The new BJP government in West Bengal has directed district magistrates to establish holding centres for detained foreigners and released foreign prisoners awaiting deportation, following a Union Home Ministry directive issued last year. The move aligns with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s pledge to identify illegal Bangladeshi immigrants and Rohingya residents and hand them over to the BSF for deportation. Officials said suspects can be detained for up to 30 days during citizenship verification. Those identified as illegal immigrants will have biometric data uploaded to the MHA portal before deportation. The decision reverses the previous Trinamool government’s refusal to implement the Centre’s directive, citing concerns over migrant harassment. (PC: The Telegraph)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed that America’s relations with other countries at a “tactical” level would not come at the expense of its strategic partnership with India. Speaking alongside External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi, Rubio stressed the importance of a “free and open Indo-Pacific” and linked the concept to protecting international waterways globally. He accused Iran of blocking the Strait of Hormuz, holding civilian vessels hostage and supporting proxy terror groups, describing Tehran as the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism. Jaishankar emphasized the need for safe and unimpeded maritime commerce amid growing concerns over regional instability and shipping disruptions.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said racist remarks against Indians in the United States should be taken seriously. Speaking in New Delhi with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Rubio said “every country has stupid people” who make offensive comments online. He described the US as a welcoming country built by immigrants from around the world. Rubio also said recent changes in America’s immigration system are global and not aimed specifically at India. He added that Indian professionals and companies have made valuable contributions to the US economy over the years. (PC: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar)

An Indian-origin cancer specialist in the United Kingdom has been removed from the medical register after being convicted in a criminal case. Shamir Chandran was sentenced to four years in prison for coercive behaviour and cruelty towards a minor. A UK medical tribunal said allowing him to continue practising would damage public trust in doctors. Chandran denied the allegations and left the UK before sentencing. The tribunal said there was an arrest warrant against him. He earlier worked with the National Health Service in north-west England and studied medicine in Kerala, India.

US President Donald Trump praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a live phone call at an event in Delhi celebrating 250 years of the US Declaration of Independence. Trump called Modi a “great friend” and said India can always count on the United States for support. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio attended the event and said both countries are close to finalising a major trade agreement. Rubio also held talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on trade, energy, defence and economic cooperation. (PC: IANS)

S. Jaishankar raised concerns over recent US visa and immigration policy changes during talks with Marco Rubio in New Delhi on Sunday. Jaishankar said India expects legal mobility and visa issuance for genuine travellers to remain unaffected, especially for business, technology and research cooperation. Rubio acknowledged the policy transition may disproportionately affect Indians but said the reforms are part of a broader overhaul of the US immigration system and are not targeted at India. He described the United States as a welcoming country and said adjustments were needed to address illegal immigration challenges. (PC: HT)

Marco Rubio said “every country in the world has stupid people” while responding to a question on racist remarks against Indians during a joint press conference in New Delhi with S. Jaishankar. Rubio said the United States remained a welcoming country and acknowledged the Indian diaspora’s contribution to the US economy. He also clarified that recent changes affecting H-1B, J1 and F1 visas were part of a global immigration system overhaul and not targeted at India. Rubio held delegation-level talks with Jaishankar and also met Narendra Modi. (PC: HT)

US Senator Marco Rubio stated that India–US relations continue to maintain strong momentum following his meeting with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. He emphasized that bilateral cooperation has not slowed despite global geopolitical tensions and ongoing trade and security discussions. The leaders reportedly discussed key areas including defense partnership, technology collaboration, energy security, and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. Rubio highlighted that both countries share a long-term strategic vision and remain committed to strengthening ties. Jaishankar’s visit is seen as part of ongoing diplomatic engagement to deepen India–US relations further. Both sides agreed to continue high-level dialogue and cooperation across multiple sectors. (PC: AP)

Major Abhilasha Barak has been selected for the 2025 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award for her outstanding work in peacekeeping operations in Lebanon. Serving with the Indian Battalion in the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), she led outreach programs for women and adolescent girls while promoting gender-sensitization training among peacekeepers. Major Barak is also the Indian Army’s first woman combat helicopter pilot. She becomes the third Indian recipient of the honour after Major Suman Gawani and Major Radhika Sen, highlighting India’s strong contribution to global UN peacekeeping missions. (PC: X)

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio began his four-day India visit with a stop in Kolkata, marking the first visit by a U.S. Secretary of State to the city in 14 years. Rubio met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss strengthening India-U.S. strategic ties, trade cooperation, defence, and energy security. He highlighted America’s willingness to expand energy exports to India amid global market uncertainty. Rubio’s tour also includes Agra, Jaipur, and New Delhi, where he will attend the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with representatives from Japan and Australia. The visit aims to repair strained bilateral ties and reinforce Indo-Pacific cooperation. (PC: PTI)