During his first bilateral visit to Ethiopia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was warmly welcomed in Addis Ababa, where he described his experience and the hospitality as feeling “like home,” drawing comparisons to his home state of Gujarat and highlighting deep historical and cultural ties between India and Ethiopia. He addressed a joint session of the Ethiopian Parliament, emphasising longstanding relations and shared development goals. Modi also witnessed the elevation of India‑Ethiopia relations to a strategic partnership, including signing multiple cooperation agreements, and was conferred Ethiopia’s highest civilian honour, the Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia. (PC: Instagram)

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner M. Riaz Hamidullah to express serious concerns over the security of the Indian High Commission in Dhaka following reported threats, underscoring the host country’s obligation to protect diplomatic missions under international norms. The move reflects New Delhi’s demand for stronger safety measures for its embassy and staff amid rising diplomatic sensitivities. Bangladesh, while addressing the security issue, continues to emphasise its commitment to bilateral ties and regional peace, even as both sides manage complex diplomatic interactions. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Ethiopia resulted in elevating bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership, marking a major diplomatic milestone. The two nations signed several agreements, including cooperation on customs, establishing a data centre, and training in UN peacekeeping operations. A debt-restructuring MoU under the G20 Common Framework was also inked to support Ethiopia’s economic stability. India will double ICCR scholarships for Ethiopian students and offer specialised AI courses. Healthcare cooperation includes upgrading Addis Ababa’s Mahatma Gandhi Hospital’s maternal and neonatal care capacity. During the visit, Ethiopia conferred its highest honour on PM Modi. (PC: Mint)

Babblejit Kaur, a 60-year-old Indian-origin woman, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a green card interview on December 1 in the US. Living in America since 1994, Kaur settled in California with her husband, running Natraj Cuisine of India and Nepal restaurant for over 20 years until COVID-19 closure in 2020. She also worked 25 years at Rite Aid pharmacy. Kaur has no criminal record and had an approved green card petition from her US citizen daughter and son-in-law. Her family claims they haven't been allowed to meet her since detention. She was transferred to Adelanto ICE detention center, with hands and feet shackled. (PC: NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first global leader to receive Ethiopia's highest civilian honor, the "Great Honor Nishan of Ethiopia," during his maiden bilateral visit to the African nation. Ethiopian PM Dr. Abiy Ahmed presented the award at Addis International Convention Centre on December 16, recognizing Modi's contribution to deepening bilateral relations and global statesmanship. Modi dedicated the honor to India's 1.4 billion citizens and Ethiopia's people, emphasizing education as the cornerstone of their century-old partnership. He highlighted how Indian educators have contributed to Ethiopia's institutional development for over 100 years. The award symbolizes Ethiopia's recognition of India as a trusted long-term partner in Africa with shared developmental values.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar in Jerusalem on Tuesday, condemning the recent Bondi Beach terror attack on Jews during Hanukkah celebrations in Australia. India conveyed deepest condolences and reaffirmed its commitment to combating terrorism in all forms. The ministers held productive discussions on advancing the India-Israel Strategic Partnership across multiple domains, exchanging views on regional developments, the Gaza peace plan, and efforts toward lasting regional peace. Saar condemned the Red Fort blast, emphasizing terror as a mutual threat. Both nations will adopt a comprehensive bilateral relations working plan for 2026. The visit aims to strengthen ties amid heightened global security concerns following recent terror incidents. (PC: X)

Bangladesh National Citizen Party leader Hasnat Abdullah warned Dhaka could shelter anti-India forces and threatened to "sever the seven sisters," referring to India's northeastern states. Four states including Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram share land borders with Bangladesh, making the region strategically sensitive. Abdullah claimed Bangladesh would offer sanctuary to separatist groups if India shelters forces against Bangladesh's sovereignty. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called the remarks "irresponsible and dangerous," warning India won't remain silent. India previously accused militant groups like NLFT and ATTF of using Bangladeshi territory as safe havens during the late 1990s-early 2000s. The security situation improved after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's 2009 return, launching crackdowns on insurgent groups and strengthening India-Bangladesh security cooperation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Ethiopia's highest civilian honour, "The Great Honor Nishan of Ethiopia," marking his 28th foreign state honour during his maiden bilateral visit to the African nation. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali personally received Modi at Addis Ababa airport and drove him to his hotel in a rare gesture. The leaders held talks at the National Palace, participating in a traditional coffee ceremony where Ahmed briefed Modi on Ethiopian coffee varieties. In an unscheduled gesture, Ahmed took Modi to the Science Museum and Friendship Park despite it not being on the official itinerary. The visit underscores strong Global South partnership, with Addis Ababa hosting African Union headquarters, which became a permanent G20 member during India's 2023 presidency.

Fifteen people died in a mass shooting during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney's Bondi Beach, treated as an Islamic State-inspired terrorist attack. Australian police identified suspects as father-son duo: Sajid Akram (50), shot dead at scene, and Naveed Akram (24), hospitalized under guard. Telangana police confirmed Sajid migrated from Hyderabad to Australia in November 1998 on a student visa after earning a Bachelor of Commerce degree. He lived in Australia for 27 years, married Venera Grosso, and had Australian-citizen children while retaining Indian passport. Investigators recovered improvised explosives and Islamic State flags from their vehicle. The pair visited Davao, Philippines, in November, raising scrutiny over potential military-style training connections before the December 14 attack.(PC: WAtoday)

Taliban health minister Noor Jalal Jalali arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday, becoming the third Taliban leader to visit India in three months. He'll meet his Indian counterpart and pharmaceutical sector representatives to bolster healthcare cooperation. Foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi visited in October, and industry minister Nooruddin Azizi attended the India International Trade Fair in November. Following Muttaqi's visit, India upgraded its Kabul technical mission to a full-fledged embassy and agreed to allow Taliban diplomats in New Delhi. The visits occur amid escalating Afghanistan-Pakistan tensions, including border closures disrupting exports. The Taliban regime seeks Indian investments in mining, hydroelectric projects, and healthcare, wanting India to resume development projects after issuing thousands of medical visas annually before August 2021.