India strongly rejected Pakistan’s criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks on Jammu and Kashmir in his podcast with Lex Fridman. The Ministry of External Affairs called Pakistan the “biggest roadblock” to regional peace, accusing it of cross-border terrorism. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal demanded Pakistan vacate Indian territory under its “illegal and forcible occupation.” Pakistan’s Foreign Office had termed PM Modi’s comments “misleading.” The diplomatic row intensified as US official Tulsi Gabbard highlighted “Islamist terrorism” as a common threat. PM Modi reiterated India’s commitment to peace but blamed Pakistan for rejecting peace overtures.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote to NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, expressing pride in her achievements as she returns to Earth after nine months in space. Modi stated that 1.4 billion Indians admire her resilience and perseverance. In his letter, dated March 1, he recalled meeting her father in 2016 and conveyed blessings for her journey. Williams, along with Butch Wilmore, undocked from the International Space Station for a 17-hour trip back. Modi also invited Williams to visit India after her return, calling her "one of India's most illustrious daughters." The nation awaits her safe homecoming.

On Sunday, a "grenade-like object" was hurled at the residence of Jalandhar-based YouTuber Rozer Sandhu, though it did not detonate. Pakistani gangster Shahzad Bhatti claimed responsibility, alleging Sandhu's content was offensive to Islam. Subsequently, 21-year-old Hardik Kamboj was apprehended in Yamunanagar, Haryana, and confessed to the act. During a weapon recovery operation in Jalandhar, Kamboj attempted to flee and opened fire on police; he was injured in the ensuing exchange and hospitalized. Authorities are investigating potential accomplices and considering Bhatti's threats of further violence if arrests are made.

A tragic road accident in Osceola County, Florida, claimed the lives of three members of a family from Telangana's Ranga Reddy district. The victims were identified as 34-year-old software professional Pragathi Reddy, her 56-year-old mother-in-law Suneetha, and her five-year-old son Arvin. The incident occurred when a pickup truck, traveling on the wrong side of the road, collided head-on with their SUV. Pragathi's husband, Rohit Reddy, who was driving, and their nine-month-old son survived with injuries. The family was returning home after a weekend trip when the crash happened. Pragathi had moved to the US in 2012 for her MS and married Rohit in December 2016.

The family of Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old Indian student missing in the Dominican Republic since March 6, has asked local police to declare her dead. Despite an extensive search, her body has not been found. Authorities have confiscated the passport of Joshua Steven Riibe, the last person seen with her, though he is not a suspect. Konanki, a permanent U.S. resident, disappeared from a Punta Cana beach after a night out. Her parents, trusting the investigation, acknowledged no suspected foul play. U.S. and Dominican authorities continue their probe into the case.

At the Raisina Dialogue 2025, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar criticized Western nations for their double standards in global diplomacy. He highlighted how Pakistan's 1947 invasion of Kashmir was reframed as a bilateral dispute, equating the aggressor with the victim. Jaishankar identified countries like the UK, Canada, Belgium, Australia, and the USA as complicit in this misrepresentation. He emphasized that even smaller nations can pose significant risks by exploiting global disorder, indirectly referencing Pakistan's actions. Jaishankar also underscored the necessity for a fair and consistent international order, advocating for a strong yet impartial United Nations to ensure global stability.

Indian historian Manikarnika Dutta, 37, faces deportation from the UK after exceeding the permitted 548 days outside the country. Despite 12 years in the UK and academic commitments at Oxford University, her indefinite leave request was denied due to 691 days abroad for research. Her lawyer argues the Home Office’s decision undermines UK academia. Her husband, Dr Souvik Naha, secured residency, but her appeal awaits reconsideration in three months. "I never thought this would happen to me," Dutta said. The case highlights concerns over UK immigration policies affecting global academic talent.

Indian nationals with H-1B visas, student visas, and green cards are facing increased scrutiny at US airports, with tougher screenings, detentions, and visa delays. A recent policy shift has reduced eligibility for "dropbox" interview waivers, making renewals harder. Attorneys warn travelers of potential months-long exile or permanent re-entry bans. Even green card holders face secondary inspections, with some pressured to surrender residency. Experts urge affected individuals to delay travel and consider remote work plans. "Think twice before leaving the US," warned an attorney, citing growing fears of "extreme vetting" and administrative processing delays.

India has raised concerns over pro-Khalistan activities in the US and New Zealand. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in a meeting with US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, highlighted the anti-India actions of the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) group operating in the US, urging stringent measures against this illegal organization. Gabbard emphasized the shared commitment of both nations to combat terrorism, particularly Islamist extremism. Separately, Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the issue with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, stressing the need for united action against terrorism, referencing past attacks like Christchurch 2019 and Mumbai 2008. Both leaders agreed on the unacceptability of terrorism in all forms and the necessity for strict measures against perpetrators.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon backed India’s bid for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council, citing its vital role in the Indo-Pacific. Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, he emphasized the need for a rules-based order and opposed hegemonic dominance in the region. Luxon praised India’s contributions to the Quad and highlighted growing defence cooperation. He reaffirmed New Zealand’s commitment to working with India for regional stability, economic partnerships, and maritime security. Luxon and PM Modi also discussed strengthening bilateral ties, emphasizing sovereignty, territorial integrity, and free navigation under international law.