Asia

Possible Iran got help from some of its 'friends'”:Ex-US official

Iran may have received some assistance from its so-called "friends", including potentially the sharing of information amid the conflict in West Asia to counter Israel and the US, according to Former US Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer.

2026-03-05T16:49:53.713844+00:00 IST

India welcomes conclusion of Nepal General Elections

In response to media queries following the conclusion of the Nepal General Election earlier today, Official Spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal said, "We welcome the successful conduct of elections and the exercise of their democratic mandate by the citizens of Nepal today, which has seen enthusiastic participation. We congratulate Prime Minister Sushila Karki, the Government and the people of Nepal as well as various stakeholders for successfully holding these polls, which took place against the backdrop of exceptional circumstances last year."

2026-03-05T16:39:07.388439+00:00 IST

India teaches Europe that passivity is not a strategy: Stubb

Finnish President Alexander Stubb, during his keynote address at the Raisina Dialogue 2026 on Thursday, highlighted India's rising global influence, calling it a model for strategic autonomy and proactive international engagement, stating that Europe has "been taught a lesson by India that passivity is not a strategy".

2026-03-05T16:04:42.605777+00:00 IST

India, Finland sign 11 major outcomes

India and Finland on Thursday marked a major milestone in their bilateral ties by elevating relations to a "Strategic Partnership in Digitalisation and Sustainability", with both countries agreeing on a series of initiatives covering trade, technology, mobility, sustainability, and innovation.

2026-03-05T15:17:47.376306+00:00 IST

Jaishankar highlights capabilities, AI, global order at Raisina

Addressing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was present in the audience, Jaishankar said the Prime Minister's presence at the forum continues to serve as an inspiration. "Events of the last year, including ongoing developments, only validate your belief that Indians must continue to develop a sharp global awareness -- both of the world and of an equally relevant India. And we must constantly update both," he said.

2026-03-05T14:05:54.404314+00:00 IST

Finnish President warns of power vacuums that fuel rogue powers

Finnish President Alexander Stubb on Thursday issued a stark warning about the fragility of the current global order, stressing that breakdowns in international institutions and norms risk creating power vacuums that will be filled by "raw power, rogue behaviour, and predatory hegemons".

2026-03-05T13:58:46.846710+00:00 IST

China moves to sideline minority languages with sweeping Mandarin

China is preparing to introduce a major legal overhaul that could dramatically reshape language use across the country, prioritising Mandarin Chinese in education and public life while sharply limiting the role of minority languages.

2026-03-05T13:38:25.596162+00:00 IST

PM Modi, Finnish President Stubb inaugurate 11th Raisina Dialogue

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated the 11th edition of the Raisina Dialogue, India's flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, along with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who is also the Chief Guest for the three-day event.

2026-03-05T13:32:44.831928+00:00 IST

India signs condolence book over Khamenei's death

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Thursday signed the condolence book at the Embassy of Iran in New Delhi on behalf of the Government of India, expressing sympathy following the death of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

2026-03-05T13:17:59.561368+00:00 IST

Balochistan sees new wave of alleged enforced disappearances

Reports from various parts of Balochistan indicate that at least six people have allegedly been forcibly disappeared in recent security operations, while the body of a man who had been missing for weeks was discovered in Awaran district.

2026-03-05T12:27:28.027024+00:00 IST

Ballots sealed as voting ends in Nepal polls

Polling officials completed the process of sealing ballot boxes at the station following the end of voting hours, marking the conclusion of the electoral process.

2026-03-05T12:15:36.268657+00:00 IST

Former US NSA official Finer on China's possible support to Iran

In an interview with ANI, Finer said China's diplomatic response so far has largely focused on condemning US actions and calling for de-escalation while offering rhetorical support to Iran.

2026-03-05T11:51:04.268446+00:00 IST

"US win is going to be pretty elusive": Jon Finer on Iran

Former US Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer believes achieving a clear victory for the United States in the ongoing conflict involving Iran will be difficult, noting that the situation has already advanced to a stage where outcomes are increasingly uncertain.

2026-03-05T11:40:14.184160+00:00 IST

"China to send special envoy for mediation," says FM Spokesperson amid West Asia conflict

Speaking at a press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that the country believes that dialogue and negotiation are the only viable solutions to resolving disputes and that the continued escalation of the conflict serves no one's interests.

2026-03-05T11:38:28.592611+00:00 IST

"India-US trust suffered a setback": Former US official

Former US Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer highlighted that trust between India and the United States suffered a setback last year, stressing the need for both countries to work towards rebuilding confidence and strengthening ties.

2026-03-05T11:33:21.622207+00:00 IST

Finland President Stubb highlights India-EU goal to double trade

Speaking at a joint press meeting at Hyderbad House with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Stubb said the recently forged trade agreement and strategic partnership between the EU and India carries significant geopolitical and economic importance.

2026-03-05T09:04:38.312811+00:00 IST

Finland President Stubb emphasises on seat of UNSC for India

Speaking at a Joint Press Meeting at Hyderabad House alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Stubb said the world is currently witnessing a transition in the global order, with countries of the Global South playing a crucial role in shaping its direction.

2026-03-05T08:45:21.769016+00:00 IST

"From school to industry": PM Modi on new India-Finland pact

PM Modi and Finnish President Alexander Stubb have signed a migration and mobility pact to link innovation ecosystems. The agreement strengthens ties across education, startups, and research, with Modi hailing Finland as a "role model" and pledging to deepen cooperation at every level, from schools to Arctic research.

2026-03-05T08:34:17.445498+00:00 IST

PM Modi on strategic partnership with Finland

Speaking during a joint press meeting with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, PM Modi highlighted the long-standing collaboration between the two nations in technology, infrastructure and innovation.

2026-03-05T08:26:05.148935+00:00 IST

"India, Finland believe in rule of law," PM Modi

During the joint press meeting, he said that India and Finland both believe in the rule of law, dialogue and diplomacy. He said," India and Finland, both, believe in the rule of law, dialogue, and diplomacy."

2026-03-05T08:23:08.475298+00:00 IST

US aims to end Iran nuclear 'blackmail', offers India energy: US Deputy Secy Landau

US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau outlined a Middle East "end game" to stop Iranian nuclear "blackmail" and regional threats. Seeking a "new normal," he urged India to transition to the US as a reliable, long-term energy partner to secure its fuel needs amidst the ongoing conflict.

2026-03-05T08:15:28.168474+00:00 IST