Czech opposition begins coalition talks after winning legislative polls

In a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, "Pleased to talk to FM Sugiono of Indonesia. Exchanged perspectives on the West Asia conflict. Discussed bilateral ties and agreed to hold the Joint Commission meeting at an early date."

India's Consul General in Shanghai, Pratik Mathur, met Ant Group leadership to discuss fintech and digital economy opportunities. This follows high-level engagements with Shanghai's Mayor, aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Reform, Perform and Transform" mantra to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation through the SCO and BRICS.

The UAE has led a successful UN diplomatic push, with the Security Council adopting Resolution 2817 to condemn Iran's "egregious attacks." Co-sponsored by 140 nations, the resolution demands an end to "indiscriminate strikes" and affirms the UAE's right to self-defence against threats to its sovereignty and civilian infrastructure.

Saudi Arabia intercepted multiple drones targeting the "Shaybah oil field" as regional tensions soar. Amid the conflict, Russia and Saudi Arabia "emphasised the need" for international efforts to prevent escalation. Meanwhile, the US warned Russia not to intervene, despite Trump and Putin discussing "opportunity for some peace" in Ukraine.

North Korea is intensifying preparations for its upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for next week, including forming election committees and reviewing candidates for the Supreme People's Assembly, according to a report by Yonhap News Agency citing North Korean state media on Wednesday.

Jaishankar said in a post on X, "Appreciate the exchange of assessments today with FM Jean-Noël Barrot of France on the West Asia conflict. Look forward to continuing it in person."

The vote counting for the March 5 election in Nepal's House of Representatives has concluded late Wednesday, with Nepal's Election Commission (EC) making final preparations for the official announcement of results.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a telephonic conversation with Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia Faisal bin Farhan on the need to make efforts to prevent further escalation of the Middle East crisis.

China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun has made a comment on the West Asia conflict, wherein he has expressed China's willingness to remain in touch with all the parties involved in the conflict to de-escalate the issue, reported China Daily.

The UK Air Force on Tuesday announced that overnight, a ground-based British Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems unit took out a drone in Iraqi airspace, which was heading towards Coalition forces.