India's passport slipped to 85th position in the 2025 Henley Passport Index, granting visa-free access to 57 countries, down from 59 last year. Singapore leads globally with access to 193 destinations, followed by South Korea and Japan, showcasing Asia's travel dominance. The US dropped to 12th rank, its lowest-ever position, falling outside the top 10 for the first time in two decades. Americans access 180 destinations visa-free, but the US offers reciprocal access to only 46 countries, ranking 77th in openness. Among neighbors, Pakistan ranks 103rd (31 destinations), Bangladesh 100th (38), Nepal 101st (36), and Bhutan 92nd (50). Afghanistan remains weakest globally with 24 destinations. (PC: Pinterest)

Ashley Tellis, a 64-year-old Indian-origin foreign policy expert, has been arrested in the US for allegedly keeping over 1,000 pages of top-secret defence documents at his home. The US Justice Department charged him with unlawful retention of national defence information. Tellis has worked with the US government for years, including the National Security Council under George W. Bush, and is currently with the Department of Defense. FBI reports say he was seen printing classified papers and meeting Chinese officials. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. His lawyer said they will present evidence at the hearing. (PC: BBC)

Thousands gathered at Trafalgar Square in London on October 12 to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights. The event, called Diwali on the Square 2025, featured colourful performances, food, and cultural activities. Over 200 dancers opened the celebration with vibrant classical, folk, and Bollywood routines. The festival also included sari and turban tying, yoga, and children’s games. London Mayor Sadiq Khan attended and shared photos, wishing happiness to Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities. The event, organised by the Mayor’s office and the Diwali in London Committee, highlighted unity and the triumph of light over darkness. (PC: X)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer briefed Parliament on his landmark visit to Mumbai, leading the largest-ever UK trade delegation to India. He announced £1.3 billion in investments and 10,600 new UK jobs, praising India as a “growing force on the world stage” and a key partner in Britain’s post-Brexit global strategy. Starmer celebrated the UK-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) as a “historic step” to unlock new business opportunities. He confirmed expanded cooperation in education, technology, and defence, including a £350 million missile contract. Starmer emphasized the “living bridge” of shared history and future between the two nations. (PC: X)

India and Brazil, facing Trump's harshest 50% tariffs, are deepening ties to triple their $12-billion bilateral trade. Government officials and business executives meet in New Delhi this week, exploring partnerships in agribusiness, biofuels, and defense. Economists warn Trump's policies could reduce both nations' growth by one percentage point. Vice President Geraldo Alckmin leads Brazil's delegation, including Petrobras and Vale executives, targeting coffee and ethanol markets. Both countries depend heavily on US trade as Brazil exports 12% to America, while India ships nearly 20%. Despite strengthening bonds through BRICS leadership, experts note they cannot fully replace US markets as they sell similar products and rely on China differently.

India is preparing to send humanitarian aid to Gaza after the recent ceasefire. Relief will include medicines, food, tents, blankets, baby formula, and women’s sanitary items. Officials are also planning to help rebuild Gaza’s water systems, sanitation, and remove rubble left by Israeli airstrikes. Around 83% of Gaza City’s buildings were destroyed, and UN reports say the rubble is massive. India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, attended the Sharm el-Sheikh peace summit. India supports the peace plan led by President Trump and emphasizes dialogue and a lasting two-state solution for Israel and Palestine. (PC: The Indian Express)

Washington’s policy community was stunned after Indian-origin foreign policy expert Ashley Tellis was arrested for keeping classified US documents and meeting Chinese officials. Tellis, 64, is a respected voice on US-India relations and helped shape the landmark US-India nuclear deal. He now faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if found guilty. Colleagues expressed disbelief, calling him generous and influential. Tellis, once considered for the role of US Ambassador to India, has advised multiple US administrations. His 2023 essay, America’s Bad Bet on India, questioned India’s rise and drew major debate in Washington. (PC: HT)

Indian-origin US policy expert Ashley Tellis has been arrested for keeping over a thousand classified documents at his Virginia home. The FBI said the papers, marked top secret, were found in filing cabinets, a desk, and even trash bags. Tellis, 64, also allegedly met Chinese officials several times, including a meeting last month where he was seen with a manila envelope. A well-known US-India relations adviser, Tellis faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. The US administration has vowed strict action against anyone mishandling national security information. Tellis has not yet commented on the charges. (PC: India Today)

Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, India's Director General Military Operations, revealed the Indian Navy was fully prepared during Operation Sindoor, warning further Pakistani hostilities "could have been catastrophic." The Navy had sailed into the Arabian Sea and was well-positioned for action across multiple dimensions. Pakistan initiated cross-border firing immediately after India targeted nine terror sites on May 7. Lt Gen Ghai noted Pakistan's August 14 posthumous awards list suggested over 100 casualties on the Line of Control. He described Pakistan's drone attacks as a "dismal failure." Indian Air Force struck 11 Pakistani air bases, destroying eight bases, three hangars, four radars, and multiple aircraft including C-130 and fighter jets.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has positioned India as a potential ally against China's rare earth export controls, calling it "China versus the world." He accused Beijing of pointing "a bazooka at supply chains and industrial base of the entire free world" through restrictions on minerals critical to auto, electronics, and defense industries. Bessent announced meetings with allies including Europeans, Indians, and Asian democracies for global support. This follows President Trump's 100% additional tariffs on China and threats to cancel the planned Xi meeting at APEC summit. India, facing 50% US tariffs itself, navigates this tension while recently resetting China ties. Indo-US trade talks continue this week toward a bilateral agreement. (PC: X)