The Trump administration has ordered stricter checks for H-1B visa applicants. A new State Department cable asks US diplomats to review LinkedIn pages and resumes of applicants to see if they worked in areas like content moderation, fact-checking, misinformation tracking or online safety. Officers must check if any applicant took part in restricting speech protected under US law. If so, the visa can be denied. The rule covers all visa types but focuses on H-1B workers, many of whom come from India’s tech sector. Both new and repeat applicants will face this review. (PC: India Today)

A Russian foreign-policy analyst says that for Vladimir Putin the foremost objective in his upcoming engagement with Narendra Modi is to protect the strategic partnership between India and Russia from external interference, notably from Donald Trump’s push on New Delhi to curb Russian energy and defence ties. The analyst argues Moscow views the relationship as a safety-net in a volatile international system—so maintaining it, even under Western sanctions regime, is critical. India’s balancing act between Russia and the West is therefore being framed by Russia as central to its geostrategic interests. (PC: AP)

Vladimir Putin has begun a two-day visit to India, with Narendra Modi hosting a private dinner followed by the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. Key agenda items include defence procurement (notably additional S-400 air-defence systems and potential interest in Su-57 fighters) and energy security amid US sanctions on Russian crude. Bilateral talks will also cover trade, employment mobility and diplomatic coordination on the Ukraine conflict, reflecting India’s balancing act between major powers. (PC: AFP)

Indian trucker Rajinder Kumar, living illegally in the US since 2022, has been charged with criminally negligent homicide and reckless endangering after his semi-truck blocked two lanes on Oregon’s Highway 20, causing a crash that killed newlyweds William Carter and Jennifer Lower on November 24. ICE has lodged an arrest detainer against Kumar, who entered illegally near Lukeville, Arizona, and later obtained a California commercial licence and work permit in 2023. This marks the fourth fatal crash involving Indian nationals driving trucks illegally in the US. Previous incidents include Jashanpreet Singh killing three in California, Partap Singh causing a pileup, and Harjinder Singh’s Florida crash that left three dead. (PC: India Today)

The government informed the Rajya Sabha that 72,218 foreign students from about 200 countries are currently studying in India. Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar highlighted India’s growing global academic presence, noting that 54 higher education institutions have been ranked in the QS World University Rankings 2026, compared to just 11 in 2014–15. He added that ₹6,198.99 crore has been sanctioned for eight public institutions under the World Class Institutions scheme to grant Institution of Eminence status. So far, 12 institutions have been notified as IoEs. Majumdar credited the National Education Policy 2020 for boosting infrastructure, research, and innovation, helping Indian HEIs achieve their highest-ever global representation.(PC: NDTV & HT)

Russian President Vladimir Putin will arrive in New Delhi on December 4 for his first India visit since the Ukraine conflict, marking the 25th year of the India–Russia strategic partnership. The two-day trip includes a ceremonial welcome, summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu. Agreements are expected in trade, agriculture, health, media, and cultural exchange, alongside a 2030 roadmap for economic cooperation. Defence discussions will focus on BrahMos upgrades, hypersonic projects, and S-400 procurement. Putin will be accompanied by seven senior ministers and the Central Bank Governor. Modi and Putin will also jointly address the India–Russia Business Forum at Bharat Mandapam. (PC: India Today & Times of India)

Russia's cabinet has approved a Memorandum of Understanding to deepen India-Russia civil nuclear energy cooperation, set to be signed during President Vladimir Putin's December 4-5 New Delhi visit. The agreement authorizes Rosatom, Russia's state nuclear corporation, to formalize the pact with Indian authorities. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed Rosatom CEO Alexei Ligachev will present comprehensive proposals, including a roadmap for Small Modular Reactor (SMR) collaboration emerging technology offering faster deployment and lower costs. Rosatom, currently constructing reactors at Tamil Nadu's Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, has expressed willingness to localize advanced Russian-designed systems in India, signaling a shift from project-based collaboration to long-term technology co-development and manufacturing.(PC: Nuclear Business Platform)

India signed a $946 million sustainment deal with the United States for 24 MH-60R "Seahawk" naval helicopters, covering maintenance, spare parts, training, and technical support over five years. The agreement, formalized through Letters of Offer & Acceptance under US Foreign Military Sales, includes comprehensive support for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface missions, and search-and-rescue operations. The timing precedes Russian President Vladimir Putin's December 4-5 India visit for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. India originally procured the helicopters in February 2020, with deliveries beginning in 2021. The Navy's first MH-60R squadron, INAS 334, was commissioned at INS Garuda, Kochi. The package enhances Indian Navy maritime capabilities and US-India interoperability.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India on December 4–5 for a state visit, his first since the Ukraine conflict. India and Russia are expected to sign agreements on trade, health, agriculture, media, and cultural exchange. The visit marks the 25th year of their strategic partnership and includes a ceremonial welcome, a bilateral summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a business forum address, and a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu. Defence talks will also cover advanced BrahMos missile variants and S-400 air-defence systems. Trade deficit issues and energy cooperation are likely to be discussed. (PC: India Today)

India has deployed a five-layer security ring for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s two-day visit to Delhi. The plan includes Russian Presidential Security officers, NSG commandos, Delhi Police, snipers, drones, jammers and AI-based monitoring. Over 40 Russian security personnel arrived earlier to inspect and secure all routes. A control room will track Putin’s movement in real time, and facial recognition cameras will be active across key locations. Putin will attend the India-Russia Annual Summit, visit Raj Ghat, and dine with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His armoured Aurus Senat limousine has also been flown in for the visit. (PC: NDTV)