vikram misri

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior leaders updated their X profile pictures to commemorate the first anniversary of "Operation Sindoor." This operation, launched after the Pahalgam terror attack, saw Indian forces strike terror bases in Pakistan and PoJK, destroying launchpads and eliminating over 100 terrorists. The military response was a significant act of valour and patriotism.

Nepal has officially objected to India resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Lipulekh Pass, a territory it claims based on the 1816 Sugauli Treaty. India dismissed these claims as unjustified and historically unfounded, stating Lipulekh has been a long-standing yatra route. This dispute marks a potential test for bilateral ties as both nations prepare for diplomatic discussions.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit India next month following productive talks with Foreign Secretary vikram misri in Washington. Discussions focused on strengthening the bilateral partnership, particularly in trade, defence, critical minerals, and the Quad. Both nations aim to deepen engagement across these vital sectors, enhancing their Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to visit India next month, following a productive meeting with Indian Foreign Secretary vikram misri. The discussions focused on bilateral ties, including trade, critical minerals, defense, and the Quad. Efforts are also under way to schedule a Quad foreign ministers' meeting around Rubio's visit.

India and the US are deepening their strategic partnership, with Ambassador Gor highlighting significant growth in defense cooperation, including boosted sales and interoperability. Following India's SHANTI Bill, civil nuclear energy collaboration is set to expand, alongside opportunities in coal gasification and LPG exports. High-level meetings in Washington underscored a shared commitment to strengthening security and trade across multiple sectors.

Two India-flagged vessels, the Sanmar Herald and Jag Arnav, were targeted by Iranian gunboats in the Strait of Hormuz, forcing a convoy of 14 ships to abort transit. The incident caused confusion over passage instructions, with multiple vessels turning back. India has lodged a protest with Iran, urging safe passage for merchant shipping.

Two Indian-flagged tankers, Bhagya Lakshmi and Sanmar Herald, were denied passage and reportedly fired upon by Iranian gunboats in the Strait of Hormuz. Crew members of Bhagya Lakshmi were told to turn back, while Sanmar Herald reported being fired upon despite prior clearance. India has raised concerns with Iran over the safety of merchant shipping.

Data from MarineTraffic shows that several Indian and foreign ships headed for Indian ports are still awaiting clearance near the Strait of Hormuz. According to the petroleum ministry, 17 vessels have been identified for evacuation.

The United States is set to host an Indian delegation this month, signaling renewed momentum in bilateral trade talks. This follows a productive meeting between US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Indian Foreign Secretary vikram misri, who is in the US to review trade, defense, and technology ties.

The Strait of Hormuz faces severe disruption after a weekend of escalations, including ships coming under gunfire and a US seizure of an Iranian vessel. Commercial movement is chaotic, with vessels reversing course or drifting amid conflicting instructions. This directly confronts the fragile ceasefire, pushing the vital energy corridor to the brink.

India is set to join the UK-led discussions focusing on reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs. The Foreign Secretary is expected to represent India at this pivotal meeting.

Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah emphasized sincere dialogue on trade, security, and resource sharing for a prosperous future built on shared democratic beliefs. He highlighted the need for mutual respect and interdependence, recalling India's crucial support during Bangladesh's 1971 Liberation War and the spirit of equality and justice.

US Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby concluded his India visit, focusing on strengthening the defense partnership and key elements of the 2026 National Defence Strategy. Discussions with senior Indian officials advanced the Framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership, covering operational coordination, information sharing, and industrial collaboration.

West Asia's ongoing conflict is severely impacting India's premium basmati rice exports, with traders facing substantial losses and pending payments estimated between Rs 2,000 to Rs 25,000 crore. This disruption threatens farmers' livelihoods as shipments are held at ports. The geopolitical tension also affects Indian workers and various other sectors reliant on West Asian trade routes and energy supplies.

West Asia's escalating conflict is severely impacting India's premium basmati rice trade, with thousands of crores in payments pending and consignments stuck at ports. This disruption threatens significant losses for Indian traders and could negatively affect farming communities. The government is assessing the broader implications for various Indian sectors exposed to the region.

Opposition parties pledged full support to the government on the Middle East crisis following an all-party meeting. Ministers addressed concerns regarding the Iran-Israel-US conflict's impact on India, including energy supplies and citizen safety. While most parties expressed satisfaction, some, like the TMC, skipped the meeting, and a few voiced lingering concerns about parliamentary debate.

Foreign Secretary vikram misri signed a condolence book at the Iranian embassy following the killing of Iran's supreme leader, amid criticism over India's initial silence. This move follows a telephonic conversation between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart, with a potential high-level meeting scheduled.