Celebrating 75 years of India–Germany diplomatic relations

Attended the German National Day reception hosted by H.E. Dr. Jasper Wieck, Ambassador of Germany to India, at the German Ambassador’s Residence in New Delhi on October 27. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri was the Chief Guest.

The celebration marked 36 years of German reunification and 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Germany. In his address, Ambassador Wieck highlighted the expanding strategic partnership encompassing trade, investment, technology, artificial intelligence, defence and sustainability. He also described the proposed India–EU Free Trade Agreement as a potential game changer for economic cooperation.

The reception brought together ambassadors, senior diplomats, parliamentarians, business leaders and other distinguished guests.

Romanian Armed Forces Day Reception in New Delhi

Attended the Romanian Armed Forces Day Reception in New Delhi, hosted by H.E. Ms. Sena Latif, Ambassador of Romania to India, and Commander (Navy) Ciprian Dorobat, Defence Attaché.

Lt Gen Anoop Shinghal, AVSM, SM, Director General, Regiment of Artillery, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. 

The reception brought together ambassadors, diplomats, defence attachés and senior Indian military officers, reflecting the growing defence and strategic engagement between India and Romania.

81st National Day Reception of Vietnam in New Delhi

Attended the 81st National Day Reception of Vietnam in New Delhi, with Union Minister Shri. Kiren Rijiju as Chief Guest.

A pleasure meeting His Excellency Trinh Minh Manh, Ambassador of Vietnam to India, alongside ASEAN Heads of Mission, senior diplomats, government officials and industry leaders.

A good occasion to celebrate the enduring India–Vietnam friendship, growing strategic partnership and expanding economic ties. 

Celebrating Austria’s National Day: An evening of diplomacy and friendship

Attended the Austrian National Day Reception on October 26, hosted by H.E. Dr. Robert Zischg, Ambassador of Austria to India, at the Austrian Ambassador’s Residence in New Delhi. Shri. Sibi George, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs, was the chief guest.

Welcoming the guests, Ambassador Zischg remarked, “This is my very first National Day in India, and I am particularly happy that my wife is with us tonight on her very first visit to India.” The reception brought together ambassadors, diplomats and distinguished guests, providing an opportunity for conversations on international affairs and bilateral relations.

India and Austria share longstanding diplomatic ties, with expanding opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment, technology, innovation and sustainable development.

Czech Republic & Spanish receptions on October 12

Attended two diplomatic receptions in New Delhi on October 12, hosted by the Embassies of the Czech Republic and Spain to celebrate their respective National Days.

Both occasions brought together diplomats, senior government officials and guests, highlighting India’s engagement with European nations.

The Czech Republic reception, hosted by Chargé d’Affaires Kateřina Petersen at the Czech Embassy in Chanakyapuri, also marked the visit of H.E. Karel Havlíček, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic.

Ms. Pooja Kapur, Additional Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, was the Chief Guest. The occasion underscored the expanding India–Czech partnership, particularly in trade, investment, advanced manufacturing, technology and industrial cooperation.

The Spanish National Day reception, hosted by H.E. Juan Antonio March Pujol, Ambassador of Spain to India, at the Ambassador’s residence, had Mr. Sibi George, Additional Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, as Chief Guest.

The reception brought together a gathering from the diplomatic, government and business communities, reflecting the strengthening India–Spain relationship across trade, investment, infrastructure, defence, technology and cultural exchanges. 

From semiconductors to the Ramayana: Taiwan celebrates deepening ties with India

Attended the 115th National Day reception of Taiwan at Shangri-La, New Delhi, on October 8.

H.E. Dr Mumin Chen, Representative of Taiwan to India, delivered the keynote address highlighting the growth in bilateral trade, which surged 60% in the first eight months of 2026 to reach $12.9 billion. With nearly 400 Taiwanese companies operating in India, investments approaching $7.5 billion and expanding cooperation in semiconductors, AI and advanced manufacturing, the partnership is gaining significant momentum.

Former Union Minister of State Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi also addressed the gathering, highlighting the warmth of Taiwan–India relations.

The cultural performances were equally memorable. A Taiwanese troupe presented a fascinating musical interpretation of the Ramayana, demonstrating how India's civilisational heritage continues to inspire artistic expression across geographical boundaries.

Saudi Arabia reportedly prepares offensive to regain Bab el-Mandeb

Saudi Arabia is considering a coastal or multi-front offensive against the Houthis, using more than 100,000 Saudi-backed Yemeni personnel and Saudi air support. The objective is to reverse recent Houthi gains around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

US intelligence and advisers are reportedly supporting Saudi air operations. Pakistani officials told Reuters that Islamabad supplied air-defence systems, artillery, drones and counter-drone equipment and deployed military advisers, although no decision has been made to send Pakistani troops into Yemen for combat.

Bab el-Mandeb is critical to India–Europe trade and has become more important while the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted. A major offensive could either reopen the route or produce further attacks on shipping, ports and energy infrastructure—directly affecting India’s Operation Urja Suraksha.