Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed deeper strategic cooperation during Putin’s state visit to Beijing, signalling stronger alignment amid rising global tensions. Putin said both nations would expand bilateral cooperation and coordinate more closely on international platforms like BRICS. Xi responded that China-Russia relations had entered a “new stage of faster development”, adding that mutual trust between the two countries continued to strengthen. Chinese state media described the talks as “substantial”, while Putin called the partnership “exemplary”. The visit mirrored the ceremonial welcome recently accorded to US President Donald Trump, underscoring Beijing’s effort to project itself as a central hub of global diplomacy and strategic influence. (PC: BBC)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump may meet during the G7 Summit in France next month, with a possible pull-aside interaction expected to attract global attention amid ongoing India-US trade tensions. French President Emmanuel Macron has invited Modi to attend the June 15-17 summit in Evian-les-Bains as a special invitee. The potential meeting would mark the first in-person interaction between Modi and Trump since their White House talks in February 2025, where both leaders pledged to expand bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. Observers are expected to closely watch any discussions on trade, strategic cooperation and geopolitical developments. (PC: India Today)

The Indian rupee weakened by 33 paise on Wednesday to hit a record low of 96.89 against the US dollar, later slipping further to 96.92 during early trade. Analysts attributed the decline to elevated crude oil prices near $110 per barrel, pressure on India’s foreign exchange reserves, strong US dollar demand and continued foreign investor outflows. India, which imports nearly 90 per cent of its crude oil requirements, faces increased dollar outflow as global energy prices surge amid geopolitical tensions linked to the Iran-US conflict. Rising US Treasury yields and expectations of tighter Federal Reserve policy have further strengthened the dollar. The rupee has reportedly fallen more than 8 per cent against the dollar in 2026 alone. (PC: News18)

Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten faced widespread criticism after publishing a cartoon depicting Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a snake charmer during his Norway visit. The illustration, accompanying an opinion article, showed Modi holding a snake-like fuel pipe and triggered accusations of racism, xenophobia and colonial stereotyping online. Critics argued the imagery revived outdated portrayals of India associated with “snake charmers” and undermined the country’s global image. The controversy emerged alongside another diplomatic row involving Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng and Indian diplomat Sibi George during media interactions in Norway. The debate has further intensified discussions surrounding media portrayal, cultural sensitivity and India-Norway relations.

Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng said her Instagram and Facebook accounts were suspended following the controversy surrounding her viral interaction during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Norway visit. Lyng described the suspension as a “small price to pay for press freedom” while sharing screenshots and tagging Meta for assistance. The controversy began after Lyng questioned Modi during a joint media appearance with Norway’s prime minister and later challenged Indian officials over human rights and press freedom at an MEA briefing. The episode triggered intense online debate, with supporters defending her journalism and critics accusing her of targeting India. Her social media following reportedly surged dramatically after the incident.  

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni warmly welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Rome during the final leg of his five-nation tour, sharing a candid selfie from the iconic Colosseum on social media. The image quickly went viral, drawing significant online engagement. During his Italy visit, Modi is scheduled to meet Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Meloni to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029. Modi will also visit the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization, highlighting India’s commitment to multilateralism and global food security initiatives.

Naren Dhar, an Assistant Protocol Officer at the Indian mission in Chattogram, was found dead inside the mission premises early Tuesday morning, according to local police. Dhar, reportedly from Chandigarh, Punjab, was discovered near a bathroom door on the second floor of the old visa centre building. Police initially suspect cardiac arrest, though officials stated that a post-mortem examination would determine the exact cause of death. Authorities have launched an unnatural death case and sent the body for autopsy at Chattogram Medical College Hospital. The Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian High Commission in Dhaka had not officially commented on the incident at the time of reporting. (PC: X)

Twisha Sharma died by suicide and was not murdered, according to Sanjay Kumar, who cited post-mortem findings and collected evidence. Twisha was found hanging at her in-laws’ home in Bhopal on May 12, while her family alleged dowry-related harassment and filed criminal charges against her husband Samarth Singh and mother-in-law Giribala Singh. Police stated that no signs of drug use were found despite allegations made by the mother-in-law. Authorities also admitted procedural lapses involving the belt allegedly used in the hanging but maintained it would not impact the investigation. Twisha’s family continues demanding a second post-mortem examination. (PC: NDTV)

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin are likely to attend the BRICS summit scheduled in New Delhi on September 12-13, according to sources. Xi’s participation would mark his first visit to India since the 2019 Mamallapuram summit, held months before the India-China border standoff along the Line of Actual Control. Russian officials have reportedly confirmed Putin’s attendance. The summit comes amid gradual stabilisation in India-China relations, including resumed visas, direct flights and Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage arrangements, although troop deployments along the LAC remain high. India is also reportedly seeking broader consensus among BRICS nations regarding ongoing geopolitical divisions over the West Asia conflict. (PC: Getty Images)

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing on Tuesday night for his 25th official visit to China, where he was welcomed by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and a military honour guard. During the two-day state visit, Putin is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, sign cooperation documents and issue a joint statement on strengthening strategic ties. Putin will also meet Premier Li Qiang, attend exhibitions and hold informal discussions with Xi. The Kremlin said discussions would include “important and sensitive issues”. The visit comes shortly after US President Donald Trump’s diplomatic trip to China.