Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed gratitude to global leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for their efforts to mediate peace in Ukraine. Speaking on March 13, Putin acknowledged their "noble mission" and emphasized that any ceasefire must address the root causes of the conflict. His remarks follow a 30-day temporary truce proposal backed by the U.S. and Ukraine during talks in Saudi Arabia. Putin reiterated Russia's stance on achieving a lasting peace rather than a short-term pause. China, Brazil, and South Africa were also recognized for their diplomatic efforts.

Kannada actress Ranya Rao, currently incarcerated in connection with a gold smuggling case, has penned a letter to the Additional Director General (ADG) of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) asserting her innocence and alleging mistreatment by investigating officers. In her correspondence, Rao claims she was wrongfully implicated and details instances of alleged harassment during the investigation process. She urges the DRI to conduct a fair and impartial inquiry into her case, expressing concerns about her safety and well-being while in custody. The actress's allegations have raised questions about the conduct of the investigation and the treatment of individuals in custody.  

Raphael Satter, a Washington-based Reuters journalist, has sued the Indian government after his Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status was revoked in December 2023. The Ministry of Home Affairs accused him of publishing investigative work that "maliciously" damaged India's reputation. His report alleged that an Indian IT firm, Appin, engaged in global hack-for-hire operations. Satter, who obtained OCI through marriage, denies violating Indian laws. His legal team argues that the government has not justified the revocation on security grounds. The Delhi High Court will hear the case on May 22, 2025, amid concerns over press freedom in India.  

At a United Nations General Assembly session, India strongly rebuked Pakistan for its "unjustified" reference to Jammu and Kashmir. India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador P Harish, asserted that such statements do not validate Pakistan’s claims and condemned its support for cross-border terrorism. Speaking during a session on combating Islamophobia, Harish criticized Pakistan’s continued efforts to internationalize Jammu and Kashmir, calling it a display of fanaticism and bigotry. He reaffirmed that Jammu and Kashmir remain an integral part of India, highlighting Pakistan’s history of using terror as a state policy.

Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian doctoral student in Urban Planning at Columbia University, voluntarily departed the United States after her visa was revoked by the Department of State on March 5, 2025. The revocation cited her alleged involvement in activities supporting Hamas, designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government. Srinivasan utilized the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's CBP Home App to self-deport on March 11. This action aligns with the Trump administration's intensified scrutiny of foreign students participating in pro-Palestinian protests. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized that advocating for violence and terrorism invalidates the privilege of residing and studying in the U.S. 

US Vice President JD Vance stated that green card holders do not have an absolute right to stay in the country, emphasizing national security concerns. His remarks, made on Fox News, reignited debate on permanent residency rights. Vance spoke in response to the arrest of Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil, a green card holder detained for protesting Israel-Hamas war. Immigration lawyers argue green cards can only be revoked for serious crimes, fraud, or prolonged absence. “Deporting green card holders for lawful activities represents a dramatic change,” lawyer Russell Stamets warned. Khalil’s deportation remains blocked pending a court hearing.

Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old Indian American University of Pittsburgh student, went missing while on spring break in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. She was last seen on March 5 with Joshua Riibe, 24, who told authorities they were hit by a wave and pulled into the ocean. Riibe, a lifeguard, said he tried to save her but later lost sight of her, assuming she had "taken her things and left." Authorities believe she drowned but continue investigating beyond an "accidental event." Riibe is not a suspect and is cooperating. Konanki’s disappearance raises safety concerns for Indian Americans and tourists.

India has firmly dismissed Pakistan's allegations of Indian involvement in the recent Jaffar Express hijacking in Balochistan. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated, "We strongly reject the baseless allegations made by Pakistan. The whole world knows where the epicenter of global terrorism lies." He urged Pakistan to introspect rather than deflect blame for its internal issues. This response follows Pakistan's Foreign Office claims linking India to the attack, despite evidence pointing to the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and connections to Afghanistan. The BLA had hijacked the Jaffar Express, resulting in casualties among passengers and security personnel, before Pakistani forces neutralized the insurgents.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly expressed gratitude towards global leaders, notably U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for their efforts in addressing the Ukraine crisis. In his first public reaction to Ukraine's proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, Putin acknowledged these diplomatic endeavors during a joint press conference with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. He emphasized that while Russia agrees in principle to the ceasefire, it should pave the way for lasting peace by addressing the underlying causes of the conflict. Putin highlighted the significance of international engagement, mentioning leaders like China's President and India's Prime Minister, who are dedicating considerable attention to resolving the crisis.

Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo addressed the issue of tariffs under Donald Trump's administration at the India Today Conclave 2025, an annual event that brings together global leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss pressing international issues. Pompeo emphasized that Trump, who calls himself "Tariff Man," views tariffs as a crucial tool to balance trade deficits and push for fair trade practices. "He would say, 'Let's both get rid of our tariffs and be great commercial partners together,' but if not, he will impose tariffs on your products, goods, and even services," Pompeo stated. Pompeo served as Secretary of State from 2018 to 2021 and Director of the CIA (2017-2018). He dismissed concerns that Trump’s policies favor corporate interests, arguing that recent tariffs have caused major financial losses for billionaires. "If they’re trying to make money off this, it’s an epic fail," he said, referring to Elon Musk’s losses due to recent trade restrictions. He also noted that India's commerce minister is currently in the US for discussions with American trade officials, reinforcing the importance of ongoing negotiations. Beyond tariffs, Pompeo highlighted opportunities for US-India collaboration in technology and innovation. He stressed the need to reduce trade barriers in cutting-edge sectors and facilitate academic and business exchanges between the two countries. "The real place our two nations ought to be determined to succeed is in new innovative spaces where the West, India, Japan, South Korea, and Europe must compete with China," he stated. Pompeo expressed optimism that a second Trump presidency would continue strengthening economic ties between Washington and New Delhi. [ Video Courtesy : X/@IndiaToday ]