Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke today with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, expressing deep concern over recent escalations in the region and urging immediate de‑escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy. The leaders discussed the current situation in depth, underlining the urgent need for calm. Modi reiterated India’s commitment to peace and shared diplomatic engagement, while Pezeshkian welcomed the conversation. Both emphasized diplomacy over conflict, reflecting a shared vision for stability amid mounting tensions. The call underscores India’s proactive role in fostering regional dialogue and echoes global appeals for restraint. (PC: X)

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has confirmed that the three perpetrators behind the April 22 Pahalgam massacre in Baisaran Valley where 26 tourists were shot based on religious identity were Pakistani nationals affiliated with Lashkar‑e‑Taiba. Investigators have arrested two locals, Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar and Bashir Ahmad Jothar of Pahalgam, under Section 19 of the UAPA. The duo admitted to harboring the terrorists in a seasonal hut at Hill Park, providing them with food, shelter and logistical aid before the attack. Following the tragedy hailed as one of the most gruesome to target civilians, India launched “Operation Sindoor,” striking terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan‑occupied Kashmir. Ongoing investigations continue.(PC: Times of India)

On June 16, 2025, the U.S. State Department upgraded India to a Level‑2 advisory, urging “increased caution” amid rising rape, violent crime, and terrorism risks . The update highlights that rape is “one of the fastest growing crimes in India,” with sexual assaults occurring at tourist sites, markets, transit hubs, and governmental areas . Authorities warn terrorists may strike with “little or no warning.” The advisory specifically cautions women against traveling alone and warns U.S. citizens of limited emergency support in rural zones of Maharashtra, Telangana, West Bengal, and northeastern states . Travelers are also reminded that satellite phones and GPS devices are illegal, punishable by steep fines or jail time. (PC: Times of India)  

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar cautioned that India’s relations with neighbouring countries will inevitably face turbulence, but Delhi is building resilient systems rooted in shared mutual interest to withstand volatility . Speaking on DD India, he stressed that engaging with India offers benefits, while distancing carries costs—though Pakistan remains a unique case due to its army-defined hostility . Jaishankar cited improved border infrastructure and stronger ties with the Gulf, ASEAN, and Indo-Pacific regions as key stabilizers, citing past operations like Ganga and Sindhu as evidence of India’s assertive diplomacy . He noted that despite regime changes, countries like Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Nepal maintain working relationships due to this “culture of collective interest.” (PC: PTI)

Israel and Iran entered day nine of direct conflict after Israel launched a large‐scale aerial offensive last Friday targeting nuclear and military sites including Tehran’s IRIB broadcast centre and Isfahan facilities. Iran responded with waves of ballistic and hypersonic missile strikes, impacting northern Israel especially Haifa and triggering sirens nationwide. Casualty estimates vary as Iran officially reports 224 dead and 1,277 injured, mostly civilians, while human‑rights monitors estimate up to 657 fatalities. Israeli officials warn citizens they may now leave shelters. Separately, New Delhi launched “Operation Sindhu,” evacuating around 290 Indians stranded in Iran via Armenia. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Saturday announced that another evacuation flight from Mashhad landed in New Delhi at 4:30 pm with all the 290 Indian nationals from Iran. In his post he said, "With this, a total of 827 Indians have been evacuated."

A Raipur couple, Kasim and Shaheen Raza, are desperate for news from their 29‑year‑old daughter Eman, husband Ejaz Zaidi (34), and their two young sons (5,3), living in Qom amid the escalating Israel‑Iran conflict. Eman’s last call two days ago expressed fear and a plea to be evacuated; since then, all communication—calls and messages—has ceased . The family says internet disruptions are preventing contact and highlights Eman’s thyroid condition, raising health concerns . Kasim has appealed to the Indian government for urgent evacuation arrangements, hoping to bring their loved ones safely home. (PC: Indian Express)

In a major benefit under the newly signed £25.5 billion UK-India Free Trade Agreement, Indian workers temporarily posted to the UK will be exempt from paying National Insurance contributions for up to three years. This “double contribution” clause prevents Indian professionals from having to pay both Indian and UK social security, significantly reducing their financial burden. The agreement, hailed as the UK’s largest post-Brexit trade pact, also enhances access for Indian goods to the UK and slashes tariffs on British exports, including whisky, automobiles, and medical equipment.  

  Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed India has suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, vowing it will “never be restored” after the Pakistan‑backed Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025 . He emphasized India’s sovereign right to divert river waters to Rajasthan, stating Pakistan “will be starved of water” . Reflecting on national security, Shah lauded Operation Sindoor—the missile strike campaign launched in May—as decisive, underlining the power of India’s indigenous Akash and BrahMos systems to reshape regional dynamics. He added that such actions sent a “strong message” to Pakistan on cross‑border terrorism and water security, reinforcing India’s stance on protecting its interests. (PC: PTI)        

On June 21, 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh cautioned Pakistan that Operation Sindoor is not over, warning any new terrorist attack on Indian soil would trigger “disastrous consequences” . Speaking to soldiers in Udhampur ahead of International Yoga Day, he hailed the mission as a “powerful message” that India’s shifting counter‑terror policy now combines strength and strategy . Launched in May to strike terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK following the April Pahalgam attack, the operation marked a strategic elevation—being a “natural progression” from earlier drone and air strikes . Singh emphasized both military precision and soldiers’ well‑being: “If you are strong, our borders will be strong.” (PC: PTI)

King Charles III delivered a heartfelt message at London's Strand on June 21, 2025, praising yoga as a force that “promotes the global principles of unity, compassion and wellbeing” . His message emphasized the 2025 theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” highlighting its role in securing a healthier future for all generations . The event, hosted by India’s High Commission in partnership with King’s College London, featured asanas, breathing techniques, and mindfulness practices, reflecting the growing popularity of yoga across the UK . Hundreds participated, celebrating yoga’s power to heal and unite. (PC: AP)