Canada has downsized its Indian mission staff, citing the need for reductions due to a decrease in Canadian personnel in India. The move follows strained ties between the two countries after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations of Indian involvement in a separatist's killing. India demanded diplomatic parity, resulting in Canada withdrawing 41 diplomats and family members earlier. Despite the reductions, Canada assures continued core services, including consular support and trade development. The visa application centers in India remain operational. The reduction underscores ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada.

As tensions escalate between Iran and Israel, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has issued additional helpline numbers for Indian citizens. Following Iran's unprecedented attack, launching 330 missiles and drones at Israel in retaliation for an alleged strike on its diplomatic installation in Damascus, concerns for citizen safety rise. The United States, France, Britain, and Jordan reportedly aided in intercepting the projectiles. US President Joe Biden plans to convene a Group of Seven meeting to coordinate a diplomatic response. India's Ministry of External Affairs urges de-escalation, advising citizens to refrain from travel to Iran or Israel and register with Indian embassies for safety precautions.

During a call, US President Joe Biden informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Washington would not back a counterattack on Iran by Israel, amid Iran's drone and missile assault on Israeli territory. Biden emphasized joint defensive efforts' success in thwarting the Iranian attack and reaffirmed US commitment to Israel's security. He condemned Iran's aggression and pledged a united diplomatic response with G7 leaders. Concerns mount over potential regional war consequences. The unprecedented Iranian attack retaliated against an April 1 airstrike on its Damascus consulate. Israel claimed interception of the majority of Iranian missiles and drones.  

As Iran's drone and missile attacks escalate tensions with Israel, India advises its nationals in Israel to remain calm and follow safety protocols. The Indian embassy in Israel provides helpline numbers and urges registration. India expresses serious concern over the hostilities, calling for immediate de-escalation and a return to diplomacy. President Biden confirms US assistance in intercepting the majority of missiles, vowing support for Israel. He plans to coordinate a diplomatic response with G7 leaders. Amidst the volatile situation, India emphasizes the importance of maintaining security and stability in the region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the BJP's manifesto, 'Modi's Guarantee 2024', outlining 30 promises across 14 pillars. Key pledges include bringing senior citizens above 70 and the transgender community under Ayushman Bharat Yojana, continuing free ration for five years, and providing 3 crore houses with cheap pipeline gas and free electricity for poor households. Other commitments involve enforcing the Uniform Civil Code, boosting women's financial empowerment, expanding healthcare services, and increasing MSP for crops. The manifesto aims to propel India to become the world's third-largest economic power.            

Thousands of Iranians gathered in Tehran's Palestine Square, chanting "Death to Israel!" and "Death to America!" in solidarity with Iran's unprecedented drone and missile attack on Israel. The attack, dubbed Operation Honest Promise, was launched in retaliation for a strike on Iran's Damascus consulate, killing seven Revolutionary Guards. Iranian media described the attack as "complex," involving allies in Yemen, Lebanon, and Iraq. Despite Tehran's hopes for de-escalation, tensions remain high. The rally reflects Iran's longstanding animosity towards Israel, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowing punishment for the "evil regime."

Iran announced the conclusion of its retaliatory "Operation Honest Promise" against Israel, following a deadly strike on its consulate in Damascus. Iranian armed forces' chief of staff, Mohammad Bagheri, stated that the operation achieved its objectives, targeting an "intelligence centre" and an air base allegedly used by Israeli F-35 jets. While Israel downplayed the damage, Bagheri warned against further Israeli action, threatening a "much bigger" response. He also cautioned the U.S. against aiding Israel, indicating potential consequences for American bases. Despite tensions, Bagheri emphasized Iran's intention to cease the operation, urging restraint to prevent escalation.

Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi cautioned Israel and its allies against "reckless" moves following Tehran's drone and missile strike in retaliation for a strike on its Damascus consulate. The warning comes amidst heightened tensions, with reports of Israeli and US jets downing most Iranian drones over Syrian airspace. Major Middle Eastern airlines are rerouting flights after the attack, while Israeli President Isaac Herzog thanked the military and allies for intercepting Iranian missiles. G7 leaders are set to discuss the situation, with Iran claiming its attack achieved its objectives, raising concerns of further escalation in the region.

Chirag Antil, a 24-year-old student from Haryana, was fatally shot inside an Audi car in Vancouver, Canada. Vancouver Police discovered his body after gunshots were reported by residents on April 12. Antil had moved to Canada in 2022 for his MBA studies and was working at the time of his death. No arrests have been made, and investigations are ongoing. His family has appealed to Indian authorities for justice and assistance in repatriating his body for final rites. The Consulate General of India in Vancouver expressed sorrow over the incident and is seeking further information from Canadian authorities.      

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps launched a barrage of drones and missiles at Israel, marking the first direct attack on Israeli territory. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu assured readiness for any scenario, with support from the U.S., UK, and other allies. President Biden affirmed unwavering commitment to Israel's security. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the escalation, urging immediate cessation of hostilities to avoid region-wide conflict. Global leaders, including UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, condemned Iran's actions, emphasizing support for Israel's right to self-defense amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East.