The Indian Navy has taken delivery of Nipun, its second indigenously built diving support vessel, from Hindustan Shipyard Limited in Visakhapatnam. The handover marks another step in the country’s effort to build specialised underwater capabilities at home. Nipun, whose name derives from a Sanskrit word meaning skilled, is a 118-metre ship displacing more than 8,560 tonnes. Officials say more than 80 per cent of its value was sourced within India. The vessel has been designed and built to the classification rules of the Indian Register of Shipping. It is intended for deep-sea diving, submarine rescue and underwater intervention work. At its core is a dynamic positioning system that allows the ship to hold a precise position over a worksite without anchors, critical when divers or rescue equipment are operating below. The vessel is fitted with saturation diving systems, including compression chambers and life-support equipment, so divers can remain at working depth for extended periods. A side diving stage supports operations, while remotely operated vehicles extend the ship’s reach for inspection, monitoring and light salvage beyond the limits of human divers. Nipun will also serve as a mother ship for a Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle, managing launch, recovery and communications during efforts to reach a disabled submarine and evacuate its crew. Few navies maintain this complete chain as an organically owned capability.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-s-gps-has-a-satellite-problem-government-says-navic-no-longer-working-all-you-need-to-know-1785397313963">India's GPS has a satellite problem: Government says NavIC no longer working. All you need to know</a> The acceptance document was signed by Rear Admiral Arvind Rawal, chief staff officer (technical) of the Western Naval Command, and Rear Admiral Chandrasekharan Raghuram (retired), chairman and managing director of Hindustan Shipyard Limited. Delivery comes roughly a year after the lead ship of the class, INS Nistar, was handed over and later commissioned in July 2025. Both vessels were launched together in September 2022. Hindustan Shipyard Limited, a Miniratna defence public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, has a shipbuilding history of more than eight decades that includes submarine work. The diving support vessel programme drew on around 120 micro, small and medium enterprises, requiring naval-grade standards across a wide supplier base. Nipun is expected to move towards commissioning in the coming months. Once in service alongside INS Nistar, the navy will for the first time possess two such platforms, providing redundancy in a specialised and strategically important area of underwater operations.

Nipun will also serve as a mother ship for a Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle, managing launch, recovery and communications during efforts to reach a disabled submarine and evacuate its crew. Few navies maintain this complete chain as an organically owned capability.

The Indian Navy has taken delivery of Nipun, its second indigenously built diving support vessel, from Hindustan Shipyard Limited in Visakhapatnam. The handover marks another step in the country’s effort to build specialised underwater capabilities at home. Nipun, whose name derives from a Sanskrit word meaning skilled, is a 118-metre ship displacing more than 8,560 tonnes. Officials say more than 80 per cent of its value was sourced within India. The vessel has been designed and built to the classification rules of the Indian Register of Shipping. It is intended for deep-sea diving, submarine rescue and underwater intervention work. At its core is a dynamic positioning system that allows the ship to hold a precise position over a worksite without anchors, critical when divers or rescue equipment are operating below. The vessel is fitted with saturation diving systems, including compression chambers and life-support equipment, so divers can remain at working depth for extended periods. A side diving stage supports operations, while remotely operated vehicles extend the ship’s reach for inspection, monitoring and light salvage beyond the limits of human divers. Nipun will also serve as a mother ship for a Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle, managing launch, recovery and communications during efforts to reach a disabled submarine and evacuate its crew. Few navies maintain this complete chain as an organically owned capability. Also read | India's GPS has a satellite problem: Government says NavIC no longer working. All you need to know The acceptance document was signed by Rear Admiral Arvind Rawal, chief staff officer (technical) of the Western Naval Command, and Rear Admiral Chandrasekharan Raghuram (retired), chairman and managing director of Hindustan Shipyard Limited. Delivery comes roughly a year after the lead ship of the class, INS Nistar, was handed over and later commissioned in July 2025. Both vessels were launched together in September 2022. Hindustan Shipyard Limited, a Miniratna defence public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, has a shipbuilding history of more than eight decades that includes submarine work. The diving support vessel programme drew on around 120 micro, small and medium enterprises, requiring naval-grade standards across a wide supplier base. Nipun is expected to move towards commissioning in the coming months. Once in service alongside INS Nistar, the navy will for the first time possess two such platforms, providing redundancy in a specialised and strategically important area of underwater operations.

Nipun will also serve as a mother ship for a Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle, managing launch, recovery and communications during efforts to reach a disabled submarine and evacuate its crew. Few navies maintain this complete chain as an organically owned capability.

Indian Navy takes delivery of second indigenous diving support ship

New Delhi: India is “waiting” for Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit New Delhi, the newly appointed Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, said on Wednesday after meeting with senior Bangladeshi ministers.&nbsp;“We are anxiously waiting for the Honourable Prime Minister of Bangladesh’s visit to India, and I’m sure in the near future it will happen. We are very hopeful, and we are all looking forward to that,” Trivedi told reporters in Dhaka.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-paper-leak-bill-passed-by-voice-vote-in-rajya-sabha-after-opposition-walkout-1785426892319">Anti-paper leak bill passed by voice vote in Rajya Sabha after opposition walkout</a>&nbsp;The remarks came after Trivedi held separate courtesy calls on Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. India has extended invite to PM Rahman to visit the country to attend the BRICS summit in September. The invitation is extended as Bangladesh is the chair of the BIMSTEC grouping.&nbsp;Trivedi expressed satisfaction with the discussions. “I’m going very happy from here, and I’m very grateful that the honourable ministers gave me so much time,” he said. He highlighted the recent easing of visa restrictions, noting that both countries had opened up visas “for the mutual benefits of people of India and Bangladesh”.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/215-academics-pen-open-letter-slam-priyanka-gandhi-s-cow-urine-expert-remark-on-iit-madras-director-v-kamakoti-1785420621340">215 academics slam Priyanka’s ‘cow urine expert’ remark on IIT Madras director&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;“This relationship is historical. We share not only the borders, but the history, culture, and the dreams,” Trivedi said.&nbsp;&nbsp;He emphasised a people-to-people foundation for future ties, pointing to shared interests in culture, music and cricket. “I am looking forward to a relationship which is absolutely the foundation of which is the mutual benefit from people to people, from both sides.... This is just the beginning.”&nbsp;On issues such as the sharing of Teesta river waters, the High Commissioner struck an optimistic note. “No problem which cannot be sorted out with the mutual understanding. Ultimately, at the end of the day, it is people. From people to people, whatever is beneficial to both the democracies and the people.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/woman-poisons-husband-buries-body-in-12ft-deep-pit-in-gujarat-factory-tells-kin-he-went-to-work-in-australia-1785415792507">Woman poisons husband, buries body in 12ft deep pit in Gujarat factory, tells kin he went to work in Australia</a>&nbsp;He added that working groups on bilateral matters, including water treaties, would continue their efforts. Progress on such issues, he suggested, could advance once the Bangladeshi prime minister visits India. “There is no issue which cannot be sorted out... whatever is beneficial to both the people, it definitely will happen once the honourable prime minister visits India.”&nbsp;The outreach comes as New Delhi and Dhaka seek to stabilise and rebuild ties that faced strains during Bangladesh’s interim administration after the political upheaval of 2024. Cricket, once a strong cultural bridge, was among the areas affected, with no Bangladeshi players featuring in the 2026 Indian Premier League.

India has extended an invite to PM Tariq Rahman to visit the country to attend the BRICS summit in September. The invitation is extended, as Bangladesh is the chair of the BIMSTEC grouping.

New Delhi: India is “waiting” for Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit New Delhi, the newly appointed Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, said on Wednesday after meeting with senior Bangladeshi ministers. “We are anxiously waiting for the Honourable Prime Minister of Bangladesh’s visit to India, and I’m sure in the near future it will happen. We are very hopeful, and we are all looking forward to that,” Trivedi told reporters in Dhaka. Also Read: Anti-paper leak bill passed by voice vote in Rajya Sabha after opposition walkout The remarks came after Trivedi held separate courtesy calls on Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. India has extended invite to PM Rahman to visit the country to attend the BRICS summit in September. The invitation is extended as Bangladesh is the chair of the BIMSTEC grouping. Trivedi expressed satisfaction with the discussions. “I’m going very happy from here, and I’m very grateful that the honourable ministers gave me so much time,” he said. He highlighted the recent easing of visa restrictions, noting that both countries had opened up visas “for the mutual benefits of people of India and Bangladesh”. Also Read: 215 academics slam Priyanka’s ‘cow urine expert’ remark on IIT Madras director “This relationship is historical. We share not only the borders, but the history, culture, and the dreams,” Trivedi said. He emphasised a people-to-people foundation for future ties, pointing to shared interests in culture, music and cricket. “I am looking forward to a relationship which is absolutely the foundation of which is the mutual benefit from people to people, from both sides.... This is just the beginning.” On issues such as the sharing of Teesta river waters, the High Commissioner struck an optimistic note. “No problem which cannot be sorted out with the mutual understanding. Ultimately, at the end of the day, it is people. From people to people, whatever is beneficial to both the democracies and the people.” Also Read: Woman poisons husband, buries body in 12ft deep pit in Gujarat factory, tells kin he went to work in Australia He added that working groups on bilateral matters, including water treaties, would continue their efforts. Progress on such issues, he suggested, could advance once the Bangladeshi prime minister visits India. “There is no issue which cannot be sorted out... whatever is beneficial to both the people, it definitely will happen once the honourable prime minister visits India.” The outreach comes as New Delhi and Dhaka seek to stabilise and rebuild ties that faced strains during Bangladesh’s interim administration after the political upheaval of 2024. Cricket, once a strong cultural bridge, was among the areas affected, with no Bangladeshi players featuring in the 2026 Indian Premier League.

India has extended an invite to PM Tariq Rahman to visit the country to attend the BRICS summit in September. The invitation is extended, as Bangladesh is the chair of the BIMSTEC grouping.

India waiting for Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman’s visit, says envoy Trivedi

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has called for the revival of the long-dormant South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), offering his country as a mediator to help restart leaders’ summits after nearly a decade of inactivity. Speaking at the Maldives’ Independence Day ceremony on 26 July, Muizzu said the regional body, which the Maldives helped found in the mid-1980s, had delivered “numerous benefits” but had been “rendered, or has become, dysfunctional” for about nine years. “Looking closely at our immediate region, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)... is one such body,” he said. “Given that the foreign policy of the Maldives is structured... upon the principle that differences should be addressed through consultation, by bringing concerns to the discussion table, reaching resolutions, and moving forward in a manner that benefits all, the reactivation of SAARC is equally vital for regional peace and security.”Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-india-out-to-china-out-muizzu-makes-u-turn-as-pm-modi-offers-incentives-1753546113306">From ‘India out’ to ‘China out’? Muizzu makes U-turn as PM Modi offers incentives</a> He urged member states to resume summits. “We must bring matters to the point where the leaders of SAARC resume holding summits once again. To those parties among whom differences have arisen in this regard, the Maldives calls upon you to set those matters aside, to prioritise friendship for the sake of regional development and regional peace, and to come to the negotiating table". SAARC, comprising Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, held its last summit in Kathmandu in 2014. The planned 2016 summit in Islamabad was cancelled after India and several other members boycotted it following the Uri terror attack by Pakistani terrorists. Maldives President suggested that, should the task "prove challenging", the "Maldives stands ready to take the initiative and act as a mediator to advance those discussions. Therefore, SAARC must be operationalised once again. This administration shall always champion peace.” Responding on Tuesday to Muizzu’s remarks, India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated New Delhi’s support for regional cooperation while pointing the finger at Pakistan without naming it directly. “India favours strong regional cooperation and has been working towards it for several decades. Everyone in South Asia is aware of which country and what activities are responsible for stymying SAARC. After all, cooperation does require goodwill,” Jaiswal told a media briefing. India has long emphasised that Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism and interference in neighbours’ affairs has blocked progress in the organisation.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka, held its last summit in Kathmandu in 2014. The planned 2016 summit in Islamabad was cancelled after India and several other members boycotted it following the Uri terror attack by Pakistani terrorists.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has called for the revival of the long-dormant South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), offering his country as a mediator to help restart leaders’ summits after nearly a decade of inactivity. Speaking at the Maldives’ Independence Day ceremony on 26 July, Muizzu said the regional body, which the Maldives helped found in the mid-1980s, had delivered “numerous benefits” but had been “rendered, or has become, dysfunctional” for about nine years. “Looking closely at our immediate region, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)... is one such body,” he said. “Given that the foreign policy of the Maldives is structured... upon the principle that differences should be addressed through consultation, by bringing concerns to the discussion table, reaching resolutions, and moving forward in a manner that benefits all, the reactivation of SAARC is equally vital for regional peace and security.” Also read | From ‘India out’ to ‘China out’? Muizzu makes U-turn as PM Modi offers incentives He urged member states to resume summits. “We must bring matters to the point where the leaders of SAARC resume holding summits once again. To those parties among whom differences have arisen in this regard, the Maldives calls upon you to set those matters aside, to prioritise friendship for the sake of regional development and regional peace, and to come to the negotiating table". SAARC, comprising Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, held its last summit in Kathmandu in 2014. The planned 2016 summit in Islamabad was cancelled after India and several other members boycotted it following the Uri terror attack by Pakistani terrorists. Maldives President suggested that, should the task "prove challenging", the "Maldives stands ready to take the initiative and act as a mediator to advance those discussions. Therefore, SAARC must be operationalised once again. This administration shall always champion peace.” Responding on Tuesday to Muizzu’s remarks, India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated New Delhi’s support for regional cooperation while pointing the finger at Pakistan without naming it directly. “India favours strong regional cooperation and has been working towards it for several decades. Everyone in South Asia is aware of which country and what activities are responsible for stymying SAARC. After all, cooperation does require goodwill,” Jaiswal told a media briefing. India has long emphasised that Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism and interference in neighbours’ affairs has blocked progress in the organisation.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka, held their last summit in Kathmandu in 2014. The planned 2016 summit in Islamabad was cancelled after India and several other members boycotted it following the Uri terror attack by Pakistani terrorists.

Muizzu pushes for SAARC restart; India cites Pak terror concerns

New Delhi: India’s foreign ministry summoned Ukraine’s ambassador Dr. Oleksandr Polishchuk after an attack on a vessel killed an Indian seafarer. Indian seafarers’ unions attributed the attack to a Ukrainian drone. The Indian foreign ministry strongly took up the issue.&nbsp;The vessel, MV Omorfi, was attacked on 18 July while transiting the Black Sea, “reportedly in Russian territorial waters,” the ministry said in a statement last week. Ten crew members were on board at the time, three of them Indian nationals. One Indian, Chief Officer Sagar Gupta, died in the incident. The two other Indian crew members were reported safe.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/berlin-pride-attack-suspect-shot-dead-by-police-incident-classified-as-islamist-terror-attack-1785091454375">Berlin Pride attack suspect shot dead by police; incident classified as ‘Islamist terror’ attack</a>&nbsp;India strongly condemned the attack. “Attacks on commercial shipping and civilian crew members are unacceptable,” the External Affairs Ministry said, urging all parties to ensure the safety of maritime navigation and the free flow of global trade.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nandan-nilekani-infosys-co-founder-and-aadhaar-architect-to-lead-pm-s-high-powered-task-force-1785079026251">Nandan Nilekani, Infosys co-founder and Aadhaar architect, to lead PM’s high-powered task force</a>&nbsp;The Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier, built in 2010, was operating in a region that has seen repeated strikes on merchant ships amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The incident shows the growing risks being faced by Indian seafarers, who form one of the largest contingents in the global merchant navy.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/high-powered-task-force-on-exam-reforms-set-up-under-nandan-nilekani-pm-modi-1785073188370#">DMK founder Karunanidhi’s granddaughter booked for slapping SBI branch manager | Video</a>&nbsp;Indian authorities have issued advisories urging seafarers and shipping companies to carefully assess security risks, verify routes, insurance coverage, and emergency procedures before accepting any assignments in or near the Black Sea. New Delhi has repeatedly called for the protection of commercial shipping lanes, stressing that the safety of civilian seafarers must not be compromised.

India strongly condemned the attack on the vessel in the Black Sea. India's External Affairs Ministry said attacks on commercial shipping and civilian crew members are unacceptable and urged all parties to ensure the safety of maritime navigation and the free flow of global trade.

New Delhi: India’s foreign ministry summoned Ukraine’s ambassador Dr. Oleksandr Polishchuk after an attack on a vessel killed an Indian seafarer. Indian seafarers’ unions attributed the attack to a Ukrainian drone. The Indian foreign ministry strongly took up the issue. The vessel, MV Omorfi, was attacked on 18 July while transiting the Black Sea, “reportedly in Russian territorial waters,” the ministry said in a statement last week. Ten crew members were on board at the time, three of them Indian nationals. One Indian, Chief Officer Sagar Gupta, died in the incident. The two other Indian crew members were reported safe. Also Read: Berlin Pride attack suspect shot dead by police; incident classified as ‘Islamist terror’ attack India strongly condemned the attack. “Attacks on commercial shipping and civilian crew members are unacceptable,” the External Affairs Ministry said, urging all parties to ensure the safety of maritime navigation and the free flow of global trade. Also Read: Nandan Nilekani, Infosys co-founder and Aadhaar architect, to lead PM’s high-powered task force The Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier, built in 2010, was operating in a region that has seen repeated strikes on merchant ships amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The incident shows the growing risks being faced by Indian seafarers, who form one of the largest contingents in the global merchant navy. Also Read: DMK founder Karunanidhi’s granddaughter booked for slapping SBI branch manager | Video Indian authorities have issued advisories urging seafarers and shipping companies to carefully assess security risks, verify routes, insurance coverage, and emergency procedures before accepting any assignments in or near the Black Sea. New Delhi has repeatedly called for the protection of commercial shipping lanes, stressing that the safety of civilian seafarers must not be compromised.

India strongly condemned the attack on the vessel in the Black Sea. India's External Affairs Ministry said attacks on commercial shipping and civilian crew members are unacceptable and urged all parties to ensure the safety of maritime navigation and the free flow of global trade.

India summons Ukraine Ambassador Dr. Oleksandr Polishchuk after attack on vessel killed Indian seafarer

India's Ministry of External Affairs has fact-checked misleading social media posts that misrepresented the official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal's comments on allegations of foreign funding linked to last week's protests in Delhi. On Sunday, the ministry's official fact-checking account, @MEAFactCheck, stated that the circulating post "is misleading and misrepresents the statement of the Spokesperson." The post in question had claimed the spokesperson confirmed that "intelligence and investigations" showed "there is no Foreign funding" in the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests claimed by a social media handle "@Nher_who".&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pralhad-joshi-takes-charge-of-education-ministry-after-dharmendra-pradhan-resigns-cjp-protest-ends-1785053539528/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/pralhad-joshi-takes-charge-of-education-ministry-after-dharmendra-pradhan-resigns-cjp-protest-ends-1785053539528/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The post is misleading and misrepresents the statement of the Spokesperson. At the BiWeekly briefing on Friday, the Spokesperson stated the following &quot; Madhu, regarding the point you raised about allegations of foreign funding and other such claims in connection with the… <a href="https://t.co/oZsc5fb9oz">pic.twitter.com/oZsc5fb9oz</a>&mdash; MEA FactCheck (@MEAFactCheck) <a href="https://x.com/MEAFactCheck/status/2081264844213277050?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Responding to a journalist's question about allegations of foreign funding and related claims connected to the protests, Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Friday said: "regarding the point you raised about allegations of foreign funding and other such claims in connection with the ongoing protests, I would like to say that I do not have any information on this matter to share with you at this time." The comment basically pointed that foreign ministry has no information, and relevant agencies of the Indian govt can give details about it.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/un-steps-into-delhi-protests-what-the-world-body-said-about-police-and-government-will-shock-you-1784967574231">UN steps into Delhi protests: What the world body said about police and government will shock you</a>&nbsp;Another post, published by the account "PulseNewsBreaking" on 24 July, asserted that the foreign ministry had clarified there was "no Pakistan funding" and "no hand of Chinese agents" behind the demonstrations at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. The post, which appeared in both Telugu and English versions, quoted MEA spokesperson. This claim was also debunked as mischievous mis-representation of MEA comments.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The post is misleading and misrepresents the statement of the Spokesperson. At the BiWeekly briefing yesterday, the Spokesperson stated the following &quot; Madhu, regarding the point you raised about allegations of foreign funding and other such claims in connection with the… <a href="https://t.co/sNMZEEJLYc">pic.twitter.com/sNMZEEJLYc</a>&mdash; MEA FactCheck (@MEAFactCheck) <a href="https://x.com/MEAFactCheck/status/2080918214985572558?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;During the protests, India's PIB fact check also clamped down on many Pakistan based social media handles that made deep fake videos of Indian leaders. The videos made claims on the protests that had the potential to inflame the situation. The PIB Fact Check pointed how AI-generated deepfake videos of Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, Union minister JP Nadda, CDS General NS Raja Subramani were released.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fact-check-passport-of-cjp-protesters-to-be-cancelled-delhi-police-clarifies-1784846644471">FACT CHECK: Passport of CJP protesters to be cancelled? Delhi Police clarifies</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Pakistani propaganda accounts are circulating a video of the Chief of Defence Staff, General NS Raja Subramani, in which he claims that 30,000 army jawans have resigned over protests at Jantar Mantar.<a href="https://x.com/hashtag/PIBFactCheck?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PIBFactCheck</a> ❌ This video is Fake and AI-generated. 🔸 The Chief of… <a href="https://t.co/qziNoc1zzQ">pic.twitter.com/qziNoc1zzQ</a>&mdash; PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) <a href="https://x.com/PIBFactCheck/status/2080843981072801808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;The CJP, a youth-led outfit that began as online satire, has organised sustained demonstrations at Delhi's Jantar Mantar in recent weeks. Protesters demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over repeated irregularities and paper leaks in national examinations, including NEET, which have fuelled widespread anger among students and families. The group has also called for assurances against criminal cases targeting demonstrators and compensation for families of students who died by suicide linked to exam issues.

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has debunked viral social media claims regarding foreign funding and outside involvement in recent Delhi protests. 

India's Ministry of External Affairs has fact-checked misleading social media posts that misrepresented the official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal's comments on allegations of foreign funding linked to last week's protests in Delhi. On Sunday, the ministry's official fact-checking account, @MEAFactCheck, stated that the circulating post "is misleading and misrepresents the statement of the Spokesperson." The post in question had claimed the spokesperson confirmed that "intelligence and investigations" showed "there is no Foreign funding" in the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests claimed by a social media handle "@Nher_who". https://www.wionews.com/videos/pralhad-joshi-takes-charge-of-education-ministry-after-dharmendra-pradhan-resigns-cjp-protest-ends-1785053539528/embed

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has debunked viral social media claims regarding foreign funding and outside involvement in recent Delhi protests.&nbsp;

India's foreign ministry debunks viral claim made during last week's protests

Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni has called on fellow BRICS nations to take a “clear and decisive” stand against what he described as aggression on Iranian territory, while speaking at the group's ministerial meeting in New Delhi.Speaking at the BRICS Ministers of Interior Meeting, Momeni said attacks had violated Iran’s integrity and caused widespread destruction. “The aggression against territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the violation of the country’s integrity, the widespread destruction of infrastructure, power plants, residential areas, schools, hospitals and other civilian sites, the killing of women, children and the elderly are a clear manifestation of disregard for all international documents, including the United Nations Charter,” he said.He expressed hope that BRICS members would respond within the framework of international law. “The Islamic Republic of Iran hopes that the respected BRICS members… while condemning these actions, will adopt a clear and decisive position in opposing aggression and violation of the sovereignty of countries, attacks on civilians and the destruction of vital infrastructure.”Momeni added that a unified BRICS voice defending international law and national sovereignty “will have an important message for the international community and will help strengthen international peace, security and stability.”The remarks come against the backdrop of an ongoing conflict involving Iran that began earlier this year with strikes on Iranian targets by the US and Israel. BRICS, which includes Iran as a member, has struggled to reach consensus on the issue.Shifting focus to shared challenges, Momeni stressed that modern risks transcend borders. “Today, the world is facing risks that have crossed geographical, political and economic borders. Climate change, natural disasters, disease epidemics, vulnerability of critical infrastructure and other emerging crises have simultaneously affected the security, development and well-being of nations,” he said. “In such circumstances, no country can cope with these threats alone, and multilateral cooperation is more imperative than ever.”Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-rejected-a-peace-deal-proposed-by-us-president-donald-trump-and-conveyed-by-iraq-claims-report-1784879312937">Iran rejected a peace deal proposed by US President Donald Trump and conveyed by Iraq, claims report</a>He highlighted Iran’s experience managing earthquakes, floods, droughts and other hazards, offering it as a basis for BRICS collaboration. Urbanisation, he noted, had increased exposure to climate-related risks, requiring a “comprehensive, forward-looking and resilient approach” to infrastructure.“Today, more than ever, we need a comprehensive look at the concept of resilience. Resilience does not only mean post-crisis reconstruction, but also means prevention, preparedness, smart risk management and increasing the capacity of communities to continue essential services in crisis situations,” Momeni said. He argued that critical infrastructure resilience had become “one of the pillars of national security, human safety and sustainable development.”On behalf of Iran, he proposed that member countries develop operational plans based on recent BRICS documents on urban infrastructure resilience and disaster management. Iran welcomed specialised training courses, exchanges of technical teams and joint manoeuvres to implement the Sendai Framework and Sustainable Development Goals.The New Delhi meeting forms part of India’s 2026 BRICS chairmanship, focusing on internal security, counter-terrorism and related cooperation.

The remarks come against the backdrop of an ongoing conflict involving Iran that began earlier this year with strikes on Iranian targets by the US and Israel. 

Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni has called on fellow BRICS nations to take a “clear and decisive” stand against what he described as aggression on Iranian territory, while speaking at the group's ministerial meeting in New Delhi. Speaking at the BRICS Ministers of Interior Meeting, Momeni said attacks had violated Iran’s integrity and caused widespread destruction. “The aggression against territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the violation of the country’s integrity, the widespread destruction of infrastructure, power plants, residential areas, schools, hospitals and other civilian sites, the killing of women, children and the elderly are a clear manifestation of disregard for all international documents, including the United Nations Charter,” he said. He expressed hope that BRICS members would respond within the framework of international law. “The Islamic Republic of Iran hopes that the respected BRICS members… while condemning these actions, will adopt a clear and decisive position in opposing aggression and violation of the sovereignty of countries, attacks on civilians and the destruction of vital infrastructure.” Momeni added that a unified BRICS voice defending international law and national sovereignty “will have an important message for the international community and will help strengthen international peace, security and stability.” The remarks come against the backdrop of an ongoing conflict involving Iran that began earlier this year with strikes on Iranian targets by the US and Israel. BRICS, which includes Iran as a member, has struggled to reach consensus on the issue. Shifting focus to shared challenges, Momeni stressed that modern risks transcend borders. “Today, the world is facing risks that have crossed geographical, political and economic borders. Climate change, natural disasters, disease epidemics, vulnerability of critical infrastructure and other emerging crises have simultaneously affected the security, development and well-being of nations,” he said. “In such circumstances, no country can cope with these threats alone, and multilateral cooperation is more imperative than ever.” Also read | Iran rejected a peace deal proposed by US President Donald Trump and conveyed by Iraq, claims report He highlighted Iran’s experience managing earthquakes, floods, droughts and other hazards, offering it as a basis for BRICS collaboration. Urbanisation, he noted, had increased exposure to climate-related risks, requiring a “comprehensive, forward-looking and resilient approach” to infrastructure. “Today, more than ever, we need a comprehensive look at the concept of resilience. Resilience does not only mean post-crisis reconstruction, but also means prevention, preparedness, smart risk management and increasing the capacity of communities to continue essential services in crisis situations,” Momeni said. He argued that critical infrastructure resilience had become “one of the pillars of national security, human safety and sustainable development.” On behalf of Iran, he proposed that member countries develop operational plans based on recent BRICS documents on urban infrastructure resilience and disaster management. Iran welcomed specialised training courses, exchanges of technical teams and joint manoeuvres to implement the Sendai Framework and Sustainable Development Goals. The New Delhi meeting forms part of India’s 2026 BRICS chairmanship, focusing on internal security, counter-terrorism and related cooperation.

The remarks come against the backdrop of an ongoing conflict involving Iran that began earlier this year with strikes on Iranian targets by the US and Israel.&nbsp;

Iran's interior minister Momeni urges BRICS to take clear stand against attacks on its territory during Delhi meet

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Bangladesh's Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on 12-13 September. Bangladesh is not a BRICS member, but the invitation as a special guest shows India's efforts to engage the new government in Dhaka following February's elections. Indian PM was the first world leader to telephone Rahman after his Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a landslide victory in the February parliamentary elections. In the call, the Indian leader congratulated Rahman and reaffirmed India's commitment to ties. Practical cooperation has also deepened. During the energy disruptions caused by the West Asia conflict earlier this year, India supplied thousands of tonnes of diesel to Bangladesh through the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline, a critical lifeline that helped ease fuel shortages in northern Bangladesh. The pipeline, operational since 2023, has proven its strategic value in times of regional instability. Diplomatic engagement has continued at various levels. Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman visited India earlier this year, one of the highest-level visits since the 2024 political changes, and met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila earlier today.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-must-normalise-ties-with-israel-to-secure-nuclear-deal-with-us-trump-1784812903857">Saudi Arabia must join Abraham Accords to normalise ties with Israel for nuclear deal with US: Trump</a>&nbsp;In June, newly appointed Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi, a former Union minister granted cabinet-equivalent status, announced the resumption of general travel visas for Bangladeshi nationals after a nearly two-year suspension. Applications reopened from 28 June at centres in Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chattogram, Sylhet and Khulna, aiming to restore people-to-people contacts. The September summit, under India's chairship with the theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability", will bring together leaders of the BRICS under one roof at a time of global conflicts and their impact on the global south. Rahman's potential attendance would mark a significant diplomatic engagement for the new Bangladeshi leadership.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, signalling India's efforts to strengthen ties with Dhaka through high-level diplomatic engagement and practical cooperation.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Bangladesh's Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on 12-13 September. Bangladesh is not a BRICS member, but the invitation as a special guest shows India's efforts to engage the new government in Dhaka following February's elections. Indian PM was the first world leader to telephone Rahman after his Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a landslide victory in the February parliamentary elections. In the call, the Indian leader congratulated Rahman and reaffirmed India's commitment to ties. Practical cooperation has also deepened. During the energy disruptions caused by the West Asia conflict earlier this year, India supplied thousands of tonnes of diesel to Bangladesh through the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline, a critical lifeline that helped ease fuel shortages in northern Bangladesh. The pipeline, operational since 2023, has proven its strategic value in times of regional instability. Diplomatic engagement has continued at various levels. Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman visited India earlier this year, one of the highest-level visits since the 2024 political changes, and met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila earlier today. Also Read: Saudi Arabia must join Abraham Accords to normalise ties with Israel for nuclear deal with US: Trump In June, newly appointed Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi, a former Union minister granted cabinet-equivalent status, announced the resumption of general travel visas for Bangladeshi nationals after a nearly two-year suspension. Applications reopened from 28 June at centres in Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chattogram, Sylhet and Khulna, aiming to restore people-to-people contacts. The September summit, under India's chairship with the theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability", will bring together leaders of the BRICS under one roof at a time of global conflicts and their impact on the global south. Rahman's potential attendance would mark a significant diplomatic engagement for the new Bangladeshi leadership.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, signalling India's efforts to strengthen ties with Dhaka through high-level diplomatic engagement and practical cooperation.

India invites Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman to BRICS Summit

Navies from 27 countries have completed a major international maritime security exercise in southern India, hailing it as a practical success in building cooperation against threats at sea. Operation Southern Readiness 26-2, a four-day programme hosted by the Indian Navy in Kochi, ended on Thursday with participants praising the high-standard training and India's modern facilities. The exercise, run under the Indian Navy-led Combined Task Force 154 (CTF-154) in partnership with the 47-nation Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), brought together 276 personnel from around the world, supported by 76 facilitators and experts from four international organisations. Its aim was clear and urgent: to improve readiness and interoperability so that partner navies can better tackle shared challenges such as drug trafficking, piracy, irregular migration and other maritime threats. CTF-154 is the CMF's dedicated training task force. Set up in 2023, it focuses on capacity-building rather than patrols. It organises multinational courses on five key areas: maritime domain awareness (understanding what is happening at sea in real time), maritime law, interdiction operations, search-and-rescue, and leadership development. In February this year, India became the first nation from the region to command the task force, with Commodore Milind M Mokashi taking charge in Bahrain. Rear Admiral Deepak Singhal, Chief Staff Officer (Training) at Southern Naval Command, inaugurated the exercise on 20 July. "It is a great enabler for India's SAGAR and MAHASAGAR initiatives," he said. "It has brought together personnel from 27 nations to train along with us, exchange with us. It provides a platform to make seas, oceans safer." Commodore Mokashi said hosting the event in India demonstrated the country's commitment. "India shared its best practices [and] training infrastructure with partner nations," he added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-hit-with-1-billion-european-union-fine-what-lies-behind-brussels-massive-penalty-1784805494262">Google hit with $1 billion European Union fine: What lies behind Brussels' massive penalty?</a>&nbsp;Indian Navy officials point out that the success shows Kochi is emerging as a preferred global hub for maritime training, thanks to its professional expertise and state-of-the-art infrastructure. Capt Rahul Panwar, Officer-in-Charge, Navigation Direction School, Indian Navy, said, "since Indian is at the helm of CTF 154, we are undertaking training at Southern Naval Command. The premium training is about navigation at sea." Participants trained in maritime information sharing, counter-narcotics, force protection, asymmetric threats and uncrewed systems. They used advanced simulators for ship handling, navigation, damage control and firefighting, and some joined operational training aboard an Indian naval vessel. Cmde Andrew Dowling of the Royal New Zealand Navy described the exercise as "incredibly important… in a busy and contested environment". Cdr Melissa Desjardins of the Royal Canadian Navy called the simulations "great" and the overall experience "a great experience". Cmde Dan Thomas, Royal Navy deputy commander of CTF-154, said it was "a fantastic opportunity to bond". The programme generated about 3,800 training man-hours. In an increasingly tense maritime world, exercises like this matter. They turn separate navies into teams that can work together when it counts, protecting vital shipping lanes that carry much of the world's trade.

The Indian Navy hosted 276 personnel from 27 countries in Kochi for Operation Southern Readiness 26-2, a four-day maritime security exercise focused on strengthening naval cooperation, training and interoperability against shared threats at sea.

Navies from 27 countries have completed a major international maritime security exercise in southern India, hailing it as a practical success in building cooperation against threats at sea. Operation Southern Readiness 26-2, a four-day programme hosted by the Indian Navy in Kochi, ended on Thursday with participants praising the high-standard training and India's modern facilities. The exercise, run under the Indian Navy-led Combined Task Force 154 (CTF-154) in partnership with the 47-nation Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), brought together 276 personnel from around the world, supported by 76 facilitators and experts from four international organisations. Its aim was clear and urgent: to improve readiness and interoperability so that partner navies can better tackle shared challenges such as drug trafficking, piracy, irregular migration and other maritime threats. CTF-154 is the CMF's dedicated training task force. Set up in 2023, it focuses on capacity-building rather than patrols. It organises multinational courses on five key areas: maritime domain awareness (understanding what is happening at sea in real time), maritime law, interdiction operations, search-and-rescue, and leadership development. In February this year, India became the first nation from the region to command the task force, with Commodore Milind M Mokashi taking charge in Bahrain. Rear Admiral Deepak Singhal, Chief Staff Officer (Training) at Southern Naval Command, inaugurated the exercise on 20 July. "It is a great enabler for India's SAGAR and MAHASAGAR initiatives," he said. "It has brought together personnel from 27 nations to train along with us, exchange with us. It provides a platform to make seas, oceans safer." Commodore Mokashi said hosting the event in India demonstrated the country's commitment. "India shared its best practices [and] training infrastructure with partner nations," he added. Also Read: Google hit with $1 billion European Union fine: What lies behind Brussels' massive penalty? Indian Navy officials point out that the success shows Kochi is emerging as a preferred global hub for maritime training, thanks to its professional expertise and state-of-the-art infrastructure. Capt Rahul Panwar, Officer-in-Charge, Navigation Direction School, Indian Navy, said, "since Indian is at the helm of CTF 154, we are undertaking training at Southern Naval Command. The premium training is about navigation at sea." Participants trained in maritime information sharing, counter-narcotics, force protection, asymmetric threats and uncrewed systems. They used advanced simulators for ship handling, navigation, damage control and firefighting, and some joined operational training aboard an Indian naval vessel. Cmde Andrew Dowling of the Royal New Zealand Navy described the exercise as "incredibly important… in a busy and contested environment". Cdr Melissa Desjardins of the Royal Canadian Navy called the simulations "great" and the overall experience "a great experience". Cmde Dan Thomas, Royal Navy deputy commander of CTF-154, said it was "a fantastic opportunity to bond". The programme generated about 3,800 training man-hours. In an increasingly tense maritime world, exercises like this matter. They turn separate navies into teams that can work together when it counts, protecting vital shipping lanes that carry much of the world's trade.

The Indian Navy hosted 276 personnel from 27 countries in Kochi for Operation Southern Readiness 26-2, a four-day maritime security exercise focused on strengthening naval cooperation, training and interoperability against shared threats at sea.

Indian Navy hosts 27 nations in major Kochi maritime security exercise

India has handed over the first shipment of essential medical supplies to Kenya as part of efforts to strengthen the East African nation’s defences against Ebola Virus Disease and future pandemics. High Commissioner Dr Adarsh Swaika formally transferred the 4.5-tonne consignment to Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Health, Aden Duale, at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi on Wednesday. The aid package, consisting of 279 packages, includes critical infection-control materials such as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits, sample transportation containers, infrared thermometers, face shields and heavy-duty protective boots. The supplies will directly support the Kenya National Public Health Institute and frontline health workers by enhancing disease surveillance, safe sample collection and transport, and infection prevention protocols.Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-earthquake-did-delayed-military-orders-confusion-slow-rescue-operations-1784444944175"> Venezuela earthquake: Did delayed military orders, confusion slow rescue operations?</a> A second tranche is expected to arrive shortly. “This assistance reflects India’s broader commitment to strengthening public health and pandemic preparedness across Africa,” the Indian High Commission said in a statement. The delivery follows the dispatch of more than 45 tonnes of similar medical supplies to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) in late May and early June 2026, underscoring New Delhi’s growing role in continental health security. India has a track record of swift support during Kenyan health crises. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it supplied 1.12 million doses of Made-in-India vaccines under the Vaccine Maitri initiative, alongside essential medicines. Beyond emergencies, bilateral health cooperation includes the donation of a Bhabhatron radiotherapy machine to Kenyatta National Hospital to boost cancer care, and ongoing provision of a CT scanner and MRI machine to the Kenya Navy Hospital in Mombasa. More than 10,000 Kenyans travel to India each year for treatment, attracted by affordable, high-quality services. Indian pharmaceutical products currently account for over 50% of Kenya’s medicines market, ensuring wide access to quality generics.&nbsp;

India has a track record of swift support during Kenyan health crises. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it supplied 1.12 million doses of Made-in-India vaccines under the Vaccine Maitri initiative, alongside essential medicines.

India has handed over the first shipment of essential medical supplies to Kenya as part of efforts to strengthen the East African nation’s defences against Ebola Virus Disease and future pandemics. High Commissioner Dr Adarsh Swaika formally transferred the 4.5-tonne consignment to Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Health, Aden Duale, at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi on Wednesday. The aid package, consisting of 279 packages, includes critical infection-control materials such as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits, sample transportation containers, infrared thermometers, face shields and heavy-duty protective boots. The supplies will directly support the Kenya National Public Health Institute and frontline health workers by enhancing disease surveillance, safe sample collection and transport, and infection prevention protocols. Also read | Venezuela earthquake: Did delayed military orders, confusion slow rescue operations? A second tranche is expected to arrive shortly. “This assistance reflects India’s broader commitment to strengthening public health and pandemic preparedness across Africa,” the Indian High Commission said in a statement. The delivery follows the dispatch of more than 45 tonnes of similar medical supplies to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) in late May and early June 2026, underscoring New Delhi’s growing role in continental health security. India has a track record of swift support during Kenyan health crises. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it supplied 1.12 million doses of Made-in-India vaccines under the Vaccine Maitri initiative, alongside essential medicines. Beyond emergencies, bilateral health cooperation includes the donation of a Bhabhatron radiotherapy machine to Kenyatta National Hospital to boost cancer care, and ongoing provision of a CT scanner and MRI machine to the Kenya Navy Hospital in Mombasa. More than 10,000 Kenyans travel to India each year for treatment, attracted by affordable, high-quality services. Indian pharmaceutical products currently account for over 50% of Kenya’s medicines market, ensuring wide access to quality generics.

India has a track record of swift support during Kenyan health crises. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it supplied 1.12 million doses of Made-in-India vaccines under the Vaccine Maitri initiative, alongside essential medicines.

India delivers medical aid to Kenya to bolster Ebola preparedness

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has delivered a firm message on counter-terrorism during the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting in Manila, declaring that "acts of terrorism will have consequences" and calling for zero tolerance. Addressing fellow foreign ministers on Thursday, Mr Jaishankar stressed the need to "choke" the financial resources that fuel terrorism, while highlighting India's contributions to regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. Pakistan was among the participants at the ARF gathering this year, represented by FM Dar.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fbi-declares-indian-gangster-most-wanted-j-k-terror-crackdown-jaishankar-meets-eu-leaders-1784102241702/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/fbi-declares-indian-gangster-most-wanted-j-k-terror-crackdown-jaishankar-meets-eu-leaders-1784102241702/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;The minister welcomed the Manila Plan of Action, noting that its five pillars align closely with India's own approach to the Indo-Pacific. He emphasised collaborative efforts in disaster relief, including sharing best practices, developing common standard operating procedures, and conducting joint exercises.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-s-eam-jaishankar-voices-strong-concern-over-seafarer-safety-in-talks-with-russian-fm-lavrov-1784715131857">India’s EAM Jaishankar voices ‘strong concern’ over seafarer safety in talks with Russian FM Lavrov</a>&nbsp;"India promotes a collaborative approach to disaster relief," Mr Jaishankar said. He pointed to the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), regular deployment of field hospitals, search and rescue operations, and provision of relief materials. India has supported rehabilitation after cyclones in Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Jamaica, and earthquakes in Myanmar, Venezuela and Afghanistan.&nbsp;On security, the minister advocated prioritising maritime domain awareness. He cited India's Information Fusion Centre, the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) initiative, and the deployment of Indian forces from the North Arabian Sea to the Western Pacific as contributions to countering piracy, trafficking, narcotics and securing commerce.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-and-china-relations-gradually-normalising-eam-jaishankar-tells-chinese-fm-wang-yi-1784716083032">India and China relations 'gradually normalising', EAM Jaishankar tells Chinese FM Wang Yi</a>&nbsp;EAM Jaishankar also warned against attempts to undermine non-proliferation and disarmament norms. He called for a responsible, human-centric approach to artificial intelligence and greater cooperation on cybercrimes. Attacks on maritime shipping and civilian infrastructure are "unacceptable", he said, and commerce through international waterways must remain safe.&nbsp;On the South China Sea, a persistent flashpoint, India expressed hope for "a substantive, effective and legally binding Code of Conduct (CoC) fully compliant with UNCLOS 1982" that respects the legitimate rights of all users.The ARF meeting takes place amid heightened global tensions, including recent maritime incidents in the South China Sea. The 33rd ARF, hosted by the Philippines, also marks the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, reinforcing ASEAN's role as the cornerstone of regional architecture.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated India's strict "zero tolerance" stance against terrorism at the ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila, emphasising the urgent need to choke financial resources supporting terror networks.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has delivered a firm message on counter-terrorism during the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting in Manila, declaring that "acts of terrorism will have consequences" and calling for zero tolerance. Addressing fellow foreign ministers on Thursday, Mr Jaishankar stressed the need to "choke" the financial resources that fuel terrorism, while highlighting India's contributions to regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. Pakistan was among the participants at the ARF gathering this year, represented by FM Dar. https://www.wionews.com/videos/fbi-declares-indian-gangster-most-wanted-j-k-terror-crackdown-jaishankar-meets-eu-leaders-1784102241702/embed The minister welcomed the Manila Plan of Action, noting that its five pillars align closely with India's own approach to the Indo-Pacific. He emphasised collaborative efforts in disaster relief, including sharing best practices, developing common standard operating procedures, and conducting joint exercises. Also read: India’s EAM Jaishankar voices ‘strong concern’ over seafarer safety in talks with Russian FM Lavrov "India promotes a collaborative approach to disaster relief," Mr Jaishankar said. He pointed to the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), regular deployment of field hospitals, search and rescue operations, and provision of relief materials. India has supported rehabilitation after cyclones in Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Jamaica, and earthquakes in Myanmar, Venezuela and Afghanistan. On security, the minister advocated prioritising maritime domain awareness. He cited India's Information Fusion Centre, the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) initiative, and the deployment of Indian forces from the North Arabian Sea to the Western Pacific as contributions to countering piracy, trafficking, narcotics and securing commerce. Also read: India and China relations 'gradually normalising', EAM Jaishankar tells Chinese FM Wang Yi EAM Jaishankar also warned against attempts to undermine non-proliferation and disarmament norms. He called for a responsible, human-centric approach to artificial intelligence and greater cooperation on cybercrimes. Attacks on maritime shipping and civilian infrastructure are "unacceptable", he said, and commerce through international waterways must remain safe. On the South China Sea, a persistent flashpoint, India expressed hope for "a substantive, effective and legally binding Code of Conduct (CoC) fully compliant with UNCLOS 1982" that respects the legitimate rights of all users. The ARF meeting takes place amid heightened global tensions, including recent maritime incidents in the South China Sea. The 33rd ARF, hosted by the Philippines, also marks the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, reinforcing ASEAN's role as the cornerstone of regional architecture.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated India's strict "zero tolerance" stance against terrorism at the ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila, emphasising the urgent need to choke financial resources supporting terror networks.

EAM Jaishankar calls for "choking" terror financing at ASEAN regional forum

A freight train loaded with canola grains has completed the first direct commercial journey from an Indian port to Nepal, marking the full operationalisation of upgraded cross-border rail transit rules between the two countries.&nbsp;The 40-wagon rake arrived at the Nepal Customs Yard (NCY) in Biratnagar on Monday after departing from Kolkata Port. The consignment’s successful delivery represents a significant practical step in efforts to cut logistics costs and strengthen economic ties between India and its landlocked neighbour.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-afghanistan-working-on-humanitarian-assistance-to-afghan-refugees-trade-development-cooperation-9076284">India, Afghanistan working on humanitarian assistance to Afghan refugees, trade, development cooperation</a>&nbsp;The broad-gauge rail link between Jogbani in India and Biratnagar in Nepal was jointly inaugurated in June 2023 by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then-Nepali Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’. Funded entirely by a grant from the Indian government, the line was built to enable faster and cheaper movement of goods.&nbsp;&nbsp;Commercial operations, initially constrained by the existing India-Nepal Treaty of Transit, saw changes. After prolonged diplomatic negotiations, the two sides signed a Letter of Exchange (LoE) on 13 November 2025 amending the protocol. The agreement explicitly permits direct rail transport of both containerised and bulk cargo from the ports of Kolkata and Visakhapatnam to designated points inside Nepal, including the Biratnagar customs yard.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-eyes-deeper-defence-ties-with-india-says-ambassador-josel-f-ignacio-1784634847208">Philippines eyes deeper defence ties with India, says Ambassador Josel F. Ignacio</a>&nbsp;Until now, goods destined for Nepal typically required transhipment at the border, adding time and expense. Monday’s train bypassed those hurdles, travelling directly under the new framework. The arrival is seen as a “major milestone” for the country’s connectivity. The development is expected to significantly reduce transportation costs for Nepali importers and exporters, who have long relied heavily on Indian ports and road networks. It also allows Nepal to make fuller use of the Indian-built infrastructure.

A 40-wagon freight train carrying canola has completed the first direct commercial journey from Kolkata Port to Nepal’s Biratnagar Customs Yard, marking the operationalisation of revised India-Nepal rail transit rules and a major step towards reducing logistics costs.

A freight train loaded with canola grains has completed the first direct commercial journey from an Indian port to Nepal, marking the full operationalisation of upgraded cross-border rail transit rules between the two countries. The 40-wagon rake arrived at the Nepal Customs Yard (NCY) in Biratnagar on Monday after departing from Kolkata Port. The consignment’s successful delivery represents a significant practical step in efforts to cut logistics costs and strengthen economic ties between India and its landlocked neighbour. Also Read: India, Afghanistan working on humanitarian assistance to Afghan refugees, trade, development cooperation The broad-gauge rail link between Jogbani in India and Biratnagar in Nepal was jointly inaugurated in June 2023 by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then-Nepali Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’. Funded entirely by a grant from the Indian government, the line was built to enable faster and cheaper movement of goods. Commercial operations, initially constrained by the existing India-Nepal Treaty of Transit, saw changes. After prolonged diplomatic negotiations, the two sides signed a Letter of Exchange (LoE) on 13 November 2025 amending the protocol. The agreement explicitly permits direct rail transport of both containerised and bulk cargo from the ports of Kolkata and Visakhapatnam to designated points inside Nepal, including the Biratnagar customs yard. Also Read: Philippines eyes deeper defence ties with India, says Ambassador Josel F. Ignacio Until now, goods destined for Nepal typically required transhipment at the border, adding time and expense. Monday’s train bypassed those hurdles, travelling directly under the new framework. The arrival is seen as a “major milestone” for the country’s connectivity. The development is expected to significantly reduce transportation costs for Nepali importers and exporters, who have long relied heavily on Indian ports and road networks. It also allows Nepal to make fuller use of the Indian-built infrastructure.

A 40-wagon freight train carrying canola has completed the first direct commercial journey from Kolkata Port to Nepal’s Biratnagar Customs Yard, marking the operationalisation of revised India-Nepal rail transit rules and a major step towards reducing logistics costs.

Major boost for Nepal as India launches direct rail cargo service

New Delhi: Panama has thrown its weight behind India’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, describing New Delhi as a vital voice for the Global South and a key partner in upholding international law and democratic values.&nbsp;In an exclusive interview with WION’s Sidhant Sibal during his visit to Delhi, Panama’s Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez emphasised the need for UN reforms to reflect 21st-century realities.&nbsp;“Today, the global architecture does not reflect the reality of the 21st century,” he said. “We consider that Latin America should have a permanent seat...and India [being an] important actor.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-drones-hit-warehouses-of-russia-s-top-online-retailer-wildberries-again-1784728533655">Ukrainian drones hit warehouses of Russia’s top online retailer Wildberries, again</a>&nbsp;The remarks come as bilateral relations gain momentum. Minister Vásquez met India’s External Affairs Minister this week, with both sides eyeing a strategic partnership that extends beyond diplomacy into economics, technology and connectivity.&nbsp;Panama is positioning itself as India’s gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean, leveraging the Panama Canal’s strategic importance. The foreign minister invited Indian businesses to establish operations in Panama, citing its logistics hub status, efficient ports and stable, rules-based economy.&nbsp;“Panama is not the end of the journey of India to Latin America. It is the beginning,” he stated. “We can provide to India... logistic connectivity, the stability, the rule of law... for establishing multinationals.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/oppn-using-students-as-political-tools-creating-manufactured-sense-of-anger-rajnath-singh-1784716925229">‘Oppn using students as political tools, creating ‘manufactured sense of anger’: Rajnath Singh</a>&nbsp;Panama operates one of the world’s busiest canals and plans two additional ports, one on the Atlantic and one on the Pacific. It offers Indian firms access to a market of 700 million people and a trusted ecosystem for transit and trade. The minister highlighted ongoing efforts to open a visa facility in Mumbai to ease business travel.&nbsp;On the technology front, Panama is exploring collaboration with the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). “We visited the IIT. We are trying to reach an agreement... for the establishment of the IIT Panama,” he revealed. This forms part of broader ambitions in innovation, e-governance and long-term prosperity.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonam-wangchuk-puts-condition-for-ending-fast-seeks-assurance-of-no-punitive-action-against-protesters-1784724401578">Sonam Wangchuk puts condition for ending fast, seeks assurance of no punitive action against protesters</a>&nbsp;The minister described both nations as natural partners sharing democratic principles. He urged India to join the Panama Canal Neutrality Treaty, which guarantees open access to vessels of all nations in peace and war. “By having the largest democracy [and] an important emerging superpower part of the treaty... it is very important,” he said, noting India’s Global South leadership would strengthen the canal’s impartial status.&nbsp;Panama hosts one of the largest Indian diasporas in the region, active in finance, commerce, electronics and shipping. The minister praised their contributions, “They are important to us... the best [form of] advertising.”&nbsp;The visit signals Panama’s ambition to elevate ties with India, transforming a solid diplomatic relationship into a vibrant economic and strategic partnership.

Panama is positioning itself as India’s gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean, leveraging the Panama Canal’s strategic importance. The minister invited Indian businesses to establish operations in Panama, citing its logistics hub status, efficient ports, and stable, rules-based economy.

New Delhi: Panama has thrown its weight behind India’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, describing New Delhi as a vital voice for the Global South and a key partner in upholding international law and democratic values. In an exclusive interview with WION’s Sidhant Sibal during his visit to Delhi, Panama’s Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez emphasised the need for UN reforms to reflect 21st-century realities. “Today, the global architecture does not reflect the reality of the 21st century,” he said. “We consider that Latin America should have a permanent seat...and India [being an] important actor.” Also Read: Ukrainian drones hit warehouses of Russia’s top online retailer Wildberries, again The remarks come as bilateral relations gain momentum. Minister Vásquez met India’s External Affairs Minister this week, with both sides eyeing a strategic partnership that extends beyond diplomacy into economics, technology and connectivity. Panama is positioning itself as India’s gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean, leveraging the Panama Canal’s strategic importance. The foreign minister invited Indian businesses to establish operations in Panama, citing its logistics hub status, efficient ports and stable, rules-based economy. “Panama is not the end of the journey of India to Latin America. It is the beginning,” he stated. “We can provide to India... logistic connectivity, the stability, the rule of law... for establishing multinationals.” Also Read: ‘Oppn using students as political tools, creating ‘manufactured sense of anger’: Rajnath Singh Panama operates one of the world’s busiest canals and plans two additional ports, one on the Atlantic and one on the Pacific. It offers Indian firms access to a market of 700 million people and a trusted ecosystem for transit and trade. The minister highlighted ongoing efforts to open a visa facility in Mumbai to ease business travel. On the technology front, Panama is exploring collaboration with the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). “We visited the IIT. We are trying to reach an agreement... for the establishment of the IIT Panama,” he revealed. This forms part of broader ambitions in innovation, e-governance and long-term prosperity. Also Read: Sonam Wangchuk puts condition for ending fast, seeks assurance of no punitive action against protesters The minister described both nations as natural partners sharing democratic principles. He urged India to join the Panama Canal Neutrality Treaty, which guarantees open access to vessels of all nations in peace and war. “By having the largest democracy [and] an important emerging superpower part of the treaty... it is very important,” he said, noting India’s Global South leadership would strengthen the canal’s impartial status. Panama hosts one of the largest Indian diasporas in the region, active in finance, commerce, electronics and shipping. The minister praised their contributions, “They are important to us... the best [form of] advertising.” The visit signals Panama’s ambition to elevate ties with India, transforming a solid diplomatic relationship into a vibrant economic and strategic partnership.

Panama is positioning itself as India’s gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean, leveraging the Panama Canal’s strategic importance. The minister invited Indian businesses to establish operations in Panama, citing its logistics hub status, efficient ports, and stable, rules-based economy.

Panama FM Vásquez backs India for permanent UN Security Council seat; seeks IIT campus, Indian investments

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