Ukraine's COVID-19 deaths surpass 80,000

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.

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.

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.

The European Union on Wednesday moved to intensify pressure on Tehran amid the conflict in West Asia by approving new sanctions targeting 19 Iranian regime officials and entities accused of serious human rights violations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin received a telephone call from US President Donald Trump, where the two leaders discussed the conflicts in Iran and Ukraine, Russia Today reported, citing Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb told ANI that "the future is Indian," praising New Delhi's unique ability to engage all sides in global conflicts. He backed India's permanent UN Security Council seat and discussed NATO, Ukraine, and West Asia tensions, highlighting India's pragmatic role in a shifting world order.

Balen Shah's RSP is heading for a landslide victory in Nepal's parliamentary polls, leading in 98 seats and winning 19. Shah holds a massive lead over veteran KP Sharma Oli, as the RSP nears a simple majority, with party leaders eyeing a two-third majority of 186 seats.

EAM S Jaishankar stated that the era of "big deals" between dominant powers is over, as multipolarity is now an irreversible reality. He argued that the Global South is defined by shared historical experiences, while noting a growing "differentiation" within the previously unified Global West.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb warned of a "detachment" of the United States from the global West, noting it increasingly acts without consultation. Citing conflicts in West Asia, Ukraine, and Sudan, he called for a "new covenant" because the current cost of uncoordinated multipolarity is "too high."

Experts at the Raisina Dialogue 2026 warned that global conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine are "bleeding together" with Indo-Pacific security. While the US maintains its ability to respond to Taiwan tensions despite Middle East involvement, speakers noted that expanding regional wars are creating a complex, interconnected global crisis.