Anjani Kumar takes charge as India’s new envoy to Ukraine

Veteran diplomat Anjani Kumar has formally taken charge as India’s Ambassador to Ukraine after presenting his credentials to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, marking the beginning of a new diplomatic assignment for the 2003-batch Indian Foreign Service officer at a sensitive time in India-Ukraine relations. Kumar’s appointment comes as the Russia-Ukraine war continues and New Delhi maintains engagement with Kyiv while also pursuing its wider policy of strategic autonomy.

Kumar was appointed India’s ambassador to Ukraine by the Ministry of External Affairs in July. Before moving to Kyiv, he served as a Joint Secretary at the MEA headquarters in New Delhi. He has also handled diplomatic assignments abroad, including as India’s ambassador to Mali, with concurrent accreditation to Mauritania. The formal process for his new posting had already begun on August 10, when he presented copies of his credentials to Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Oleksandr Mishchenko. His meeting with Zelenskyy now completes the formal presentation of credentials and marks his assumption of the ambassadorial role.

The posting comes at a time when India’s diplomatic engagement with Ukraine continues to involve several sensitive issues. New Delhi has repeatedly backed dialogue and diplomacy as the preferred way to resolve the conflict, while stressing the importance of international law, sovereignty and territorial integrity. At the same time, India has maintained relations with Russia and has avoided taking a formal alignment with either side of the war. For Kumar, managing these different strands of foreign policy will be an important part of the assignment.

Humanitarian assistance and support for Indian nationals are also expected to remain part of the embassy’s work. India has provided medical supplies and other assistance to Ukraine, while the conflict has affected Indian students and citizens living or studying in the country. Education and people-to-people contacts could therefore remain practical areas of engagement alongside the larger diplomatic discussions.

Kumar takes over from Ravi Shankar, who completed his tenure as India’s ambassador to Ukraine in May. His arrival also comes as international discussions increasingly look beyond the immediate conflict towards Ukraine’s eventual reconstruction. Trade, infrastructure, education and other areas could offer room for greater India-Ukraine cooperation if conditions allow.

The exact priorities of the new envoy will become clearer as he begins his meetings with Ukrainian officials and other stakeholders. For now, his appointment places an experienced Indian diplomat at the centre of a relationship that requires careful handling, particularly as the war continues and diplomatic efforts around a possible settlement remain active.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held bilateral talks with Liberian Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti in New Delhi on Thursday, with both sides discussing ways to strengthen cooperation across a wide range of sectors.

Nyanti's visit to India comes as the two countries seek to expand their bilateral engagement in areas including technology, agriculture, healthcare, mining, energy, trade and investment, education and capacity building.

India-Liberia Ties Reviewed

During the meeting, Jaishankar and Nyanti reviewed the broader India-Liberia relationship and exchanged views on regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.

The discussions covered both economic and developmental cooperation, with particular attention to areas where India and Liberia can expand partnerships and share expertise.

Jaishankar later described his conversation with Nyanti as “productive”, highlighting cooperation on commercial shipping, mining, healthcare, agriculture, water and training.

Focus on Commercial Shipping

Safety and security of commercial shipping emerged as one of the issues discussed by the two ministers.

Maritime security remains an important concern for international trade, particularly amid disruptions and security challenges affecting major shipping routes.

India and Liberia also have potential areas of cooperation linked to maritime trade, given Liberia's role in global shipping and India's expanding focus on secure international supply chains.

New Liberian Embassy in New Delhi

Jaishankar also congratulated Nyanti on the inauguration of the new Embassy of Liberia in New Delhi.

The opening of the diplomatic mission is expected to strengthen institutional engagement between the two countries and provide a greater platform for expanding bilateral cooperation.

The embassy is likely to facilitate closer diplomatic, commercial and people-to-people ties between India and Liberia.

Cooperation in Key Sectors

The talks covered several sectors considered important for Liberia's development and India's engagement with African countries.

These included technology, agriculture, healthcare, mining, energy, trade and investment, education and capacity building.

Water management and training were also discussed during the meeting.

India has increasingly focused on development partnerships with African countries through capacity building, technical cooperation, education and skill development.

UNSC Reforms Discussed

The two ministers also discussed reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Jaishankar said the meeting focused on the need for long-pending reforms at the global body.

India has consistently called for an expansion of the UNSC's permanent and non-permanent membership, arguing that its composition should better reflect contemporary global realities.

Liberia, as an African country, also has an interest in broader representation of the continent in global decision-making institutions.

Strengthening South-South Cooperation

Jaishankar said India remains committed to strengthening South-South cooperation with Liberia.

The two countries are expected to continue exploring opportunities for collaboration in development, trade, technology and capacity building.

The meeting comes at a time when India is seeking to deepen its engagement with African nations through economic partnerships, development assistance and cooperation in emerging sectors.

The inauguration of Liberia's new embassy in New Delhi and the ministerial-level discussions are likely to provide further momentum to India-Liberia relations.

Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister Saidov Bakhtiyor Odilovich has arrived in India on a four-day official visit aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries. The visit, scheduled from August 2 to August 5, will focus on expanding cooperation in trade, connectivity, investment, technology and regional security under India's Connect Central Asia policy.

The high-level visit comes as New Delhi and Tashkent seek to deepen economic and strategic engagement across multiple sectors.

High-Level Meetings Scheduled

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the visiting foreign minister reached New Delhi on Sunday.

During the visit, he will call on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan and hold delegation-level talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at Hyderabad House.

The discussions are expected to review the full spectrum of bilateral relations and identify new areas for collaboration.

Trade and Investment in Focus

A key highlight of the visit will be participation in a business forum in New Delhi, where the Uzbek foreign minister will interact with Indian industry leaders.

The forum is expected to promote greater investment and private-sector partnerships in sectors including:

• Pharmaceuticals

• Information Technology

• Manufacturing

• Emerging technologies

Both countries are looking to expand economic cooperation by encouraging greater business-to-business engagement.

Connectivity to Top Agenda

Improving connectivity between India and Central Asia is expected to be a major focus of the bilateral discussions.

The two sides are likely to explore ways to enhance regional trade through strategic connectivity projects such as:

• International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC)

• Chabahar Port in Iran

Strengthening these transport links is expected to improve access between India and Central Asian markets while boosting regional trade.

Strategic Cooperation

Apart from economic ties, India and Uzbekistan are expected to discuss cooperation in several strategic sectors, including:

• Critical minerals

• Digital public infrastructure

• Defence collaboration

• Counter-terrorism

• Regional security

The discussions reflect growing strategic convergence between the two countries amid evolving geopolitical and economic developments in the region.

Growing Bilateral Engagement

The visit follows a series of high-level interactions between New Delhi and Tashkent over the past year.

The two foreign ministers have already met on the sidelines of several international forums earlier in 2026, underlining the growing momentum in bilateral relations.

The latest visit is expected to further strengthen cooperation under India's broader engagement with Central Asia.

In an official statement issued on Sunday, the MEA described the incident as deeply concerning and reiterated India's position that attacks on commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure must stop immediately. The ministry said the safety of seafarers and the security of international maritime routes remain a matter of serious importance.

According to the statement, the vessel was carrying 11 Indian citizens at the time of the attack. Rescue efforts have so far located and saved 10 crew members, while search operations are continuing for the remaining Indian national.

“Of the 11 Indian nationals on board the vessel, 10 have been rescued so far, while one Indian citizen has been reported missing,” the ministry said.

The attack has once again highlighted growing security concerns in the region, where commercial shipping routes have faced repeated threats in recent months. The Arabian Sea and surrounding maritime corridors are among the world's busiest trade routes, carrying a significant portion of global energy supplies and commercial cargo.

Expressing concern over the recurring incidents, the MEA said continued attacks on commercial vessels are detrimental to regional peace and stability. The ministry emphasized that India supports dialogue and diplomatic engagement as the preferred path toward reducing tensions and resolving disputes.

The statement noted that New Delhi remains committed to efforts aimed at de-escalation and peaceful resolution of conflicts through ongoing diplomatic initiatives.

“India remains committed to the position that dialogue and diplomacy are the best means to address tensions. Ongoing diplomatic efforts and negotiations should be pursued in a constructive and peaceful manner to restore stability in the region,” the ministry said.

India also called for the protection of civilian infrastructure and international shipping operations. The MEA stressed that freedom of navigation and uninterrupted maritime trade must be safeguarded in accordance with international law.

The ministry added that attacks targeting commercial ships and civilian assets undermine global trade networks and pose risks not only to regional countries but also to the wider international community.

As search and rescue operations continue, the Indian Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring developments and coordinating with local authorities. The embassy is maintaining regular contact with Omani officials involved in the operation and is extending all possible assistance to the affected crew members and their families.

The MEA acknowledged the support extended by Oman in the rescue mission and thanked the country's authorities for their prompt response.

“We appreciate the assistance provided by the Omani authorities. Our Embassy in Oman remains in close coordination with them and is monitoring the ongoing search and rescue efforts,” the ministry said.

The incident is likely to renew discussions on maritime security in the region, particularly as global concerns grow over the safety of commercial shipping lanes. With one Indian sailor still unaccounted for, attention remains focused on the ongoing rescue operation and efforts to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Further updates are awaited as search teams continue their efforts in the waters off the Omani coast.

An Indian diplomat publicly objected to the display of an incorrect map depicting Jammu and Kashmir as part of Pakistan during a foreign policy seminar in Bangladesh, prompting an immediate clarification from the presenter and renewing attention on India's position regarding its territorial boundaries.

The incident occurred during a seminar titled "Rebuilding Trust, Renewing Regional Integration: Pathways for Revitalising SAARC", organised by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) in Dhaka.

Indian Diplomat Raises Objection

During a presentation by former Bangladeshi diplomat Tariq A. Karim, Pooja Kumari Jha, Second Secretary at the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, interrupted the session after noticing a map that allegedly portrayed Jammu and Kashmir incorrectly.

Objecting to the visual, Jha said the map was inaccurate and asserted that "Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India."

The intervention briefly halted the presentation as she requested that the issue be placed on record.

Presenter Responds

Responding to the objection, Tariq A. Karim said the map had been used only for "representational purposes" and was not intended to depict official international boundaries.

Jha reiterated India's position, stating that Jammu and Kashmir had been misrepresented and that she wanted to formally register India's objection.

After learning that she was representing the Indian High Commission, Karim acknowledged the concern, saying, "Point noted," before resuming his presentation.

Video Circulates on Social Media

A video of the exchange has since circulated widely on social media, where many users praised the diplomat for immediately challenging the depiction of India's territorial boundaries.

The incident has generated discussions online regarding the use of maps at international conferences and the sensitivity surrounding territorial representations.

India's Consistent Position

India has consistently maintained that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral and inalienable part of the country and has frequently objected to maps or references that contradict its official position.

The latest incident adds to a series of diplomatic interventions by Indian representatives at international forums whenever India's territorial boundaries have been portrayed differently.

Earlier this year, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, P. Harish, exercised New Delhi's Right of Reply during a debate at the UN General Assembly after Pakistan referred to Jammu and Kashmir. During his remarks, Harish reiterated India's long-standing position and criticised what he described as misleading narratives on the issue.

Earlier Nepal Airlines Controversy

The Dhaka seminar comes months after Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) faced criticism for publishing promotional material that incorrectly depicted the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

The graphic sparked widespread backlash on social media, with the hashtag #BoycottNepalAirlines gaining traction among Indian users.

Following the controversy, the airline withdrew the promotional material and issued a public apology.

The latest episode in Bangladesh highlights the continued diplomatic sensitivity surrounding maps and territorial representations, with India maintaining that any depiction inconsistent with its official boundaries is unacceptable and warrants immediate correction.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Auckland on Friday for the final leg of his three-nation tour, where he was warmly received by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. The visit marks a significant milestone in India-New Zealand relations, with both countries expected to conclude negotiations on a long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and expand cooperation across trade, investment and strategic sectors.

During his visit, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Luxon and senior members of the New Zealand government. The talks are expected to focus on strengthening economic ties, enhancing bilateral trade and deepening cooperation in areas including technology, agriculture, education, clean energy and regional security.

FTA Expected to Be Finalised

A key highlight of the visit is the expected signing of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement. The proposed pact aims to improve market access, boost bilateral trade, encourage investment flows and create new opportunities for businesses in both countries.

Officials from both sides have been working on the agreement to expand economic engagement and remove barriers to trade, making it one of the most significant outcomes anticipated from the visit.

Business and Community Engagement

Apart from official meetings, Prime Minister Modi will participate in a business event aimed at strengthening commercial partnerships between Indian and New Zealand companies. He is also scheduled to attend a sporting event during his stay.

Later in the day, the Prime Minister will address nearly 40,000 members of the Indian diaspora at the "Kia Ora Modi" community programme in Auckland. The event has been organised by the Indian community to welcome the Prime Minister and celebrate the growing ties between the two nations.

The Indian diaspora in New Zealand is regarded as an important bridge in bilateral relations, contributing significantly to trade, education and cultural exchanges.

First Indian PM Visit in Four Decades

Prime Minister Modi's visit is being described as historic, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in around 40 years. The last Indian Prime Minister to visit the country was Rajiv Gandhi in 1986.

The visit is expected to provide fresh momentum to bilateral relations and open new avenues for cooperation in multiple sectors.

Australia Leg Focused on Strategic Partnerships

Before arriving in New Zealand, Prime Minister Modi concluded the Australian leg of his tour, where India and Australia announced a series of agreements covering defence, trade, critical minerals, space cooperation and energy.

Following talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Melbourne, the two leaders announced plans to jointly develop a Critical Minerals Corridor, while Australia also agreed to host a space tracking terminal on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands to support India's Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission.

The two countries also finalised a uranium cooperation agreement, further strengthening their strategic partnership.

Visit to Melbourne Cricket Ground

During his stay in Australia, Prime Minister Modi visited the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) alongside Prime Minister Albanese and former Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh.

At the venue, Modi announced that the opening match of Australia's Big Bash League (BBL) this December would be played in Chennai, marking the first time the Australian domestic T20 league will stage a match in India.

The Prime Minister also addressed a gathering of nearly 30,000 members of the Indian community in Melbourne, where he highlighted the growing partnership between India and Australia and praised Australia's decision to restrict social media access for children below the age of 16.

With his arrival in Auckland, Prime Minister Modi now begins the final phase of his foreign tour, which is expected to focus on expanding India's engagement with New Zealand through stronger economic cooperation, strategic dialogue and people-to-people ties.

Bihar Governor Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain and Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita will represent India at the funeral ceremony of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, according to reports citing official sources.

At the same time, Iran’s current Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, has expressed appreciation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying the historic friendship between India and Iran should continue to deepen.

India’s representation

The reported decision means India will send a senior political and diplomatic delegation instead of the Prime Minister to the state funeral ceremonies. Iranian sources said the funeral observances will take place from July 4 to July 9 across multiple cities, ending with burial in Mashhad.

The move also reflects India’s effort to maintain high-level engagement with Tehran at a sensitive moment for West Asia. India and Iran continue to work on issues ranging from connectivity and trade to regional stability.

Modi’s message

Mojtaba Khamenei’s message thanked Modi for his Eid al-Adha greetings and said he was confident that ties between the two countries would be strengthened further through the efforts of both governments.

The Iranian statement also wished prosperity for India and success for its government and people. That public acknowledgment is notable because it comes amid wider regional tensions, making the India-Iran channel more visible than usual.

Strait of Hormuz talks

The report also says Iran and Oman have begun talks in Muscat on the future management of the Strait of Hormuz under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. Those discussions include whether international cargo ships should pay for secure passage through the strategic waterway.

The issue matters because shipping through Hormuz remains a major global concern after recent military escalation and repeated warnings over transit rights.

Regional backdrop

The broader context includes renewed tensions in the Gulf, oil price movement, and continued debate over access to the strait. Pakistan is also reportedly considering buying cheaper Iranian oil and gas if sanctions relief continues, while vessel traffic through Hormuz has not stopped completely.

That makes India’s decision to send representatives to the funeral part of a much larger diplomatic picture, where states are trying to manage both symbolism and security at the same time.

In a case that underscores the perilous position of civilians caught in geopolitical conflicts, the fate of Sahil Mahmad Husen Majothi, a 22-year-old Indian student from Gujarat, remains uncertain. Detained by Ukrainian forces after being allegedly coerced into fighting for Russia, Majothi's safe return to India now hinges on urgent diplomatic efforts. With talks of new prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine emerging, his legal team is raising an alarm, warning that his repatriation to Russia could be disastrous .

The Delhi High Court has intervened, directing the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to take "urgent steps" to bring him home . However, a critical diplomatic gap on the ground and the complex machinery of war-time prisoner swaps have left his family in agonizing suspense.

A Student's Descent into the War Zone

Sahil Majothi's ordeal began in early 2024 when he traveled to St. Petersburg on a student visa to pursue a course in Russian language and culture at ITMO University . To support himself, he worked part-time as a courier. His family claims that in April 2024, he was falsely implicated in a narcotics case, arrested, and later sentenced to seven years in a Russian prison .

Facing a lengthy prison term, Majothi says he was given a choice: sign a contract with the Russian military or remain incarcerated. He chose the former, calling it the "biggest mistake" of his life . After minimal training, he was deployed to the front lines in Ukraine in October 2025, where he surrendered to Ukrainian forces within days . He has since been held in a Ukrainian military facility.

Courts Direct, But Diplomacy Lags

With representations to the government yielding little result, Majothi's mother, a cancer patient, approached the Delhi High Court. In a significant order, Justice Sachin Datta observed that the student appeared to have been compelled to join the Russian Army under duress and directed the Centre to "take all steps to bring him back" .

The court mandated:

   Appointing a liaison officer to coordinate with Ukrainian authorities.

   Securing consular access to Majothi.

   Filing a status report on the actions taken .

Despite this clear judicial directive, progress has been slow. Advocate Deepa Joseph, who met Majothi in Ukraine in early January, reported a lack of affirmative response from the MEA and highlighted slow coordination, stating the Indian ambassador was unavailable during her visit .

The Looming Threat of a Prisoner Exchange

The most immediate danger to Majothi's safety is the potential for him to be included in a prisoner-of-war exchange between Ukraine and Russia. Ukraine's Ombudsman office has confirmed that talks for a new swap are underway .

Historic Precedent: The two nations have conducted multiple large-scale swaps, including one of 303 prisoners each in May 2025 .

Grave Risk: If Majothi is transferred to Russia as part of such an exchange, his lawyer warns that Russian authorities could be "very hostile" towards him for surrendering .

This creates a race against time for Indian diplomacy to secure his direct repatriation to India before he is swept into the broader exchange mechanism.

A Warning to Others and a Test for Indian Diplomacy

From custody, Majothi has sent video messages pleading for help from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar . He also issued a public warning: "Those coming to Russia for higher studies or work should be very careful. There are many scammers here" .

His case is not isolated. The Indian government has previously called for the release of other nationals reportedly serving with the Russian military . This situation tests India's diplomatic resolve and its ability to protect citizens abroad in complex conflict zones where traditional consular access is constrained.

The coming weeks are critical. The Delhi High Court continues to monitor the government's actions, and the window to extract Majothi from the prisoner-exchange pipeline is narrowing. His safe return will require not just diplomatic requests, but decisive and creative statecraft to navigate a brutal war and bring one young student home.