On May 29, 2025, Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martinez Acha condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, including a Nepali national. During a meeting with an Indian multi-party delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, Acha emphasized Panama's commitment to combating terrorism and denounced nations that serve as safe havens for terrorists. He stated, "We cannot tolerate any kind of terrorism. We cannot tolerate countries sponsoring terrorism." The Indian delegation, visiting Panama as part of a global outreach following the attack, also met with Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino and National Assembly President Dana Castaneda, securing Panama's support in India's war against terror. (PC: ANI)    

In Riyadh, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticized Pakistan's promotion of Army Chief Asim Munir to Field Marshal, highlighting a photograph showing Munir alongside US-designated terrorist Mohammad Ehsan during the ceremony. Owaisi urged Pakistan's reinstatement on the FATF grey list, citing ongoing terror financing. He emphasized Pakistan's inaction against 26/11 perpetrators despite India's evidence, noting that prior progress occurred only when Pakistan was on the FATF list. Owaisi also exposed Pakistan's false claim about Sajid Mir's death, later admitting he was alive. He asserted that terror groups thrive in Pakistan with aims to destabilize India through communal unrest. Owaisi called for international scrutiny of Pakistan's actions. (PC: Prabhat Khabar)

The Philippines has rolled out a new visa-free entry policy for Indian nationals, effective May 2025, to boost tourism and bilateral engagement. Indian tourists can now enter the country visa-free for up to 14 days, provided they meet basic requirements such as valid passports, confirmed accommodations, return tickets, and no negative immigration history. Additionally, Indians holding valid visas or permanent residency from Australia, Japan, America, Canada, Schengen countries, Singapore, or the UK (AJACSSUK) can stay for up to 30 days without a visa. Both categories are non-extendable and applicable only for tourism purposes. (PC: Business Today)

The Indian Embassy in Tehran has strongly raised concerns with Iranian authorities over the disappearance of three Indian nationals who went missing after traveling to Iran. While the identities and circumstances remain undisclosed, the embassy is actively collaborating with Tehran to locate the individuals and ensure their safety. The Indian government has emphasized the urgency of the situation, pushing for immediate action from Iranian officials. This incident underscores the importance of diplomatic coordination between India and Iran in safeguarding the welfare of foreign nationals. (PC: PTI)  

High-resolution satellite images released by Maxar Technologies on May 28, 2025, reveal significant destruction at Pakistan's Nur Khan and Murid airbases following India's Operation Sindoor on May 10. At Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, a 7,000 sq ft structure was demolished, and two large command-and-control vehicles were destroyed. This base's proximity to Pakistan's military headquarters and nuclear command heightens strategic concerns. Murid Airbase in Chakwal, approximately 150 km from the Line of Control, sustained damage near a fortified underground facility, including a three-meter-wide crater. These strikes were part of India's broader retaliation targeting eight Pakistani airbases in response to earlier Pakistani attacks. (PC: Maxar Technologies)  

Three Indian nationals—Hushanpreet Singh (Sangrur), Jaspal Singh (SBS Nagar), and Amritpal Singh (Hoshiarpur)—have been reported missing in Iran since May 1, 2025. According to their families, the trio traveled from Punjab to Tehran with intentions of reaching Australia through unauthorized channels. Upon arrival, they were allegedly kidnapped, and the families have received ransom demands amounting to ₹1 crore. The Indian Embassy in Tehran has strongly urged Iranian authorities to urgently trace the missing individuals and ensure their safety. The embassy is maintaining regular communication with the families, providing updates on the efforts being made to locate the missing persons. This incident highlights the risks associated with illegal migration routes and the importance of international cooperation in such cases. (PC: Business News This Week)

Three Indian nationals—Yogesh Panchal from Maharashtra, Mohammad Sadeeque, and Sumeet Sud—have gone missing in Iran after traveling separately for business purposes between December 2024 and January 2025. Panchal, a first-time international traveler, last contacted his family on December 7, mentioning he was in a crowded area; his phone was unreachable thereafter. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has raised the issue with Iranian authorities, seeking assistance in locating the missing individuals and ensuring their safety. The Indian Embassy in Tehran remains in touch with Iranian officials and the families of the missing men. (PC: NDTV)  

Rohit K. Dasgupta, originally from Kolkata, has been elected Chair and First Citizen of the London Borough of Newham, becoming the first person of Bengali-Indian origin to hold this position. An alumnus of St. James’ School and Jadavpur University, Dasgupta moved to London in 2009 for higher studies and is now an Associate Professor of Gender Studies at the London School of Economics. A Labour Party councillor since 2018, he has been re-elected and is known for his activism in trade unions, anti-racism, and LGBTQ+ rights. Dasgupta aims to strengthen cultural ties between Newham and Kolkata, emphasizing inclusivity and support for marginalized communities amid rising global anti-migrant sentiments. (PC: The Telegraph)

Pakistan has reportedly contacted India twice, requesting a cessation of hostilities following Operation Sindoor, which resulted in 160 casualties on the Pakistani side. The operation was launched by India in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, targeting strategic locations across Pakistan-administered regions. The Indian government emphasized that the strikes were precise and non-escalatory, aiming to reset deterrence dynamics. The cessation of fire was proposed by Pakistan through the United States, acting as an intermediary. Indian leadership views the current halt not as a retreat but as a strategic pause, contingent on Pakistan's future conduct and continued diplomatic engagements. The situation remains tense, with both nations monitoring developments closely. (PC: Mint & India Today)

Newly released high-resolution satellite images indicate that India's Operation Sindoor, conducted on May 10, 2025, targeted a fortified sub-complex at Pakistan's Murid Air Base. The imagery shows a three-meter-wide crater approximately 30 meters from the entrance of a heavily secured section, believed to contain an underground facility. This area is protected by double fencing and watchtowers, suggesting strategic importance. Analysts, including geo-intelligence expert Damien Symon, believe the strike aimed to disrupt critical assets, possibly linked to command-and-control or drone operations—marking a sharp escalation in India's counterterrorism military strategy. (PC: NDTV)