Maldives President Muizzu, after a China visit, asserts no country has the right to "bully" the island nation amidst a diplomatic spat with India. The dispute stems from derogatory remarks by Maldivian politicians on PM Modi's Lakshadweep visit. President Muizzu, emphasizing the nation's stature, states, "We may be small, but that doesn't give you the license to bully us." Following India's concerns, three ministers were suspended, and Maldivian envoy summoned. The remarks led to canceled vacations, with EaseMyTrip suspending Maldives bookings. President Muizzu, in China, urges intensified tourism efforts while maintaining previous "India Out" campaign stance.

India has lodged a strong protest against the UK over the visit of British envoy Jane Marriott to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The external affairs ministry deems the visit as an "unacceptable" infringement of India's territorial integrity. Marriott visited Mirpur in PoK on January 10, conducting meetings with various stakeholders. Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra raised a strong protest with the British High Commissioner in India, emphasizing that Jammu and Kashmir are integral parts of India. India has historically objected to foreign diplomats visiting PoK, urging respect for its sovereignty. Marriott's visit follows similar protests over US diplomats visiting the region.

In an exclusive session at Taj Hotel London, Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh engaged fervently with the Overseas Friends of BJP UK (OFBJPUK) on January 10, 2024. Emphasizing the paramount role of defense, Singh dedicated time to interact with committed karyakartas, assuring the continued security of India's borders and states. Addressing the spirited team, he expressed satisfaction with their enthusiasm, aiming for a substantial impact in the upcoming 2024 elections. Singh conveyed confidence in the Modi Government securing more seats than before. He urged the diaspora to maintain their credibility abroad, citing global recognition, including praise from China's Global Times. The meeting showcased a robust collaboration between the Defence Minister and OFBJPUK, underscoring a shared commitment to India's prosperity and security.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is set to visit Iran to address the escalating crises in Gaza and the Houthi attacks on commercial shipping near the Indian coast. Following US-UK strikes on Houthi positions, Jaishankar aims to engage Iranian leadership in mitigating global concerns in the Middle East. Discussions with counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahain and a potential meeting with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi are expected. India emphasizes concerns over Gaza's humanitarian situation and condemns Houthi attacks, expressing support for a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict. Jaishankar's visit will also touch upon the North-South Trade Corridor and address the ongoing Azerbaijan-Armenian conflict.

In a crucial diplomatic exchange, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed shared concerns over Houthi attacks in the southern Red Sea. The United States welcomes increased cooperation with India to safeguard freedom of navigation in the region, emphasizing the vital Red Sea corridor for international trade. The talks extended to addressing the Israel-Hamas conflict and efforts to prevent escalation, as well as discussions on Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Both leaders expressed optimism for extensive cooperation in 2024. The dialogue highlights the strategic partnership between India and the US in addressing global challenges.

India and the United Kingdom solidified their defense collaboration during the successful two-day visit of Defense Minister Rajnath Singh to the UK. The visit resulted in a strengthened partnership, marked by a candid exchange program and the announcement of the UK Navy's HMS Shepherd's deployment in the Indian Ocean. UK Secretary of State for Defence, Grant Shapps, expressed the significance of the defense partnership, emphasizing historic agreements in a video message posted on X. These include plans to increase joint exercises, deepen research partnerships, and notably, send the UK's Carrier Strike Group to India in 2025. Shapps underscored the crucial nature of this collaboration, emphasizing its heightened importance in current times. [Video Courtesy: @grantshapps/X ]

Canada's High Commissioner to India, Cameron Mackay, stressed the alignment of India and Canada's strategic interests, despite recent diplomatic tensions. Speaking at a seminar in Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, Mackay encouraged continued trade and investment ties, acknowledging past months' strains. He advised both governments and business communities to let diplomacy unfold while fostering friendly business relations, saying, "In the meantime let's have business-to-business ties. We should work together to make our business and nations friendly again." Former Indian high commissioner, Ajay Bisaria, noted the resilience of business ties amid political differences. Mackay highlighted over 100 Indian companies investing in Canada and 600 Canadian companies in India, emphasizing the enduring nature of economic collaboration.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh responded to China's Global Times praising India's global standing, stating, "No one can scare us and get away with it." Singh, currently in the UK, highlighted a shift in China's perspective post-Galwan Valley clash. He emphasized India's strategic power and dismissed the idea of India being weak. The Global Times article acknowledged India's economic growth and diplomatic strategies. Singh affirmed India's desire for good relations but noted the current strain with China. The Defence Minister declared that India's rising global standing cannot be ignored, according to ANI reports.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held talks with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in London on Wednesday, the first visit by an Indian defense minister in 20 years. Singh discussed with Sunak boosting defence and economic cooperation between their nations to uphold a peaceful rules-based global order. The minister called for the UK and other like-minded countries to collaborate with rising India toward this goal. The rare meeting signals growing defence ties as India and Britain explore closer military interoperability through joint exercises, defense technology transfers and co-development. It follows a productive India-UK defence industry roundtable on expanding strategic ties.

The US government has opposed providing case discovery to Nikhil Gupta's defense team as he faces extradition from the Czech Republic for allegedly plotting to kill Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Federal prosecutors argued that evidence will only be furnished if Gupta appears in a New York court, despite his lawyers recently filing a motion compelling early access to aid their defense preparations. A federal judge had directed the government to respond within days. Gupta was charged last month alongside others over the murder conspiracy. The prosecution's objection risks hampering his legal team's work until he is on US soil to stand trial over the high-profile allegations.