Russian President Vladimir Putin will make a state visit to India on December 4–5, 2025, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. During his trip, he is expected to meet both PM Modi and President Droupadi Murmu, and a banquet will be hosted in his honour. The visit is aimed at reviewing progress in the “special and privileged strategic partnership” between India and Russia, and strengthening cooperation across political, economic, defence, and humanitarian sectors. (PC: AP)

During his second visit to India, Beckham said he was deeply moved by the country’s vibrant energy — from its lively streets to warm people and rich culture. As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, he met young fans and engaged in events focusing on children’s rights, mixing star appeal with purpose. Recently knighted by King Charles III for his contributions to sport and charity, Beckham called the honour “amazing” and expressed gratitude for being recognised for both his football career and philanthropic work. 

India's Ministry of External Affairs denounced Nepal's new Rs-100 banknote featuring a map claiming three Indian territories—Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura—calling it a "unilateral act" that "does not change ground reality." Nepal Rastra Bank issued the note with the revised map, which first appeared in May 2020 under KP Sharma Oli's government and was endorsed by Parliament. India sharply reacted then, rejecting the "artificial enlargement" of territorial claims. The Rs-100 is the only denomination featuring Nepal's map among banknotes (Rs 10-1,000). The note also depicts Mount Everest, rhododendron watermark, and references Lumbini as Buddha's birthplace. (PC: X)

India plans to procure five additional S-400 missile defence system squadrons from Russia, likely to be discussed during PM Modi's December summit with President Putin. The S-400 proved highly effective during Operation Sindoor, successfully neutralizing Pakistani drones. India signed a $5.43 billion deal in 2018 for five squadrons; three have been delivered. Moscow is pushing New Delhi to join the fifth-generation Sukhoi-57 fighter jet program as a development partner, not just a buyer, positioning it as Russia's answer to the F-35. The summit will also cover oil, energy cooperation, and trade MoUs. Chief of Air Staff AP Singh acknowledged the S-400's effectiveness but didn't confirm additional purchases. (PC: Wikipedia & Times Now)

India strongly rejected Pakistan's criticism of PM Modi hoisting a saffron flag at Ayodhya's Ram Temple. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal dismissed Pakistan's remarks, calling it a "country with a deeply stained record of bigotry" with no moral standing to lecture others. Pakistan had protested the flag-raising, claiming it pressured minorities and erased Muslim heritage, referencing the demolished Babri Masjid. On Tuesday, Modi raised a 22-foot saffron flag and led rituals performed by 108 priests under scholar Ganeshwar Shastri's guidance. He declared a "500-year-old resolve" fulfilled. The Supreme Court ruled in 2019 favoring Hindu plaintiffs after the 1992 mosque demolition. Modi laid the temple's foundation in 2020.

Several US-based X accounts recently exploited old photos of Rajendra Panchal, a 40-year-old Pune helper, to post racist content targeting Indians. Panchal suffered a jaw fracture at age one, leading to TMJ ankylosis, a condition fusing his jaw to his skull. Unable to afford surgery, he survived 38 years on liquids until receiving free treatment in 2017. Racist American users circulated his pre-surgery images, calling Indians "deformed job-stealers," aligning with Trump's MAGA rhetoric. One post garnered 11 million views. A September 2025 report documented 680 high-engagement anti-Indian posts totaling 281 million views, with 70% framing Indians as "invaders." This xenophobia intensified under Trump's second term, targeting even disability. (PC: X via Mohammed Zubair)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated Safran’s new Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility for aircraft engines in Hyderabad, highlighting India’s growing civil aviation sector. The facility, designed to service up to 300 LEAP engines annually, will employ over 1,000 skilled Indian technicians by 2035. During the event, Safran Chairman Ross McInnes, born in India, joked he was “Made in India,” referencing the “Make in India” campaign, prompting Modi to burst into laughter. Modi emphasized India’s rapid aviation growth, noting domestic carriers have ordered over 1,500 planes. He assured investors they are “co-creators” in India’s development journey, calling investment in India “the smartest business decision of this decade.”

Kapil Sharma, actor-comedian, addressed repeated shootings at his Kaps Cafe in Surrey, Canada, since its July opening. The cafe was targeted three times on the following dates, July 10, August 7, and October 16 though no injuries occurred and no group claimed responsibility. Sharma suggested Canadian police may lack power under local rules to control such incidents, contrasting it with Mumbai’s efficiency where he never felt unsafe. He noted each attack ironically drew larger crowds to his cafe. The matter escalated to Canada’s federal government and parliament discussions. At his film trailer launch, Sharma expressed faith, saying, “It is all ok if god is with me,” despite the unsettling events.

India strongly rebuked Pakistan’s criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat hoisting the saffron flag atop Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal dismissed Islamabad’s remarks as “contemptible,” stressing Pakistan’s “deeply stained record of bigotry, repression, and systemic mistreatment of minorities.” Pakistan had labeled the November 25 Dhwajarohan ceremony “Islamophobia” and “heritage desecration,” linking it to the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition and alleging discrimination against minorities. India rejected these claims outright, urging Pakistan to “turn its gaze inwards” and address its own human rights failings. The flag-hoisting marked the formal completion of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple, consecrated in January 2024.

India confirmed receiving Bangladesh's extradition request for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and is examining it through ongoing judicial and internal legal processes. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated India remains committed to Bangladesh's best interests, including peace, democracy, stability, and inclusion. Bangladesh initially requested extradition in December and again this month after the International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Hasina to death for crimes against humanity related to July 2024 demonstrations. Hasina called the tribunal "rigged," claiming it lacks democratic mandate under the unelected interim government. She alleged the death penalty reveals extremist figures' intent to eliminate her and nullify the Awami League, calling the trials a scapegoat tactic distracting from Dr. Mohammad Yunus's government failures. (PC: Wikimedia Commons)