India and the United States have signed a historic 10-year defence cooperation framework, strengthening their strategic and military partnership. The agreement, finalized during Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s meeting with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in Kuala Lumpur, emphasizes joint defence production, intelligence sharing, and advanced technology collaboration. Both sides hailed the pact as a milestone, underscoring that bilateral defence ties “have never been stronger.” The framework aims to enhance regional stability, counter emerging security threats, and reinforce the two nations’ shared commitment to peace and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region.    

Arvi Singh Sagoo, a 55-year-old Indian-origin businessman, was killed in Edmonton, Canada, after confronting a stranger urinating on his car. On October 19, Sagoo and his girlfriend returned from dinner to find a man relieving himself on their vehicle. When Sagoo asked, "Hey, what are you doing?", the stranger replied, "Whatever I want," before punching him in the head. Sagoo collapsed immediately and was rushed to hospital on life support but died five days later on October 24. Kyle Papin, 40, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault. Police confirmed no prior connection existed, calling it "completely unprovoked." The incident sparked anger within Canada's Indian community amid rising racially motivated violence concerns.

US Vice President JD Vance sparked controversy after stating at a Turning Point USA event at the University of Mississippi that he hopes his wife, Usha Vance, will convert to Christianity. Vance revealed that Usha, who grew up in a Hindu family but identifies as agnostic, regularly accompanies him to church. He expressed his wish for her eventual conversion while acknowledging her free will. The couple, both formerly agnostic/atheist, decided to raise their three children Christian. The comments triggered significant backlash on social media, with critics calling him hypocritical, noting the couple had a Vedic Hindu wedding and named one child Vivek. Many condemned his remarks as disrespectful, arguing acceptance shouldn't require changing someone's religious beliefs.

India secured a six-month US sanctions waiver for Iran's Chabahar Port, allowing operations until April 2026, MEA confirmed Thursday. The exemption permits India Ports Global Limited to operate the Shahid Beheshti terminal without penalties under the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act. Originally granted in 2018, the waiver acknowledges Chabahar's humanitarian importance for Afghanistan and Central Asian trade access, bypassing Pakistan. India pledged $370 million in investments under May 2024's 10-year agreement, with $120 million already spent on infrastructure and International North-South Transport Corridor connectivity. The strategically vital port counters China's Gwadar development in Pakistan. MEA reaffirmed commitment to full port development, noting successful wheat and urea shipments to Afghanistan demonstrating humanitarian significance.

US Vice President JD Vance publicly expressed hope that his Indian-origin wife, Usha Vance, will eventually convert to Christianity during a Turning Point USA event at University of Mississippi Wednesday. "I hope eventually my wife comes to see it the same way," Vance told 10,000 attendees, citing his belief in Christian gospel. However, he respected her free will, stating it wouldn't cause problems if she declined. Usha, raised in a non-religious Hindu family, previously revealed their interfaith household arrangement on Meghan McCain's podcast. The couple sends their three children Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel to Catholic school, allowing each child to choose baptism. JD converted to Catholicism after their children's births, prompting discussions about raising kids in faith while Usha remains Hindu.

India continues engaging with the United States to conclude the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed Thursday. This follows recent US trade deals with China, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asian nations during APEC and ASEAN summits. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal assured talks progress cordially but emphasized no agreement until farmers', fishermen's, and MSME sectors' interests are protected. The BTA aims boosting bilateral trade from $191 billion to $500 billion by 2030, with October-November 2025 deadline for the first tranche. Five negotiation rounds completed, despite Trump's 50% tariffs on India and 100% levy on branded pharmaceuticals. Trump praised India for reducing Russian oil purchases, calling New Delhi "very good" on the issue.

India launched Trishul, a massive 12-day tri-service military exercise along the Pakistan border Thursday, its first war games since Operation Sindoor six months ago. The exercise deploys special forces, Rafale and Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets, T-90 battle tanks, BrahMos missiles, warships, and attack helicopters across Gujarat and Rajasthan, focusing on Kutch region. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warned Pakistan against claiming Indian territory near Sir Creek, threatening responses that would alter "history and geography." NDTV reports Trishul sends a clear message: India stands ready to defend its territory and resume Operation Sindoor if necessary. Pakistan responded by shutting most airspace sectors. The exercise involves Army Para SF commandos, Navy MARCOS, and Air Force Garud units, running until November 10.

An Indian-origin woman confronted US Vice President JD Vance at University of Mississippi over the Trump administration's restrictive immigration policies. She challenged Vance's stance on limiting legal immigrants, questioning how authorities could betray those who came "by the book" after spending their youth and wealth pursuing the American dream. "How can you tell us we don't belong here anymore?" she demanded, receiving loud applause. Vance defended stricter vetting to protect America's "social fabric," arguing against accepting millions annually despite individual contributions. The woman also questioned how Vance's interfaith marriage to a Hindu woman shaped his views. Vance cited Christian beliefs while respecting his wife's free will. The viral exchange highlights growing tensions over legal immigration policies.

India has asked the US for more information on 26/11 Mumbai terror accused Tahawwur Rana through the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty. The NIA said new evidence was found after questioning Rana, who was extradited from the US in April this year. Investigators believe he may be linked to other terror plots across India. Rana, a close associate of David Headley, is accused of helping plan and support the 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people. He is now in Tihar Jail under judicial custody, and his voice and handwriting samples have been collected for further probe. (PC: The Indian Express)

India confirmed that the US has given a six-month exemption from sanctions on Iran’s Chabahar Port. The move applies from October 29, the Ministry of External Affairs said. The port is key for India’s trade and aid to Afghanistan. India signed a 10-year deal last year to invest $370 million in Chabahar. Talks between India and the US on a major trade deal are also continuing. The MEA said India is studying the impact of new US sanctions on Russian oil firms and will act based on its energy needs and market conditions. (PC: NDTV)