Asia

Hiring lobbyists to strengthen outreach is standard practice: MEA

Speaking at a weekly press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasised that this has been a longstanding norm, noting that India has been hiring such lobbying firms since the 1950s.

2026-01-09T12:56:29.365721+00:00 IST

China accelerates cyberwarfare against Taiwan

China has sharply escalated its cyberoffensive against Taiwan, directing an average of 2.63 million attacks every day throughout 2025, according to a new intelligence assessment from Taiwan's National Security Bureau (NSB). The report warns that China is intensifying efforts to infiltrate and disrupt essential civilian and government networks, as reported by The Epoch Times.

2026-01-09T12:37:55.051033+00:00 IST

India probes presence of nationals on US-seized Russian tanker

India on Friday said it is closely monitoring reports of Indian nationals allegedly present on a Russian-flagged oil tanker recently seized by the United States in the North Atlantic Ocean after weeks of pursuit, noting that it is currently "ascertaining" the details of the nationals aboard the tanker.

2026-01-09T12:15:19.009452+00:00 IST

Pakistan’s governance crisis deepens

Pakistan's Ministry of Finance has acknowledged that the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) lacks institutionalised transparency, an omission the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warns could further damage investor confidence and weaken policy stability.

2026-01-09T11:44:59.123597+00:00 IST

Chinese espionage push exposed as Taiwanese marine indicted

A former Taiwanese Marine Corps service member has been indicted for allegedly accepting payments from a Chinese handler and leaking classified defence information, a case that prosecutors say highlights China's growing infiltration efforts, as reported by Focus Taiwan.

2026-01-09T11:38:06.296418+00:00 IST

India backs multilateralism, urges collaborative action: MEA

Responding to media queries regarding the US decision to withdraw from several UN and non-UN international organisations, including the ISA, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India will continue to commit to the Global Solar Alliance.

2026-01-09T11:35:35.181477+00:00 IST

Ayatollah Khamenei says protestors working "to please America"

The Ayatollah also accused US President Trump of acting like a despot and said that despots are deposed at the peak of their pride.

2026-01-09T11:18:41.859013+00:00 IST

India prioritises affordable energy amid US bill on Russian oil

Responding to a proposed bill in the United States Congress that seeks to impose a 500 per cent duty on countries continuing to purchase Russian oil, India on Friday said it remains guided by the imperative of securing "affordable energy" for its 1.4 billion people amid evolving global market dynamics.

2026-01-09T11:01:39.353555+00:00 IST

India, Chile in final stages of social security pact; CEPA talks

India and Chile are in the final stages of negotiating a social security agreement aimed at facilitating investments and the movement of professionals between the two countries, Chilean Ambassador Juan Angulo said on Friday.

2026-01-09T10:35:41.445043+00:00 IST

Iran Consulate in Hyderabad assures safety of Indians

The Consulate General of Iran in Hyderabad categorically stated that the situation in Iran remains stable and fully under control, asserting that there is no threat to Indian citizens residing in or visiting the country, as per an official release.

2026-01-09T09:59:26.644489+00:00 IST

Chief Election Commisioner meets Costa Rica's Envoy to India

Chief Election Commissioner of India and Chairperson International IDEA, Gyanesh Kumar met Costa Rica's Ambassador to India, Nestor Gabriel.

2026-01-09T09:28:34.802152+00:00 IST

4 die, over 2 dozen injured due to Russian strikes, Ukraine's For

Sybiha said that Russian missiles attacked its residential areas too, disrupting water supply and heating.

2026-01-09T09:02:39.054003+00:00 IST

India can be a factor of stabilisation in global affairs: Chile

Speaking to ANI on Friday, Angulo said the multilateral forum must reflect contemporary global realities and called for reforms in the international system.

2026-01-09T08:59:34.149075+00:00 IST

Balochistan traders decry sugar restrictions

They have urged the government to immediately resume issuing no-objection certificates (NOCs) that allow sugar consignments from Punjab and Sindh to be transported into the province, as reported by Dawn.

2026-01-09T08:54:41.605012+00:00 IST

German Chancellor to visit India from Jan 12-13 at PM Modi's invi

Merz will be on an official visit to India on January 12-13 at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi. This will be Merz's first official visit to India.

2026-01-09T08:27:44.147897+00:00 IST

Pakistan: Flour supply curbs trigger bakers’ strike in Peshawar

Bakers in Peshawar have begun an indefinite strike against a ban on flour transport from Punjab and delays in issuing new price lists. The Nanbai Association says soaring flour prices and administrative action have made business unsustainable and demands immediate government intervention.

2026-01-09T08:15:03.772214+00:00 IST

"There was no Bangladesh without India": Ex-diplomat

"It is a very disappointing and sad development. Bangladesh, for which India did so much. There was no Bangladesh without India. Even the son of Khaleda Zia has gone on record that we can't forget what actually happened in 1971," Kumar told ANI.

2026-01-09T08:13:42.919055+00:00 IST

Wave of custodial killings in Balochistan raises fresh alarms ove

The deceased were identified as Ayaz Baloch and Zareef Ahmed, both hailing from Kolwah in Kech district, as reported by The Balochistan Post.

2026-01-09T07:47:21.331207+00:00 IST

'Not too surprising': Ex-diplomat as Trump clears Russia Sanction

"Well, it's not too surprising. He has been saying in a roundabout way that if you don't comply, I will do this. He also mentioned 500 per cent in the past. But now he's on a high after what he has been able to achieve in Venezuela," Surendra Kumar told ANI.

2026-01-09T07:28:59.031641+00:00 IST

Prime Minister Modi greets EAM Jaishankar on birthday

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended birthday greetings to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, praising his diplomatic service and role in strengthening India's foreign policy. Jaishankar, a former Foreign Secretary, has been serving as External Affairs Minister since 2019.

2026-01-09T07:25:58.798698+00:00 IST