"Diwali is about family, friends, and fun - so we brought all of that together in the office. Aap sabhi ko humari taraf se Diwali ki shubhkamnayein (A very Happy Diwali to all of you from our side)," the British High Commission in India posted on X (formerly Twitter) wishing all Indians on the occasion of Diwali. . British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis wished for a safe, happy and prosperous Diwali for everyone. "Namaste! We wish you all a very Happy Diwali from the side of the British High Commission. Diwali is truly a global event, celebrated in India, celebrated across the world including in 10 Downing Street, and across the United Kingdom," Ellis said. He said, "That's why I would like to say... 'Aap aur aapki Diwali surakshit, samridh aur khushaal rahe' (We wish you and your Diwali stay safe, prosperous and happy)".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and expressed deep concern over the escalating Israel-Hamas conflict in West Asia. Both leaders shared worries about the terrorism, violence and civilian casualties. They called for urgent efforts to resolve the tense situation peacefully. PM Modi conveyed India's full support to Brazil for the success of its upcoming G20 presidency. The two leaders also discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across all sectors, building on their recent meeting at the G20 summit in India. This comes after PM Modi's conversations with leaders in the West Asia region including Iran, UK and UAE where he emphasized ending the crisis and stopping loss of innocent lives. 

UK Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero, Claire Coutinho, calls for enhanced collaboration between the UK and India in addressing common climate goals. Speaking at the India Global Forum’s Diwali Reception, Coutinho highlights the valuable partnership, emphasizing shared ambitions in energy and climate change. The event, attended by eminent figures, celebrates the robust UK-India relationship. High Commissioner of India to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, outlines the potential for impactful UK-India partnerships in achieving global Net Zero targets. The Diwali event sets the stage for future collaborations and explores the vast potential in leveraging technology for positive change. [ photo: Claire Coutinho/X ]

During the '2+2' ministerial meeting, India strongly conveyed its serious concerns to the US regarding the escalating activities of pro-Khalistani elements in Canada. Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra emphasized India's core security concerns, pointing to recent videos. The American delegation, led by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, acknowledged India's apprehensions. Tensions between India and Canada have risen since Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau's allegations in September. India temporarily halted visa issuance to Canadians, leading Canada to withdraw 41 diplomats and family members, though some visa services have resumed.          

Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh symbolically handed over World War II-era items recovered in Assam to visiting US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. The items included parts of a parachute, uniform and airplane belonging to missing US air force personnel who crashed in northeast India while supplying Chinese troops over the Himalayas. The exchange was part of the US DPAA mission to find remains of over 81,800 service members still missing from WWII to Iraq. Austin thanked India for aiding the agency's work since 1978. The items will help provide closure to families of lost US soldiers. Their return highlights cooperation on accounting for all troops no matter how long it takes.

India and the US held the 2+2 dialogue between defense and foreign ministers on Friday to expand strategic ties. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, EAM S Jaishankar and their American counterparts discussed bolstering cooperation in critical minerals, high technology and Indo-Pacific security amid geopolitical challenges like Ukraine. Despite differences on Ukraine, strategic and security cooperation has advanced with the US viewing India as a counter to China. Key areas were Indo-Pacific, West Asia and Ukraine per Jaishankar. Singh called defense pivotal. Blinken emphasized jointly promoting an open Indo-Pacific. With momentum in ties, delivering for people amid global crises was important per Blinken. India-US ties have progressed despite global turbulence.

Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly acknowledged tensions with India, saying the relationship is going through a "difficult moment." Speaking after a G7 meeting, Joly said she was in close contact with Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during this tough phase. Bilateral ties plunged in September when Canada alleged Indian agents killed a Sikh separatist, which India denied. After Canada expelled dozens of Indian diplomats invoking parity, Joly said their safety was at risk. However, she expressed confidence Canada and India would get through this difficult period given their longstanding relationship. EAM Jaishankar recently echoed they were in a difficult phase due to certain Canadian policies. Both sides acknowledged challenges but hoped to move past the diplomatic spat.

Canada Post has released a new Diwali stamp depicting traditional elements like toranas, marigold flowers and diyas. Designed by Kristine Do and Rena Chen, it features a vibrant background of purple-blue with warm orange, yellow, green and white. The $5.52 stamp is meant to mark Diwali celebrated by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs. This is the 5th Diwali stamp from Canada Post since 2017. Diwali celebrations also took place in Ottawa, including an event at Parliament Hill attended by opposition leader Pierre Poilievre. Co-hosted by MP Todd Doherty, it was the 23rd Parliament Hill Diwali event, started in 2000 by late MP Deepak Obhrai. Poilievre tweeted it was a wonderful celebration of light over darkness.

India is forging closer economic ties with Taiwan by planning to send up to 100,000 workers there as early as next month, senior officials say, a move that risks angering neighbor China. The workers would fill labor shortages in Taiwan's aging society across factories, farms and hospitals. But the deal would increase tensions with China, which claims Taiwan and has a disputed border with India. While India hasn't ditched its "One China" policy, it has fostered an active unofficial relationship with Taiwan. India's foreign ministry confirmed negotiations are in final stages, though health certification mechanisms are still being resolved.

Canadian officials are investigating threats against Air India after videos surfaced of a Sikh separatist leader warning against flying with the airline. The threats came from Sikhs for Justice head Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Canada's transportation minister said they take all aviation threats seriously. India has raised the issue with Canada, condemning such terrorist threats. The warnings are reminiscent of the 1985 Air India bombing that killed 329 people. Indian intelligence views the threats seriously despite doubts over the group's capacity.