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✍️ Written by Saket Suman Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on Sunday addressed a press conference in New Delhi where both male and female journalists were present. This is a marked departure from the earlier controversy that erupted over the exclusion of women reporters from a similar event. Speaking at the presser, Muttaqi addressed the backlash over the earlier incident, saying the exclusion of women was not deliberate but rather a result of logistical constraints.  Women journalists at Taliban Presser. Image Via: Dr Pooja Tripathi “Regarding the press conference, it was due to the short notice. The participation list was prepared with specific journalists, and it was neither a technical issue nor any deliberate exclusion. It was not intended,” he said. The clarification came after significant condemnation from opposition leaders, press freedom bodies, and civil society.  The Editors Guild of India and the Indian Women Press Corps (IWPC) had issued strong statem...

The newly appointed U.S. Ambassador-designate to India, Sergio Gor, began his diplomatic innings with a whirlwind tour of New Delhi’s power corridors, marking his arrival with high-profile meetings and a strong show of bilateral optimism.  His engagements included Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and a closely watched sit-down with Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself.  External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar with newly appointed U.S. Ambassador-designate to India. “We just finished an incredible meeting with Prime Minister Modi, where we discussed bilateral issues, including defence, trade, and technology,” Gor said. He underlined the alignment of strategic priorities between the world’s two largest democracies. His message, though carefully diplomatic, reflected the unmistakable imprimatur of the Trump administration.  “The U.S. values its relationship with India, and under the strong le...

✍️ Written by Saket Suman A press conference by Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi on Friday is drawing sharp scrutiny for barring women journalists, who were not permitted to attend the event, held at the Afghan Embassy just hours after Muttaqi met with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.  The media interaction was restricted to a select group of male reporters.  Image Source: Hafiz Zia Ahmed This has triggered political backlash and raised uncomfortable questions about India’s diplomatic posture toward the Taliban regime. The media interaction was restricted to a select group of male reporters, in apparent adherence to the Taliban’s gender-exclusionary norms. People familiar with the matter said the list of invitees was prepared by Taliban officials, and not by Indian authorities.  According to some sources, the Indian side had suggested that women reporters also be included, but the recommendation was not heeded. The exclusion has spa...

At a time when multiple regional flashpoints are converging -- from violent unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK) to Taliban diplomacy, growing Indo-Russia economic ties, and security tensions with Canada--India has issued a clear, multi-front diplomatic stance, rooted in consistency and assertive strategic positioning. Limited information has so far reached the outside world about the full extent of the protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Image Via: Paul Antonopoulos In a comprehensive weekly briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed sharp questions from the press corps on the most pressing geopolitical developments of the week , underscoring India's principled approach across all theatres--from the subcontinent to West Asia and beyond. PoK Unrest: Natural consequence of Pakistan’s oppression On the ongoing mass protests and internet shutdowns in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Jaiswal pointedly described the si...

India and the Central American Integration System (SICA) reaffirmed their shared development vision in New York on the sidelines of UNGA80, with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar calling for deeper cooperation across digital payments, climate resilience, renewable energy, and public health.  India-SICA Foreign Minister’s Meeting Co-chairing the India-SICA Foreign Ministers' Meeting with Panama’s Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha, Jaishankar positioned India’s outreach as both practical and strategic, focused on turning political goodwill into economic and technological outcomes. Speaking candidly about common challenges such as poverty alleviation, post-pandemic recovery, and climate disruptions, Jaishankar said India sees SICA as a key partner in South-South cooperation and stressed that countries in both regions can tackle shared challenges more effectively by doing so together.  He pointed to the momentum built during the 2023 political dialogue in Panama Cit...

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a pointed address at the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New York on Thursday, warning that ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza are not only escalating geopolitical instability but also inflicting deep economic damage on the Global South. India's Foreign Minister Speaking on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly Speaking on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, Jaishankar said the correlation between international peace and global development is no longer theoretical -- it is now “well established” as both continue to deteriorate in parallel.  He cited soaring costs and disrupted access to food, energy, and fertilizer as direct consequences of war, disproportionately impacting the developing world. “The costs, especially to the Global South, were starkly demonstrated by ongoing conflicts, particularly in Ukraine and Gaza,” he said. “Making energy and other essentials more uncerta...

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar just chaired a High-Level Meeting of Like-Minded Global South countries on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York. He urged developing nations to act collectively in shaping global governance frameworks, including reforming multilateral institutions. Jaishankar just chaired a High-Level Meeting of Like-Minded Global South countries Addressing the assembled ministers and representatives, Jaishankar laid out a pointed five-pronged agenda for strengthening the Global South’s role in world affairs.  Pleased to meet FM Lejone Mpotjoana of Lesotho today on the sidelines of the High Level Meeting. 🇮🇳 🇱🇸 #UNGA80 pic.twitter.com/3hXORk1uoG — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 24, 2025 Emphasizing the urgency of coordinated action in an era marked by rising risks and complex challenges, he underlined that it is “natural” for the Global South to turn to multilateralism for solutions -- but on t...

India delivered a sharp rebuttal to Pakistan at the 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on Tuesday, accusing Islamabad of misusing the global platform to peddle “baseless and provocative” claims while ignoring its own internal crises. Speaking on behalf of the Indian delegation, Kshitij Tyagi, Counsellor at India’s Permanent Mission to the UN, lambasted Pakistan’s human rights record, economic freefall, and military-dominated political system. He called on Islamabad to “vacate Indian territory under its illegal occupation” and redirect its focus inward, toward restoring democratic governance and ending its support for terrorism. Indian Diplomat Kshitij Tyagi “A delegation that epitomises the antithesis of this approach continues to abuse this forum with baseless and provocative statements against India,” Tyagi said. “Instead of coveting our territory, they would do well to vacate the Indian territory under their illegal occupation and focus on rescuin...

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York this morning on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly.  Jaishankar meets Rubio The two officials discussed a broad range of bilateral and global issues, with both sides underscoring the importance of sustained engagement to advance shared priorities. This makes Jaishankar’s crucial, publicly disclosed meeting with Rubio since his appointment earlier this year under the Trump administration.  While details of the conversation were not made public, the meeting comes amid shifting geopolitical alignments, growing Indo-Pacific coordination, and renewed urgency around multilateral reform.  In a post on social media, Jaishankar confirmed the engagement and said both sides would remain in touch. The interaction follows a series of high-level diplomatic engagements between India and the United States in recent months, as both governments work to consolidate cooperation ac...

The Indian government on Saturday issued an official statement in response to President Donald Trump’s proclamation imposing a $100,000 annual surcharge on H-1B visas, calling the development one with far-reaching implications for families, innovation, and bilateral trade.  The statement, issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, said the new measure is being examined by all stakeholders, including Indian industry, and acknowledged early assessments that suggest serious humanitarian and economic disruption. All new and renewal petitions for H-1B visas must be accompanied by a $100,000 payment The move, signed into effect by President Trump, mandates that all new and renewal petitions for H-1B visas must be accompanied by a $100,000 payment. This comes on top of the $6,000–$10,000 companies already spend per worker in legal and filing fees. In its statement, India flagged the cost burden and the fallout on families, saying the measure is “likely to have humanitarian consequences b...

India and New Zealand on Monday stated their growing strategic convergence across a wide range of sectors during the sixth round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held in New Delhi.  The talks, led by Dr. Neena Malhotra, Secretary (South) at India’s Ministry of External Affairs, and Grahame Morton, Deputy Secretary for the Americas and Asia Group at New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, covered a comprehensive review of bilateral ties and regional cooperation. Image Source: MEA India The consultations focused on deepening engagement in key sectors including defence and security, trade and investment, education, agriculture, traditional medicine, customs cooperation, skilled mobility, climate action, and sports diplomacy.  Both sides also reviewed the progress made on bilateral agreements and joint announcements stemming from the visit of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to India in March 2025. Regional and multilateral cooperation featured promi...

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday issued a sharp rebuttal to inflammatory remarks reportedly made by Pakistan’s de facto military ruler, General Asim Munir, during his ongoing visit to the United States. The statement, released on August 11, called nuclear sabre-rattling “Pakistan’s stock-in-trade” and said the comments reinforced “well-held doubts about the integrity of nuclear command and control in a state where the military is hand-in-glove with terrorist groups.” Image Source: MEA/FM on X The MEA said:  “It is also regrettable that these remarks should have been made from the soil of a friendly third country. India has already made it clear that it will not give in to nuclear blackmail. We will continue to take all steps necessary to safeguard our national security.” Munir’s Threats in Florida As reported by The Times of India ’s Washington correspondent Chidanand Rajghatta, Munir, speaking at an event in Tampa, Florida, warned:  “We will wait for I...

India has been continuing its evacuation efforts under Operation Sindhu even a s tensions have eased following a ceasefire between Iran and Israel. A special flight from Mashhad landed in New Delhi at 00:01 hrs on June 26, carrying 272 Indian nationals and 3 Nepalese citizens. Image Source: MEA/FM on X This latest mission brings the total number of Indian nationals repatriated from Iran to 3,426 , according to External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. Launched in the immediate aftermath of the US-Israel strikes on Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure, Operation Sindhu was rolled out to ensure the safe return of Indian citizens amid fears of escalation.  Earlier phases of the operation also included airlifts from other affected regions, including Israel and Qatar. The Indian government has maintained that the safety and well-being of its nationals remains its topmost priority during ongoing regional instability.  Coordination between Indian missions in Te...

India has welcomed reports of the ceasefire between Iran and Israel while voicing deep concern over the ongoing conflict in West Asia. In an official statement issued Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs said it has been closely monitoring the developments, including U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites and Iran’s retaliatory missile attack on U.S. military bases in Qatar. Image Source: RavinderKapur2 on X “We welcome reports of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel and the role played by the US and Qatar in bringing it about,” the statement read. However, it underscored continuing concerns about long-term regional security and stability. India reaffirmed its consistent call for dialogue and diplomacy, stressing that there is “no alternative” to peaceful negotiations to address and resolve the multiple conflicts in the region. “India stands ready to play its part in these efforts,” the statement added, expressing hope that all parties will work towards sustained peace. The conflic...

India’s Operation Sindhu has now evacuated 2,576 Indian nationals from conflict-hit Iran as regional tensions continue under a fragile ceasefire. The latest evacuation flight, carrying 281 Indian citizens along with 3 Sri Lankan and 2 Nepalese nationals, arrived in New Delhi from Mashhad on June 24 at 3:00 PM. Minister of State P. Margherita welcomed the returnees, confirmed External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. Image Source: MEA/FM on X In light of the announced ceasefire between Iran and Israel, the Indian Embassy in Iran has closed its emergency Contact Desk at Hotel Sadr in Mashhad, which had been assisting evacuees since the operation began. The evacuation effort follows weeks of hostilities triggered by Israel’s June 13 strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, followed by retaliatory missile exchanges involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.  U.S. President Donald Trump brokered a ceasefire after what he termed the "12 Day War," though its stabili...

India has expanded its Operation Sindhu evacuation mission to include nationals stranded in Israel as the regional conflict continues to intensify.  On June 23, the first group of 161 Indian nationals evacuated from Israel via Jordan safely arrived in New Delhi at 8:20 AM.  Minister of State P. Margherita welcomed the returnees at the airport, according to External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. Image Source: IAF Continuing the mission, an Indian Air Force C-17 flight evacuated an additional 165 Indian nationals from Israel, landing in Delhi at 8:45 AM on June 24.  Minister of State Dr. L. Murugan received the evacuees upon arrival.  The IAF confirmed that its aircraft have also been deployed to evacuate Indian nationals and citizens of friendly countries from other conflict zones in the region, including missions launched from Jordan and Egypt. The expansion of Operation Sindhu comes as Iran, Israel, and the United States remain locked in a cycle o...

Indian diplomatic missions in the conflict-hit regions of the middle-east have issued fresh advisories urging citizens to exercise caution.  The Indian Embassy in Qatar advised its nationals on Monday to remain indoors following Iranian missile strikes on the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base, according to Mehr News Agency.  The Embassy urged citizens to "remain calm" and follow instructions from local Qatari authorities, adding that updates would be provided through official channels. Image Source: MEA/FM on X In Bahrain, the Indian Embassy amplified similar advisories from Bahrain's Interior Ministry, recommending residents identify safe rooms in their homes and review safety guidelines in case of explosions or sirens. The Iranian missile strikes came after U.S. forces bombed Iranian nuclear facilities—Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan—on June 22, deepening the ongoing conflict that has seen hundreds of missiles and drones exchanged between Israel and Iran over the past week. The escal...

India’s Operation Sindhu has now evacuated 2,295 nationals from conflict-hit Iran, as military hostilities involving Iran, Israel, and the United States continue to escalate.  The latest evacuation flight, carrying 292 Indian citizens from Mashhad, arrived in New Delhi at 3:30 AM on June 24, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed. Launched in response to the rapidly deteriorating security situation, Operation Sindhu was activated after U.S. airstrikes targeted Iran’s key underground nuclear facilities — Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan — following Israel’s initial military offensive on June 13.  Image Source: MEA/FM on X These developments raised global fears of a wider conflict, drawing sharp international reactions, including Russia’s warnings of potential global destabilization. In coordination with Tehran, Indian authorities had preemptively relocated many of its nationals, mostly students, to safer cities like Qom and Mashhad to facilitate safe evacu...