South Asian anti-racism groups in the UK have demanded justice after the rape of a British Sikh woman in Oldbury. Police confirmed the assault was racially aggravated and arrested a man in his 30s. Over 40 organisations joined the South Asia Solidarity Group to condemn the attack. British Sikh MP Gurinder Singh Josan called it a “horrific attack” in Parliament. He asked Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to address the rise of racism and its threat to minority communities. Campaigners said racism in public debate can fuel hate crimes and put Sikh and other ethnic groups at risk. (PC: X)

Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a US-based Khalistani group, has threatened to “siege” the Indian Consulate in Vancouver on Thursday. The outfit released a poster showing India’s new High Commissioner, Dinish Patnaik, with a target on his face. SFJ asked Indo-Canadians to avoid visiting the consulate that day. The group accused Indian consulates of spying on Khalistan supporters in Canada. They said the siege will demand “accountability” for alleged espionage. SFJ also recalled Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s 2023 remarks on Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing. Indian officials have not yet commented on the latest threat. (PC: NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked US President Donald Trump for calling on his 75th birthday on September 17. Modi tweeted, “Thank you, my friend, President Trump, for your phone call and warm greetings… I am fully committed to taking the India-US Comprehensive and Global Partnership to new heights.” He also voiced support for Trump’s efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict peacefully. Trump shared the call on Truth Social, calling it “wonderful” and thanking Modi for backing peace initiatives. The conversation comes as India and the US resume trade talks in New Delhi, aiming to ease tensions after recent tariffs on Indian goods. (PC: PTI)

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has admitted that India firmly rejected any US mediation during Operation Sindoor, calling the conflict a bilateral issue. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Dar said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told him India’s stance was clear — talks with Pakistan were only bilateral. Dar also revealed it was Pakistan that requested a ceasefire after suffering losses from Indian strikes, not the US as claimed by Donald Trump. India has always maintained no third party can mediate on matters with Pakistan. The BJP said Dar’s words proved Trump’s claim of mediation was false. (PC: AP)

India and the US held trade talks in Delhi on September 16, their first since Washington imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods. Both sides described the discussions as “positive” and agreed to speed up efforts toward a trade deal. US Trade Representative Brendan Lynch met Indian commerce official Rajesh Agrawal to discuss next steps. Tensions had risen after US President Donald Trump imposed penalties over India’s Russian oil imports, calling them “blood money.” But recent statements from Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi signalled progress, with both leaders expressing hope for an early, mutually beneficial agreement. (PC: NDTV)

A senior Jaish-e-Mohammed commander has alleged that Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir ordered military honours for slain relatives of JeM chief Masood Azhar's family. Speaking at the 38th Annual Mission Mustafa Conference in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Maulana Mufti Muhammad Masood Ilyas Kashmiri claimed that during Operation Sindoor, Munir directed corps commanders to attend funerals with Air Force providing security. He alleged Pakistan Air Force "avenged JeM militants' killing" and brought the Army "under jihadi ideology umbrella." Operation Sindoor was India's May 7 response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, targeting nine terror launchpads. These explosive claims renew scrutiny of Pakistan's counterterrorism commitments despite Islamabad's denials of supporting terror outfits. (PC: X & The Economic Times)

India's Ministry of Home Affairs is set to deport nearly 16,000 foreign nationals detained for alleged involvement in drug trafficking, marking one of the biggest narcotics crackdowns in recent times. The massive action is based on a comprehensive report submitted by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). The foreign nationals face accusations ranging from drug smuggling to transportation and are currently held in detention facilities across multiple states throughout India. The complete list of individuals has been shared with the MHA and other concerned agencies for processing. Officials confirmed that deportations will be executed under provisions of India's new immigration law. This unprecedented operation represents a significant escalation in India's fight against international drug trafficking networks operating within the country.

Trump aide Peter Navarro stated that India is coming to the negotiating table with the United States ahead of Tuesday's Indo-US trade talks. Speaking to CNBC, Navarro referenced PM Modi's constructive response to Trump's social media post about upcoming discussions. However, Navarro, previously calling India the "Maharaja of tariffs," reiterated that India maintains the highest tariffs among major countries with significant non-tariff barriers. US trade representative Brendan Lynch will meet Indian chief negotiator Rajesh Agarwal in New Delhi for bilateral trade negotiations. Trump recently imposed punitive 25% tariffs on India, doubling overall tariffs to 50% as pressure over Ukraine-Russia relations. India called the action "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable," while both leaders expressed optimism for successful trade conclusions. (PC: Bloomberg & The New York Times)

UK police have arrested a man in his 30s for the alleged rape of a Sikh woman in her 20s in Oldbury, West Midlands. Authorities said the attack, reported on September 9, was “racially motivated.” The survivor continues to receive support. Police called the arrest a “significant development” but urged the public not to speculate as investigations remain active. The brutal crime sparked anger across the Sikh community, who held a march and prayers at the site. British-Sikh MPs Preet Kaur Gill and Gurinder Singh Josan condemned the violence, calling for justice and urging community unity against hate crimes. (PC: Sky News)

India and the United States returned to trade talks in New Delhi on Tuesday, weeks after US President Donald Trump imposed 50% tariffs on Indian exports over Russian oil imports. The negotiations mark a shift after tensions, with Trump now saying he is optimistic about a trade agreement. US Trade Representative for South Asia Brendan Lynch is leading the American team, while India is represented by senior Commerce Ministry official Rajesh Agarwal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the talks could unlock “limitless potential” in bilateral ties. Officials see a chance to revive a free trade deal once thought uncertain. (PC: India Today)