Sunday, 25 January 2026

South Asian Update
South Asian Update
India to recall diplomats’ families from Bangladesh

India to recall diplomats’ families from Bangladesh

India has decided to recall family members and dependents of its diplomats and officials stationed in Bangladesh, citing security concerns ahead of the country’s February 12 national elections, Indian media reported, quoting official sources.

Trump Invites Modi to join Gaza Peace Panel

Trump Invites Modi to join Gaza Peace Panel

US President Donald Trump has formally invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to join a proposed international “Board of Peace” for Gaza, an initiative Washington says is aimed at ending the conflict and laying the groundwork for long-term stability in the Middle East.

Iran and India discuss ties as Iranian FM condemns US interference

Iran and India discuss ties as Iranian FM condemns US interference

Iran and India have held high-level diplomatic talks as tensions continue to simmer across the Middle East, with Tehran strongly criticising what it described as ongoing US interference in regional affairs.

India plans new naval outpost in Bay of Bengal 

India plans new naval outpost in Bay of Bengal 

India is planning to set up a new naval facility in Haldia, West Bengal, as part of efforts to bolster maritime surveillance amid growing Chinese naval activity and evolving regional dynamics involving Bangladesh and Pakistan, according to defence sources quoted by India Today.

Trump backs bill to sanction China, India over Russian oil imports
Trump backs bill to sanction China, India over Russian oil imports

US President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind a bipartisan Russia Sanctions Bill aimed at pressuring major buyers of Russian oil, including China, India and Brazil, as Washington seeks to choke off revenue streams funding Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

Pentagon report on China sends clear security signal to India
Pentagon report on China sends clear security signal to India

The United States Department of Defense’s 2025 annual report on China’s military and security developments, though written for a domestic American audience, carries far-reaching implications for India’s strategic and defence planning. 

India-Bangladesh ties to strengthen after post-election stability: Jaishankar

India-Bangladesh ties to strengthen after post-election stability: Jaishankar

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said New Delhi expects its relations with Bangladesh to grow stronger once political normalcy is restored through elections, underscoring India’s broader vision of regional cooperation and stability.

India ready to induct next-generation missile system in the armed forces

India ready to induct next-generation missile system in the armed forces

India has moved closer to strengthening its air defence shield after successfully completing user evaluation trials of the next-generation Akash missile system, clearing a key hurdle for its induction into the armed forces.

India raises alarm over security of Dhaka mission

India raises alarm over security of Dhaka mission

India on Tuesday summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to New Delhi, Riaz Hamidullah, to convey serious concerns over what it described as a deteriorating security situation in Bangladesh and potential threats to Indian diplomatic premises.

US, India urge UN sanctions on terror groups

US, India urge UN sanctions on terror groups

The United States and India have jointly pressed the United Nations to impose new sanctions on affiliates of the Islamic State (IS) group and Al Qaeda, as well as on South Asia–focused militant outfits Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and what they described as their associated proxy networks.

Nearly 900,000 Indians renounced citizenship in past five years

Nearly 900,000 Indians renounced citizenship in past five years

Nearly 900,000 Indians have given up their citizenship in the last five years, official government data presented to Parliament shows, highlighting a sustained rise in the number of people opting to become foreign nationals.

At least 23 people dead after fire at nightclub in India’s Goa 

At least 23 people dead after fire at nightclub in India’s Goa 

A deadly fire tore through a nightclub in India`s Goa early Sunday, killing at least 23 people and injuring several others, officials confirmed. 

Putin seeks to boost energy, defence exports with India visit

Putin seeks to boost energy, defence exports with India visit

Russian President Vladimir Putin begins a two-day visit to India on Thursday, seeking to revitalise Moscow’s energy and defence partnership with New Delhi at a time when Western pressure and shifting global oil flows have strained the traditionally close ties between the two countries.

UN says Indian counter-terror operations in Kashmir violating human rights

UN says Indian counter-terror operations in Kashmir violating human rights

UN human rights experts on Tuesday accused Indian authorities of committing `serious violations` during large-scale counter-terrorism operations launched after the 22 April attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, which left 26 people dead. 

India imposes night curfew along Meghalaya border

India imposes night curfew along Meghalaya border

Authorities in India’s northeastern state of Meghalaya have imposed a night curfew along parts of the India–Bangladesh border in East Khasi Hills. 

Canada and India agree to resume trade talks after two-year freeze

Canada and India agree to resume trade talks after two-year freeze

Canada and India have agreed to revive negotiations on a long-delayed trade agreement, marking a significant step toward repairing bilateral ties that deteriorated sharply two years ago.