Sergio Gor officially assumed his role as US ambassador-designate to India and special envoy for South and Central Asia during a ceremony in New Delhi. His entrance featured the 1966 soul classic "Hold On, I'm Comin'" by Sam & Dave, drawing cheers from attendees. Gor emphasized that President Trump's friendship with Prime Minister Modi is genuine, stating "real friends can disagree but always resolve differences." His appointment comes amid strained India-US relations over Trump's claims of brokering an India-Pakistan ceasefire after Operation Sindoor and imposing 50% tariffs on Indian imports for purchasing Russian oil. Gor expressed hope for a presidential visit within one-two years, highlighting the partnership between the world's oldest and largest democracies. (PC: X)

Indian nationals aboard the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera, seized by US forces in the North Atlantic, have been released. The vessel was intercepted during a US-led operation targeting a "shadow fleet" transporting oil for sanctioned countries including Venezuela, Russia, and Iran. Among 28 crew members detained were three Indians, along with Ukrainian, Georgian, and Russian nationals. The release coincides with new US Ambassador Sergio Gor assuming office in New Delhi, emphasizing continued US-India engagement despite differences. Russia previously criticized the seizure as illegal, warning prosecution was "categorically unacceptable." Moscow accused Washington of stoking tensions and threatening international shipping, claiming the operation generates acute international crisis situations. (PC: AFP)

Germany announced visa-free transit for Indian passport holders during Chancellor Friedrich Merz's first visit to India on January 12-13, 2026. Indian travelers passing through German airports en route to other countries will no longer need separate transit visas, simplifying international travel with less paperwork. Prime Minister Modi thanked Merz for this decision, which strengthens people-to-people ties between both nations. The joint statement emphasized growing exchanges of students, researchers, professionals, artists, and tourists, recognizing the Indian community's contributions to Germany's economy and culture. Discussions included expanding cooperation in education, research, and vocational training. Leaders welcomed rising Indian student numbers in Germany and agreed to create an Indo-German Comprehensive Roadmap on Higher Education. (PC: PTI)

Germany has announced visa-free airport transit for Indian passport holders. The decision was shared in the India-Germany joint statement after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to India on January 12–13. Merz made his first trip to India and Asia after taking office. Under the new rule, Indian travellers changing flights at German airports will no longer need a separate transit visa. This will cut paperwork and save time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked Merz for the move. Both leaders said strong people ties are key to the partnership. They also noted rising Indian students in Germany and plans to deepen cooperation in education, skills, and youth exchanges. (PC: India Today)

India said its defence sourcing choices are guided by national interest and not ideology. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri made the remarks during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to New Delhi. He said Germany has changed its defence policy approach towards India. Misri noted that approvals which earlier took a long time are now being cleared faster. India and Germany are in talks for a possible submarine project involving Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders. He said the technical and financial discussions are still underway and have not concluded. India continues to work closely with Russia on defence and energy ties. He added that sourcing from one country is not linked to another. (PC: NDTV)

New US ambassador to India Sergio Gor said New Delhi remains an “essential partner” for Washington despite trade tensions. He said the friendship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump is “very real”. Gor took charge on Monday and will present his credentials to President Droupadi Murmu this week. Speaking in New Delhi, he said both sides are in talks on trade and the US plans to invite India to join Pax Silica next month. His remarks come as Trump has warned of more tariffs over India’s purchase of Russian oil. India currently faces a 50 percent US tariff rate. (PC: HT)

Australia has moved India to its highest risk group for student visas and will apply stricter checks from January 8, 2026. India was shifted from Evidence Level 2 to Evidence Level 3 under the Simplified Student Visa Framework. Officials said the change is to manage “emerging integrity issues” and protect genuine students. Indian applicants will now face deeper review of bank records, extra proof of English skills, and more background checks. Visa officers may contact colleges and referees. Processing time may rise from about three weeks to as much as eight weeks. Nearly 140,000 Indian students study in Australia. (PC: Economic Times)

A 26-year-old merchant navy officer from Himachal Pradesh has been detained after US forces seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic. Rikshit Chauhan from Kangra district was among three Indian crew members on the vessel Marinera, earlier called Bella 1. The ship was intercepted on January 7 after a long chase that began in the Caribbean. Chauhan was due to return home next month for his wedding on February 19. His family said they last spoke to him hours before the seizure. His mother appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his safe return. India’s foreign ministry said it is checking details of the detained Indians. (PC: NDTV)

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ahmedabad today for his first bilateral visit since assuming office last May. The leaders will finalize agreements on semiconductors, critical minerals, defense manufacturing, and skill development, including a Hyderabad skills center. Merz brings a 25-member CEO delegation featuring submarine manufacturers, signaling strong defense cooperation. Discussions will cover the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, Ukraine war, Trump's disruptive policies, and China's challenge. Over 2,000 German companies operate in India, with more joining Make in India initiatives. The visit precedes EU leaders attending Republic Day celebrations and French President Macron's February arrival, marking extensive India-Europe engagement promoting a multipolar world order.

Iran's ambassador to India dismissed reports claiming Indian nationals were arrested during anti-government protests in Tehran, urging reliance on credible sources. The demonstrations, triggered by economic hardship with Iran's rial collapsing to 1.4 million per dollar, have resulted in at least 544 deaths and over 10,600 detentions according to US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. President Trump threatened military action, stating he's considering cyberattacks and strikes, prompting Iran's parliament speaker to warn that US military bases and Israel would become "legitimate targets." Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei faces unprecedented challenges as protesters demand regime change. Internet blackouts complicate information verification, though Starlink transmitters enable some footage distribution showing widespread demonstrations across multiple Iranian cities.