External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has commenced a four-nation diplomatic tour of West Asia as India steps up its engagement with key partners in the strategically important region. The visit comes amid evolving geopolitical developments and is expected to focus on strengthening bilateral ties, enhancing regional security cooperation and expanding collaboration in trade, energy and investment.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Jaishankar's engagements will include high-level meetings with political leaders and senior officials in the four countries. Discussions are also expected to cover regional stability, economic partnerships and issues of mutual strategic interest. The visit reflects India's continued efforts to deepen its presence in West Asia, a region that remains vital for the country's energy security, trade and diaspora interests.

ECI Clarifies Odisha Voter Roll Dispute

In a separate development, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has responded to allegations by opposition parties regarding the deletion of names from Odisha's electoral rolls. The controversy emerged after opposition leaders claimed that eligible voters had been excluded during the revision process.

The Commission said that only minor discrepancies had been identified in the draft electoral roll prepared following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. It clarified that the publication of the draft list is part of the regular revision process and that all claims, objections and correction requests will be thoroughly examined before the final electoral roll is notified.

The ECI reiterated that eligible voters would continue to have opportunities to seek corrections or inclusion of their names in accordance with the prescribed procedures.

58 Engineering Colleges Shut Down in One Year

Meanwhile, a report on India's higher education sector has highlighted growing challenges facing technical education. According to the report, 58 engineering colleges across the country have shut down over the past year, reflecting a continued decline in demand for conventional engineering programmes.

Education experts attribute the closures to falling student enrolments, financial constraints, changing employment trends and increasing preference for emerging technology and skill-based courses. Industry observers believe many institutions have struggled to adapt their curriculum to evolving market requirements, making it difficult to attract prospective students.

The findings have renewed calls for reforms in technical education, including stronger industry-academia collaboration, curriculum modernisation and greater emphasis on innovation and practical skills to improve graduate employability.

Together, the three developments underscore significant activity across India's diplomatic, electoral and education sectors, with policymakers expected to closely monitor their implications in the coming weeks.

An official Indian delegation paid its final respects to Iran's former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during a state mourning ceremony at Tehran's Grand Mosalla complex ahead of his funeral. The visit underscored India's diplomatic engagement with Iran and its longstanding civilisational ties with the West Asian nation.

Thousands of mourners gathered at the Grand Mosalla from early morning to pay their last respects to Khamenei. Religious leaders, senior Iranian officials, foreign dignitaries and international delegations attended the ceremony under heightened security arrangements following recent regional tensions.

Representing the Government of India were Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain. The delegation offered floral tributes, observed a moment of silence and conveyed condolences to the Iranian leadership on behalf of India.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India's participation reflects the deep historical, cultural and diplomatic relationship between the two countries. India and Iran have maintained cooperation across sectors including energy, trade, connectivity, maritime security and regional affairs despite changing geopolitical circumstances.

The funeral ceremonies are being conducted under extensive security, with Iranian authorities deploying additional personnel across Tehran. The multi-day state funeral is expected to conclude with Khamenei's burial in Mashhad after religious observances in different cities.

The passing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei marks a significant moment in Iran's political and religious history. His funeral has drawn representatives from several countries, reflecting his influence on regional affairs and the importance many governments attach to maintaining diplomatic engagement with Tehran.

India has continued to maintain diplomatic relations with Iran while balancing its broader strategic interests in the region. Officials said participation in the state funeral is consistent with established diplomatic protocol and reflects India's respect for bilateral ties with the Islamic Republic.

The Indian delegation is expected to conclude its visit after attending the official mourning events. Further diplomatic engagements, if any, have not been announced.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has begun his first official visit to Ghana, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the West African nation in nearly three decades. The Ghana visit is the opening leg of his five-nation diplomatic tour aimed at strengthening India's engagement with the Global South and expanding strategic partnerships across Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America. (Ministry of External Affairs)

The Prime Minister's visit is expected to focus on enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, defence, digital technology, healthcare, education and energy. During his stay in Accra, Modi is scheduled to hold delegation-level talks with Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama and review the full spectrum of India-Ghana relations. (Ministry of External Affairs)

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, several agreements are expected to be signed during the visit to deepen cooperation in key sectors. The two countries are also expected to discuss regional and global issues of mutual interest, including economic development, maritime security and South-South cooperation. (Ministry of External Affairs)

The visit carries added significance as it is the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana since 1995. Officials believe it reflects India's growing focus on strengthening ties with African nations through development partnerships, capacity building and increased economic engagement. (Ministry of External Affairs)

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi is also expected to address the Parliament of Ghana, highlighting the democratic values shared by both countries and outlining India's vision for stronger cooperation with Africa. The two sides are likely to discuss ways to boost business collaboration and promote greater people-to-people exchanges. (Ministry of External Affairs)

After concluding his engagements in Ghana, the Prime Minister will continue his diplomatic tour with visits to Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil and Namibia. The multi-nation visit includes participation in the BRICS Summit in Brazil and several bilateral meetings with world leaders. (Facebook)

Officials said the tour is intended to reinforce India's strategic partnerships across multiple regions while expanding cooperation in trade, technology, infrastructure, defence and sustainable development. The visit is also expected to strengthen India's outreach to developing nations and further its diplomatic and economic interests on the global stage. (Ministry of External Affairs)

FATF vice-president Vivek Aggarwal, a 1994-batch IAS officer, will help steer global efforts against money laundering and terror financing.

 India has secured a significant position in the global financial governance framework with the election of senior bureaucrat Vivek Aggarwal as vice-president of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the international body responsible for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and other threats to the global financial system.

The appointment is being viewed as a diplomatic and institutional achievement for India, reflecting the country's growing influence in shaping international standards related to financial security and illicit financial flows.

The Ministry of External Affairs described the development as an important milestone that reinforces India's commitment to strengthening global cooperation against terrorism and terror financing.

Key Global Position

The FATF is regarded as the world's foremost watchdog on money laundering and terrorist financing. It develops international standards and monitors compliance by countries across the globe.

As vice-president, Aggarwal will play a key role in supporting the organisation's leadership and contributing to policy discussions involving financial crime, illicit fund transfers and emerging global risks.

The position is considered one of the most influential within the FATF structure after the presidency.

Veteran IAS Officer

Vivek Aggarwal is a 1994-batch Indian Administrative Service officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre and currently serves as Secretary in the Ministry of Culture.

Over a career spanning more than three decades, he has held several important positions in both state and central governments. His experience covers public administration, economic governance, revenue management and financial oversight.

Before taking charge in the Culture Ministry, Aggarwal also served as Additional Secretary in the Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance, where he dealt with matters linked to taxation, financial regulation and economic policy.

Experience With FATF

Aggarwal is no stranger to the international financial watchdog.

He has previously represented India at FATF meetings and discussions, giving him direct experience in the organisation's functioning and policy framework.

He also served as the head of the Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND), the agency responsible for receiving, analysing and disseminating information related to suspicious financial transactions.

During his tenure, he worked extensively on issues concerning economic offences, anti-money laundering measures, financial intelligence gathering and enforcement coordination.

India's Growing Influence

Government officials say the election reflects increasing international confidence in India's contribution to financial governance and counter-terrorism efforts.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the appointment underscores India's expanding role in shaping global responses to illicit financial activities. The ministry noted that India has consistently advocated stronger international mechanisms to curb terror financing networks and improve transparency within financial systems.

The development also comes at a time when global regulators are paying greater attention to digital payments, virtual assets and emerging technologies that can potentially be exploited for financial crimes.

Recognition Of Credibility

The Ministry of Culture described Aggarwal's election as recognition of India's growing credibility among the international community.

Officials said the country has emerged as an important voice in discussions involving financial inclusion, digital payment ecosystems and regulatory frameworks designed to prevent misuse of financial channels.

India's expanding role in international financial institutions has also been supported by its experience in implementing large-scale digital governance and payment infrastructure.

Focus On Financial Security

FATF recommendations serve as the benchmark for anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing regulations adopted by countries worldwide. The organisation's assessments often influence investment decisions, banking relationships and international financial cooperation.

Aggarwal's appointment is expected to provide India with greater visibility in ongoing discussions on financial integrity, enforcement mechanisms and emerging challenges facing the global financial system.

As FATF continues to address increasingly complex threats ranging from organised crime financing to cross-border terror networks, India's presence in the leadership structure is likely to strengthen its contribution to shaping international standards and policy responses.

Justice GS Patel alleges threats for 10 months; daughter attacked in London and fresh letter demanded video retracting 2024 ruling

Retired Bombay High Court judge Justice Gautam S. Patel has told reporters he and close family members have faced sustained threats over the past 10 months that he links to a 2024 judgment in the Dawoodi Bohra succession dispute. The claims include an attack on his daughter in London in April and a new anonymous letter that demanded he withdraw his verdict in a public video, according to the retired judge and media reports.

Immediate allegation

Justice Patel, who retired in April 2024, said the threats began after he delivered a contested judgment on April 23, 2024, that recognised Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin as the 53rd Dai al-Mutlaq of the Dawoodi Bohra community. Initial reports in Bar & Bench and The Indian Express said the ruling resolved a long-standing dispute involving claims by Khuzaima Qutbuddin and later his son Taher Fakhruddin.

Attack in London

According to the retired judge, his daughter Aditi Patel was assaulted in Watford, near London, on April 22, 2026 — two months ago. She was returning from dropping her child at school when an unidentified man allegedly struck her from behind, fracturing her nose. UK police opened an investigation and are examining possible links between the assault and prior threats to the family. The West Hertfordshire Counter Terrorism Unit is reported to be reviewing the incident.

Fresh letter and extortion demand

Justice Patel said he received another anonymous letter on June 5 that demanded he withdraw the April 2024 judgment by recording a YouTube video declaring the verdict wrong and saying he had been forced to deliver it. The letter included an SD card and warned of deadly consequences if the demand was not met, he told media. He said a similar warning had prompted a complaint to Mumbai police last year; a police report dated September 9, 2025, was filed at Gamdevi station after an earlier threatening letter.

Official channels informed

The retired judge said he has notified the Indian High Commission in London, the Acting Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court and Surya Kant (a senior judge) about the threats. “I have been retired since April 2024. A Bombay High Court judgment cannot be set aside through a YouTube video,” Justice Patel told reporters, stressing that judicial orders cannot be reversed by extrajudicial pressure.

Local authorities and response

Sources familiar with the matter said UK police are coordinating enquiries with Indian officials, given the cross-border elements. Justice Patel’s daughter and son-in-law lodged a formal complaint with local police in the UK after the April attack, according to the retired judge.

The Bombay Bar Association passed a resolution condemning the threats and the attack on Justice Patel’s family and urged the Ministry of External Affairs to take up the matter with British authorities. “We call for immediate steps to ensure the safety of the judge and his relatives,” the association said in its resolution, a copy of which was shared with news outlets.

Community reaction

The office of Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin issued a statement saying the Dawoodi Bohra community stands for peace, tolerance and respect for the rule of law, and does not endorse any attempt to influence the judiciary or resort to intimidation. No other individuals or groups have publicly claimed responsibility for the threats.

Context and implications

The succession dispute generated high-profile litigation and community tensions after competing claims surfaced following the death of the previous Dai. Justice Patel’s 2024 ruling settled the legal question in favour of Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, but, as the recent events underscore, the matter continues to have social and personal repercussions for those involved.

What happens next

Investigations are ongoing in the UK into the assault and in Mumbai regarding the letters. Justice Patel has said he expects both British and Indian law-enforcement agencies to follow up and warned that any failure to pursue leads across jurisdictions could amount to “systemic failure.” Officials contacted by this paper declined immediate comment; UK police referred queries to the ongoing investigation.

PM Modi meets Giorgia Meloni in Rome: High-level bilateral talks and strategic economic corridor in focus

Wide-ranging discussions underway as Prime Minister concludes his multi-nation diplomatic tour with key focus on trade, defense, and global supply chains.

ROME — Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the Italian capital late Tuesday evening for the final leg of his five-nation diplomatic tour. Shortly after landing, PM Modi meets Giorgia Meloni in Rome for high-level engagements, marking his first dedicated bilateral visit to Italy. The initial meeting, which concluded over an informal dinner, saw the two leaders exchanging views on regional and global developments ahead of structured delegation-level talks.

Red carpet welcome in Rome

Upon his arrival at Rome airport, Prime Minister Modi was received by Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, alongside India’s Ambassador to Italy, Vani Sarraju Rao. The Prime Minister received a ceremonial red-carpet reception from the Italian guard of honour before proceeding to his hotel, where a large gathering of the Indian diaspora and local cultural performers welcomed him with classical musical showcases.

Focus on strategic corridor

According to a post shared by the Prime Minister on social media platform X shortly after touchdown, the primary objective of the bilateral visit centers around reviewing the ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Ground-level officials familiar with the matter stated that the alignment of supply chains and maritime logistical frameworks under IMEC remains a priority for both Rome and New Delhi, especially amidst continuing regional uncertainties in West Asia.

Reviewing the 5-year action plan

A key component of the formal deliberations on Wednesday will be a comprehensive review of the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029. The plan spans critical sectors, including advanced technology, defense production, clean energy partnerships, and space research. Data from the Ministry of External Affairs indicates that bilateral trade between the two nations surpassed USD 16.7 billion in recent cycles, with a mutual push to escalate industrial investments in automotive, machinery, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Diplomatic engagements and global outreach

Apart from his detailed session where PM Modi meets Giorgia Meloni in Rome, the Prime Minister is scheduled to call on Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinale Palace. Official sources confirmed that the leaders will address complex geopolitical issues, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, maritime safety in the Indo-Pacific region, and global energy security. Additionally, the Prime Minister is slated to visit the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to reiterate India’s stance on global food security and multilateralism.

Final leg of multi-nation tour

Italy marks the conclusion of an intense five-nation tour that began on May 15. Prior to arriving in Rome, Prime Minister Modi visited the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Norway, where he co-chaired the 3rd India-Nordic Summit in Oslo. With formal business interactions with leading Italian industrialists scheduled for later in the day, New Delhi aims to draw substantial foreign direct investment into India’s expanding green technology and infrastructure sectors before the Prime Minister departs for India on Wednesday night.

The initial moments of the Prime Minister's arrival and the informal diplomatic greetings can be observed in this news coverage video, which outlines the key focus areas of the bilateral agenda between India and Italy.