During the UN Security Council open debate under China's presidency, India issued a veiled warning on the dangers of unsustainable financing, cautioning against a "vicious cycle of debt traps." Counsellor Madhu Sudan emphasized the need for transparent and equitable financing, urging vigilance against hidden agendas. The statement echoes India's recent calls to nations in the Indian Ocean region to address development challenges and avoid unviable projects or unsustainable debt. India also advocated for a reformed multilateralism and a UN reflecting 21st-century needs. The remarks underscore tensions around China's alleged "debt trap" diplomacy and advocate for a comprehensive vision of international security.

Canada's Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, is set to participate in the Virtual G20 Leaders' Summit hosted by India despite an ongoing diplomatic standoff. Tensions escalated as Trudeau accused India of involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, leading to the withdrawal of diplomats and halted consular services. The G20 summit, starting today at 5:30 pm, gathers global leaders to address key issues. The diplomatic rift adds a layer of complexity to the international dialogue. India emphasizes the need for evidence in response to Trudeau's claims. The summit will review progress since the New Delhi G20 meeting in September.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to lead the virtual G20 Leaders' Summit today, focusing on implementing the Delhi Declaration and addressing global challenges, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict. Expected to see strong participation, the summit will have Chinese Premier Li Qiang representing China, while Russian President Vladimir Putin, absent in September, will attend. The Kremlin cited the urgency of Ukraine previously. India's G20 Sherpa anticipates a rare and exceptional meeting, emphasizing development discussions. This event follows an extraordinary BRICS meeting on the Gaza crisis, highlighting the need for international dialogue.

During a BRICS meeting addressing the Israel-Hamas conflict, India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, conveyed India's strong condemnation of civilian casualties and urged immediate humanitarian aid to Gaza. Emphasizing the need for a two-state solution, Jaishankar highlighted India's commitment to socio-economic welfare in Palestine. He noted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's diplomatic efforts for peace negotiations and stressed the universal obligation to uphold international humanitarian law. India, sending 70 tonnes of humanitarian assistance, expressed ongoing support. Jaishankar applauded South Africa's initiative to convene the BRICS summit, addressing the complex situation and advocating for lasting solutions. [ photo courtesy: ANI/X ]

In a crucial meeting between Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Australian counterpart Penny Wong, the focus was on India's strained relations with Canada. Jaishankar expressed India's concern over the space provided to extremism and radicalism in Canada, emphasizing the need for Australia, with its amicable ties to both India and China, to understand India's perspective on the matter. The leaders also delved into discussions on the Quad alliance, covering topics ranging from intelligence sharing on shipping and military activities to trade and investments. Furthermore, India and Australia jointly committed to mapping the Indian Ocean sea floor, a critical step for submarine operations. The meeting underscored the complexities in the geopolitical landscape as nations navigate diplomatic challenges and regional partnerships.

A US diaspora panel, during a discussion organized by the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS), has called for the inclusion of designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) on the no-fly list. The panel emphasized Pannun's threats against Air India passengers and questioned why he and SFJ members are not already on the list. The SFJ, banned by India for anti-India activities, has been accused of promoting secessionism. The discussion also highlighted concerns about radicalization, historical misinformation, and alleged Canadian support for Khalistani terrorists, linking it to the 1985 Kanishka Air India bombing.

In a significant move commemorating the 15th anniversary of the Mumbai terror attacks, Israel officially designates Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) as a terrorist organization. The Israeli Embassy completed necessary procedures independently, emphasizing the need for a unified global front against terrorism. Two Israeli nationals, Gabriel and Rivka Holtzberg, were victims during the 26/11 attacks at Mumbai's Chabad House. The embassy extends condolences to all terrorism victims, expressing solidarity with those affected in Israel. LeT is termed a "deadly and reprehensible terror organization" responsible for heinous actions that continue to resonate globally.

India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, affirmed India's stance in the Informal UN General Assembly meeting, welcoming international efforts for humanitarian pauses in the Israel-Hamas war. Kamboj emphasized India's commitment to a just, peaceful, and lasting solution to the Israel-Palestine issue. The UN Security Council recently adopted a resolution for urgent humanitarian pauses and corridors in Gaza, overcoming previous deadlock. Kamboj stated, "India welcomes all efforts for de-escalation... firmly opposed to terrorism," highlighting India's humanitarian aid delivery of 70 tons to Palestine. She reiterated India's support for a sovereign Palestinian state through direct negotiations.

Canadian MP Chandra Arya, of Indian origin, has called for swift action after sharing a video on social media allegedly showing Pro Khalistani supporters in Surrey threatening the Hindu Laxmi Narayan Mandir. Expressing concern over escalating attacks on Hindu temples, Arya urged Canadian authorities to intervene. Recent incidents include the vandalization of a Hindu temple in August, featuring Khalistan referendum posters. Tensions between India and Canada persist following controversial remarks by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Despite a diplomatic standoff, India resumed visa services in Canada for selected categories last month.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has booked Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, chief of the banned outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), for his recent viral video threatening Air India passengers with a global blockade. Pannun, declared an 'individual terrorist' in 2020, urged Sikhs to boycott Air India, claiming a threat to their lives. The NIA has charged him under various sections, citing his consistent efforts to promote terrorism in India. This move follows the government's 2019 ban on SFJ as an 'unlawful association.' Pannun has been under the NIA's scrutiny since 2019, facing non-bailable arrest warrants and property confiscation.