External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday said that he held a telephonic conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, and strongly urged that commercial shipping and seafarers should not be targeted under any circumstances.&nbsp;Jaishankar said that he conveyed India’s deep concern over the ongoing hostilities in the region and emphasised that India condemns attacks on commercial vessels by any party.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-demands-international-scrutiny-of-pakistan-s-actions-in-pojk-as-civilian-deaths-mount-1785506194579">India demands international scrutiny of Pakistan’s actions in PoJK as civilian deaths mount</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Had a tele-conversation with FM <a href="https://x.com/araghchi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@araghchi</a> of Iran this evening. Conveyed our deep concerns at the ongoing hostilities in the region. Strongly urged that attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers be avoided under any circumstance. India condemns any such attack by any party.…&mdash; Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/2083201813390499964?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;The external affairs minister said in a post on X that Araghchi briefed him on Iran’s perspective regarding the current developments and the discussions underway.Reiterating India’s consistent position, Jaishankar said New Delhi continues to support dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/utmost-brutality-ex-aap-leader-tahir-hussain-4-others-get-life-term-for-ankit-sharma-s-murder-1785504258932">‘Utmost brutality’: Ex-AAP leader Tahir Hussain, 4 others get life term for Ankit Sharma’s murder</a>&nbsp;As many as 16 Indian nationals, including 10 seafarers, have lost their lives in the Gulf region since the outbreak of the conflict in West Asia in February.&nbsp;“Since the outbreak of the conflict in the Middle East in 2026, 16 Indian nationals, including 10 seafarers, have lost their lives in the Middle East (one in Saudi Arabia, two in Kuwait, eight in Oman, one in Iraq, and four in the UAE), and 75 Indians have been injured (32 in the UAE, 24 in Oman, four in Qatar, 13 in Kuwait, one in Saudi Arabia, and one in Israel)," the government said in a reply to a question in the parliament.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-grants-divorce-to-omar-abdullah-after-settlement-with-estranged-wife-payal-1785494276973">Supreme Court grants divorce to Omar Abdullah after settlement with estranged wife Payal</a>&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting on Thursday and deliberated on the situation of Indian seafarers on domestic and foreign-flagged vessels in conflict zones. He directed the ministers to establish a mechanism to provide timely information, emergency assistance, and counselling to seafarers and their families.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi briefed him on Iran’s perspective regarding the current developments and the discussions underway. Jaishankar reiterated that New Delhi continues to support dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday said that he held a telephonic conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, and strongly urged that commercial shipping and seafarers should not be targeted under any circumstances. Jaishankar said that he conveyed India’s deep concern over the ongoing hostilities in the region and emphasised that India condemns attacks on commercial vessels by any party. Also Read: India demands international scrutiny of Pakistan’s actions in PoJK as civilian deaths mount

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi briefed him on Iran’s perspective regarding the current developments and the discussions underway. Jaishankar reiterated that New Delhi continues to support dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward.

‘Avoid attacks on commercial shipping, seafarers,’ Jaishankar tells Iran’s FM Araghchi

EAM Dr S Jaishankar has strongly raised India's concerns over the safety of its seafarers, following the deaths of four Indian nationals in a Russian missile strike on a cargo vessel in the Black Sea.External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar raised the issue during bilateral discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the ASEAN FMs meet in Manila, emphasising the need to protect civilian merchant mariners operating in high-risk zones.The deaths occurred on 19 July when the Guinea-Bissau-flagged MV Golden Leo, carrying grain from Ukraine's Odesa port, was hit by Russian cruise missiles. Of the 17 crew members, five were Indian; four died, and one was critically injured. India swiftly summoned Russia's chargé d'affaires, Vladimir Ladanov, to the Ministry of External Affairs, conveying "grave concerns" and a strong condemnation of attacks on commercial shipping. The Kremlin responded that it remained in touch with Indian partners, noting that its forces target vessels involved in transporting ammunition or weapons for Ukraine.In the wider bilateral meeting, the two sides discussed various aspects of the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. Indian readout said they "discussed various aspects of our partnership, including trade &amp; investment, energy &amp; connectivity, science &amp; technology, and mobility".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-russia-ukraine-war-is-reshaping-energy-flows-food-prices-defence-spending-and-india-s-strategy-wion-decodes-1783337395169">How Russia-Ukraine war is reshaping energy flows, food prices, defence spending and India’s strategy | WION Decodes</a>Both countries are aiming to push bilateral commerce towards a $100 billion target. Energy cooperation, connectivity projects such as the International North-South Transport Corridor and the Northern Sea Route, science and technology initiatives, and greater mobility of skilled professionals remain key elements of ties.The ministers exchanged views on regional and global issues, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the volatile situation in the Gulf/West Asia.India reiterated its consistent position favouring dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts, while stressing the protection of sea lanes and civilian lives.The talks come ahead of the BRICS Summit, where Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India later in 2026. The grouping, now expanded, offers a platform for both nations to advance multipolar cooperation on economic resilience and global governance.

The deaths occurred on 19 July when the Guinea-Bissau-flagged MV Golden Leo, carrying grain from Ukraine's Odesa port, was hit by Russian cruise missiles. Of the 17 crew members, five were Indian; four died, and one was critically injured.

EAM Dr S Jaishankar has strongly raised India's concerns over the safety of its seafarers, following the deaths of four Indian nationals in a Russian missile strike on a cargo vessel in the Black Sea. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar raised the issue during bilateral discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the ASEAN FMs meet in Manila, emphasising the need to protect civilian merchant mariners operating in high-risk zones. The deaths occurred on 19 July when the Guinea-Bissau-flagged MV Golden Leo, carrying grain from Ukraine's Odesa port, was hit by Russian cruise missiles. Of the 17 crew members, five were Indian; four died, and one was critically injured. India swiftly summoned Russia's chargé d'affaires, Vladimir Ladanov, to the Ministry of External Affairs, conveying "grave concerns" and a strong condemnation of attacks on commercial shipping. The Kremlin responded that it remained in touch with Indian partners, noting that its forces target vessels involved in transporting ammunition or weapons for Ukraine. In the wider bilateral meeting, the two sides discussed various aspects of the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. Indian readout said they "discussed various aspects of our partnership, including trade & investment, energy & connectivity, science & technology, and mobility". Also read | How Russia-Ukraine war is reshaping energy flows, food prices, defence spending and India’s strategy | WION Decodes Both countries are aiming to push bilateral commerce towards a $100 billion target. Energy cooperation, connectivity projects such as the International North-South Transport Corridor and the Northern Sea Route, science and technology initiatives, and greater mobility of skilled professionals remain key elements of ties. The ministers exchanged views on regional and global issues, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the volatile situation in the Gulf/West Asia. India reiterated its consistent position favouring dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts, while stressing the protection of sea lanes and civilian lives. The talks come ahead of the BRICS Summit, where Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India later in 2026. The grouping, now expanded, offers a platform for both nations to advance multipolar cooperation on economic resilience and global governance.

The deaths occurred on 19 July when the Guinea-Bissau-flagged MV Golden Leo, carrying grain from Ukraine's Odesa port, was hit by Russian cruise missiles. Of the 17 crew members, five were Indian; four died, and one was critically injured.

India’s EAM Jaishankar voices ‘strong concern’ over seafarer safety in talks with Russian FM Lavrov

A light-hearted exchange between the Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Finland's Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen has gone viral on social media, becoming one of the most talked-about moments from the Indian minister's visit to Finland. The exchange took place during a media briefing following bilateral talks between the two leaders. While discussing defence cooperation, Valtonen jokingly remarked that India and Finland had signed many deals.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/threads-of-cruelty-caught-between-heritage-livelihoods-and-animal-welfare-india-s-silk-dilemma-silkworms-1781255752527">India's silk dilemma: Caught between heritage, livelihoods and animal welfare</a>Responding with a smile, Jaishankar quipped, "You're not supposed to say that." The remark appeared to catch Valtonen by surprise and prompted laughter in the room. Her amused reaction quickly drew attention online after clips of the interaction began circulating across social media platforms.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-air-force-aircraft-crashes-in-assam-s-jorhat-1781329601750">Indian Air Force aircraft crashes in Assam’s Jorhat, killing 5 personnel</a>Many users praised the camaraderie between the two ministers, with several highlighting Jaishankar's quick wit. Valtonen's reaction also became a focal point of discussion, with social media users describing the exchange as one of the more entertaining moments in recent diplomatic engagements.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-man-posing-as-army-brigadier-nabbed-in-shahjahanpur-sting-operation-1781323915975">NEET aspirant posing as fake Brigadier walks into Army trap in UP, arrested</a>Although Jaishankar's visit focused on discussions related to defence, security and international cooperation, it was the brief, humorous interaction that captured widespread public attention. The exchange with Valtonen was not the only occasion during the visit when Jaishankar's sense of humour drew notice.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-departs-for-high-stakes-france-slovakia-visit-set-to-participate-in-g7-summit-1781328015529">PM Modi departs for France, Slovakia visit; set to participate in G7 Summit</a>At another event, UAE Assistant Foreign Minister Lana Nusseibeh made a tongue-in-cheek reference to recent developments in West Asia, saying, "It's been a really quiet time in my part of the world.” Jaishankar responded immediately, "That's why you came here to Finland."Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fir-lodged-against-mamata-banerjee-over-inflammatory-speech-during-bengal-elections-1781278388410">FIR lodged against Mamata Banerjee for ‘inflammatory’ speech during Bengal polls</a>

A light-hearted diplomatic exchange went viral after Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar used quick-witted, humorous one-liners during interactions with the Foreign Ministers of Finland and the UAE.

A light-hearted exchange between the Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Finland's Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen has gone viral on social media, becoming one of the most talked-about moments from the Indian minister's visit to Finland. The exchange took place during a media briefing following bilateral talks between the two leaders. While discussing defence cooperation, Valtonen jokingly remarked that India and Finland had signed many deals. Also read: India's silk dilemma: Caught between heritage, livelihoods and animal welfare Responding with a smile, Jaishankar quipped, "You're not supposed to say that." The remark appeared to catch Valtonen by surprise and prompted laughter in the room. Her amused reaction quickly drew attention online after clips of the interaction began circulating across social media platforms. Also read: Indian Air Force aircraft crashes in Assam’s Jorhat, killing 5 personnel Many users praised the camaraderie between the two ministers, with several highlighting Jaishankar's quick wit. Valtonen's reaction also became a focal point of discussion, with social media users describing the exchange as one of the more entertaining moments in recent diplomatic engagements. Also read: NEET aspirant posing as fake Brigadier walks into Army trap in UP, arrested Although Jaishankar's visit focused on discussions related to defence, security and international cooperation, it was the brief, humorous interaction that captured widespread public attention. The exchange with Valtonen was not the only occasion during the visit when Jaishankar's sense of humour drew notice. Also read: PM Modi departs for France, Slovakia visit; set to participate in G7 Summit At another event, UAE Assistant Foreign Minister Lana Nusseibeh made a tongue-in-cheek reference to recent developments in West Asia, saying, "It's been a really quiet time in my part of the world.” Jaishankar responded immediately, "That's why you came here to Finland." Also read: FIR lodged against Mamata Banerjee for ‘inflammatory’ speech during Bengal polls

A light-hearted diplomatic exchange went viral after Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar used quick-witted, humorous one-liners during interactions with the Foreign Ministers of Finland and the UAE.

‘That’s why you came here to Finland’: Jaishankar’s back-to-back one-liners go viral

Newly appointed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to meet the foreign ministers of the QUAD member nations on Tuesday (Jan 21), according to a statement from the US Department of State.
Rubio will host discussions with the Indo-Pacific QUAD Foreign Ministers at 1 pm local time at the Department of State. This will be followed by a one-on-one meeting with India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at 3:45 pm.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-fires-first-female-coast-guard-chief-admiral-linda-lee-fagan-elon-musk-reacts-8642254">&lsquo;Racist, sexist diversity nonsense&rsquo;: Trump fires first female Coast Guard chief, Admiral Linda Lee Fagan</a>
Later in the day, Rubio is scheduled to meet individually with Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japan's Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi at the same venue.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, speaking ahead of her meeting with Rubio, described the US-Australia relationship as &ldquo;our most important strategic partnership.&rdquo; She also welcomed the opportunity to gather with other QUAD nations so soon after the new administration began its term.
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s a demonstration of the collective commitment of all countries to the Quad, an iron-clad commitment in this time where close cooperation in the Indo-Pacific is so important,&rdquo; Wong said while speaking to reporters in Washington.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-false-claim-during-inaugural-speech-that-us-split-the-atom-upsets-new-zealanders-8640894">Trump&rsquo;s false claim during inaugural speech that US &lsquo;split the atom&rsquo; upsets New Zealanders</a>
Last year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in the QUAD Leaders' Summit in the United States. The summit, held in President Joe Biden&rsquo;s hometown of Wilmington, Delaware, brought together leaders from the US, India, Australia, and Japan.
<h2>What is the QUAD?</h2>
The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/quad" rel="dofollow">QUAD</a> is a strategic partnership comprising the United States, India, Japan, and Australia. Together, these nations represent nearly two billion people and account for over a third of the world&rsquo;s gross domestic product. The grouping has been active for more than 15 years.
Initially established in 2007, the Quad began as a union of nations that collaborated in response to the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. Since then, its scope has broadened to address regional challenges, including infrastructure development, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, climate change, and maritime security.
China has often criticised the group, alleging that it aims to establish an &ldquo;Asian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/nato" rel="dofollow">NATO</a>.&rdquo; However, the Quad&rsquo;s members maintain that it is a diplomatic initiative.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Marco Rubio will host discussions with the Indo-Pacific QUAD Foreign Ministers at the Department of State. This will be followed by a one-on-one meeting with India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.

Newly appointed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to meet the foreign ministers of the QUAD member nations on Tuesday (Jan 21), according to a statement from the US Department of State. Rubio will host discussions with the Indo-Pacific QUAD Foreign Ministers at 1 pm local time at the Department of State. This will be followed by a one-on-one meeting with India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at 3:45 pm. Also read: ‘Racist, sexist diversity nonsense’: Trump fires first female Coast Guard chief, Admiral Linda Lee Fagan Later in the day, Rubio is scheduled to meet individually with Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japan's Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi at the same venue. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, speaking ahead of her meeting with Rubio, described the US-Australia relationship as “our most important strategic partnership.” She also welcomed the opportunity to gather with other QUAD nations so soon after the new administration began its term. “It’s a demonstration of the collective commitment of all countries to the Quad, an iron-clad commitment in this time where close cooperation in the Indo-Pacific is so important,” Wong said while speaking to reporters in Washington. Also read: Trump’s false claim during inaugural speech that US ‘split the atom’ upsets New Zealanders Last year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in the QUAD Leaders' Summit in the United States. The summit, held in President Joe Biden’s hometown of Wilmington, Delaware, brought together leaders from the US, India, Australia, and Japan. What is the QUAD? The QUAD is a strategic partnership comprising the United States, India, Japan, and Australia. Together, these nations represent nearly two billion people and account for over a third of the world’s gross domestic product. The grouping has been active for more than 15 years. Initially established in 2007, the Quad began as a union of nations that collaborated in response to the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. Since then, its scope has broadened to address regional challenges, including infrastructure development, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, climate change, and maritime security. China has often criticised the group, alleging that it aims to establish an “Asian NATO.” However, the Quad’s members maintain that it is a diplomatic initiative. (With inputs from agencies)

Marco Rubio's diplomatic debut: US Secretary of State to hold talks with QUAD foreign ministers

Tragedy has fallen over a remote Indian village called Poshwan in South Kashmir’s Awantipora area in Pulwama District after a family got the news that their son, Azad Yousuf Kumar, 31, had been injured in the Russia-Ukraine war. The family alleges that Azad has been forcibly taken to fight in the ongoing war.&nbsp;

Mohammad Yousuf Kumar, Azad's father,&nbsp;has alleged that a YouTuber named “Baba Vlogs” which is operated by a consultant named Faisal Khan, based in Dubai lured his son, Azad into&nbsp;fraudulent job recruitment. According to him, he was taken to the Middle East on the pretext of a job but ended up in Russia as a mercenary for the Russian army in Ukraine.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Putin says Russia's forces have improved positions near Avdiivka, Donetsk

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/putin-says-russias-forces-have-improved-positions-near-avdiivka-donetsk-694012/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The family alleges that Azad has been hit by a bullet in his leg recently. The whole village is worried for Azad’s wellbeing and has asked the government to look into the fraudulent recruitment scheme which has led to Azad being trapped in Russia and forcibly deployed in the army without his consent.

According to the family members, Azad was offered a job as a cleaner and cook in the Middle East and on his arrival at Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE) was&nbsp;sent to Moscow, Russia.&nbsp;

He was made to sign agreements written in Russian, a language he did not understand and handed over to the Russian Army, where they underwent a 15-day training before being deployed to the Ukraine border. Now the family says only Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi can help them bring back their son.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/several-indians-discharged-from-russian-army-after-foreign-ministrys-intervention-693840">Several Indians discharged from Russian Army after foreign ministry intervenes</a>

&nbsp;“He was lured by a YouTube channel blogger by the name of ‘Baba Vlogs’'. He was told that he has to come to Mumbai first and then will get a job in the Middle East. They took his phone in Dubai and sent him to Russia. In Russia, he was recruited in the Russian Army. We lost complete contact with him for over three weeks and finally managed to get in touch with him. He was forced to join the Russian army; he had no idea that he was taken there. He was told that it will be a kitchen helper’s job. It's been three months since he was there. I request PM Modi to help us and get our child back. Our tears have dried up now,”' said Azad’s father. &nbsp;

Azad’s father has provided documents&nbsp;of the agreement in Russia, his number, pictures and the current location.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, another Kashmiri, Zahoor Ahmad Sheikh, a resident of the Hajinar Tangdar area of Kupwara in North Kashmir has been missing in Russia as well. He was taken to Russia in December 2023 and since then there has been no contact with him. A picture of him has gone viral on social media where he could be seen with other Indians wearing a combat uniform.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir Students Association has met LG Manoj Sinha and&nbsp;written to the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The association has&nbsp;also spoken to the joint secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs regarding Azad’s case and his return to India.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/four-indians-forcefully-made-to-join-wagner-group-participate-in-russia-ukraine-war-claims-kin-692546">Four Indians forcefully made to join Wagner group, participate in Russia-Ukraine war, claim relatives</a>

“Two people from Kashmir Valley are stranded in Russia at the moment. One is Azad Kumar, belonging to Awantipora area of District Pulwama. He was taken by a fraudulent recruitment company. He was taken by Faisal Khan who runs a Vlog. He had promised him a job of cleaning. Upon his arrival in Russia, he was asked to sign documentation in Russian language which he had no idea about. He was given training for 15 days and was injured and he has spoken to his family and another person is from North Kashmir. He was doing a job in Chandigarh; he was taken to Russia in December and since some days he is missing. We have written to the Ministry of External Affairs, we have spoken to LG Manoj Sinha and Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs. We have demanded that both of them are repatriated as soon as possible,” said Omar Jamal, National General Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association.&nbsp;

All the Indians who are stranded at the Russia-Ukraine borders have appealed to the Government of India for assistance and their safe return. In the meantime, the families of these men have&nbsp;requested the government to look into these fraudulent recruitment companies taking Indians on the pretext of jobs to warzones.

Tragedy has fallen over a remote Indian village called Poshwan in South Kashmir’s Awantipora area in Pulwama District after a family got the news that their son, Azad Yousuf Kumar, 31, had been injured in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Tragedy has fallen over a remote Indian village called Poshwan in South Kashmir’s Awantipora area in Pulwama District after a family got the news that their son, Azad Yousuf Kumar, 31, had been injured in the Russia-Ukraine war. The family alleges that Azad has been forcibly taken to fight in the ongoing war. Mohammad Yousuf Kumar, Azad's father, has alleged that a YouTuber named “Baba Vlogs” which is operated by a consultant named Faisal Khan, based in Dubai lured his son, Azad into fraudulent job recruitment. According to him, he was taken to the Middle East on the pretext of a job but ended up in Russia as a mercenary for the Russian army in Ukraine. WATCH | Putin says Russia's forces have improved positions near Avdiivka, Donetsk The family alleges that Azad has been hit by a bullet in his leg recently. The whole village is worried for Azad’s wellbeing and has asked the government to look into the fraudulent recruitment scheme which has led to Azad being trapped in Russia and forcibly deployed in the army without his consent. According to the family members, Azad was offered a job as a cleaner and cook in the Middle East and on his arrival at Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE) was sent to Moscow, Russia. He was made to sign agreements written in Russian, a language he did not understand and handed over to the Russian Army, where they underwent a 15-day training before being deployed to the Ukraine border. Now the family says only Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi can help them bring back their son. Also Read | Several Indians discharged from Russian Army after foreign ministry intervenes “He was lured by a YouTube channel blogger by the name of ‘Baba Vlogs’'. He was told that he has to come to Mumbai first and then will get a job in the Middle East. They took his phone in Dubai and sent him to Russia. In Russia, he was recruited in the Russian Army. We lost complete contact with him for over three weeks and finally managed to get in touch with him. He was forced to join the Russian army; he had no idea that he was taken there. He was told that it will be a kitchen helper’s job. It's been three months since he was there. I request PM Modi to help us and get our child back. Our tears have dried up now,”' said Azad’s father. Azad’s father has provided documents of the agreement in Russia, his number, pictures and the current location. Meanwhile, another Kashmiri, Zahoor Ahmad Sheikh, a resident of the Hajinar Tangdar area of Kupwara in North Kashmir has been missing in Russia as well. He was taken to Russia in December 2023 and since then there has been no contact with him. A picture of him has gone viral on social media where he could be seen with other Indians wearing a combat uniform. Jammu and Kashmir Students Association has met LG Manoj Sinha and written to the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The association has also spoken to the joint secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs regarding Azad’s case and his return to India. Also Read | Four Indians forcefully made to join Wagner group, participate in Russia-Ukraine war, claim relatives “Two people from Kashmir Valley are stranded in Russia at the moment. One is Azad Kumar, belonging to Awantipora area of District Pulwama. He was taken by a fraudulent recruitment company. He was taken by Faisal Khan who runs a Vlog. He had promised him a job of cleaning. Upon his arrival in Russia, he was asked to sign documentation in Russian language which he had no idea about. He was given training for 15 days and was injured and he has spoken to his family and another person is from North Kashmir. He was doing a job in Chandigarh; he was taken to Russia in December and since some days he is missing. We have written to the Ministry of External Affairs, we have spoken to LG Manoj Sinha and Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs. We have demanded that both of them are repatriated as soon as possible,” said Omar Jamal, National General Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association. All the Indians who are stranded at the Russia-Ukraine borders have appealed to the Government of India for assistance and their safe return. In the meantime, the families of these men have requested the government to look into these fraudulent recruitment companies taking Indians on the pretext of jobs to warzones.

India: 2 Kashmiris taken by fraudulent recruitment companies forced to fight for Russia against Ukraine

S. Jaishankar will&nbsp;visit&nbsp;Bahrain, UAE, and Seychelles from November 24 to 29 in what will be the Indian Foreign Minister's visit to West Asia and the Western Indian Ocean since the pandemic.

During the visit, Jaishankar&nbsp;will meet his partners and furthermore the top authority of Bahrain, UAE, and Seychelles.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-eu-can-help-shape-global-outcomes-together-indian-external-affairs-minister-jaishankar-345003" hreflang="en">India, EU can help shape global outcomes together: Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar</a>

Jaishankar's visit to Bahrain on November 24-25 will be his first visit to the nation as the Foreign Minister. He will actually pass on sympathies to the Bahraini administration on the death of Prime Minister of Bahrain Prince Khalifa receptacle Salman Al Khalifa on November 11.&nbsp;

He will hold chats on two-sided issues just as territorial and worldwide issues of shared interest. Bahrain has in excess of 350,000 Indians and the two nations have cooperated to confront the Covid-19 pandemic. Flights are operational between the two nations under an air bubble course of action.&nbsp;

The Minister will visit UAE on November 25-26. He is planned to meet the Foreign Minister of UAE, Sheik Abdullah receptacle Zayed Al Nahyan on November 26. The two chiefs will take forward the great collaboration among India and UAE under our exhaustive vital organization and trade sees on different provincial and worldwide issues, as per an MEA proclamation.&nbsp;

The Minister will likewise examine ways for Indian laborers to continue their positions in UAE in the post-Covid situation. In excess of 3,000,000 Indians live and work in UAE.&nbsp;

India and UAE have kept up close elevated level contacts during the Covid-19 pandemic. Prime Minister&nbsp;Narendra Modi has addressed the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheik Mohamed container Zayed Al Nahyan during the pandemic. Jaishankar himself has additionally addressed the UAE Foreign Minister a few times in the previous few months. They likewise co-led the India-UAE Joint Commission Meeting in September 2020.&nbsp;

A gathering of the High Level Task Force on Investments (HLTFI) was co-led by the Minister of Commerce and Industry and Railways and Chairman, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) toward the beginning of November.&nbsp;

Jaishankar will venture out to Seychelles on 27-28 November and will approach the recently chose President of Seychelles Wavel Ramkalawan to introduce welcome of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and examine with him the needs of the new Government and roads for additional reinforcing India-Seychelles reciprocal relations. He will likewise hold two-sided meetings with the recently selected Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Sylvestre Radegonde.

S. Jaishankar will visit Bahrain, UAE, and Seychelles from November 24 to 29 in what will be the Indian Foreign Minister's visit to West Asia and the Western Indian Ocean since the pandemic.

S. Jaishankar will visit Bahrain, UAE, and Seychelles from November 24 to 29 in what will be the Indian Foreign Minister's visit to West Asia and the Western Indian Ocean since the pandemic. During the visit, Jaishankar will meet his partners and furthermore the top authority of Bahrain, UAE, and Seychelles. Also read: India, EU can help shape global outcomes together: Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar Jaishankar's visit to Bahrain on November 24-25 will be his first visit to the nation as the Foreign Minister. He will actually pass on sympathies to the Bahraini administration on the death of Prime Minister of Bahrain Prince Khalifa receptacle Salman Al Khalifa on November 11. He will hold chats on two-sided issues just as territorial and worldwide issues of shared interest. Bahrain has in excess of 350,000 Indians and the two nations have cooperated to confront the Covid-19 pandemic. Flights are operational between the two nations under an air bubble course of action. The Minister will visit UAE on November 25-26. He is planned to meet the Foreign Minister of UAE, Sheik Abdullah receptacle Zayed Al Nahyan on November 26. The two chiefs will take forward the great collaboration among India and UAE under our exhaustive vital organization and trade sees on different provincial and worldwide issues, as per an MEA proclamation. The Minister will likewise examine ways for Indian laborers to continue their positions in UAE in the post-Covid situation. In excess of 3,000,000 Indians live and work in UAE. India and UAE have kept up close elevated level contacts during the Covid-19 pandemic. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has addressed the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheik Mohamed container Zayed Al Nahyan during the pandemic. Jaishankar himself has additionally addressed the UAE Foreign Minister a few times in the previous few months. They likewise co-led the India-UAE Joint Commission Meeting in September 2020. A gathering of the High Level Task Force on Investments (HLTFI) was co-led by the Minister of Commerce and Industry and Railways and Chairman, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) toward the beginning of November. Jaishankar will venture out to Seychelles on 27-28 November and will approach the recently chose President of Seychelles Wavel Ramkalawan to introduce welcome of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and examine with him the needs of the new Government and roads for additional reinforcing India-Seychelles reciprocal relations. He will likewise hold two-sided meetings with the recently selected Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Sylvestre Radegonde.

Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar to visit Bahrain, UAE and Seychelles

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived Russia on Tuesday on a four-day visit to attend a meeting of the foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

WION Dispatch: S Jaishankar expected to meet his Chinese counterpart

All eyes on India-China FM's meet

Indian EAM S Jaishankar is on a 4-day Russia visit, to attend SCO meeting