A six-member delegation from the International Liaison Department (ILD) of the Communist Party of China (CPC), led by Vice Minister Sun Haiyan, is currently visiting New Delhi for high-level party-to-party engagements. In the past as well, such conversations have happened, but this is the first such party-to-party conversation since what is seen as a "thaw" in India, China ties.&nbsp;Historical records show intermittent party-level contacts between the CPC and the BJP dating back to the late 2000s, including visits by BJP delegations to China and reciprocal meetings in India.&nbsp;The delegation held meetings with officials from India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Today, it complements China's state-to-state diplomacy conducted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and as part of advancing Beijing's foreign policy goals. This visit comes amid a noticeable thaw in India-China relations, which had been strained for years by border tensions, including the deadly 2020 Galwan Valley clash. A turning point arrived in October 2024, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping held their first formal bilateral meeting in five years on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia. That meeting paved the way for disengagement agreements along parts of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and a series of follow-up dialogues.&nbsp;Since then, both sides have taken concrete steps to rebuild trust. In 2025, the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage , a spiritually significant journey for many Hindus that had been suspended since 2020, resumed, with expanded batches under discussion for 2026. Direct flight connectivity between mainland China and India has been revived, alongside easier visa issuance for tourists, business travellers, and others.&nbsp;2025 was full of high-level engagements between the 2 countries. EAM Dr S Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, Defence minister Rajnath Singh &amp; PM Modi has visited China for SCO meets &amp; Summit. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has visited India for key talks.&nbsp;

 In the past as well, such conversations have happened, but this is the first such party-to-party conversation since what is seen as a "thaw" in India, China ties.

A six-member delegation from the International Liaison Department (ILD) of the Communist Party of China (CPC), led by Vice Minister Sun Haiyan, is currently visiting New Delhi for high-level party-to-party engagements. In the past as well, such conversations have happened, but this is the first such party-to-party conversation since what is seen as a "thaw" in India, China ties. Historical records show intermittent party-level contacts between the CPC and the BJP dating back to the late 2000s, including visits by BJP delegations to China and reciprocal meetings in India. The delegation held meetings with officials from India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Today, it complements China's state-to-state diplomacy conducted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and as part of advancing Beijing's foreign policy goals. This visit comes amid a noticeable thaw in India-China relations, which had been strained for years by border tensions, including the deadly 2020 Galwan Valley clash. A turning point arrived in October 2024, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping held their first formal bilateral meeting in five years on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia. That meeting paved the way for disengagement agreements along parts of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and a series of follow-up dialogues. Since then, both sides have taken concrete steps to rebuild trust. In 2025, the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage , a spiritually significant journey for many Hindus that had been suspended since 2020, resumed, with expanded batches under discussion for 2026. Direct flight connectivity between mainland China and India has been revived, alongside easier visa issuance for tourists, business travellers, and others. 2025 was full of high-level engagements between the 2 countries. EAM Dr S Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, Defence minister Rajnath Singh & PM Modi has visited China for SCO meets & Summit. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has visited India for key talks.

&nbsp;In the past as well, such conversations have happened, but this is the first such party-to-party conversation since what is seen as a "thaw" in India, China ties.

Chinese Communist Party delegation in India meet BJP officials

India has blocked the social media handles of Pakistan's state-backed "Asia One" news outlet, which has been spreading anti-India propaganda. Asia One, launched after the India-Pakistan conflict of May 2025, after the Pahalgam terror attack by Pakistan-trained terrorists, was seen as part of Pakistan's information warfare and was used to spread misinformation. Many of its correspondents have been regularly churning out anti-India misinformation. A recent report by the channel was fact-checked by India's Foreign Ministry.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-theme="dark" data-dnt="true" align="center">Fake News Alert! Be vigilant against fake news on Social Media! <a href="https://t.co/xMLgz1BovL">pic.twitter.com/xMLgz1BovL</a>&mdash; MEA FactCheck (@MEAFactCheck) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAFactCheck/status/2008555560648802372?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2026</a></blockquote>
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The channel positions itself as Pakistan's first satellite-based "global" English news network, employing foreign anchors and adopting a polished production style reminiscent of Qatar's Al Jazeera and Turkey's TRT World. Indian security experts and media reports have described the channel as a sophisticated propaganda attempt aligned with Pakistan's military establishment, including the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and its media wing, the ISPR.Since its launch, Asia One has faced accusations in India of distorting coverage of Operation Sindoor, Jammu and Kashmir, cross-border terrorism, and bilateral relations, often amplifying perspectives of the Pakistani military. The Indian block follows earlier measures: in the immediate aftermath of the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, India banned over a dozen major Pakistani YouTube channels and many Pakistani reporters for spreading misinformation. They remained blocked.Asia One channel rarely covered anti-military news, including attacks on minorities in the country, human rights violations in Balochistan, KPK.<h2>Shrinking space for media in Pakistan</h2>Earlier this month, a Pakistani anti-terrorism court in Islamabad sentenced seven individuals, including several well-known journalists and commentators, to double life imprisonment in absentia. The convictions relate to charges of "digital terrorism", inciting violence, and waging war against the state, linked to online activity around the May 2023 riots following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.Those sentenced include journalists Sabir Shakir, Shaheen Sehbai, Moeed Pirzada, and Wajahat Saeed Khan, along with YouTuber Adil Raja, commentator Haider Raza Mehdi, and retired army officer Akbar Hussain, all believed to be living abroad. The accused were also fined and face additional prison terms if fines remain unpaid.Rights groups have criticised the ruling as a serious blow to press freedom, amid ongoing concerns over the use of anti-terror laws against dissent in Pakistan. &nbsp;

Indian security experts and media reports have described the channel as a sophisticated propaganda attempt aligned with Pakistan's military establishment, including the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and its media wing, the ISPR.

India has blocked the social media handles of Pakistan's state-backed "Asia One" news outlet, which has been spreading anti-India propaganda. Asia One, launched after the India-Pakistan conflict of May 2025, after the Pahalgam terror attack by Pakistan-trained terrorists, was seen as part of Pakistan's information warfare and was used to spread misinformation. Many of its correspondents have been regularly churning out anti-India misinformation. A recent report by the channel was fact-checked by India's Foreign Ministry.

Indian security experts and media reports have described the channel as a sophisticated propaganda attempt aligned with Pakistan's military establishment, including the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and its media wing, the ISPR.

India blocks Pakistani outlet Asia One channel, known for spreading propaganda

Addressing the French diplomatic corps, French President Emmanuel Macron has urged against the fragmentation of the global order, emphasising the need for cooperation between the G7 and BRICS groupings as France holds the G7 presidency and India chairs BRICS this year. In remarks highlighting the importance of multilateral dialogue, Macron said, "We should fight against the fragmentation of the world. G7 should not be an anti-China club or anti BRICS group. BRICS can't be an anti-G7 group. India being the BRICS President, it can create bridges, working with BRICS essential. It is a priority for G7, and BRICS to work."&nbsp;Macron described India, Australia, and Indonesia as France's "unprecedented" partners in key areas, adding that these are "solid partners" in defence, security, artificial intelligence, and climate change. The comments show Franco-Indian relations on a firm footing, with Macron announcing he will travel to India next month to attend the AI Impact Summit to take place in Delhi. He has also invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the German Chancellor to attend the Africa-France summit, scheduled for May 11-12, 2026, in Nairobi, Kenya.&nbsp;The statements come as India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is in France for high-level talks. Jaishankar held wide-ranging discussions with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, describing them as "driven by the comfort and depth of our Strategic Partnership."&nbsp;Jaishankar said, "France is our earliest Strategic Partner in Europe, and I think the quality of our ties is something very special. So we discussed our bilateral cooperation, global issues, we hope to welcome President Macron in India soon." The meetings focused on advancing bilateral ties, elevating India-EU engagement, and sharing perspectives on global developments.&nbsp;Jaishankar also participated in the inaugural India-Weimar Format meeting with the foreign ministers of France, Germany (represented by Johann Wadephul), and Poland (Radosław Sikorski). Discussions covered deepening India-EU relations, Indo-Pacific challenges, and the Ukraine conflict. France is the first foreign destination of India's external affairs minister in 2026.

French President Emmanuel Macron confirms his India visit next month; calls for G7-BRICS Bridge

Addressing the French diplomatic corps, French President Emmanuel Macron has urged against the fragmentation of the global order, emphasising the need for cooperation between the G7 and BRICS groupings as France holds the G7 presidency and India chairs BRICS this year. In remarks highlighting the importance of multilateral dialogue, Macron said, "We should fight against the fragmentation of the world. G7 should not be an anti-China club or anti BRICS group. BRICS can't be an anti-G7 group. India being the BRICS President, it can create bridges, working with BRICS essential. It is a priority for G7, and BRICS to work." Macron described India, Australia, and Indonesia as France's "unprecedented" partners in key areas, adding that these are "solid partners" in defence, security, artificial intelligence, and climate change. The comments show Franco-Indian relations on a firm footing, with Macron announcing he will travel to India next month to attend the AI Impact Summit to take place in Delhi. He has also invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the German Chancellor to attend the Africa-France summit, scheduled for May 11-12, 2026, in Nairobi, Kenya. The statements come as India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is in France for high-level talks. Jaishankar held wide-ranging discussions with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, describing them as "driven by the comfort and depth of our Strategic Partnership." Jaishankar said, "France is our earliest Strategic Partner in Europe, and I think the quality of our ties is something very special. So we discussed our bilateral cooperation, global issues, we hope to welcome President Macron in India soon." The meetings focused on advancing bilateral ties, elevating India-EU engagement, and sharing perspectives on global developments. Jaishankar also participated in the inaugural India-Weimar Format meeting with the foreign ministers of France, Germany (represented by Johann Wadephul), and Poland (Radosław Sikorski). Discussions covered deepening India-EU relations, Indo-Pacific challenges, and the Ukraine conflict. France is the first foreign destination of India's external affairs minister in 2026.

Macron described India, Australia, and Indonesia as France's ‘unprecedented’ partners in key areas, adding that these are ‘solid partners’ in defence, security, artificial intelligence, and climate change

Every year on 5 January, Pakistan observes what it calls “Right to Self-Determination Day” for Jammu and Kashmir, commemorating a 1949 United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP) resolution. This annual event witnesses propaganda speeches by Pakistani leadership on so-called "right to self-determination" in Kashmir. 2026 was no different with Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and other officials issuing propaganda statements, almost pavlovian in nature, serving no purpose. Both the state, and the people know, nothing is changing by these statements. Statements urged the international community and the United Nations to implement UN resolutions as ISPR or military backed events take place in cities.&nbsp;However, these events have no international attention. There were no significant statements, endorsements, or reactions from major global bodies such as the United Nations itself, or even Pakistan's "inner circle allies". Pakistan's official narrative often references the 1948-1949 UN resolutions, which called for an end to hostilities between India and Pakistan after the latter sent tribal fighters to attack Kashmir.&nbsp;Those resolutions conditioned any plebiscite on the prior withdrawal of Pakistani forces and irregular fighters from the areas under their control, a step that never occurred. Over time, the UN shifted toward encouraging direct bilateral resolution between India and Pakistan, a position reinforced by the 1972 Simla Agreement, which both countries accepted.&nbsp;Pakistan's statements on so called "self-determination" rarely address realities in the territories under its occupation-Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) and Gilgit-Baltistan. In these areas, real decision-making power remains with the federal government in Islamabad, with limited local autonomy. Gilgit-Baltistan, strategically vital and taxed by Pakistan, lacks full parliamentary representation for its residents. Political groups advocating independence face restrictions, and media freedoms are constrained. Recent years have seen protests in these regions over governance, resources, and rights, issues seldom highlighted in Pakistan's international stance on Kashmir.&nbsp;Pakistan frequently portrays violence in India's UT of J&amp;K as an indigenous movement, though it is fact of life now, how Rawalpindi has been supporting terrorism in the region. From the attack on Srinagar legislative assembly to Uri, Pulwama, and Pahalgam terror attacks. In contrast, the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir has held elections and pursued infrastructure development. Pakistan's annual observance relies on a selective interpretation of history, diverting focus from the growing crisis in POK and Gilgit-Baltistan, ready to blow, any day. &nbsp;

Both the state, and the people know, nothing is changing by these statements. Statements urged the international community and the United Nations to implement UN resolutions as ISPR or military backed events take place in cities.

Every year on 5 January, Pakistan observes what it calls “Right to Self-Determination Day” for Jammu and Kashmir, commemorating a 1949 United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP) resolution. This annual event witnesses propaganda speeches by Pakistani leadership on so-called "right to self-determination" in Kashmir. 2026 was no different with Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and other officials issuing propaganda statements, almost pavlovian in nature, serving no purpose. Both the state, and the people know, nothing is changing by these statements. Statements urged the international community and the United Nations to implement UN resolutions as ISPR or military backed events take place in cities. However, these events have no international attention. There were no significant statements, endorsements, or reactions from major global bodies such as the United Nations itself, or even Pakistan's "inner circle allies". Pakistan's official narrative often references the 1948-1949 UN resolutions, which called for an end to hostilities between India and Pakistan after the latter sent tribal fighters to attack Kashmir. Those resolutions conditioned any plebiscite on the prior withdrawal of Pakistani forces and irregular fighters from the areas under their control, a step that never occurred. Over time, the UN shifted toward encouraging direct bilateral resolution between India and Pakistan, a position reinforced by the 1972 Simla Agreement, which both countries accepted. Pakistan's statements on so called "self-determination" rarely address realities in the territories under its occupation-Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) and Gilgit-Baltistan. In these areas, real decision-making power remains with the federal government in Islamabad, with limited local autonomy. Gilgit-Baltistan, strategically vital and taxed by Pakistan, lacks full parliamentary representation for its residents. Political groups advocating independence face restrictions, and media freedoms are constrained. Recent years have seen protests in these regions over governance, resources, and rights, issues seldom highlighted in Pakistan's international stance on Kashmir. Pakistan frequently portrays violence in India's UT of J&K as an indigenous movement, though it is fact of life now, how Rawalpindi has been supporting terrorism in the region. From the attack on Srinagar legislative assembly to Uri, Pulwama, and Pahalgam terror attacks. In contrast, the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir has held elections and pursued infrastructure development. Pakistan's annual observance relies on a selective interpretation of history, diverting focus from the growing crisis in POK and Gilgit-Baltistan, ready to blow, any day.

Both the state, and the people know, nothing is changing by these statements. Statements urged the international community and the United Nations to implement UN resolutions as ISPR or military backed events take place in cities.

No takers for Pakistan's annual 5th January Kashmir Propaganda

Cuba has launched its strongest condemnation of the US military operation in which Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was "captured", accusing Washington of acting as the self-proclaimed “owner of the world” and treating Latin America as its private “backyard”. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, Cuban Ambassador to India Juan Carlos Marsán Aguilera described the 3 January raid, which left 33 Cuban security personnel dead, as a blatant violation of sovereignty.&nbsp;“It is part of their philosophy that they are the owner of the world and they should… guide the world in the direction they decide,” Aguilera said. “Nobody could support an action like this against a sovereign country like Venezuela, against the constitutional government of Venezuela, against the independence of one country of our region."&nbsp;The ambassador tied the action directly to a resurgent Monroe Doctrine, which he called unacceptable domination. “They are treating us like a backyard… We cannot accept that,” he declared, warning that the US seeks control over the region’s strategic resources, particularly Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.&nbsp;Cuba has declared two days of national mourning for the fallen Cubans, whom Aguilera said died “defending President Nicolás Maduro” after being deployed at Caracas’s request to reinforce presidential security. “If one day they decide to touch Cuban soil, they will receive the same answer,” he vowed.<h2>How do you see the development that has happened in your region, the US intervention in Venezuela?</h2>We were following the situation very closely. It has not started yet. A few months ago, the Trump administration, and especially the Secretary of State and the Minister of War, mobilised a lot of military resources in the Caribbean region threatening Venezuela.&nbsp;Suddenly it happens. We are expecting that they will respect international law, or they will follow the UN Charter, but at the end of the day, they are following their own interest and not the interests of the international community. They made this terrorist attack against Venezuela, against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. They sent, in my opinion, a terrorist group to execute the legitimate president who was elected by the people in Venezuela and take him to New York to start preparing this trial against President Maduro and also his wife. Expression of a unilateral action of the United States.&nbsp;&nbsp;Nobody could support an action like this against a sovereign country like Venezuela, against the constitutional government of Venezuela, against the independence of one country of our region. You were following the press conference, and they announced the result of this operation. We are very concerned. They said that the United States will not accept any government in what they say, their neighbourhoods, they say, their areas of influence, Latin America and the Caribbean.&nbsp;&nbsp;Any country that doesn't have a government that follows the interests of the US. They are treating us like the backyard of the US. Latin America and the Caribbean countries, where we spent more than 200 years to reach our own independence from the US, from Spain, and from different colonies. But they try to treat Latin America as its own area of influence, and they have the right, you know, over all the strategic mineral resources and natural resources, the oil of Latin America and the Caribbean countries, for their own benefits. We cannot accept that. The US is treating and attacking one Latin American country, following their interest in the natural resources of our countries. So we cannot accept that. We must raise our voice and make it very clear that this is unacceptable, not only for Latin America, but also for the whole world.<h2>Does the development which we have seen in Venezuela, the American intervention? Worry you?</h2> Any country should be worried about what happened. The same day, he also announced their interest in having Greenland as a US territory against even their allies in Europe. Same threat against Iran, and other countries, Nigeria. Every day, we are following different actions of one country against another in the world. I don't see China or any other country attacking another one or making military invasions. It is the US, because it is part of their philosophy that they are the owner of the world and they should, because for some reason, they have the role to guide the world in the direction they decide. Cuba has been subjected for more than 65 years to this policy of the blockade, which is the longest blockade that any nation has suffered. During the first Trump administration, he adopted 243 measures specifically against Cuba in order to suffocate the Cuban economy.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-gop-is-going-to-make-history-with-midterm-polls-trump-gop-zoharan-mamdani-democratic-party-house-republican-retreat-trump-1767716495772">'GOP IS GOING TO MAKE HISTORY WITH MIDTERM POLLS': Trump</a>&nbsp;During this administration, one of the first decisions signed by Trump was to re-include Cuba in the list of countries that supposedly sponsor terrorists is totally unfair, because Cuba has been a victim of the terror action committed from the US territory and with the support of the US government. We are not, we have not committed any action of terrorists against any nation. We are providing medical services. We are providing educational services to the world, not terrorist actions. The idea is, as I said, to strangle the Cuban economy, to cut any financial income to Cuba. They are trying to cut all direct flights from the US to Cuba. We have more than 2 million Cubans living in the US. They are also stopping all the oil supply to Cuba.&nbsp;&nbsp;We are not producing all the oil that we require. Less than 40%. The rest we should import from other countries. They are following all routes where the oil is supplied to Cuba, all the vessels, the international companies, in order to cut this possibility to the Cuban economy, to supply energy to our people, to develop our economy. They are, for example, trying to disrupt the medical services that Cuba provides to more than 60 countries in the world. So the idea is to isolate Cuba and to try to cut all the financial income to our economy, to try to create problems for our people, and, very important at the same time, to develop a media campaign.&nbsp;&nbsp;The idea is how to mobilise the Cuban people against the government as the target, and it could justify a military action against Cuba, because to say people are against the government expressing on the street, and the Cuban government is trying to punish all these people, and we should make a military invasion to put order in Cuba. It's the same idea, the same idea they are doing in other countries, including Venezuela. So it's clear that these policies of the blockade are completely isolated in the international community.&nbsp;&nbsp;Every year, the Cuban government presents in the United Nations a resolution containing the US blockade towards Cuba, and the huge majority of the international community for 33 years has rejected this policy of the blockade. So nobody in the world, not a single country, well, just two, three countries. The rest of the international community is very clear that this policy should come to an end, and the Cuban people have a right to live in peace and to develop all the capacity that we have in order to provide more quality of life to our people.&nbsp;<h2>Donald Trump has said that Cuba is next in line. His Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has also made comments against your country. How do you see these comments as well?</h2> It's very dangerous, not only for Cuba. &nbsp;This person (Trump), who is in charge of this government now, is a very dangerous person. We know them very well. For example, you mentioned Marco Rubio. He started his political career saying that he was Cuban, that his father, when escaping from the dictatorship of the Cuban revolution to the US, was lying. It's lying because their parents went to us before the Cuban Revolution, looking for economic opportunities in us. It happens in Latin America.&nbsp;&nbsp;The people are travelling to the US, trying to reach the US in order to look for opportunities. Because unfortunately we, the Latin Americas, are suffering this long policy of extracting our minerals, our financial resources, our natural resources, from the US companies that, for example, in Cuba, more than 80% of the best land of Cuba to produce the sugar cane and others belong to the US companies before the revolution, and the revolution was a break point of this to give back to the Cuban people our resources, our region, in our country, and from the very beginning we start, of course, opposing to this.&nbsp;So I consider that any country, Latin America, could be a target of this policy of the US. In our case, I see it well. Remember that in the 90s, when the Soviet Union collapsed, Cuba remained almost isolated. At that time, I remember Bush's father was the president of the US, and they said, This is the moment we are going to defeat the Cuban revolution. We are 35 years later. We are here, and we will continue, because the only option for the Cubans is to support and to remain independent. Otherwise, we will be a new colony from the US. They understand very well that we should be resilient enough, but at the same time, we should continue trying to develop under these circumstances. We should develop our economy. We should try to find solutions to our project, to continue providing quality of life to our people, and to show that in our case, socialisation is the best possibility to preserve independence, sovereignty and self-determination in front of this big empire, the biggest empire, just 90 miles from our country.<h2>When the incident happened, when the intervention happened, we saw that the President was taken by the American forces and taken to New York. Now, your government, your country, have announced a period of mourning because many Cubans have died as well. Can you just tell us about how the Cuban side is looking at it, and what these Cubans were doing in Venezuela?&nbsp;</h2> We have a long-standing, close relationship between our two governments. The Bolivarian government requests that Cuba provide some support because of our expertise to reinforce the safeguard team of President Maduro, and we sent some people to fulfil this responsibility. And at the moment, they made this a surprise attack on the presidential palace, many of them were there, and well, 32 people were killed in combat. 33 Cubans.&nbsp;They were fulfilling their responsibility. It is Cuba, what they did defending the President Nicolas Maduro. It is an expression. What Cuba is ready to do. If one day they decide to touch the Cuban soil, they will receive the same answer that we're going to defend our land until the last consequence. Let me tell you that we have always been in this position to develop a normal relationship with the US.&nbsp;&nbsp;It is very important, because even when US citizens travel to Cuba, they discover that there are no feelings against them. We know very well the position of the government and what is the position of the US population. And we have historical relations with those in this country, and we are always offered the possibility to start a conversation based on mutual respect. During the period of the Obama administration, we were able to sit together to discuss our big differences. The problem is that they (Trump) don't want to have this opinion. There's a guiding ideology from this extreme right ideology from their side, that the only way is to defeat the Cuban Revolution.&nbsp;<h2>Trump has come up with a new doctrine. It's actually an old doctrine, but it has his name. That's the Donroe doctrine, which is the Monroe Doctrine.</h2>(Donroe Doctrine) Cannot be accepted. They said that they cannot accept a socialist country in the Latin American region. They will not accept any government that is against the US interest.&nbsp;&nbsp;They said that Latin America belongs to them. They have the right to dominate Latin America. The Monroe Doctrine follows this idea, regarding Latin America and the Caribbean region for Americans. And they said, Latin America is for the US, and we cannot accept it. They cannot impose any politics on our region. We cannot accept it. It's clear. Is clear. We cannot accept that the relationship with the US could be guidance.&nbsp;<h2>How do you see India's reaction after the American intervention in Venezuela?</h2>Well, I was reading the statement of the Indian government, and they are calling for a diplomatic solution through negotiation, through the people to talk and to find cooperation together in order to reach an agreement. It is one of the principles of international law, all problems should be solved in a diplomatic way and not through war. It is clear to me.&nbsp;&nbsp;Well, India is playing a more important role in the international community every day, and India is part of the BRICS. &nbsp;India this year is in the Presidency of BRICS. It offered, of course, the opportunity to continue enhancing the cooperation among the BRICS members, but also to extend to the global south, and India is considered the voice of the Global South. I saw that, for example, in the case of Cuba, we are next Monday, June 12, we are celebrating the 66 years of establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, and in all these years, the relationship has been built on the basis of mutual respect, cooperation and solidarity. We have received many gestures from the Indian government, for example, supporting Cuba against the policy of the blockade. India has moved all these 33 years against the policy of the blockade, also providing some support to Cuba.&nbsp;&nbsp;Recently, we suffered a strong hurricane, and the Indian government decided to send some material resources, in terms of medication, to the Cuban population. We are very glad and recognise this strong connection between our two countries. We have been a very close partner in the international organisations, including in the non-alignment movement, G77, but also in the United Nations. And we have cooperated very closely with the two countries in order to defend the rights of the global south in the international organisation as well. I'm pretty sure they will continue to strengthen the political, economic cooperation between the two countries.&nbsp;<h2>Cuba has many friends. Russia is your close friend. There are other countries as well. In fact, I believe I've read somewhere that you spoke on the Iranian side as well. What are your expectations from these countries?</h2> Well, we have relationships with more than 180 countries. We have embassies in more than 145 countries all over the world. We have an excellent relationship with all the Latin American and Caribbean countries. We, for example, have a CARICOM with all the Caribbean countries as well, a very close and historical relations. We have a relationship with all the African countries and the African Union as well. This year, the African Union adopted a resolution against the blockade towards Cuba.&nbsp;&nbsp;We also have a memorandum of cooperation with the European Union. For more than 20 years, we have developed close cooperation with the European Union in many fields, for example, in food security, in energy sustainability, and also in human rights. Of course, with the Asian countries, you mentioned Russia, but I can mention, and also other countries, such are Vietnam, China, of course, I already mentioned India.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Cuba has declared two days of national mourning for the fallen Cubans, whom Aguilera said died “defending President Nicolás Maduro” after being deployed at Caracas’s request to reinforce presidential security.

Cuba has launched its strongest condemnation of the US military operation in which Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was "captured", accusing Washington of acting as the self-proclaimed “owner of the world” and treating Latin America as its private “backyard”. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, Cuban Ambassador to India Juan Carlos Marsán Aguilera described the 3 January raid, which left 33 Cuban security personnel dead, as a blatant violation of sovereignty. “It is part of their philosophy that they are the owner of the world and they should… guide the world in the direction they decide,” Aguilera said. “Nobody could support an action like this against a sovereign country like Venezuela, against the constitutional government of Venezuela, against the independence of one country of our region." The ambassador tied the action directly to a resurgent Monroe Doctrine, which he called unacceptable domination. “They are treating us like a backyard… We cannot accept that,” he declared, warning that the US seeks control over the region’s strategic resources, particularly Venezuela’s vast oil reserves. Cuba has declared two days of national mourning for the fallen Cubans, whom Aguilera said died “defending President Nicolás Maduro” after being deployed at Caracas’s request to reinforce presidential security. “If one day they decide to touch Cuban soil, they will receive the same answer,” he vowed. How do you see the development that has happened in your region, the US intervention in Venezuela? We were following the situation very closely. It has not started yet. A few months ago, the Trump administration, and especially the Secretary of State and the Minister of War, mobilised a lot of military resources in the Caribbean region threatening Venezuela. Suddenly it happens. We are expecting that they will respect international law, or they will follow the UN Charter, but at the end of the day, they are following their own interest and not the interests of the international community. They made this terrorist attack against Venezuela, against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. They sent, in my opinion, a terrorist group to execute the legitimate president who was elected by the people in Venezuela and take him to New York to start preparing this trial against President Maduro and also his wife. Expression of a unilateral action of the United States. Nobody could support an action like this against a sovereign country like Venezuela, against the constitutional government of Venezuela, against the independence of one country of our region. You were following the press conference, and they announced the result of this operation. We are very concerned. They said that the United States will not accept any government in what they say, their neighbourhoods, they say, their areas of influence, Latin America and the Caribbean. Any country that doesn't have a government that follows the interests of the US. They are treating us like the backyard of the US. Latin America and the Caribbean countries, where we spent more than 200 years to reach our own independence from the US, from Spain, and from different colonies. But they try to treat Latin America as its own area of influence, and they have the right, you know, over all the strategic mineral resources and natural resources, the oil of Latin America and the Caribbean countries, for their own benefits. We cannot accept that. The US is treating and attacking one Latin American country, following their interest in the natural resources of our countries. So we cannot accept that. We must raise our voice and make it very clear that this is unacceptable, not only for Latin America, but also for the whole world. Does the development which we have seen in Venezuela, the American intervention? Worry you? Any country should be worried about what happened. The same day, he also announced their interest in having Greenland as a US territory against even their allies in Europe. Same threat against Iran, and other countries, Nigeria. Every day, we are following different actions of one country against another in the world. I don't see China or any other country attacking another one or making military invasions. It is the US, because it is part of their philosophy that they are the owner of the world and they should, because for some reason, they have the role to guide the world in the direction they decide. Cuba has been subjected for more than 65 years to this policy of the blockade, which is the longest blockade that any nation has suffered. During the first Trump administration, he adopted 243 measures specifically against Cuba in order to suffocate the Cuban economy. Also Read: 'GOP IS GOING TO MAKE HISTORY WITH MIDTERM POLLS': Trump During this administration, one of the first decisions signed by Trump was to re-include Cuba in the list of countries that supposedly sponsor terrorists is totally unfair, because Cuba has been a victim of the terror action committed from the US territory and with the support of the US government. We are not, we have not committed any action of terrorists against any nation. We are providing medical services. We are providing educational services to the world, not terrorist actions. The idea is, as I said, to strangle the Cuban economy, to cut any financial income to Cuba. They are trying to cut all direct flights from the US to Cuba. We have more than 2 million Cubans living in the US. They are also stopping all the oil supply to Cuba. We are not producing all the oil that we require. Less than 40%. The rest we should import from other countries. They are following all routes where the oil is supplied to Cuba, all the vessels, the international companies, in order to cut this possibility to the Cuban economy, to supply energy to our people, to develop our economy. They are, for example, trying to disrupt the medical services that Cuba provides to more than 60 countries in the world. So the idea is to isolate Cuba and to try to cut all the financial income to our economy, to try to create problems for our people, and, very important at the same time, to develop a media campaign. The idea is how to mobilise the Cuban people against the government as the target, and it could justify a military action against Cuba, because to say people are against the government expressing on the street, and the Cuban government is trying to punish all these people, and we should make a military invasion to put order in Cuba. It's the same idea, the same idea they are doing in other countries, including Venezuela. So it's clear that these policies of the blockade are completely isolated in the international community. Every year, the Cuban government presents in the United Nations a resolution containing the US blockade towards Cuba, and the huge majority of the international community for 33 years has rejected this policy of the blockade. So nobody in the world, not a single country, well, just two, three countries. The rest of the international community is very clear that this policy should come to an end, and the Cuban people have a right to live in peace and to develop all the capacity that we have in order to provide more quality of life to our people. Donald Trump has said that Cuba is next in line. His Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has also made comments against your country. How do you see these comments as well? It's very dangerous, not only for Cuba. This person (Trump), who is in charge of this government now, is a very dangerous person. We know them very well. For example, you mentioned Marco Rubio. He started his political career saying that he was Cuban, that his father, when escaping from the dictatorship of the Cuban revolution to the US, was lying. It's lying because their parents went to us before the Cuban Revolution, looking for economic opportunities in us. It happens in Latin America. The people are travelling to the US, trying to reach the US in order to look for opportunities. Because unfortunately we, the Latin Americas, are suffering this long policy of extracting our minerals, our financial resources, our natural resources, from the US companies that, for example, in Cuba, more than 80% of the best land of Cuba to produce the sugar cane and others belong to the US companies before the revolution, and the revolution was a break point of this to give back to the Cuban people our resources, our region, in our country, and from the very beginning we start, of course, opposing to this. So I consider that any country, Latin America, could be a target of this policy of the US. In our case, I see it well. Remember that in the 90s, when the Soviet Union collapsed, Cuba remained almost isolated. At that time, I remember Bush's father was the president of the US, and they said, This is the moment we are going to defeat the Cuban revolution. We are 35 years later. We are here, and we will continue, because the only option for the Cubans is to support and to remain independent. Otherwise, we will be a new colony from the US. They understand very well that we should be resilient enough, but at the same time, we should continue trying to develop under these circumstances. We should develop our economy. We should try to find solutions to our project, to continue providing quality of life to our people, and to show that in our case, socialisation is the best possibility to preserve independence, sovereignty and self-determination in front of this big empire, the biggest empire, just 90 miles from our country. When the incident happened, when the intervention happened, we saw that the President was taken by the American forces and taken to New York. Now, your government, your country, have announced a period of mourning because many Cubans have died as well. Can you just tell us about how the Cuban side is looking at it, and what these Cubans were doing in Venezuela? We have a long-standing, close relationship between our two governments. The Bolivarian government requests that Cuba provide some support because of our expertise to reinforce the safeguard team of President Maduro, and we sent some people to fulfil this responsibility. And at the moment, they made this a surprise attack on the presidential palace, many of them were there, and well, 32 people were killed in combat. 33 Cubans. They were fulfilling their responsibility. It is Cuba, what they did defending the President Nicolas Maduro. It is an expression. What Cuba is ready to do. If one day they decide to touch the Cuban soil, they will receive the same answer that we're going to defend our land until the last consequence. Let me tell you that we have always been in this position to develop a normal relationship with the US. It is very important, because even when US citizens travel to Cuba, they discover that there are no feelings against them. We know very well the position of the government and what is the position of the US population. And we have historical relations with those in this country, and we are always offered the possibility to start a conversation based on mutual respect. During the period of the Obama administration, we were able to sit together to discuss our big differences. The problem is that they (Trump) don't want to have this opinion. There's a guiding ideology from this extreme right ideology from their side, that the only way is to defeat the Cuban Revolution. Trump has come up with a new doctrine. It's actually an old doctrine, but it has his name. That's the Donroe doctrine, which is the Monroe Doctrine. (Donroe Doctrine) Cannot be accepted. They said that they cannot accept a socialist country in the Latin American region. They will not accept any government that is against the US interest. They said that Latin America belongs to them. They have the right to dominate Latin America. The Monroe Doctrine follows this idea, regarding Latin America and the Caribbean region for Americans. And they said, Latin America is for the US, and we cannot accept it. They cannot impose any politics on our region. We cannot accept it. It's clear. Is clear. We cannot accept that the relationship with the US could be guidance. How do you see India's reaction after the American intervention in Venezuela? Well, I was reading the statement of the Indian government, and they are calling for a diplomatic solution through negotiation, through the people to talk and to find cooperation together in order to reach an agreement. It is one of the principles of international law, all problems should be solved in a diplomatic way and not through war. It is clear to me. Well, India is playing a more important role in the international community every day, and India is part of the BRICS. India this year is in the Presidency of BRICS. It offered, of course, the opportunity to continue enhancing the cooperation among the BRICS members, but also to extend to the global south, and India is considered the voice of the Global South. I saw that, for example, in the case of Cuba, we are next Monday, June 12, we are celebrating the 66 years of establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, and in all these years, the relationship has been built on the basis of mutual respect, cooperation and solidarity. We have received many gestures from the Indian government, for example, supporting Cuba against the policy of the blockade. India has moved all these 33 years against the policy of the blockade, also providing some support to Cuba. Recently, we suffered a strong hurricane, and the Indian government decided to send some material resources, in terms of medication, to the Cuban population. We are very glad and recognise this strong connection between our two countries. We have been a very close partner in the international organisations, including in the non-alignment movement, G77, but also in the United Nations. And we have cooperated very closely with the two countries in order to defend the rights of the global south in the international organisation as well. I'm pretty sure they will continue to strengthen the political, economic cooperation between the two countries. Cuba has many friends. Russia is your close friend. There are other countries as well. In fact, I believe I've read somewhere that you spoke on the Iranian side as well. What are your expectations from these countries? Well, we have relationships with more than 180 countries. We have embassies in more than 145 countries all over the world. We have an excellent relationship with all the Latin American and Caribbean countries. We, for example, have a CARICOM with all the Caribbean countries as well, a very close and historical relations. We have a relationship with all the African countries and the African Union as well. This year, the African Union adopted a resolution against the blockade towards Cuba. We also have a memorandum of cooperation with the European Union. For more than 20 years, we have developed close cooperation with the European Union in many fields, for example, in food security, in energy sustainability, and also in human rights. Of course, with the Asian countries, you mentioned Russia, but I can mention, and also other countries, such are Vietnam, China, of course, I already mentioned India.

Cuba has declared two days of national mourning for the fallen Cubans, whom Aguilera said died “defending President Nicolás Maduro” after being deployed at Caracas’s request to reinforce presidential security.

Cuba Ambassador Aguilera: US believes It Is the 'owner of the world', Latin America its 'Backyard'

As tensions simmer following the United States’ attack on Venezuela on January 3, which saw the "capture" of President Nicolás Maduro, India has reacted with "deep concern". Issuing a travel advisory for its nationals, India called on "all concerned to address issues peacefully through dialogue, ensuring peace and stability of the region."&nbsp; But what has been India stance on wars since 1947, when the country gained independence as it navigates the ever-evolving terrain of geopolitics.&nbsp;<h2>1950s</h2>&nbsp;When the Korean war began in 1950, India condemned North Korea’s invasion, deploying a medical team that treated 200,000 wounded. Its role in resoving the Korean war was notable. During the 1956 Suez Crisis, India backed Egypt against Israel, the UK, and France, advocating for foreign troop withdrawal. That same year, it called for Soviet forces to leave Hungary, supplementing the plea with humanitarian aid but avoided any direct condemnation of Moscow initially.&nbsp;<h2>1960-1970s</h2>&nbsp;The 1967 Six-Day War and 1973 Yom Kippur War saw India staunchly support Arab states, reflecting its NAM solidarity and anti-colonial stance. India’s criticism extended to the US during the Vietnam War (1955-1975), recognizing a unified Vietnam in 1975, and the 1979 Chinese invasion of Vietnam, prompting then-Foreign Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to cut short a Beijing visit.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, its response to the 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan was more measured, abstaining at the UN. Any direct condemnation of Moscow was avoided, coming at a time when US-Pakistan were increasingly aligned. But then Soviet union had played a key role in supporting India during the 1971 Bangladesh war.&nbsp; India supported Vietnam’s occupation of Cambodia (1979-1989) for ending the Khmer Rouge’s genocide, diverging from Western, Chinese condemnation.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>1980s-1990s</h2>&nbsp;The 1980-1988 Iraq-Iran War saw India urge a ceasefire without condemning either side, while the 1982 Falklands War prompted a call for peaceful negotiations between Argentina and the UK. India strongly criticized Israel’s 1982 Lebanon invasion and the US interventions in Grenada (1983) and Panama (1989), aligning with NAM principles. During the 1991 Gulf War, India called for Iraq’s withdrawal from Kuwait, focusing on evacuating its nationals.&nbsp;<h2>2000s</h2>&nbsp;Post-2000, India adapted to new dynamics. It supported the US after 9/11 during the Afghanistan invasion (2001) but refused troops for the 2003 Iraq invasion, emphasizing the country's sovereignty &amp; UN mandates.&nbsp; The 2008 Russia-Georgia conflict and 2014-2022 Russia-Ukraine War saw India avoid criticizing Moscow. In fact after 2022, full outbreak of hostilities between Russia, and Ukraine, India emphasized on "dialogue and diplomacy" while mostly abstaining on any UN resolutions on the issue. India of course increased its input of cheap Russian energy that later attracted tariffs under Trump during his 2nd term.&nbsp;&nbsp;During the 2020-2023 Nagorno-Karabakh War between Azerbaijan and Armenia, India urged troop withdrawal without explicit alignment. India's export of defence assets to Armenia, and Azerbaijan's full support to Pakistan made sure Baku-Delhi ties hit a rock bottom.&nbsp;After the Hamas terror attack in 2023 on Israel, India had strongly condemned the act of terrorism, but as the Israeli operations gained pace in Gaza, and the humanitarian crisis increased, India called for respect for humanitarian law. And while the conflict rages, India had backed a 2 state solution as the viable option for peace. &nbsp;

When the Korean war began in 1950, India condemned North Korea’s invasion, deploying a medical team that treated 200,000 wounded. Its role in resoving the Korean war was notable. 

As tensions simmer following the United States’ attack on Venezuela on January 3, which saw the "capture" of President Nicolás Maduro, India has reacted with "deep concern". Issuing a travel advisory for its nationals, India called on "all concerned to address issues peacefully through dialogue, ensuring peace and stability of the region." But what has been India stance on wars since 1947, when the country gained independence as it navigates the ever-evolving terrain of geopolitics. 1950s When the Korean war began in 1950, India condemned North Korea’s invasion, deploying a medical team that treated 200,000 wounded. Its role in resoving the Korean war was notable. During the 1956 Suez Crisis, India backed Egypt against Israel, the UK, and France, advocating for foreign troop withdrawal. That same year, it called for Soviet forces to leave Hungary, supplementing the plea with humanitarian aid but avoided any direct condemnation of Moscow initially. 1960-1970s The 1967 Six-Day War and 1973 Yom Kippur War saw India staunchly support Arab states, reflecting its NAM solidarity and anti-colonial stance. India’s criticism extended to the US during the Vietnam War (1955-1975), recognizing a unified Vietnam in 1975, and the 1979 Chinese invasion of Vietnam, prompting then-Foreign Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to cut short a Beijing visit. However, its response to the 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan was more measured, abstaining at the UN. Any direct condemnation of Moscow was avoided, coming at a time when US-Pakistan were increasingly aligned. But then Soviet union had played a key role in supporting India during the 1971 Bangladesh war. India supported Vietnam’s occupation of Cambodia (1979-1989) for ending the Khmer Rouge’s genocide, diverging from Western, Chinese condemnation. 1980s-1990s The 1980-1988 Iraq-Iran War saw India urge a ceasefire without condemning either side, while the 1982 Falklands War prompted a call for peaceful negotiations between Argentina and the UK. India strongly criticized Israel’s 1982 Lebanon invasion and the US interventions in Grenada (1983) and Panama (1989), aligning with NAM principles. During the 1991 Gulf War, India called for Iraq’s withdrawal from Kuwait, focusing on evacuating its nationals. 2000s Post-2000, India adapted to new dynamics. It supported the US after 9/11 during the Afghanistan invasion (2001) but refused troops for the 2003 Iraq invasion, emphasizing the country's sovereignty & UN mandates. The 2008 Russia-Georgia conflict and 2014-2022 Russia-Ukraine War saw India avoid criticizing Moscow. In fact after 2022, full outbreak of hostilities between Russia, and Ukraine, India emphasized on "dialogue and diplomacy" while mostly abstaining on any UN resolutions on the issue. India of course increased its input of cheap Russian energy that later attracted tariffs under Trump during his 2nd term. During the 2020-2023 Nagorno-Karabakh War between Azerbaijan and Armenia, India urged troop withdrawal without explicit alignment. India's export of defence assets to Armenia, and Azerbaijan's full support to Pakistan made sure Baku-Delhi ties hit a rock bottom. After the Hamas terror attack in 2023 on Israel, India had strongly condemned the act of terrorism, but as the Israeli operations gained pace in Gaza, and the humanitarian crisis increased, India called for respect for humanitarian law. And while the conflict rages, India had backed a 2 state solution as the viable option for peace.

When the Korean war began in 1950, India condemned North Korea’s invasion, deploying a medical team that treated 200,000 wounded. Its role in resoving the Korean war was notable.&nbsp;

Explainer: India's stance on global conflicts since 1947

The Indian Navy's activities in 2025 showcased a blend of high-profile power projection and quieter, essential duties that underpin regional stability and India's growing maritime role. While Operation Sindoor and carrier-led deployments captured global attention, the Navy's broader contributions included combating maritime crime, delivering humanitarian aid, strengthening international partnerships through exercises, and advancing self-reliance in shipbuilding.One notable operation came on 31 March 2025, when the frigate INS Tarkash, assisted by a P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, intercepted a suspicious dhow in the Western Indian Ocean. The boarding team seized approximately 2,500 kg of narcotics, including hashish and heroin, highlighting the Navy's ongoing commitment to disrupting illicit trafficking and securing vital sea lanes.Constabulary tasks formed a steady rhythm throughout the year. Under Operation Sankalp, the Navy escorted merchant vessels, conducted anti-piracy patrols, and performed boardings and rescues. These efforts, though less glamorous than carrier strikes, are crucial for protecting India's trade routes, which carry the majority of the country's energy imports and exports.Humanitarian missions also stood out. Following a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on 28 March 2025 near Mandalay, causing widespread destruction and significant loss of life, the Navy swiftly launched Operation Brahma. Ships including INS Satpura, INS Savitri, INS Karmuk, LCU-52, and INS Gharial delivered hundreds of tonnes of relief material, medical supplies, and emergency stores to affected areas. Coordinated with Indian Air Force airlifts and Army medical teams, the operation reinforced India's reputation as a rapid regional first responder.The Navy's search-and-rescue capabilities were repeatedly tested, with helicopters and vessels conducting medical evacuations and firefighting aboard distressed merchant ships in locations ranging from the Gulf of Aden to waters off Kerala.Beyond operations, the year emphasised international collaboration. TROPEX-25, a major theatre-level exercise, honed warfighting skills across the Indian Ocean. Multilateral and bilateral drills followed, including KONKAN-25, where INS Vikrant operated alongside the UK's HMS Prince of Wales carrier group, with Norway and Japan, and Samudra Shakti with Indonesia, focusing on anti-submarine warfare and maritime surveillance. Other highlights included the Quad's Malabar exercise off Guam, the French-led La Pérouse involving nine navies, Varuna with France, and the inaugural India-Africa multilateral AIKEYME. These engagements built interoperability and positioned India as a reliable partner in the Indo-Pacific.A key achievement was the push towards indigenisation under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. While INS Tamal marked the final foreign-built warship commissioned from Russia, 2025 saw a surge in domestically produced vessels. Notable inductions included the destroyer INS Surat (Visakhapatnam-class), the first three Nilgiri-class stealth frigates (INS Nilgiri, INS Himgiri, INS Udaygiri), the last Kalvari-class submarine INS Vagsheer, shallow-water anti-submarine craft such as INS Arnala, INS Androth, and INS Mahe, the diving support vessel INS Nistar, and survey ships INS Nirdeshak and INS Ikshak.These additions not only enhance combat capabilities but also bolster India's defence industry, creating jobs and fostering technological innovation with civilian applications. The Navy's multifaceted role, from deterring threats and saving lives to forging alliances and building capacity, directly supports India's economic security and regional influence. Looking ahead, events like the International Fleet Review and MILAN-26 in Visakhapatnam in February 2026 will showcase these strengths on a global stage, aligning with the MAHASAGAR vision of India as a collaborative maritime leader.2025 was defined by both visible assertion and persistent endeavour, and the Indian Navy proved that modern naval power is as much about sustained presence and partnership as it is about headline operations.

Looking ahead, events like the International Fleet Review and MILAN-26 in Visakhapatnam in February 2026 will showcase these strengths on a global stage, aligning with the MAHASAGAR vision of India as a collaborative maritime leader.

The Indian Navy's activities in 2025 showcased a blend of high-profile power projection and quieter, essential duties that underpin regional stability and India's growing maritime role. While Operation Sindoor and carrier-led deployments captured global attention, the Navy's broader contributions included combating maritime crime, delivering humanitarian aid, strengthening international partnerships through exercises, and advancing self-reliance in shipbuilding. One notable operation came on 31 March 2025, when the frigate INS Tarkash, assisted by a P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, intercepted a suspicious dhow in the Western Indian Ocean. The boarding team seized approximately 2,500 kg of narcotics, including hashish and heroin, highlighting the Navy's ongoing commitment to disrupting illicit trafficking and securing vital sea lanes. Constabulary tasks formed a steady rhythm throughout the year. Under Operation Sankalp, the Navy escorted merchant vessels, conducted anti-piracy patrols, and performed boardings and rescues. These efforts, though less glamorous than carrier strikes, are crucial for protecting India's trade routes, which carry the majority of the country's energy imports and exports. Humanitarian missions also stood out. Following a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on 28 March 2025 near Mandalay, causing widespread destruction and significant loss of life, the Navy swiftly launched Operation Brahma. Ships including INS Satpura, INS Savitri, INS Karmuk, LCU-52, and INS Gharial delivered hundreds of tonnes of relief material, medical supplies, and emergency stores to affected areas. Coordinated with Indian Air Force airlifts and Army medical teams, the operation reinforced India's reputation as a rapid regional first responder. The Navy's search-and-rescue capabilities were repeatedly tested, with helicopters and vessels conducting medical evacuations and firefighting aboard distressed merchant ships in locations ranging from the Gulf of Aden to waters off Kerala. Beyond operations, the year emphasised international collaboration. TROPEX-25, a major theatre-level exercise, honed warfighting skills across the Indian Ocean. Multilateral and bilateral drills followed, including KONKAN-25, where INS Vikrant operated alongside the UK's HMS Prince of Wales carrier group, with Norway and Japan, and Samudra Shakti with Indonesia, focusing on anti-submarine warfare and maritime surveillance. Other highlights included the Quad's Malabar exercise off Guam, the French-led La Pérouse involving nine navies, Varuna with France, and the inaugural India-Africa multilateral AIKEYME. These engagements built interoperability and positioned India as a reliable partner in the Indo-Pacific. A key achievement was the push towards indigenisation under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. While INS Tamal marked the final foreign-built warship commissioned from Russia, 2025 saw a surge in domestically produced vessels. Notable inductions included the destroyer INS Surat (Visakhapatnam-class), the first three Nilgiri-class stealth frigates (INS Nilgiri, INS Himgiri, INS Udaygiri), the last Kalvari-class submarine INS Vagsheer, shallow-water anti-submarine craft such as INS Arnala, INS Androth, and INS Mahe, the diving support vessel INS Nistar, and survey ships INS Nirdeshak and INS Ikshak. These additions not only enhance combat capabilities but also bolster India's defence industry, creating jobs and fostering technological innovation with civilian applications. The Navy's multifaceted role, from deterring threats and saving lives to forging alliances and building capacity, directly supports India's economic security and regional influence. Looking ahead, events like the International Fleet Review and MILAN-26 in Visakhapatnam in February 2026 will showcase these strengths on a global stage, aligning with the MAHASAGAR vision of India as a collaborative maritime leader. 2025 was defined by both visible assertion and persistent endeavour, and the Indian Navy proved that modern naval power is as much about sustained presence and partnership as it is about headline operations.

Looking ahead, events like the International Fleet Review and MILAN-26 in Visakhapatnam in February 2026 will showcase these strengths on a global stage, aligning with the MAHASAGAR vision of India as a collaborative maritime leader.

Indian Navy has been busy: The year gone by and what’s next

New Delhi: A viral video from Bangladesh has sparked widespread outrage after a local leader of the Students Against Discrimination (SAD), the student platform that spearheaded the 2024 protests leading to the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, appeared to boast about involvement in the killing of a Hindu police officer during the unrest.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the footage, filmed last week at a police station in Habiganj district, Mahdi Hasan, identified as the general secretary (or district member secretary) of SAD’s Habiganj unit, is seen arguing with a police officer over the arrest of an activist. During the exchange, Hasan reportedly boasted threateningly, “We burned down the Baniachong Police Station, we set SI Santosh on fire.” He was referring to the events on 5 August 2024, the day mass protests culminated in Hasina’s resignation and flight from the country.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/%E2%80%98It%20was%20a%20brilliant%20operation,%E2%80%99%20says%20Trump%20after%20US%20captures%20Maduro%20and%20his%20wife">‘It was a brilliant operation,’ says Trump after US captures Maduro and his wife</a>&nbsp;The remarks point to the violent attack on Baniachong Police Station in Habiganj, where Sub-Inspector Santosh, a Hindu officer, was killed by a mob. Many accounts indicate that the station was set ablaze amid escalating clashes. The body of Sub-Inspector Santosh was left on the road, desecrated and displayed publicly, before being recovered. Students Against Discrimination has responded by issuing a show-cause notice to Hasan, seeking his explanation for the remarks, which the group described as potentially breaching discipline.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-captured-maduro-and-his-wife-confirms-us-strikes-on-venezuela-1767432237551">Maduro kidnapped? Trump says ‘captured’ Venezuelan President and his wife, confirms US strikes</a>&nbsp;The 2024 protests, initially against civil service job quotas, evolved into a broader anti-Hasina government movement, resulting in hundreds of deaths nationwide. Post-uprising, human rights groups documented attacks on minorities, including Hindus, amid reports of vandalism, looting, and violence.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-strikes-venezuela-military-sites-caracas-aragua-1767430307213">US launches attack on Venezuela: Which sites are attacked?</a>&nbsp;The situation of minorities remains deplorable since the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus took charge after the toppling of the Hasina government in August of 2024 following mass protests. In December 2025, a surge in violence against Hindu minorities was seen in Bangladesh. A 27-year-old Hindu garment unit worker, Dipu Chandra Das, was beaten to death and his body set on fire by a mob in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district. The incident occurred amid heightened communal tensions following the killing of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi on 18 December.

The remarks point to the violent attack on Baniachong Police Station in Habiganj, where Sub-Inspector Santosh, a Hindu officer, was killed by a mob. The body of Sub-Inspector Santosh was left on the road, desecrated and displayed publicly, before being recovered.

New Delhi: A viral video from Bangladesh has sparked widespread outrage after a local leader of the Students Against Discrimination (SAD), the student platform that spearheaded the 2024 protests leading to the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, appeared to boast about involvement in the killing of a Hindu police officer during the unrest. In the footage, filmed last week at a police station in Habiganj district, Mahdi Hasan, identified as the general secretary (or district member secretary) of SAD’s Habiganj unit, is seen arguing with a police officer over the arrest of an activist. During the exchange, Hasan reportedly boasted threateningly, “We burned down the Baniachong Police Station, we set SI Santosh on fire.” He was referring to the events on 5 August 2024, the day mass protests culminated in Hasina’s resignation and flight from the country. Also Read: ‘It was a brilliant operation,’ says Trump after US captures Maduro and his wife The remarks point to the violent attack on Baniachong Police Station in Habiganj, where Sub-Inspector Santosh, a Hindu officer, was killed by a mob. Many accounts indicate that the station was set ablaze amid escalating clashes. The body of Sub-Inspector Santosh was left on the road, desecrated and displayed publicly, before being recovered. Students Against Discrimination has responded by issuing a show-cause notice to Hasan, seeking his explanation for the remarks, which the group described as potentially breaching discipline. Also Read: Maduro kidnapped? Trump says ‘captured’ Venezuelan President and his wife, confirms US strikes The 2024 protests, initially against civil service job quotas, evolved into a broader anti-Hasina government movement, resulting in hundreds of deaths nationwide. Post-uprising, human rights groups documented attacks on minorities, including Hindus, amid reports of vandalism, looting, and violence. Also Read: US launches attack on Venezuela: Which sites are attacked? The situation of minorities remains deplorable since the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus took charge after the toppling of the Hasina government in August of 2024 following mass protests. In December 2025, a surge in violence against Hindu minorities was seen in Bangladesh. A 27-year-old Hindu garment unit worker, Dipu Chandra Das, was beaten to death and his body set on fire by a mob in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district. The incident occurred amid heightened communal tensions following the killing of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi on 18 December.

The remarks point to the violent attack on Baniachong Police Station in Habiganj, where Sub-Inspector Santosh, a Hindu officer, was killed by a mob. The body of Sub-Inspector Santosh was left on the road, desecrated and displayed publicly, before being recovered.

Bangladesh student leader boasts of killing Hindu police officer during 2024 protests

New Delhi: For the first time in the history of Republic Day Parade, two majestic double-humped Bactrian camels, perfectly adapted to Ladakh’s extreme high-altitude cold deserts, will lead an animal contingent down the Kartavya Path on 26 January 2026.&nbsp;The rare Bactrian camels, inducted by the Indian Army’s Remount &amp; Veterinary Corps (RVC) in 2024, are renowned as Ladakh’s “silent warriors”. Capable of carrying loads up to 250 kg across vast, freezing, oxygen-scarce terrain above 15,000 feet (4,500 metres), they require minimal water and fodder, qualities that make them invaluable for last-mile logistics, mounted patrols and supply transport near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, where vehicles and mules frequently falter.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="‘It was a brilliant operation,’ says Trump after US captures Maduro and his wife">‘It was a brilliant operation,’ says Trump after US captures Maduro and his wife</a>&nbsp;The camels will be joined by four resilient Zanskar ponies, another hardy Ladakhi breed, four raptors trained for drone surveillance and neutralisation, and a canine contingent. Marking their debut in the parade, ten dogs of indigenous Indian breeds, namely, the Mudhol hounds, Rampur hounds, Chippiparai, Kombai and Rajapalayam, will march alongside six conventional military working dogs.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-captured-maduro-and-his-wife-confirms-us-strikes-on-venezuela-1767432237551">Maduro kidnapped? Trump says ‘captured’ Venezuelan President and his wife, confirms US strikes</a>&nbsp;This integrated display celebrates both India’s high-altitude military heritage and the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) push to showcase native breeds. The Indian dog breeds have distinguished themselves in explosive detection, tracking, counter-terrorism and disaster response, with several earning gallantry awards. Army officials describe the contingent as a powerful symbol of endurance and sacrifice in defending India’s most challenging borders in the north.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-strikes-venezuela-military-sites-caracas-aragua-1767430307213">US launches attack on Venezuela: Which sites are attacked?</a>&nbsp;As the column passes the saluting dais this January 26, the double-humped Bactrian camels, expected to be the undisputed showstoppers , will highlight how animal strengths continue to support modern strategic needs in one of the world’s harshest battlegrounds.

The rare Bactrian camels, inducted by the Indian Army’s Remount & Veterinary Corps (RVC) in 2024, are renowned as Ladakh’s “silent warriors” and cab carry loads up to 250 kg across vast, freezing, oxygen-scarce terrain above 15,000 feet (4,500 metres).

New Delhi: For the first time in the history of Republic Day Parade, two majestic double-humped Bactrian camels, perfectly adapted to Ladakh’s extreme high-altitude cold deserts, will lead an animal contingent down the Kartavya Path on 26 January 2026. The rare Bactrian camels, inducted by the Indian Army’s Remount & Veterinary Corps (RVC) in 2024, are renowned as Ladakh’s “silent warriors”. Capable of carrying loads up to 250 kg across vast, freezing, oxygen-scarce terrain above 15,000 feet (4,500 metres), they require minimal water and fodder, qualities that make them invaluable for last-mile logistics, mounted patrols and supply transport near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, where vehicles and mules frequently falter. Also Read: ‘It was a brilliant operation,’ says Trump after US captures Maduro and his wife The camels will be joined by four resilient Zanskar ponies, another hardy Ladakhi breed, four raptors trained for drone surveillance and neutralisation, and a canine contingent. Marking their debut in the parade, ten dogs of indigenous Indian breeds, namely, the Mudhol hounds, Rampur hounds, Chippiparai, Kombai and Rajapalayam, will march alongside six conventional military working dogs. Also Read: Maduro kidnapped? Trump says ‘captured’ Venezuelan President and his wife, confirms US strikes This integrated display celebrates both India’s high-altitude military heritage and the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) push to showcase native breeds. The Indian dog breeds have distinguished themselves in explosive detection, tracking, counter-terrorism and disaster response, with several earning gallantry awards. Army officials describe the contingent as a powerful symbol of endurance and sacrifice in defending India’s most challenging borders in the north. Also Read: US launches attack on Venezuela: Which sites are attacked? As the column passes the saluting dais this January 26, the double-humped Bactrian camels, expected to be the undisputed showstoppers , will highlight how animal strengths continue to support modern strategic needs in one of the world’s harshest battlegrounds.

The rare Bactrian camels, inducted by the Indian Army’s Remount &amp; Veterinary Corps (RVC) in 2024, are renowned as Ladakh’s “silent warriors” and cab carry loads up to 250 kg across vast, freezing, oxygen-scarce terrain above 15,000 feet (4,500 metres).

India’s double-humped Bactrian camels and native dog breeds to make Republic Day Parade debut

With reports of protests in Iran, triggered by economic issues, Indian student associations, Indian students have urgently called on the Indian government for support and contingency plans for thousands studying in the West Asian country. &nbsp;The protests, which began in late December 2025, have increased in intensity.&nbsp;For Mir Mehraj Fathima, a medical student from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, currently in Iran, the situation has brought palpable fear. "As a medical student in Iran right now, recently a palpable tension in the streets and the heavy responsibility of being a witness; our education is now fractured by a chaos we cannot ignore," she said. "It's been 5 days for this protest, and I have witnessed the protest with so much stress and fear... It's a difficult situation for us to still continue our hospital rounds and shifts at night and return home safely."&nbsp;Syeda Zainab, another Indian student in Tehran, described the instability: "The situation here is not fully stable yet. Universities are closed until tomorrow due to protests related to fluctuations in the currency. People are on the streets, particularly in Isfahan, Mashhad, and some parts of Tehran. So far, it is safe for students."&nbsp;Nearly 3,000 Indian medical students, many pursuing MBBS programmes, are enrolled across Iranian universities, with around 2,000 from the Kashmir Valley alone. The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, seeking "urgent and immediate intervention" to ensure the "safety, security, dignity, and welfare of Indian students, particularly students from the Kashmir Valley".&nbsp;National Convenor Nasir Khuehami highlighted "continuous distress calls and messages from students and their families" over "restricted mobility, sporadic internet shutdowns, lack of timely and clear safety advisories".&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/how-venezuela-s-heavily-guarded-president-evaded-attacks-until-his-capture-1767440422870">Maduro’s fortress: Venezuelan president’s personal security apparatus that blocked attacks for years before eventual capture</a>&nbsp;The All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA), foreign medical students wing, echoed these concerns in a letter to the Prime Minister, expressing alarm over the "safety and well-being of nearly 3000 Indian medical students". Vice President Dr Mohammad Momin Khan said: "We have demanded the security of Indian medical students in Iran... we are getting lot of calls from parents and students."&nbsp;Last year, under Operation Sindhu (June), India evacuated over 3,500 nationals, many students, from Iran during the intense Iran-Israel conflict. Iran cooperated exceptionally by opening closed airspace for Indian flights, including from Mashhad, highlighting strong bilateral ties at the time.

Nearly 3,000 Indian medical students, many pursuing MBBS programmes, are enrolled across Iranian universities, with around 2,000 from the Kashmir Valley alone.

With reports of protests in Iran, triggered by economic issues, Indian student associations, Indian students have urgently called on the Indian government for support and contingency plans for thousands studying in the West Asian country. The protests, which began in late December 2025, have increased in intensity. For Mir Mehraj Fathima, a medical student from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, currently in Iran, the situation has brought palpable fear. "As a medical student in Iran right now, recently a palpable tension in the streets and the heavy responsibility of being a witness; our education is now fractured by a chaos we cannot ignore," she said. "It's been 5 days for this protest, and I have witnessed the protest with so much stress and fear... It's a difficult situation for us to still continue our hospital rounds and shifts at night and return home safely." Syeda Zainab, another Indian student in Tehran, described the instability: "The situation here is not fully stable yet. Universities are closed until tomorrow due to protests related to fluctuations in the currency. People are on the streets, particularly in Isfahan, Mashhad, and some parts of Tehran. So far, it is safe for students." Nearly 3,000 Indian medical students, many pursuing MBBS programmes, are enrolled across Iranian universities, with around 2,000 from the Kashmir Valley alone. The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, seeking "urgent and immediate intervention" to ensure the "safety, security, dignity, and welfare of Indian students, particularly students from the Kashmir Valley". National Convenor Nasir Khuehami highlighted "continuous distress calls and messages from students and their families" over "restricted mobility, sporadic internet shutdowns, lack of timely and clear safety advisories". Also Read: Maduro’s fortress: Venezuelan president’s personal security apparatus that blocked attacks for years before eventual capture The All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA), foreign medical students wing, echoed these concerns in a letter to the Prime Minister, expressing alarm over the "safety and well-being of nearly 3000 Indian medical students". Vice President Dr Mohammad Momin Khan said: "We have demanded the security of Indian medical students in Iran... we are getting lot of calls from parents and students." Last year, under Operation Sindhu (June), India evacuated over 3,500 nationals, many students, from Iran during the intense Iran-Israel conflict. Iran cooperated exceptionally by opening closed airspace for Indian flights, including from Mashhad, highlighting strong bilateral ties at the time.

Nearly 3,000 Indian medical students, many pursuing MBBS programmes, are enrolled across Iranian universities, with around 2,000 from the Kashmir Valley alone.

Iran Protest: Indian students appeal for government support

New Delhi: Pakistan has renewed disinformation efforts on social media to promote claims of strikes on Indian military facilities in Punjab during last year’s brief conflict with India. The current dis-info campaign, active on platforms including X, features fake satellite images said to show damage at sites around Amritsar and other locations in Punjab, presented as evidence of Pakistani missile or drone strikes carried out in May 2025.&nbsp;Independent examination of the images, including side-by-side comparison with current and historical open-source satellite data, shows no visible destruction. The structures at the locations remain undamaged, with no craters, debris scatter, scorch marks, collapsed buildings or other indicators consistent with precision strikes.&nbsp;&nbsp;The material surfaced seven months after the four-day conflict, which began on 7 May 2025. India launched Operation Sindoor in response to a 22 April terrorist attack in Pahalgam, that killed 26 civilians. The attack was done by Pakistan trained terrorists, all of whom were neutralised by Indian forces.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Indian forces conducted precision strikes on several sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir linked to UN listed terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. A ceasefire took effect on 10 May. At the time of the conflict, Pakistan released statements about striking Indian facilities in Punjab but did not provide verifiable satellite imagery or other supporting evidence. The images now in circulation lack timestamps, metadata identifying the satellite source, and confirmation from established commercial or intelligence providers.&nbsp;Open-source analysts have noted that the visuals use selective framing and omit expected signs of battle damage. Comparative imagery of the same sites taken before, during and after the conflict period shows no observable change.The renewed circulation of these images follows earlier patterns of online narratives during and after the conflict, including unverified assertions about strike outcomes and victory claims. It also shows Pakistan's continued support to dis-information as part of statecraft.

Independent examination of the images, including side-by-side comparison with current and historical open-source satellite data, shows no visible destruction. 

New Delhi: Pakistan has renewed disinformation efforts on social media to promote claims of strikes on Indian military facilities in Punjab during last year’s brief conflict with India. The current dis-info campaign, active on platforms including X, features fake satellite images said to show damage at sites around Amritsar and other locations in Punjab, presented as evidence of Pakistani missile or drone strikes carried out in May 2025. Independent examination of the images, including side-by-side comparison with current and historical open-source satellite data, shows no visible destruction. The structures at the locations remain undamaged, with no craters, debris scatter, scorch marks, collapsed buildings or other indicators consistent with precision strikes. The material surfaced seven months after the four-day conflict, which began on 7 May 2025. India launched Operation Sindoor in response to a 22 April terrorist attack in Pahalgam, that killed 26 civilians. The attack was done by Pakistan trained terrorists, all of whom were neutralised by Indian forces. Indian forces conducted precision strikes on several sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir linked to UN listed terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. A ceasefire took effect on 10 May. At the time of the conflict, Pakistan released statements about striking Indian facilities in Punjab but did not provide verifiable satellite imagery or other supporting evidence. The images now in circulation lack timestamps, metadata identifying the satellite source, and confirmation from established commercial or intelligence providers. Open-source analysts have noted that the visuals use selective framing and omit expected signs of battle damage. Comparative imagery of the same sites taken before, during and after the conflict period shows no observable change. The renewed circulation of these images follows earlier patterns of online narratives during and after the conflict, including unverified assertions about strike outcomes and victory claims. It also shows Pakistan's continued support to dis-information as part of statecraft.

Independent examination of the images, including side-by-side comparison with current and historical open-source satellite data, shows no visible destruction.&nbsp;

Pakistan uses disinformation to revive May 2025 conflict claims

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his personal condolences to the family of Begum Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's first female prime minister, who died on 30 December after a prolonged illness at the age of 80. Modi's message was delivered via a letter handed over by External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to Tarique Rahman, Zia's son and acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), during a meeting in Dhaka on Wednesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jaishankar's visit marked India's official representation at Zia's state funeral, which drew thousands of mourners for the Namaz-e-Janaza prayers at the parliament complex before her burial beside her late husband, Ziaur Rahman.In the letter, Modi described the loss as a "profound personal" one, writing: "I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of your mother, Her Excellency Begum Khaleda Zia... Please accept my heartfelt condolences on this profound personal loss. May her soul rest in eternal peace." He recalled his 2015 meeting with Zia in Dhaka, praising her as "a leader of rare resolve and conviction" and the first woman to serve as Bangladesh's prime minister.&nbsp;&nbsp;"She made many important contributions to the development of Bangladesh, as well as to the strengthening of India-Bangladesh relations," PM Modi added. &nbsp;Looking ahead, the Indian PM expressed confidence in the continuation of bilateral ties: “While her passing leaves an irreplaceable void, her vision and legacy will endure. I am confident that her ideals will be carried forward under your able leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, and will continue to serve as a guiding light to ensure a new beginning and the enrichment of the deep and historic partnership between India and Bangladesh.” The letter also extended sympathies to the people of Bangladesh, noting their "remarkable strength and dignity" and expressing hope that they would be guided by "shared values, democratic traditions, and a deep sense of national unity" in moving forward.&nbsp;EAM Jaishankar, who arrived in Dhaka shortly before the funeral and departed after a few hours, confirmed the handover on social media, stating he had conveyed "deepest condolences on behalf of the Government and people of India". The visit of India's foreign minister is seen as significant.&nbsp;&nbsp;The event occurred amid strained India-Bangladesh relations following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina last year. India's gesture includes Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's planned visit to the Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi on Thursday to sign the condolence book.&nbsp;&nbsp;Zia's death came one day after her son Tarique Rahman's return from nearly 18 years in exile, positioning the BNP strongly ahead of planned February 2026 elections under Bangladesh's interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. She&nbsp;served as prime minister in three terms between 1991 and 2006, and was a towering figure in Bangladesh's political history, known for her rivalry with Hasina and her role in the country's democratic struggles.

PM Modi sends condolence letter to Khaleda Zia's son as Jaishankar attends Dhaka funeral

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his personal condolences to the family of Begum Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's first female prime minister, who died on 30 December after a prolonged illness at the age of 80. Modi's message was delivered via a letter handed over by External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to Tarique Rahman, Zia's son and acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), during a meeting in Dhaka on Wednesday. Jaishankar's visit marked India's official representation at Zia's state funeral, which drew thousands of mourners for the Namaz-e-Janaza prayers at the parliament complex before her burial beside her late husband, Ziaur Rahman. In the letter, Modi described the loss as a "profound personal" one, writing: "I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of your mother, Her Excellency Begum Khaleda Zia... Please accept my heartfelt condolences on this profound personal loss. May her soul rest in eternal peace." He recalled his 2015 meeting with Zia in Dhaka, praising her as "a leader of rare resolve and conviction" and the first woman to serve as Bangladesh's prime minister. "She made many important contributions to the development of Bangladesh, as well as to the strengthening of India-Bangladesh relations," PM Modi added. Looking ahead, the Indian PM expressed confidence in the continuation of bilateral ties: “While her passing leaves an irreplaceable void, her vision and legacy will endure. I am confident that her ideals will be carried forward under your able leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, and will continue to serve as a guiding light to ensure a new beginning and the enrichment of the deep and historic partnership between India and Bangladesh.” The letter also extended sympathies to the people of Bangladesh, noting their "remarkable strength and dignity" and expressing hope that they would be guided by "shared values, democratic traditions, and a deep sense of national unity" in moving forward. EAM Jaishankar, who arrived in Dhaka shortly before the funeral and departed after a few hours, confirmed the handover on social media, stating he had conveyed "deepest condolences on behalf of the Government and people of India". The visit of India's foreign minister is seen as significant. The event occurred amid strained India-Bangladesh relations following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina last year. India's gesture includes Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's planned visit to the Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi on Thursday to sign the condolence book. Zia's death came one day after her son Tarique Rahman's return from nearly 18 years in exile, positioning the BNP strongly ahead of planned February 2026 elections under Bangladesh's interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. She served as prime minister in three terms between 1991 and 2006, and was a towering figure in Bangladesh's political history, known for her rivalry with Hasina and her role in the country's democratic struggles.

Zia's death came one day after her son Tarique Rahman's return from nearly 18 years in exile, positioning the BNP strongly ahead of planned February 2026 elections under Bangladesh's interim government led by Muhammad Yunus

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