5.1-magnitude quake hits southeast of Loyalty Islands

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.

India has extended humanitarian assistance to Madagascar following widespread devastation caused by tropical cyclones Fytia and Gezani earlier this year, reaffirming its support for the island nation during the ongoing relief efforts.

Reflecting on the West Asia crisis, former Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar said that only God and US President Donald Trump know when the war will end. Speaking to ANI, he said that Trump's war objectives are shifting, with regime change giving way to regime adjustment, and now potentially targeting Iran's Kharg Island oil hub.

As per the NCS, the earthquake occurred at a depth of 165km.

US President Donald Trump adopted a "we'll see what happens" stance following Mojtaba Khamenei's appointment as Iran's Supreme Leader. Despite prior warnings that any successor requires US approval to "last long," Tehran finalised the transition, while Israel issued threats of "elimination" against the new leadership amid heightened regional volatility.