The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating a human trafficking racket involving Canadian colleges. Indians were reportedly lured and charged ₹55-60 lakh each to enter the US illegally via Canada. The probe began after a Gujarat family froze to death at the US-Canada border in 2022. ED raided locations in Mumbai, Nagpur, Gandhinagar, and Vadodara, suspecting two entities of helping students obtain Canadian visas under false pretenses. Over 260 Canadian colleges are linked to the scam. Instead of attending classes, students crossed the border illegally. The investigation is ongoing to uncover the extent of the racket.

A local Afghan staffer at the closed Indian Consulate in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, sustained minor injuries in an incident, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Indian authorities are in contact with their Afghan counterparts and awaiting further details. India had shut the consulate in 2020, though it continues humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan. Partnering with UNODC, India has supplied over 50,000 MT of wheat, medical aid, and earthquake relief. The Indian Embassy in Kabul operates with a technical team focused on aid delivery. India aligns its Afghanistan policy with historical ties and UN resolutions, including UNSCR 2593.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar begins a 6-day US visit, marking his first trip since Donald Trump's election victory. The visit, aimed at strengthening India-US relations, includes meetings with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Biden administration officials. Jaishankar will also brief Indian diplomats on engagement strategies with Trump 2.0 officials, focusing on bilateral, strategic, and global issues. This visit comes amid tensions over Canada’s accusations against India and highlights efforts to maintain continuity in ties. Experts anticipate cautious optimism for deeper cooperation, especially in technology and defense, while navigating challenges like reciprocal tariffs and immigration policies.

The Ram temple project in Ayodhya has received the British Safety Council's prestigious ‘Sword of Honour’ for maintaining exceptional safety standards. The construction, managed by L&T with Tata Consulting Engineers' support, also won the National Safety Council's Golden Trophy. The British Safety Council awarded the honour after rigorous inspections of the project, which met top safety criteria. The temple's construction has involved over 15 million man-hours of labour, with safety precautions ensuring smooth progress despite challenges posed by the large number of daily devotees visiting the site.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has nominated Krish Raval, an Indian-origin professional, for a life peerage in the House of Lords. Raval is the founder of Faith in Leadership, an organization based at the University of Oxford focused on inter-faith relations. He was awarded an OBE in 2018 for his work in leadership education and inter-faith cohesion. Raval, also the chair of Labour Party’s diaspora group, Labour Indians, will join the Labour benches in the House of Lords, alongside other nominees, including Sue Gray and Thangam Debbonnaire. The King must approve the nominations.

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is under increasing pressure to resign as most Liberal MPs, particularly from Ontario, call for his step down. This follows the resignation of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland over policy differences. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh and Indian-origin MP Chandra Arya have also voiced their demand for Trudeau’s resignation. His departure could potentially ease tensions with India, which have worsened due to accusations against India over the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. A new leader could shift Canada’s approach, potentially improving diplomatic ties with India. Polls show the Conservative Party is leading.

India has confirmed receiving a note verbale from Bangladesh regarding an extradition request for Sheikh Hasina, the ousted Prime Minister of Bangladesh. A source stated, "We confirm that we have received a note verbale from the Bangladesh High Commission today in connection with an extradition request. At this time, we have no comment to offer on this matter." Hasina has been residing in India after being ousted in Bangladesh. The issue arises amid the presence of a caretaker government in Bangladesh. Authorities have refrained from providing further details or commenting on the request.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will visit the US from December 24 to 29. This is the first high-level visit since Donald Trump’s recent election win. He will meet US officials to discuss key issues, including strengthening India-US ties and addressing global challenges. The talks aim to boost cooperation in areas like trade, technology, and defence. During his visit, Jaishankar will also chair a meeting with India’s Consul Generals in the US. The Ministry of External Affairs said the visit reflects India’s commitment to deepening ties with the US and addressing regional and global issues together.

Bangladesh's interim government has sent a diplomatic note to India, requesting the return of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, 77, who has been in exile in India since August 5, 2024. Hasina fled Bangladesh during widespread student-led protests that ended her 16-year rule. Dhaka's International Crimes Tribunal has issued arrest warrants for Hasina and several officials for "crimes against humanity and genocide." Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain confirmed the extradition request, citing an existing treaty with India. Home Adviser Jahangir Alam added that efforts are underway to facilitate the judicial process.

UK Minister Dan Jarvis assured the Sikh Federation of protection, stating, “We do not tolerate intimidation or threats to life.” The assurance follows allegations that Indian agencies targeted British Sikhs. India rejected the claims as baseless, with ex-diplomat Kanwal Sibal stating, “UK authorities have long encouraged Khalistani extremists to threaten India’s sovereignty.” Jarvis also urged India to cooperate with Canada on the Nijjar case, which India labeled politically motivated and lacking evidence. Many Sikhs distanced themselves from the Sikh Federation, criticizing its divisive rhetoric. Questions linger over the allegations’ credibility.