The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) refuted claims of a secret memo against Hardeep Singh Nijjar, denying its existence and labeling reports as "fake and completely fabricated." The ministry accused the outlet of disseminating the information of promoting "fake narratives peddled by Pakistani intelligence." In a statement, MEA emphasized a "sustained disinformation campaign against India" and warned against amplifying such news, stating, "Those who amplify such fake news only do so at the cost of their own credibility." Several media reports claimed that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had issued a secret memo in April 2023 directing Indian consulates in North America to initiate a crackdown against Khalistan supporters in Western nations.

The Indian embassy in Kuwait on Monday issued an advisory for Indian drivers coming on work visas after rising cases of shady recruitments. It said more Indians are hired as "restaurant drivers" but later deployed by employers named "consumer orders" as illegal food delivery bike riders. Terming it a breach of job contract, the embassy asked emigrants to retain passports, not hand them over to agents, and ensure having an employment visa before leaving. The advisory also listed guidelines like checking if the employer is registered, reporting coercion, and informing the embassy about disputes. It urged vigilance against delivery driver traps forcing hazardous work violating Kuwaiti laws. READ THE FULL ADVISORY IN THE LINK BELOW.

India's ambassador to Qatar visited eight former naval officers sentenced to death in October, facing unspecified charges. The court order remains confidential, with speculation that they were "charged with spying for Israel." India, deeply shocked by the verdict, has appealed, as diplomatic tensions rise. The meeting occurred after Prime Minister Modi's talks on the Indian community's well-being with Qatar's Emir. The men, reported as ex-naval personnel, worked for Al Dahra. With 700,000 Indians in Qatar, this case tests India's diplomatic prowess, emphasizing the sensitivity surrounding the undisclosed charges and legal proceedings.    

In an effort to boost tourism and the economy, Indonesia's tourism ministry proposed issuing free entry visas to travelers from 20 top visitor countries including India on Thursday. Minister Sandiaga Uno said attracting more foreign tourists is expected to have a multiplier effect, increasing domestic spending, drawing investment, and supporting digital economic growth. He said the goal is to target high-quality tourists who stay longer and spend more money locally. The 20 countries also include Australia, China, South Korea, the U.S., U.K., France and Germany. Uno noted the free visas would apply to nations without existing visa exemptions. The move comes as part of Indonesia's push to increase international visitor numbers.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar engaged in a conversation with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh, stating, "Spoke to Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh this evening. He expressed deep concern on the situation in both Gaza and the West Bank." Jaishankar reiterated India's 'long-standing position' on the Israel-Palestine issue, emphasizing the commitment to a peaceful resolution. He added, "(We) Agreed to remain in touch," highlighting diplomatic continuity. This diplomatic exchange echoes Prime Minister Modi's reaffirmation on October 19 during talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. As tensions persist in the region, India underscores the importance of dialogue in addressing the complex Israel-Hamas conflict.      

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif stated he was removed from office in 1999 by General Pervez Musharraf for opposing the Kargil conflict with India, saying "When I opposed the Kargil plan saying it should not happen...I was ousted (by Gen Pervez Musharraf)." Speaking on Saturday, the three-time PM questioned why he has repeatedly been prematurely ousted from the premiership despite delivering results. Sharif said he was sacked in 1993, 1999 and 2017, asking to be told the reasons. He specifically highlighted his opposition to the unauthorized Kargil infiltration into India as the trigger for Musharraf's 1999 coup. Sharif also emphasized the need for Pakistan to have good ties with India, citing his Lahore peace efforts with two Indian prime ministers during his tenures.

Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi has denied signing a parliamentary reply stating India's position on declaring Hamas a terror organization. Lekhi tweeted that she did not sign any paper with that question and answer, calling for a probe to reveal the "culprit" behind the forged response attributed to her on the Ministry of External Affairs website. The reply said India remains concerned about the Israel-Hamas conflict and called for restraint and de-escalation through dialogue. Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi sought clarification from MEA on Lekhi disassociating from the reply, asking if it's a serious breach and violation of rules. Lekhi asserted she has no idea who drafted the response to that specific parliamentary question.

In calling for India's cooperation into its allegations of a potential Indian link to the killing of a Khalistani leader on its soil, Canada has not provided any "specific and relevant information" to New Delhi for it to act upon, the government informed Parliament on Friday. Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said in Lok Sabha that the government has conveyed to Canada its "concerns" over activities of anti-India elements in that country and requested Ottawa to take action against such elements besides denying space to them. The government has rejected the allegations of its involvement in "any act of violence" in Canada, he said replying to a question.  

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been ranked the world's most popular leader with a 76% approval rating in a recent survey by US consultancy Morning Consult. He leads Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador at 66% and others on the list of 22 global leaders. Modi also has the lowest disapproval rating at 18%. He has retained the top popularity spot in previous Morning Consult surveys this year as well. The news comes as Modi's BJP party won 3 out of 4 recent state elections in India, which the party credits to his popularity and "Modi Magic". However, Canada's PM Justin Trudeau had the highest disapproval at 58%, potentially reflecting diplomatic tensions with India.

In a poignant celebration of Armed Forces Day, the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi paid tribute to Indian war heroes who fought alongside the Mukti Bahini during the 1971 liberation war. Lt Gen VM Bhuvana Krishnan, Quartermaster General of the Indian Army, attended as the chief guest, stating, "It's a testament to the strong bond between our nations." Bangladesh High Commissioner Mohammed Mustafizur Rahman expressed gratitude, saying, "India played a crucial role in our liberation," and highlighted growing defense cooperation. He thanked India as a "trusted partner" in Bangladesh's development journey. Krishnan praised Bangladesh's armed forces, noting their remarkable progress.