Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh engaged in a productive meeting with UK Defence Minister Grant Shapps in London, emphasizing enhanced defence industrial cooperation. Both ministers discussed defence, security, and cooperation matters, highlighting the growing strategic alignment, especially in the Indo-Pacific. The meeting resulted in two significant agreements - a bilateral international cadet exchange program and a defence collaboration arrangement between DRDO and UK's DSTL. These agreements aim to foster people-to-people exchanges and advance defence research collaboration. Singh's London visit included paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi and commemorating his return from South Africa on Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.

On the morning of the first day of his two-day UK visit, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh receives grand ceremonial welcome at the iconic Horse Guards Parade ground. The British Army's elite Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards and the Band of the Irish Guards orchestrated a special Guard of Honour for the minister, symbolizing the strong ties between Indian and the UK. Later, along with the UK Secretary of State for Defence, Grant Shapps, the Indian Raksha Mantri discussed shared military commitments and training opportunities at the Ministry of Defence. This marks a significant step towards strengthening the strategic partnership. Tomorrow, Singh is scheduled to meet with PM Sunak and David Cameron, further fostering diplomatic relations.

Maldivian politician Zahid Rameez, who faced backlash for derogatory comments post-PM Modi's Lakshadweep visit, wishes External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on his birthday. Rameez's online post, expressing goodwill and diplomatic success, comes after Jaishankar thanked Modi for birthday wishes. The earlier row emerged when Maldivian officials criticized Lakshadweep following Modi's visit, resulting in the suspension of three ministers. Rameez, a Progressive Party of Maldives leader, had mocked Modi's efforts to promote Lakshadweep, questioning cleanliness and ridiculing hotel standards. The birthday message signals a diplomatic tone shift amid efforts to mend relations strained by recent comments.

In a response to derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Maldivian ministers, Parliamentary Minority leader Ali Azim is urging the removal of President Mohamed Muizzu. Azim called for a vote of no confidence, emphasizing commitment to stable foreign policy and preventing isolation of neighboring countries. The Maldives government suspended three deputy ministers for their remarks, and the Maldivian envoy to India faced strong concerns from the External Affairs Ministry. The incident sparked a backlash in India, with celebrities advocating domestic tourism over Maldives trips. The Maldivian Foreign Ministry clarified that such remarks on social media don't reflect the government's position.

Former Maldives Defence Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi praises India as a reliable ally and criticizes her country's government for derogatory comments against PM Modi. Didi emphasizes India's vital assistance in defense, expressing disappointment over attempts to strain the historic relationship. She underscores the "911 call" nature of India's support and urges the Maldives government to uphold international commitments and maintain the age-old friendship. Tensions rose after Maldives ministers' disparaging remarks triggered a diplomatic row. Didi hopes for continued cooperation, acknowledging India's crucial role in medical aid and vaccination efforts. The Maldivian government distances itself from the remarks, promising appropriate action.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has landed in London, commencing a pivotal two-day visit focused on strengthening bilateral defence ties. His agenda includes a crucial meeting with UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, where discussions are expected to delve into critical technology sharing and the expansion of industrial defence cooperation. The talks are anticipated to extend to collaboration in joint development of fighter aircraft and military platforms. Minister Singh is also scheduled to engage with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Foreign Secretary David Cameron, addressing geopolitical scenarios in the Indo-Pacific, West Asia, and Ukraine. The visit involves interactions with CEOs of the UK Defence Industry and the Indian community, reinforcing diplomatic and industrial bonds.

Lakshadweep Administrator Praful Khoda Patel condemned the critical remarks by three Maldives ministers against PM Modi, stating it "challenged the dignity of India." He praised the nation's solidarity with the Prime Minister and dismissed the demand for a public apology, noting the disciplinary action taken. Patel welcomed Maldivians to Lakshadweep, emphasizing India's tradition. The row escalated after Maldives suspended the ministers for their comments on social media. Tensions between India and the Maldives have heightened, with diplomatic repercussions. India summoned the Maldives envoy as ties strain amid political shifts in the island nation.

Following her historic fourth consecutive term win in Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed gratitude to India, saying, "India is a great friend of Bangladesh. They supported us in 1971 and also in 1975. They gave shelter to me and my sister and my other family members." She recalled India's crucial support during her six years in exile after the assassination of her father, 'Bangabandhu' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Emphasizing bilateral resolutions to past issues, she commended the strong relationship between the two neighbors. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Hasina, pledging to enhance the enduring partnership. Hasina outlined economic progress as her government's primary focus for the next five years, adding, "With motherly affection, I look after my people who gave me this opportunity."

In a pre-arranged meeting, India's High Commissioner Munu Mahawar was assured by Maldives' Ambassador-at-Large, Dr. Ali Naseer Mohamed, that recent derogatory remarks against PM Narendra Modi by suspended ministers don't represent Maldives' stance. Maldivian officials stressed the government's awareness of personal views on social media not aligning with official positions. This response followed India's strong concerns conveyed to Maldivian envoy Ibrahim Shaheeb over ministers' comments on a video promoting Lakshadweep tourism. The incident has strained relations, with Indians reportedly reconsidering trips to the Maldives. Senior Maldivian politician Qasim Ibrahim warns of potential harm to longstanding ties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his congratulations to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for securing a historic fourth consecutive term in the recently-concluded parliamentary elections. Modi expressed his felicitations on X (Formerly known as Twitter,) "Spoke to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and congratulated her on her victory for a historic fourth consecutive term in the Parliamentary elections." also applauding the people of Bangladesh for the successful conduct of the elections. Sheikh Hasina's Awami League emerged victorious in the 12th Bangladesh general election, boycotted by the main opposition and its allies. The leaders affirmed their commitment to strengthening the enduring partnership between India and Bangladesh.