Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized India's desire to grow alongside the world, highlighting strong global goodwill towards India. Speaking in Brisbane as he began a two-nation tour, Jaishankar shared optimism about international cooperation in fields like education, AI, and technology. He praised the global reputation of Indians for their education, work ethic, and family values, calling these qualities key in the modern workforce. During his visit, he will co-chair the 15th Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue with Australia’s Penny Wong, inaugurate India's fourth consulate in Brisbane, and deliver a keynote at the Raisina Down Under conference in Canberra.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau celebrated Diwali with Canada’s Indian community, sharing a video of his visits to Hindu temples. In a post, Trudeau showcased religious threads on his wrist, explaining they were gifts from three Hindu temples he visited recently for "good luck and protection." He expressed appreciation for Indo-Canadians, calling them "artists, entrepreneurs, and leaders" who embody Canadian values. Trudeau’s Diwali greetings came as tensions remain high between India and Canada following allegations linking Indian diplomats to Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing. Both nations expelled diplomats as the diplomatic standoff escalates over the unresolved issue.

India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, has accused Canada of placing Indian consular staff under audio and video surveillance, describing these actions as "harassment and intimidation." According to Jaiswal, Canada’s surveillance, including intercepted communications, violates diplomatic conventions and has been formally protested. This intensifies the already tense India-Canada relations, which escalated after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations of Indian involvement in the 2023 killing of Khalistani figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The diplomatic standoff has led to reciprocal expulsions of diplomats, with no resolution in sight as both nations continue exchanging allegations.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) criticized Canada’s recent National Cyber Threat Assessment report for categorizing India as a “cyber adversary,” calling it a strategic move by Canada to "attack" India. The report, published earlier this week, listed India alongside countries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, accusing India of state-sponsored hacking. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal condemned the label, calling the accusations baseless and alleging that Canadian officials openly seek to “manipulate global opinion” against India. Tensions between the countries have intensified since Canada’s September allegations linking India to the killing of Khalistan extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

The United States imposed sanctions on 400 entities worldwide, including 19 Indian companies, for allegedly aiding Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine by supplying critical technology. The sanctions, part of a broader initiative to restrict Russia’s access to key defense components, also target firms in China, Switzerland, and Turkey. The U.S. Treasury aims to curb Russia’s access to microelectronics and CNC items essential to its military. India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded, affirming India’s strong non-proliferation policies and commitment to international sanctions compliance. The Indian government emphasized that no domestic laws were violated by the sanctioned firms.

India summoned a Canadian diplomat following claims by Canada's Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister David Morrison that Home Minister Amit Shah had ordered the targeting of Khalistani extremists. India called the allegations "absurd and baseless" and conveyed its protest through a diplomatic note. The Ministry of External Affairs also criticized Canada's recent "adversary" labeling of India in its National Cyber Threat Assessment, calling it an "attack" without evidence. This follows strained relations over Canadian claims regarding the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India's Foreign Ministry warned these "irresponsible actions" could have serious consequences on India-Canada ties.

India has summoned a representative of the Canadian High Commission to express strong protest over allegations made against Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) handed over a diplomatic note to the Canadian representative, condemning the "absurd and baseless references" made by Canadian Deputy Minister David Morrison during the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security proceedings in Ottawa on October 29. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India protests in the strongest terms, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. This development reflects ongoing tensions between India and Canada, particularly since Canada's allegations regarding India's involvement in the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

The US has imposed sanctions on 275 individuals and entities, including 15 Indian companies, for allegedly supporting Russia's military-industrial base. These Indian companies, such as Abhar Technologies and Services Private Limited, Denvas Services Private Limited, and Emsystech, are accused of supplying Russia with advanced technology and equipment to support its war efforts. Companies from China, Switzerland, Thailand, and Turkiye have also been slapped with sanctions for similar reasons. The US aims to disrupt global evasion networks and target domestic Russian importers and producers of key materials for Russia's military-industrial base. This move is part of the US's efforts to weaken Russia's ability to wage war against Ukraine.

The US authorities have alerted Mumbai Police to the presence of Anmol Bishnoi, brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, in America, prompting extradition efforts. Anmol, 25, is implicated in several high-profile cases, including a shooting incident outside Bollywood actor Salman Khan's residence. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for his arrest, considering him a significant figure in organized crime. Anmol is chargesheeted in two NIA cases registered in 2022 and is also wanted for plotting to attack Salman Khan, with four Lawrence Bishnoi gang members already arrested.

As Diwali celebrations unfold, The High Commissioner of India, London extends heartfelt greetings to everyone, wishing happiness, prosperity, and new beginnings. The Festival of Lights serves as a reminder of unity and the shared journey of life. In a message shared on social media, Vikram Doraiswami emphasized the festival's significance, stating, "Diwali reminds us of our shared humanity and common trajectory as we move forward. Most of all, the festival reminds us of the opportunity to take a break, be with family, reconnect with friends, and acknowledge the common spark of divinity within us." The Indian diaspora in the UK is embracing the spirit of Diwali, engaging in various community events and cultural activities that highlight the rich traditions associated with this festival. From lighting diyas to sharing sweets, the celebrations reflect the deep-rooted cultural values and the joy of coming together with loved ones during this auspicious time.