India)

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh refused to sign the draft joint communique of the SCO defence ministers’ meeting in Qingdao on June 26. The statement omitted any mention of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 Indian tourists, while referencing the Jaffar Express hijacking in Pakistan’s Balochistan. India criticized this selective treatment, accusing one unnamed nation widely understood to be Pakistan, supported by China of blocking terrorism references. Singh emphasized India’s “zero tolerance” stance, citing recent Operation Sindoor and placing responsibility on countries that sponsor or shelter terrorists. Lacking consensus, the SCO released no statement. This move underscores India’s insistence on explicit anti-terror language in multilateral forums.

Zohran Mamdani, 33, surged in NYC’s Democratic mayoral primary and ignited intense debate in India after branding Prime Minister Modi a “war criminal” over the 2002 Gujarat riots and pledging to arrest Netanyahu if he visits NYC. Asserting his Muslim-Gujarat heritage, he claimed Muslims are nearly absent in Modi’s Gujarat a figure disputed. His remarks went viral, blasting through Indian social platforms and earning both praise for his candor and backlash accusing him of misinformation and Hinduphobia. His campaign, anchored in progressive calls to cut rents, raise wages and tax the wealthy resonates strongly in South Asian NYC suburbs. The cross-border controversy spotlights diaspora identity, political discourse and global polarization. (PC: X)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met Chinese counterpart Admiral Dong Jun on June 27 in Qingdao during the SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting. India proposed a four‑point formula to ease border tensions and improve bilateral ties: full adherence to the 2024 disengagement plan, ongoing de‑escalation efforts, expedited border demarcation and delimitation, and leveraging the special‑representative mechanism to establish new confidence‑building processes. Singh also raised concerns about Pakistan‑sponsored cross‑border terrorism, affirming Operation Sindoor as “India’s principled position.” He welcomed the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra after a six‑year hiatus. Exchanging a Madhubani painting, both sides committed to maintaining “positive momentum,” while India declined to sign any SCO terrorism‑diluting declaration.

Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla officially became astronaut No. 634 after docking the Axiom-4 crew at the ISS on June 26, 2025. He described the experience as a “wonderful ride,” though noted “my head is a little heavy” in zero gravity, yet expressed excitement for the next 14 days of scientific research aboard the station . Shukla shared heartfelt messages in English and Hindi, thanking India for its blessings and assuring that “with your love and blessings, I have safely reached the ISS,” urging national participation in his journey . His pinning marks India’s second man in space and its first ISS presence, after Rakesh Sharma.

India has declined a United Nations aviation agency offer to send an ICAO investigator to assist the probe into the June 12 Air India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed 260 lives . The ICAO sought observer status for an expert already in India, but authorities refused, despite past cooperation in major incidents . India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the investigation; data from flight recorders was downloaded around June 26, two weeks post‑crash . Critics have flagged delays and limited transparency. Under ICAO’s Annex 13 rules, flight‑recorder analysis should begin immediately. A preliminary report is due within 30 days. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump has indicated that the US is preparing a “very big” trade deal with India, stating “we have one coming up, maybe with India... we’re going to open up India” during remarks at the “Big Beautiful Event” at the White House on June 26, 2025 . His comments coincide with a senior Indian delegation led by negotiator Rajesh Agarwal visiting Washington for high-level discussions. Trump emphasized that not all countries receive the same treatment—some will face steep tariffs if no deal is reached . Earlier, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed active efforts to forge a bilateral trade pact . With a July 9 deadline looming on reciprocal tariffs, both nations are pushing to finalize a mutually beneficial agreement soon. (PC: ET Now)

Former England cricketer Mark Butcher criticized Ravindra Jadeja's bowling in the first Test at Leeds, saying it was like “owning a hammer but punching nails…not landing the ball in the rough until it was too late” during India’s failed defense of 371 runs . Jadeja managed just 1 for 104 in 24 overs, allowing England’s batsmen, notably Ben Duckett, to exploit reverse sweeps . Butcher also faulted team selection, suggesting Kuldeep Yadav would have been preferable to Shardul Thakur, who underperformed with 2 wickets and low runs . India trails 0–1 in the Anderson‑Tendulkar Trophy after a five‑wicket defeat. (PC: ICC)