Colombia's COVID-19 cases top 1.6 million

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'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 US will release 172 million barrels of oil "beginning next week" to stabilse markets amid war with Iran. President Trump vowed to "finish the job" despite Tehran's threats to "destroy" the economy. While Trump suggests there is "practically nothing left to target," Israel claims it has "a broad bank of targets."

Speaking to ANI, Nasheed said the conflict could disrupt the country's fragile economic stability. "Tourist arrivals have come down. So that is going to have a very big impact on our economy and the prosperity of the people. So, yes, it is very, very difficult," he added.

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.