Lalit Modi posted the apology on X, saying he never intended to hurt sentiments. He said he holds deep respect for India and the Indian government. He added that his statement was misrepresented and taken out of context. He expressed regret and offered a sincere apology.

The controversy began after a video from Vijay Mallya’s birthday party surfaced online. Lalit Modi shared the clip on Instagram. In the video, he jokingly referred to himself and Mallya as India’s “two biggest fugitives.” The caption added fuel to public anger.

The video triggered political and public backlash. Soon after, the Ministry of External Affairs faced questions on the return of economic offenders. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India remains committed to bringing back all fugitives who have evaded the law. He confirmed that the government continues talks with several countries on extradition.

Following the strong response and government stance, Lalit Modi deleted the video and issued his apology. The incident once again highlighted public sensitivity around fugitive offenders and accountability.

The post Lalit Modi Apologises Over Video appeared first on India Podcast.

Jaiswal stated that Arunachal Pradesh is an “integral and inalienable part of India,” a fact that remains unchanged regardless of China’s repeated objections. He emphasized that no amount of denial from Beijing can alter this established reality. India has taken up the issue with China “strongly and firmly,” demanding an explanation for the arbitrary detention, which violates multiple international aviation conventions.

The MEA also pointed out that China’s action contradicts its own rules allowing 24-hour visa-free transit for passengers of all nationalities. The incident occurred because China continues to claim Arunachal Pradesh as its territory, leading officials to term the passport “invalid.”

India’s sharp reaction underscores rising tensions over repeated Chinese attempts to question India’s sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh.

The post India Slams China for Terming Arunachal Woman’s Passport ‘Invalid’; Says Arunachal Is and Will Always Be India’s Integral Part appeared first on India Podcast.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the visit aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation. During her stay, President Murmu will hold talks with President Lourenço and attend Angola’s 50th Independence Day celebrations on November 11. This is the first visit by an Indian head of state to Angola, underscoring the growing India-Africa partnership.

MEA Secretary Sudhakar Dalela said India supported Angola’s freedom struggle and continues to expand cooperation across key sectors. He noted that President Lourenço’s earlier visit to India opened new avenues in trade, energy, and defence.

President Murmu will also address the Angolan Parliament and meet members of the Indian community. After completing her engagements in Angola, she will travel to Botswana from November 11 to 13 to further strengthen bilateral ties with that nation.

The post Murmu’s Historic Visit to Angola Begins appeared first on India Podcast.

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.

The post India Sends Rabies Aid to Timor-Leste Amid Outbreak appeared first on India Podcast.

Victoria, who has lived in India since 2019, allegedly left for Russia with her four-year-old child amid an ongoing custody battle with her estranged Indian husband, Saikat Basu. The embassy said it remains in close contact with Indian authorities over the matter to ensure compliance with legal procedures.

The statement followed the Supreme Court’s concern over the lack of a detailed response from the Russian side about Victoria’s whereabouts. The court said it did not wish to affect diplomatic ties but emphasized that the child’s safety was paramount.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi gave authorities two more weeks to coordinate with Russian officials. Meanwhile, Saikat Basu claimed he has no knowledge of his wife and child’s current location as the custody dispute continues.

The post Russian Embassy Refutes Reports on Victoria Basu appeared first on India Podcast.

In Ecuador, he will review preparations to open a resident Indian Mission in Quito — a major step in India’s diplomatic outreach. His visit to Bolivia will include representing India at the swearing-in ceremony of newly elected President Rodrigo Paz Pereira on November 8 in La Paz.

Cuba will be the final stop on his tour. There, discussions will focus on collaborations in health, medicine, and digital public infrastructure. Margherita will also meet business leaders and members of the Indian diaspora to promote mutual partnerships.

According to the MEA, the visit underscores India’s commitment to South–South cooperation and deeper engagement with developing nations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently congratulated President-elect Rodrigo Paz Pereira and expressed hopes to further strengthen India–Bolivia relations. The two nations already share strong ties in minerals, IT, and health, along with growing cooperation in capacity building and development assistance.

The post India’s Latin Push: Pabitra Margherita’s 3-Nation Mission appeared first on India Podcast.

In August, Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Both leaders held comprehensive talks on bilateral relations and discussed global and regional issues. They agreed to expand collaboration in defence, health, agriculture, trade, culture, and education.

Prime Minister Modi welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Recognition of Indian Pharmacopoeia, which will help Fiji access affordable medicines. He also reiterated India’s plan to help establish Jan Aushadhi Kendras (People’s Pharmacies) in Fiji to provide low-cost generic drugs.

PM Modi further announced that India would build a 100-bed super-specialty hospital in Suva. Dialysis units, sea ambulances, and Jaipur Foot camps will also be set up to ensure accessible healthcare for all. Both nations also agreed to strengthen digital health connectivity through India’s e-Sanjeevani telemedicine initiative.

The post India’s Big Health Aid Move for Fiji appeared first on India Podcast.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that India has aimed to diversify energy procurement for many years, prioritising stable prices and secure supplies. The current US administration has shown interest in strengthening these energy ties.

Despite previous US tariff hikes, India’s exports to the US rose to $45.82 billion in the first half of the current financial year, a 13.3% increase from last year. The government sees potential to import $12–13 billion worth of crude oil and natural gas from the US without changing refinery configurations.

India is also likely to source more renewable energy technologies from the US as part of the trade discussions. Chief Negotiator Rajesh Agrawal is already in the US, working with the negotiating team to finalise bilateral commitments and boost climate-friendly energy cooperation.

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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.

The post PM Modi Hosts Mongolian President in Delhi appeared first on India Podcast.

Misri spoke with a 23-member delegation of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association Bangladesh (DCAB) at the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, Joint Secretary B Shyam, and DCAB leaders attended the meeting.

On former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s stay in India, Misri described it as a “judicial legal process” needing consultations between both governments. He asked observers to avoid seeing any favoritism and stressed India wants balanced engagement with all stakeholders.

During the nearly hour-long interaction, Misri answered questions on bilateral relations, border matters, water-sharing issues, and Hasina-related topics. He added that some challenges are natural in any relationship, while India remains willing to cooperate closely with Bangladesh authorities.

The post India Seeks Free, Fair Bangladesh Polls appeared first on India Podcast.