External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Netanyahu in Jerusalem on December 17, 2025, and conveyed warm wishes from PM Modi. They discussed enhancing cooperation in technology, economy, skills, talent, connectivity, and security. Netanyahu expressed appreciation for India’s perspectives on regional and global developments.

EAM Jaishankar also met Israeli President Isaac Herzog. During the meeting, both sides reviewed the progress of the India-Israel Strategic Partnership. They reiterated India’s support for lasting peace in the region and stressed the need for early implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan.

Earlier, on December 10, PM Modi had spoken with Netanyahu over the phone regarding the West Asia situation. The Prime Minister’s Office said both leaders strongly condemned terrorism in all forms. They welcomed the ongoing momentum in bilateral ties and committed to deepening cooperation for mutual benefit in strategic, economic, and technological fields.

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On Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi joined celebrations marking the 70th birth anniversary of the Fourth King, highlighting the deep cultural and spiritual ties between the two nations. Jigme Singye Wangchuck, who ruled Bhutan from 1972 to 2006, is known for promoting national unity and introducing the happiness-based development model.

Modi and Bhutan’s current King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck also held extensive discussions on energy, connectivity, defence, and technology. Both leaders inaugurated the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II hydroelectric project, a major milestone in bilateral energy cooperation.

Earlier, Modi and the Bhutanese King offered prayers before the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha at Thimphu’s Tashichhodzong. The relics were sent from India to mark the Fourth King’s 70th birth anniversary and Bhutan’s Global Peace Prayer Festival.

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MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India remains committed to assisting partner nations in times of crisis. He highlighted that the consignment will help Timor-Leste combat a recent rabies outbreak, reinforcing India’s commitment to global health cooperation and solidarity.

India and Timor-Leste share long-standing ties rooted in democracy and diversity. India was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Timor-Leste after its independence in 2002. Recently, Timor-Leste became the 11th member of ASEAN, marking a historic step in regional integration and cooperation.

President Droupadi Murmu earlier reaffirmed India’s partnership with Timor-Leste, promising collaboration in technology, agriculture, and healthcare. Timor-Leste’s leadership expressed gratitude for India’s support and backed India’s bid for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council, strengthening their growing diplomatic bond.

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Jaishankar expressed confidence that India’s relations with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) would grow stronger as Bahrain assumes the GCC presidency. He also thanked Bahrain’s leadership for supporting the welfare of the Indian community and exchanged views on global and regional developments.

Highlighting the nations’ centuries-old friendship, Jaishankar said India and Bahrain share a common goal of peace and prosperity. He noted that bilateral cooperation has expanded across defence, trade, security, and technology, with new areas like space and fintech offering fresh opportunities.

Foreign Minister Alzayani acknowledged the deep historical and cultural ties linking both countries for nearly 5,000 years. He emphasised that strong economic links remain central to their partnership, with both sides committed to enhancing connectivity and shared growth.

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President Ukhnaa arrived in New Delhi on Monday for a four-day State Visit. Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol received him at the airport, where he was accorded a Guard of Honour and a ceremonial welcome. This marks Ukhnaa’s first visit to India since assuming office.

During the visit, President Droupadi Murmu will host a banquet for the Mongolian President. Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar are expected to call on him. The visit will provide a platform to review bilateral relations and strengthen strategic cooperation.

Diplomatic ties between India and Mongolia began in 1955. Over seven decades, both countries built a close partnership across defence, energy, education, healthcare, IT, and culture. The MEA stated that India and Mongolia are “Strategic Partners, Spiritual Neighbours, and Third Neighbours,” with the visit highlighting shared values and regional and global cooperation.

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Before the ministerial, India will attend a Senior Officials Meeting on October 13 and 14. Secretary (West) Sibi George will represent India at the session. Uganda currently chairs NAM for 2024–26, and this year’s theme is “Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence.”

India, a founding member of NAM, continues to support peace, development, and cooperation among its 121 member countries. Kirti Vardhan Singh will meet Ugandan leaders and counterparts from other NAM nations to discuss collaborative initiatives.

NAM originated during decolonisation and the Cold War. It helped newly independent countries achieve sovereignty and build global solidarity. India actively participates in NAM summits to strengthen unity, cooperation, and world peace.

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Kamlager-Dove noted that Democratic lawmakers sent a letter urging President Trump to reset ties with India. She expressed disappointment that no Republicans joined, stating Democrats carry the responsibility to support strategic international relationships. She also emphasized India’s role in regional stability and global innovation.

The lawmaker criticized the H-1B visa lottery system and $100,000 arbitrary rule, saying it harms US competitiveness and discourages skilled professionals, especially from India. She stressed the importance of the Quad Leadership Summit and strong Indo-Pacific partnerships.

Kamlager-Dove praised India’s measured diplomacy with China, Russia, and Pakistan, calling it a sign of strategic maturity. She warned that strained US-India ties could weaken regional stability and urged consistent engagement to strengthen cooperation on technology, defense, and economic growth.

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He added that the policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi have strengthened India’s position globally, making it resilient to external pressure or sanctions. Naidu also called for promoting “Make in India” initiatives to boost domestic production and economic self-reliance.

Highlighting societal values, he stressed the importance of instilling ethics and moral values in the younger generation, urging schools and families to play a key role in nurturing responsible citizens. Naidu’s remarks underscored the significance of cooperation, mutual respect, and ethical conduct both in international diplomacy and domestic governance.

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He stated that the Security Council’s current structure is outdated and unrepresentative. Tobgay argued that reforms should expand both permanent and non-permanent memberships. He said nations like India and Japan deserve a place due to their economic growth, diplomatic leadership, and global influence.

Bhutan has consistently advocated UNSC reforms, calling the current Council a “relic of the past.” Tobgay reiterated that a reformed Council must reflect today’s geopolitical and economic landscape. The focus should be on effective multilateralism that delivers outcomes, not just resolutions.

By supporting India and Japan, Bhutan adds its voice to the growing international call for balanced and inclusive global governance. Tobgay’s statements underscore Bhutan’s commitment to a more representative UN capable of addressing modern global challenges efficiently.

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George said India’s peacebuilding approach is inspired by the ethos of “the world is one family.” He added that India has actively partnered with countries in the Global South, providing over US$40 billion in grants, concessional loans, and capacity-building projects.

He highlighted challenges in peacebuilding due to rising conflicts and limited finances. George urged countries to develop transparent, accountable, and inclusive institutions. He emphasized using technology to improve public services, foster trust, and promote social cohesion for sustainable peace.

Earlier this week, George attended the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers’ Meeting (CFAMM) 2025 alongside the UN General Assembly. He spoke on India’s commitment to Commonwealth values and called for reforms to reflect contemporary needs. Ministers from across the Commonwealth joined the discussions to strengthen global cooperation and partnerships.

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