COVID-19 outbreak erupts on Italian cruise liner: Reports

He highlighted India's role as a "first responder" for the Maldives, emphasising that India's support during critical periods has been fundamental to the stability and security of the island nation.

The Pentagon spent USD 5.6 billion on munitions in just two days against Iran, sparking fears over a "scarce supply" of advanced weapons. As the military shifts to cheaper bombs, assets are being rerouted from the Indo-Pacific, raising concerns about US "readiness" for other global threats.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "Appreciate the phone conversation with DPM & FM Antonio Tajani of Italy. Discussed the situation in West Asia."

During the meeting, participants highlighted the long-standing ties between Italy and Tibet, noting that cultural exchanges between the two date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. At that time, Italian Jesuit and Capuchin missionaries travelled to Lhasa, where they studied the Tibetan language and produced some of the earliest Tibetan-Italian dictionaries.

Speaking to journalists, the State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment said that since the outbreak of the Iran-Israel war, four Bangladeshis have been killed so far. Among them, one was killed in Bahrain, one in Dubai, and two in Saudi Arabia.