US President Donald Trump claimed once again that his tariff threats stopped a potential India-Pakistan nuclear war in May, despite India's firm denial of any third-party mediation in its Operation Sindoor ceasefire. Trump stated he threatened 100-200% tariffs on both nations, settling the situation within 24 hours. This claim comes two days after sending PM Modi a framed photo inscribed "Mr Prime Minister, you are great!" The contradictory stances highlight complex US-India relations amid tough trade negotiations. Trump's commerce officials demand India open its markets, while Foreign Minister Jaishankar maintains "red lines" around farm and dairy sectors. Trade talks continue into their sixth round mid-October.

The 2025 Diwali on Trafalgar Square was not only a cultural celebration but also a show of community partnership. Support from sponsors like Remitly, Ambala, SBI, Dabur 1884, Daawat, Gold Bank, and others helped bring the free festival to life. Visitors enjoyed food stalls, live performances, and workshops throughout the day. Organised by the Mayor of London and Diwali in London Committee, the event featured 200 dancers, family zones, and spiritual activities. The partnerships ensured the Festival of Lights reached thousands across the capital, shining a message of unity and goodwill. 

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday, marking her first visit in this capacity. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, technology, energy, agriculture, and people-to-people exchanges. Modi recalled his productive June 2025 meeting with Canadian PM Mark Carney at the G7 Summit and expressed optimism about future engagements. Anand emphasized elevating the bilateral relationship while maintaining security dialogue and expanding economic ties. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also met Anand, agreeing on an ambitious cooperation roadmap. This visit follows improved relations after Liberal Party leader Mark Carney's April election victory, helping reset ties that deteriorated following Justin Trudeau's 2023 allegations regarding the Nijjar case. (PC: X)

Thousands gathered at Trafalgar Square on Sunday, 12 October 2025, to celebrate Diwali — the Festival of Lights. The free event featured 200 dancers, music, and performances from London’s Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities. Families enjoyed yoga, puppet shows, and dance workshops. Children joined games and activities in a special zone. Mayor Sadiq Khan said on X, “Thank you to everyone who joined us to share in the spirit of Diwali.” The festival, organised by the Mayor of London and Diwali in London Committee, brought people of all backgrounds together for a day of light, colour, and joy. 

Paramjit Singh, a 48-year-old US green card holder from India, has been held in a US immigration detention centre since July 30. Singh suffers from a brain tumour and heart problems. He was detained at Chicago airport over old cases, including a 1999 phone fraud and an alleged 2008 forgery case, which his family disputes. Singh’s lawyer says he is not receiving proper medical treatment. His second brain surgery has been delayed. The family is fighting to stop his deportation. Singh’s case will be heard on October 14. Immigration authorities have not responded to requests for comment. (PC: BBC)

A US vlogger, Jay, was surprised to see an Indian woman, Princey, working on her laptop outdoors at 9 PM. He approached her during a riverside walk and asked about her work. Princey calmly said she works for a pharmaceutical company and late-night work is usual for her. The interaction, shared on Instagram by @jaystreazy, went viral with over four lakh views. Viewers praised her focus, discipline, and calm confidence. Many also reflected on India’s demanding work culture. The vlogger’s respectful approach and the woman’s dedication made the clip widely appreciated online.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received an invitation from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to attend the Gaza Peace Summit in Sharm El Sheikh, co-chaired by US President Donald Trump. The Ministry of External Affairs said Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh will represent India. Leaders from over 20 countries, including the UK, France, Italy, and Spain, will join the summit to push for peace in Gaza. The meeting follows Israel’s ceasefire and hostage release deal. However, Hamas has refused to join the talks, objecting to disarmament terms in Trump’s peace plan. (PC: X/@BJP4India)

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi faced backlash for excluding women journalists from a press conference in New Delhi on October 10. The Editors Guild of India and the Indian Women’s Press Corps condemned the exclusion as discriminatory. In response, Muttaqi clarified that the omission was due to a "technical issue" and invited women journalists to a subsequent inclusive press conference on October 12. The Indian government distanced itself from the event, stating it had no involvement in organizing the earlier press meet. (PC: India Today)  

Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi defended his earlier press conference in India—where no women journalists were present—as a scheduling “technical issue,” not deliberate exclusion. He said the guest list was limited due to short notice and insisted there was no intention to offend. Muttaqi also addressed women’s education, asserting that although some restrictions exist, declaring female learning “haram” has never occurred—rather, its implementation is postponed. The controversy provoked strong criticism from Indian politicians, media bodies, and activists. (PC: NDTV)  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a last-minute invitation from US President Donald Trump and Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to attend the Gaza peace summit in Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday, October 13. The invitation was extended on October 11, sources told The Indian Express. However, the Prime Minister's Office hasn't confirmed Modi's participation yet. The international summit aims to end the Gaza Strip war, strengthen peace and stability efforts in the Middle East, and establish regional security. Egypt's statement emphasized opening "a new page of regional security and stability." The summit represents a significant diplomatic initiative involving global leaders to address the ongoing Middle East conflict. (PC: X)