Afghanistan spinner Allah Ghazanfar issued an emotional appeal following deadly Pakistani airstrikes on a Kabul rehabilitation hospital that reportedly killed over 400 people and injured hundreds. He highlighted the devastating impact on civilians and urged global attention to the crisis. In his message, Ghazanfar described India as a “close friend” and expressed a desire for stronger engagement. The strikes, denied by Pakistan, have intensified tensions between the two countries. His statement reflects growing concern within Afghanistan over civilian suffering and escalating regional instability amid the ongoing conflict. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Tuesday. They discussed rising tensions in West Asia. Modi stressed the need for safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. “Reiterated India’s strong condemnation of all attacks on the UAE,” Modi said. He also conveyed Eid greetings during the call. Both leaders agreed on restoring peace and stability in the region. “We will continue to work together,” Modi said. The call came as attacks on UAE continue amid the ongoing conflict. The war has entered its third week, raising concerns over regional security and trade routes. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held telephonic talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, discussing the escalating West Asia crisis and critical Strait of Hormuz navigation. Modi strongly condemned all attacks on the UAE resulting in civilian casualties and infrastructure damage, reaffirming India's commitment to regional peace and stability. Both leaders agreed on ensuring safe, unimpeded passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, India's Ministry of External Affairs confirmed it is in constant contact with several countries, including Iran, to secure smooth passage for Indian vessels. Approximately 70 flights are expected to operate from UAE to India today, as India manages its large diaspora amid the ongoing regional conflict. (PC: X)

India on Tuesday condemned Pakistan over an airstrike on a drug rehabilitation hospital in Kabul. Afghanistan said at least 400 people were killed and 250 injured. Pakistan denied the claim and said it targeted “military installations and terrorist infrastructure.” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called the strike “barbaric” and said Pakistan was “trying to dress up a massacre as a military operation.” He said the attack was a “heinous act of aggression” and violated Afghanistan’s sovereignty. India urged the international community to hold those responsible accountable. It also expressed condolences to victims and said it stands with the people of Afghanistan. (PC: The Indian Express)

The Indian embassy in Kuwait said all consular services will continue during Ramadan. In a notice on Tuesday, it said services will run as usual with revised timings.   The four Indian Consular Application Centres will operate from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. The embassy said this will “ensure services remain available” for Indian nationals.   The centres are located in Kuwait City, Jleeb Al Shouyakh, Fahahheel, and Jahra. Officials shared full address details for each location.   The move aims to maintain access to services during the holy month. Indian nationals can visit the centres within the updated working hours. (PC: X)

Finland President Alexander Stubb has urged India to play a key diplomatic role in easing tensions between the United States and Iran, calling for an immediate ceasefire. He pointed to recent outreach by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who has advocated de-escalation and dialogue. India has stepped up engagement with Tehran, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressing concern over rising hostilities and civilian casualties. New Delhi is working to safeguard energy and trade interests, including maintaining shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The call reflects growing recognition of India’s potential as a neutral mediator in the escalating regional crisis.

At the United Nations, India strongly criticised Pakistan for what it called a “fabricated” Islamophobia narrative. India’s envoy Parvathaneni Harish accused Islamabad of selectively highlighting religious issues while ignoring concerns such as the treatment of Ahmadiyyas and Afghan refugees. Harish emphasised India’s commitment to multiculturalism and religious diversity, noting its historical coexistence of multiple faiths. He urged a broader approach to tackling religious discrimination globally, rather than focusing on a single faith. The remarks came amid rising regional tensions, including recent airstrikes in Kabul, further intensifying diplomatic exchanges between the two nations.

The Indian government has rejected a report claiming Iran asked New Delhi to release three seized oil tankers in return for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.   A government source called the report “baseless”. The source said there has been “no discussion of this nature” between India and Iran.   Officials also denied that the vessels were owned by Iran.   Earlier reports said Iran raised the issue during talks with officials from India’s Ministry of External Affairs.   The three tankers were seized by Indian authorities off the Mumbai coast in February. They were suspected to be part of an illicit oil trade network.   The ships were identified as Stellar Ruby, Asphalt Star, and Al Jafzia. (PC: X)

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met top leaders of the European Union in Brussels to discuss global security issues and strengthen **India–EU relations. Invited by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, Jaishankar participated in the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting with ministers from all 27 member states. He also held bilateral meetings with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and several European foreign ministers. The talks covered the conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia, the Indo-Pacific situation, and cooperation in trade, technology, defence and mobility. The visit follows the recent India-EU summit that concluded a major free trade agreement and a security and defence partnership.

The India government has clarified that it has not held bilateral discussions with the United States regarding deploying naval vessels to secure merchant shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The statement followed an appeal by Donald Trump, who urged several countries to send warships to keep the strategic waterway open amid rising tensions with Iran. India’s External Affairs Ministry said the issue is being discussed internationally but no bilateral talks with Washington have taken place so far. Meanwhile, European nations have also sought greater clarity from the US on its military strategy in the ongoing conflict before committing support. (PC: India Today)