India's External Affairs Ministry demanded Russia cease recruiting Indian nationals as military support staff and release those currently serving in Russian armed forces. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal warned Indian citizens against joining Russian military, calling it "fraught with danger" amid reports of fresh recruitment. India has repeatedly raised concerns with Russian authorities in Delhi and Moscow over past year, urging end to this practice. The government remains in contact with affected families while emphasizing "risks and dangers inherent" in such offers. Indians have been serving as support staff like cooks and helpers with Russian military units. Prime Minister Modi previously raised this issue during his Russia visit, highlighting ongoing diplomatic efforts. (PC: NZZ & BBC)

US President Donald Trump has asked the European Union to place 100 percent tariffs on China and India, reports said. The move is aimed at pressuring Russia to end its war in Ukraine. Trump told US and EU officials that Washington would raise tariffs only if Europe joined. He warned of higher duties on China and India, both major buyers of Russian oil. Last month, Trump raised tariffs on Indian goods to 50 percent. He said he would soon speak with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi responded that talks would boost India-US ties and support a stronger partnership. (PC: Mandel Ngan/AFP)

Charlie Kirk, right-wing activist and a close aide of US President Donald Trump, was shot dead at Utah University on Wednesday during a college event. Amid the tragedy, Kirk’s controversial remarks on Indian migrants have resurfaced. On September 2, he posted on X: “America does not need more visas for people from India… We’re full. Let’s finally put our own people first.” His comments responded to Laura Ingraham’s post opposing visa concessions in U.S.-India trade deals. President Trump mourned Kirk as “great, and even legendary,” calling him a “martyr for truth.” Trump extended condolences to Kirk’s family and vowed action against those responsible for the killing and broader political violence, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to law and order.

India is set to approve a joint project between French firm Safran S.A and DRDO's Gas Turbine Research Establishment to develop 120-140KN jet engines for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Safran will transfer 100% technology to DRDO under Indian IPR, including crystal blade technology. The collaboration will produce nine prototypes over 12 years, starting with 120KN capacity and scaling to 140KN. This follows PM Modi's Independence Day call for indigenous jet engine development. Unlike the conditional 70% technology transfer from US's GE-414 engines, France offers complete technology sharing. The engines will power twin-engine AMCA fighters developed by Indian private sector including Tata, L&T, and Adani Defence, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers. (PC: Wikipedia & Hindustan Times)

India strongly rebuked Switzerland's criticism at the UN Human Rights Council's 60th session, with diplomat Kshitij Tyagi calling Swiss remarks "surprising, shallow, and ill-informed." Switzerland had urged India to protect minorities and uphold freedom of expression and media rights. Tyagi, counsellor at India's Geneva mission, countered that Switzerland, currently holding the council's presidency, should avoid "blatantly false narratives" and instead address its own issues of racism, systematic discrimination, and xenophobia. He emphasized India's status as the world's largest, most diverse democracy with civilizational pluralism, offering to help Switzerland tackle these domestic challenges. The exchange occurred during a general debate, highlighting diplomatic tensions over human rights criticisms between the two nations.

Delhi Police have arrested a Nepali man for supplying Indian SIM cards to Pakistan’s ISI. The accused, 43-year-old Prabhat Kumar Chaurasiya from Birganj, Nepal, was caught in east Delhi’s Laxmi Nagar. Police said ISI lured him with the promise of a US visa and journalism job. He procured 16 SIM cards using Aadhaar credentials and sent them to Nepal. Eleven were found active on WhatsApp from Pakistan, including Lahore and Bahawalpur. Police also seized digital devices and SIM envelopes. Chaurasiya, once a medical representative, turned to espionage after business losses. A case has been registered, and investigations continue. (PC: NDTV)

More than 400 Indian citizens are stranded at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan Airport after flights were suspended due to unrest in Nepal. The Indian government is in talks with the Nepal Army to bring them back safely. Special aircraft may be sent by the Indian Air Force. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu is coordinating with authorities for safe evacuation. Nepal is facing violent protests that forced Prime Minister KP Oli to resign, with the army taking charge. At least 19 people have died, and hundreds are injured. India’s foreign ministry has issued advisories and helplines for stranded nationals. (PC: X)

UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has warned that India and other countries could face new visa limits if they refuse to take back illegal migrants. Reports say more than 20,000 Indians in Britain may be affected. Mahmood said she is ready to risk tensions to push deportations, calling her approach “transactional.” The UK’s plan comes after the Five Eyes group agreed to pressure nations on migrant returns. India tops the list of visa overstayers, though it signed a returns deal in 2021. Experts warn the crackdown could damage UK-India ties. Mahmood vowed to act “whatever it takes.” (PC: X)

An Indian woman, Upasana Gill, trapped in Nepal’s violent Gen Z protests, has issued a desperate appeal for rescue. Gill, in Pokhara for a volleyball tournament, said her hotel was set on fire by protesters and she fled without belongings. “They are not sparing tourists. People chased me with large sticks. I barely escaped,” she said in a video. Nepal’s protests over corruption and censorship have turned deadly, killing at least 21 people. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned, but unrest continues. The Nepal Army has imposed a nationwide curfew until Thursday morning to restore order. 

US President Donald Trump has asked the European Union (EU) to join Washington in placing tariffs of up to 100% on imports from India and China. He said this was needed to pressure both countries, major buyers of Russian crude, to stop funding Moscow’s war in Ukraine. Trump already raised duties to 50% on Indian goods and 30% on Chinese goods. US officials said Washington would match any tariffs imposed by the EU. The move comes as Trump grows frustrated over the slow progress of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. India and China have not reacted yet. (PC: NDTV)