With Bashar al-Assad's regime overthrown, India-Syria relations face uncertainty. Syria has supported India on key issues, especially Kashmir, and backed India’s decision to revoke Article 370 in 2019. India, in turn, supported Syria’s claims to the Golan Heights and promoted a peaceful Syrian-led resolution during its civil war. The fall of Assad raises fears of extremist groups regaining strength, posing security risks for India. Despite the turmoil, India maintains its embassy in Damascus and prioritises Syria’s sovereignty. Economic ties, including trade and IT collaborations, remain vital as India monitors developments closely to safeguard mutual interests.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus met India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to address tensions in bilateral relations. Yunus raised concerns over former PM Sheikh Hasina’s statements from India, calling them a source of tension. Misri emphasised India’s commitment to protecting minorities in Bangladesh and urged cooperation to strengthen ties. Yunus assured that his government is committed to safeguarding all citizens. He also highlighted efforts to revive SAARC and improve flood management with India’s help. Misri reaffirmed India’s support for Bangladesh and denied favouring any political party. Both leaders expressed optimism about building stronger ties for mutual prosperity.

A fire broke out at Jungle Jamboree restaurant near Rajouri Garden Metro Station in Delhi on Monday, prompting over 20 students to jump to a nearby terrace to escape. The blaze, reported at 2:01 PM, saw 10 fire tenders dispatched. No fatalities occurred, but one person sustained minor injuries. Thick smoke engulfed the area, causing panic among shopkeepers. Authorities confirmed the building housed a restaurant, shops, and an institute. Videos of the incident went viral, showing people leaping to safety. Police and fire officials are investigating the fire's cause while ensuring all individuals are accounted for.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed provocative comments from a Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader, who claimed that Bangladesh could occupy Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha. "You will occupy Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha, and we’ll have lollipops?" Banerjee remarked, calling the statement baseless. She urged political leaders and the media to avoid stirring tensions, stressing the need for peace and unity in Bengal. Banerjee also highlighted the shared concerns of Hindus and Muslims in Bengal regarding the atrocities in Bangladesh, emphasizing the importance of secularism and compassion in resolving such issues.

India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Bangladeshi Foreign Adviser Mohammad Touhid Hossain in Dhaka, addressing recent attacks on religious institutions and minority communities. Misri described these incidents as "regrettable" and emphasized India's desire for a "positive, constructive, and mutually beneficial" relationship with Bangladesh's interim government. He stressed the importance of ensuring minority safety and welfare, calling the discussions "frank, candid, and constructive." This visit marks the first high-level dialogue since Bangladesh's political shift in August. Both sides agreed to evaluate their ties and focus on strengthening bilateral relations.

Videos of retired Bangladeshi army personnel making anti-India statements have gone viral, sparking concerns. In these clips, ex-soldiers claim Bangladesh could capture Kolkata and Assam within four days if supported by 3M citizens. These provocative remarks come amid strained India-Bangladesh ties following Sheikh Hasina’s ouster and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus leading an interim government. Communal violence against Hindus in Bangladesh has further deteriorated relations. While these statements are personal, they reflect shifting attitudes towards India. India accuses Dhaka of ignoring extremist violence. The Bangladeshi government has not officially endorsed these claims but tensions remain high.

Harshandeep Singh, a 20-year-old Indian student and security guard, was shot dead in Edmonton, Canada, on December 6, 2024. Police responded to reports of gunshots and found Singh unresponsive at an apartment building. Despite efforts to revive him, he was declared dead in the hospital. Two suspects, Evan Rain and Judith Saulteaux, both 30, were arrested and charged with first-degree murder. CCTV footage reportedly shows an attacker throwing Singh down the stairs before shooting him. The motive for the murder is still under investigation, and an autopsy is scheduled.

Kolkata saw escalating protests led by BJP leaders and Hindutva groups against Bangladesh, demanding an economic blockade. BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari argued India would benefit if bilateral trade is suspended, citing attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. BJP MP Jyotirmay Singh Mahato urged the Nobel Committee to reassess laureate Muhammad Yunus’s legacy, accusing him of failing to protect minorities. Hindutva groups burned Bangladeshi goods, calling for a boycott. Meanwhile, the BSF shot a Bangladeshi cattle smuggler near Jalpaiguri. West Bengal Speaker Biman Banerjee also criticized Yunus, emphasizing peace restoration failure in Bangladesh. India-Bangladesh trade and relations face renewed scrutiny.

The United States on Saturday rejected BJP’s claims that the American “deep state” and US-funded organisations collaborated with the OCCRP and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to undermine India’s image. A US embassy spokesperson termed the allegations “disappointing,” emphasizing America’s commitment to media freedom globally. The BJP had linked the OCCRP's funding to US entities, citing a French media report, and accused Gandhi of using its reports to criticize PM Modi and Gautam Adani. The US clarified that its support for journalism focuses on professional development and does not influence editorial choices. The controversy has sparked calls for transparency.

India's Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, will visit Bangladesh on December 9 for Foreign Office Consultations. His visit comes amid strained relations due to attacks on the Hindu community in Bangladesh. Reports indicate over 200 attacks on Hindus in more than 50 districts since August. The rise in violence has led to concerns from India and the United States. India has urged Bangladesh to ensure the protection of minorities and uphold legal rights. Misri's visit aims to address these issues and reaffirm India's expectations for justice and fairness in Bangladesh's legal processes.