The United States is preparing for a fresh wave of immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump, with nearly 18,000 undocumented Indians reportedly among those facing deportation. The proposed crackdown is expected to rely once again on military aircraft for deportation flights, a practice that drew widespread attention after Indian migrants were flown back to Amritsar in handcuffs and shackles in February 2025.

The latest move has heightened anxiety within the Indian diaspora, particularly among undocumented migrants living across states such as New York, Texas, California, and New Jersey, where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has intensified raids and detention operations.

Thousands of Indians Could Face Removal

According to reports, nearly 18,000 undocumented Indian nationals have been identified for possible deportation as part of the administration's expanded immigration enforcement strategy.

Many of those detained may have limited opportunities to challenge deportation orders, with immigration lawyers claiming that some migrants are being transferred directly to detention centres instead of receiving traditional immigration hearings.

The development marks a significant escalation in the US government's efforts to curb illegal immigration and is expected to affect thousands of Indian families living without legal status.

New Detention Centres Set Up

To support the large-scale deportation campaign, the Trump administration has reportedly established two new detention centres by converting warehouses in El Paso, Texas, and California.

The facilities, developed at an estimated cost of ₹16,500 crore, have been handed over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Reports indicate that around 12,000 migrants are currently being housed in these detention centres while awaiting immigration proceedings or deportation.

Officials have not yet released a detailed timeline for the next phase of removals.

Lawyers Raise Due Process Concerns

Immigration attorneys have expressed concern over what they describe as a shift in enforcement practices.

Veteran New York-based immigration lawyer Greg Siskind said undocumented migrants previously had opportunities to present their cases before immigration authorities. However, he claimed that recent ICE operations have resulted in many detainees being transferred directly to detention facilities with limited access to legal proceedings.

He also noted that while human rights protections vary across different US states, ICE possesses federal authority to conduct immigration operations nationwide.

Immigration experts say the legal situation may differ depending on each individual's immigration status, prior court orders, and eligibility for relief under US immigration law.

Previous Deportations Sparked Controversy

The proposed deportation drive follows similar actions carried out in 2025, when the United States deported 3,567 Indian nationals, according to figures shared by India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The ministry also stated that 1,076 Indian citizens had been deported by June 2026.

One of the most widely discussed incidents occurred on 5 February 2025, when 104 Indian migrants arrived in Amritsar aboard a US military aircraft. Images showing deportees wearing handcuffs and leg shackles triggered widespread political criticism in India and prompted heated debates in Parliament over the treatment of Indian citizens during deportation.

Impact on Indian Community

The latest enforcement measures have created uncertainty among undocumented Indians living in the United States. Many families fear detention, separation, and forced return after spending years working and living in the country.

Immigration advocates have urged affected individuals to seek legal advice wherever possible and remain informed about their rights under US immigration law. At the same time, community organizations continue to monitor developments as the administration prepares for what could become one of the largest deportation campaigns involving Indian nationals.

With immigration expected to remain a central issue in US domestic politics, the proposed deportation drive is likely to attract close attention from both New Delhi and Washington in the coming months.

Government issues precautionary advisory amid escalating Gulf conflict; Indian shipping companies directed to suspend fresh crew deployment

In a significant precautionary move amid the worsening security situation in the Gulf region, India's Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) has directed ship owners, ship managers and recruitment agencies to immediately suspend the deployment of Indian seafarers on merchant vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz until further orders.

The advisory comes after a series of attacks on commercial vessels operating in and around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, including incidents in which two Indian seafarers lost their lives. The government said the decision has been taken to safeguard Indian maritime personnel as regional tensions continue to escalate.

Security Risks Intensify

According to the DGMA, recent attacks involving merchant vessels such as Mombasa B, Al Bahyah, GFS Galaxy, MT Wedyan and Al Rekayyat have highlighted the increasing risks faced by commercial ships navigating the Persian Gulf and adjoining waters.

In its advisory, the maritime regulator stated that the safety, security and welfare of Indian seafarers, along with the protection of Indian-flagged vessels, remain the government's highest priority.

The circular noted that the deteriorating security environment necessitates enhanced precautionary measures until the situation stabilises.

Fresh Deployment Suspended

Under Circular No. 36 of 2026, all Indian shipping companies, recruitment agencies and vessel operators have been instructed to refrain from deploying Indian crew members on ships scheduled to transit the Strait of Hormuz.

The directive applies to fresh deployments and will remain in force until further notice from the DGMA.

However, vessels already operating in the region have been asked to adopt heightened security measures and closely monitor all navigational and security advisories.

Enhanced Safety Protocols

The DGMA has instructed vessels operating in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters to maintain a high level of security vigilance.

Ship operators have also been directed to strictly comply with safety requirements under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code and continuously monitor navigation warnings issued by relevant authorities.

Indian seafarers and vessel operators facing emergencies have been advised to immediately contact the DGMA Communication Centre or the Indian Navy's Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) for assistance.

Rising Regional Tensions

The latest advisory comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions involving Iran and the United States, with repeated attacks on commercial shipping raising concerns over one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes.

The Strait of Hormuz is among the world's most strategically important waterways, carrying nearly one-fifth of global crude oil supplies. Any disruption in the region has significant implications for international trade, energy markets and global shipping operations.

India Condemns Shipping Attacks

The advisory follows recent attacks on UAE-flagged merchant vessels MT Al Bahyah and MT Mombasa, in which two Indian seafarers were killed.

India has strongly condemned the attacks. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that violence targeting commercial shipping and civilian maritime infrastructure is unacceptable and called for the immediate cessation of such attacks.

The MEA also confirmed that the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi was summoned, and India lodged a strong diplomatic protest over the incidents.

Government Monitoring Situation

The DGMA said it will continue to closely monitor developments in the Gulf region and issue further directions based on the evolving security situation.

Officials have emphasised that the advisory is a preventive measure aimed at protecting Indian maritime personnel while ensuring that shipping companies remain vigilant during ongoing regional instability.

In Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, anti-government protests entered their 34th consecutive day this week, having evolved from initial demands over inflation, electricity tariffs and wheat flour shortages into a broader rejection of Islamabad's control over the region altogether. At a gathering in Rawalakot, protest leader Javed Iqbal told the crowd that decades of Pakistani messaging about "liberating" Srinagar had lost all credibility with local Kashmiris. The gathering responded with a slogan declaring the region would never become a Pakistani province, and social media videos have shown large numbers of local women joining marches against what protesters describe as repression and arbitrary arrests. The unrest turned deadly this week when Pakistani security forces opened fire during clashes in Rawalakot, killing six civilians, according to multiple reports. The Joint Awami Action Committee has called for a long march toward Muzaffarabad on July 15, urging widespread participation.

India's Ministry of External Affairs addressed the situation directly at its weekly briefing, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal saying the protests are a consequence of what he called Pakistan's long-term denial of fundamental rights in the region, and accusing Pakistani authorities of responding with excessive force, supply blockades and communications blackouts. He said India hopes the international community will hold Pakistan accountable.

The unrest in PoK has coincided with a sharp escalation in violence in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Pashtun areas. JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said the region has recorded more than 50 deaths over just two to three days, arguing that Pakistani government authority no longer effectively extends into Balochistan at all. According to data from the South Asia Terrorism Portal, Pakistan has recorded roughly 650 killing incidents so far in 2026, including 487 civilian and 730 security force deaths, alongside close to 1,200 militants killed.

Rehman used the moment to take a direct swipe at Munir's growing political role, telling reporters that if the military wants to do politics, its personnel should retire their uniforms and contest elections instead — a way, he said, of testing how many votes people in uniform would actually receive from the public. He separately accused the military of pushing a new generation of Pakistanis toward violence through its handling of the crisis.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has sought to shift blame for the violence outward, chairing a meeting with Munir and Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti last week where he accused militants of using Afghan territory to stage attacks inside both Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Taken together, the three fronts — PoK's sustained street movement, the mounting Balochistan-Pashtun death toll, and a senior political leader publicly challenging the Army's electoral legitimacy — paint a picture of a security and political establishment under simultaneous pressure from multiple directions, with no clear sign from Islamabad of how it intends to address any of them.

The Centre has unveiled a comprehensive maritime safety mechanism to monitor every Indian seafarer operating in the Strait of Hormuz and adjoining waters after recent attacks on two merchant vessels left one Indian sailor dead and 10 others injured.

The decision was taken during a high-level inter-ministerial review chaired by Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who directed authorities to adopt a "seafarer-first" approach through real-time vessel monitoring, dedicated liaison officers and round-the-clock coordination among government agencies.

The move comes amid growing security concerns in the Persian Gulf following attacks on commercial shipping along one of the world's busiest energy corridors.

High-Level Review After Vessel Attacks

The emergency review followed attacks on the merchant vessels MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa while they were transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

The two ships were carrying 46 crew members, including 30 Indian nationals. According to government officials, one Indian seafarer was killed aboard MT Al Bahiyah, while another sustained injuries. On MT Mombasa, nine Indian crew members were injured, with two reported to be in critical condition.

Representatives from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, the Indian Navy, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) and Indian diplomatic missions in Iran and Oman participated in the review meeting.

Real-Time Vessel Monitoring Ordered

As part of the government's response, the Directorate General of Shipping has been instructed to develop a vessel-by-vessel operational dashboard covering every Indian seafarer working in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman, regardless of the vessel's nationality.

The digital platform will provide real-time information on vessel location, ownership, cargo, crew strength, welfare status, voyage plans, threat assessment, destination ports and emergency support facilities.

Officials said the objective is to ensure that every Indian seafarer operating in the conflict-affected region is individually accounted for.

Dedicated Support for Families

The government has also directed that a dedicated liaison officer be assigned to every Indian seafarer affected by the crisis.

The officer will coordinate directly with families and assist with medical updates, documentation, repatriation, welfare fund claims, salary-related issues, contractual benefits and compensation wherever applicable.

The ministry said the single-point contact system is intended to reduce delays and ensure quicker assistance to affected families.

Coordination With Indian Missions

The Shipping Ministry has instructed officials to maintain close coordination with Indian embassies and consulates in Iran, Oman, the UAE and other regional countries to obtain verified updates on navigational safety, port access, medical evacuation, hospital facilities, repatriation arrangements and ongoing investigations.

The government also confirmed that India has raised concerns over the attacks with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the relevant flag administrations, while reiterating its commitment to protecting civilian shipping and ensuring compliance with international maritime law.

Fresh Risk Assessment Before Every Voyage

To strengthen maritime safety, the Centre has directed that every voyage through the conflict zone should proceed only after a fresh threat assessment, consultation with maritime authorities and the professional judgement of the vessel's master.

Shipowners, vessel managers and Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) agencies have also been asked to certify that no Indian seafarer is compelled to sail without adequate information, safety measures and operational support.

24x7 Helpline Activated

The government has activated a 24x7 grievance support system for Indian seafarers and their families to provide emergency assistance and information.

Concluding the meeting, Sonowal said the government's response would remain focused on safeguarding Indian seafarers while ensuring uninterrupted global maritime trade through one of the world's most strategically important shipping routes.

The Centre has once again clarified that an Indian passport is not a conclusive proof of citizenship, stressing that it is issued primarily as a travel document for international travel under the provisions of the Passport Act, 1967. The clarification comes amid continuing political debate over the documents that can be used to establish citizenship during official verification processes.

Addressing the media on Tuesday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said passports are issued to Indian citizens after a rigorous verification process in accordance with the Passport Act, 1967, and the Passport Rules, 1980. However, he emphasized that the purpose of a passport is to facilitate international travel rather than serve as definitive legal proof of citizenship in every circumstance.

The government also highlighted that fewer than 8 per cent of India's population currently possesses a passport, underlining that the document is not universally held by Indian citizens.

The clarification follows a similar statement made by the MEA on June 24, during Passport Seva Divas, when the ministry first publicly stated that a passport should be viewed as a travel document rather than definitive evidence of citizenship. The issue gained attention after questions were raised regarding whether passports could be accepted as proof of citizenship during the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The ministry has also referred to a 2013 Bombay High Court judgment, which held that while a passport indicates nationality, it cannot by itself be treated as conclusive proof of citizenship. Officials further noted that, under exceptional circumstances and in the public interest, the Central Government has the authority under the Passport Act to issue a passport even to a non-Indian citizen, reinforcing the distinction between a passport and legal citizenship.

The latest clarification has drawn criticism from the Congress party. Congress leaders Supriya Shrinate and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal questioned the government's position, asking on what basis passports are issued if they cannot be considered proof of citizenship. The party also alleged that the government was creating ambiguity over citizenship documentation for political reasons.

Legal experts point out that India does not issue a single universal document that serves as absolute proof of citizenship for every citizen. Instead, citizenship is determined under the Citizenship Act, 1955, based on the manner in which it was acquired and supported by relevant official records.

The government also reiterated the distinction between nationality and citizenship. While a passport identifies a person's nationality and enables international travel, citizenship defines an individual's legal rights, constitutional protections and obligations within India.

Officials clarified that documents such as Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN Card and Driving Licence are issued for specific administrative purposes and therefore cannot independently establish citizenship. Aadhaar, for instance, serves as proof of identity and residence, while a voter identity card is issued for electoral purposes.

The ministry further explained that cancellation or suspension of a passport does not automatically result in the loss of Indian citizenship. Passports may be cancelled due to reasons such as furnishing false information, violations under the Passport Act, legal proceedings or national security concerns. Termination of citizenship, however, follows a separate legal process governed by the Citizenship Act.

The government also highlighted improvements in passport services over the past decade. According to the MEA, the number of Passport Seva Kendras and related service centres has increased from 77 to 545, while the rollout of chip-based e-passports since 2025 has resulted in the issuance of 1.47 crore e-passports. Average passport processing time has been reduced to five to six days, and the number of countries offering visa-free entry to Indian passport holders has increased from 16 in 2019 to 27.

The clarification comes at a time when questions surrounding citizenship documentation continue to remain part of wider legal and political discussions, with the Centre maintaining that citizenship must be determined under the provisions of the Citizenship Act rather than through any single identity or travel document.

India has announced enhanced monitoring of its merchant navy personnel operating in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman after an Indian sailor was killed and ten others were injured in a missile attack on two UAE-flagged commercial tankers. The move comes amid escalating security concerns in one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has also taken up the matter with Iran following the attack, while authorities are preparing to introduce a real-time monitoring system to track Indian seafarers working in the conflict-prone region.

Indian Sailor Killed in Tanker Attack

According to official information, two UAE-linked tankers—MT Mombasa and MT Al Bahiyah—were struck by missiles while transiting waters near the Strait of Hormuz.

The attack caused extensive damage to both vessels and triggered onboard fires. Around 30 Indian nationals were among the crew members on the ships.

Indian authorities identified the deceased as Sonu Kumar Gupta, a marine engineer from Bihar, who had resumed duty only three weeks before the incident.

Ten other Indian crew members sustained injuries in the attack, with two reported to be in critical condition.

MEA Raises Issue With Iran

Following the incident, the Ministry of External Affairs formally raised concerns with the Iranian government over the safety of Indian nationals working aboard commercial vessels in the region.

The government is now working on a real-time dashboard that will allow authorities to monitor the movement and safety status of Indian seafarers navigating the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, enabling quicker response during emergencies.

Officials said the system is intended to improve coordination between shipping companies, Indian missions abroad and maritime authorities during periods of heightened regional tension.

Iran Claims Responsibility

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) later claimed responsibility for the missile strikes, stating that the vessels had ignored maritime warnings before entering the operational area.

However, the claim has been rejected by the United Arab Emirates, while India has expressed concern over attacks targeting civilian commercial shipping.

The incident has renewed fears about the safety of international maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway that carries a significant share of the world's crude oil exports.

Security Concerns Intensify

The latest attack comes amid continuing tensions in West Asia, where repeated military confrontations have increased risks for merchant vessels and international shipping routes.

Indian authorities are expected to remain in close contact with shipping operators and foreign governments as they monitor the evolving security situation in the region.

The government has not yet announced any evacuation or advisory for Indian merchant navy personnel but is expected to review maritime safety measures as developments unfold.

 India on Tuesday strongly condemned the attacks on two UAE-flagged commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz after one Indian sailor was killed and several others were injured, as military tensions between the United States and Iran escalated sharply across the Gulf region.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the two vessels — MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa — were carrying a total of 30 Indian seafarers among their combined crew when they came under attack while transiting the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

According to the MEA, one Indian crew member aboard MT Al Bahiyah lost his life, while another sustained injuries. On MT Mombasa, nine Indian sailors were injured, including two who are reported to be in serious condition.

In response to the incident, the MEA summoned Iran's Deputy Chief of Mission in New Delhi and lodged a strong diplomatic protest. India urged an immediate end to attacks on commercial shipping and called for the restoration of safe, uninterrupted navigation through international maritime routes in accordance with international law.

India Raises Maritime Security Concerns

The government reiterated that the safety of Indian seafarers remains a top priority and stressed that commercial vessels and civilian maritime infrastructure must not become targets during military conflicts.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also said India is closely monitoring the rapidly evolving security situation in West Asia. He noted that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently discussed regional developments, energy security, trade and investment with leaders of Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman during his Gulf visit.

India maintained that freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is essential for global energy supplies, international trade and regional stability.

Iran Claims Attack On US Military Assets

Meanwhile, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for missile and drone strikes targeting the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain.

The IRGC alleged that the operation damaged multiple military installations, including fuel storage facilities, air defence systems, radar infrastructure, command centres and unmanned surface vessel control facilities. Iranian authorities described the strikes as part of an ongoing retaliatory military campaign.

The claims have not been independently verified.

US Expands Military Operations

The United States also intensified its military campaign, with US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirming that American forces carried out a third consecutive night of airstrikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure.

US officials said the objective was to degrade Iran's military capabilities and reduce its ability to threaten civilian shipping and regional security.

The strikes reportedly targeted several locations across Iran, including areas near Abadan, Mahshahr and Bushehr. Iranian media also reported explosions near Bandar Abbas and other southern locations.

US President Donald Trump has additionally announced that the US Navy will resume enforcing a maritime blockade targeting Iranian ports while allowing compliant commercial shipping to continue navigating regional sea lanes.

Regional Tensions Continue To Rise

The latest developments have further heightened tensions across West Asia, with multiple countries expressing concern over the growing conflict.

The United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, New Zealand and several other nations condemned recent attacks affecting regional maritime security, while China called for the immediate restoration of safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Shipping companies have also raised concerns over increasing risks to commercial vessels operating in one of the world's busiest energy corridors.

As military operations continue, diplomatic efforts are also underway to prevent further escalation, with several regional governments urging restraint and renewed dialogue to safeguard international trade routes and regional stability.

At a media briefing in Auckland on Saturday, during the final leg of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's three-nation Indo-Pacific tour, a New Zealand journalist asked why Modi doesn't hold press conferences. MEA Secretary (East) Rudrendra Tandon's response has since taken over Indian social media: he called Modi a "quintessential Indian politician," said questioning the Prime Minister's political style "wouldn't be appropriate" for a civil servant, and pointed to Modi's electoral record — a third term in office — as evidence the approach works.

Tandon went further, arguing that India's electorate is "predominantly rural" and prefers direct contact over being "spoken to through intermediaries," calling Modi's use of rallies, social media and similar channels a communication style he has "perfected." He also noted the moment felt like "deja vu," referencing a near-identical exchange in Norway two months earlier, when Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng Svendsen asked Modi directly why he wouldn't take questions from "the freest press in the world" — a question Modi didn't answer before walking away. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal offered a shorter version of the same point separately: "The Prime Minister has his own style of communication."

The "quintessential" remark quickly became the story itself. Clips of the exchange spread across X within hours, with much of the reaction mocking the phrasing rather than engaging with Tandon's underlying argument — a pattern similar to what followed the Norway incident, where Indian broadcasters spent more airtime dissecting the confrontation than the trade agreements Modi's visit was meant to highlight. Word searches for the term "quintessential" reportedly spiked as viewers looked it up.

This marks the third time in two months a foreign journalist has raised the press-conference question with Modi or his officials during an overseas trip — after Norway in May and an incident in Melbourne in early July. Each time, officials have given a version of the same explanation: that Modi communicates differently, and by design.

Supporters of the government have made similar arguments before. BJP MP Tejasvi Surya has said press conferences are no longer the only legitimate channel for public communication, pointing to rallies, public meetings and social media as equally valid.

Critics see it differently. Modi has not held a formal press conference in the decade he's been Prime Minister, relying instead on scripted interviews and platforms like Mann Ki Baat where questions aren't put to him live. India's ranking on Reporters Without Borders' 2026 World Press Freedom Index — 157th out of 180 countries, down six places from the previous year and placed in the "very serious" category — has become a regular reference point in this recurring debate, cited by critics as evidence the pattern goes beyond personal style.

For now, neither the MEA nor the Prime Minister's Office has indicated any change is coming. The pattern from Norway, Melbourne and now Auckland suggests the question — and the answer — may simply resurface again on Modi's next foreign trip.

India has raised a sharp objection to the legislative assembly elections being held in Gilgit-Baltistan, a region currently under Pakistan’s administrative control but claimed by New Delhi as part of the Union Territory of Ladakh. The voting is scheduled for June 7 for 24 assembly seats across 10 districts.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that Pakistan’s decision to conduct elections in the region “illegally and forcibly occupied” by it is unacceptable. According to the MEA, such political exercises cannot alter the legal and constitutional status of the territory.

India has consistently maintained that the entire region of Jammu and Kashmir, including Gilgit-Baltistan, is an integral and inalienable part of the country.

Elections Under Existing Framework

The upcoming polls are being held more than five years after the previous elections conducted in November 2020, when the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) emerged as the dominant political force. The current assembly completed its five-year term in November 2025, but elections were delayed due to harsh weather conditions and logistical challenges in the mountainous region.

Gilgit-Baltistan operates under a separate administrative structure compared to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). While PoK has its own constitution and political setup, Gilgit-Baltistan has historically remained under federal control from Islamabad with limited autonomy.

Governance Structure Explained

The region’s governance framework was first formalised through the Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order of 2009, which introduced an elected assembly. Later, the Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018 expanded the powers of the local government, though key authority continues to rest with Pakistan’s federal administration.

The current election is the second held under the 2018 framework, highlighting the evolving but still limited self-governance structure in the region.

Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir Elections Ahead

Separate from Gilgit-Baltistan, elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) are scheduled for July 27. The PoK Legislative Assembly consists of 53 seats, including reserved categories for women and technocrats.

In the 2021 elections, PTI secured a majority, but political instability followed after changes in Pakistan’s federal leadership. Subsequent leadership transitions and internal political realignments have continued to shape governance in the region.

India’s Constitutional Position

India also reiterated that 24 assembly seats in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly are reserved for areas currently under Pakistan’s control, including Gilgit-Baltistan and PoK, as per the delimitation framework introduced after the 2019 reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir.

Since India does not exercise administrative control over these areas, elections are not conducted there and the seats remain vacant.

Geopolitical Context

The issue remains a sensitive point in India-Pakistan relations, with New Delhi consistently opposing any political or electoral activity in the region conducted by Islamabad. India maintains that such exercises have no legal standing and do not affect sovereignty claims.

Bollywood actress Celina Jaitly has received significant relief in her long-running legal struggle for her brother, Retired Major Vikrant Jaitly, who has been in UAE custody since September 2024. In a key development, the Delhi High Court has directed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to facilitate legal assistance and ensure the safety of the former Indian Army officer.

The order comes after nearly 16 months of detention, during which Celina repeatedly raised concerns about lack of communication and legal access for her brother. The latest court intervention marks a turning point in the Celina Jaitly brother UAE custody case, which has drawn attention to the challenges faced by Indian citizens detained abroad.

Delhi High Court Steps In for Legal and Diplomatic Support

During a hearing held on Tuesday, the Delhi High Court instructed the Ministry of External Affairs to urgently coordinate legal support for Major Vikrant Jaitly and ensure his well-being while in UAE custody. The court emphasised the need for structured diplomatic and legal intervention, especially given the prolonged detention.

Celina Jaitly confirmed the development through a post on her official social media account, calling it a “big step to protect the rights of a soldier.” She shared that, after months of effort, legal arrangements for her brother have finally been put in place.

UAE Law Firm Appointed to Handle the Case

Following the court’s directive, a prominent UAE-based legal firm, Khalid Almarri & Partners Advocates, has been engaged to represent Major Vikrant Jaitly. Notably, the firm has agreed to handle the case pro bono, working to protect his rights under international law.

Legal experts say this move is crucial, as cases involving national security laws in foreign jurisdictions often require local legal expertise and diplomatic coordination.

Celina Jaitly Thanks MEA for Support

Expressing gratitude, Celina Jaitly publicly thanked the Ministry of External Affairs for its cooperation. She stated that she is confident her brother will return home safely, highlighting his years of service to the nation.

Her statements have resonated widely, sparking conversations around the legal protections available to Indian citizens detained overseas.

Background: 16 Months of Detention in UAE

Major Vikrant Jaitly retired from the Indian Army and had been living in Dubai since 2016. In September 2024, he was taken into custody by UAE security agencies in connection with a national security-related case. Since then, his family claims there has been little to no direct communication.

Unable to intervene legally from India, Celina eventually approached the Delhi High Court, seeking MEA assistance after exhausting all other options.

Why This Case Matters Now

The Celina Jaitly brother UAE custody case highlights the importance of diplomatic channels, legal access, and consular support for Indians abroad. As global mobility increases, such cases underline the role of the government in safeguarding citizens’ rights beyond national borders.

With legal help now in place, the coming weeks are expected to be critical in determining the next steps in the case.

MEA Dismisses 'Trashy Ruminations' as PM Modi's Name Surfaces in Epstein Files

India's foreign ministry has issued a sharp rebuttal after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's name was referenced in the massive new release of documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, labeling the claims as "trashy ruminations by a convicted criminal".

The controversy erupted following the U.S. Department of Justice's release of 3.5 million pages of records under the Epstein Files Transparency Act on January 30, 2026. The documents included an email where Epstein claimed the Indian PM followed his advice during a 2017 visit to Israel, prompting a fierce political clash in New Delhi.

The MEA's Forceful Rejection

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) moved swiftly to address the reference, confirming only the factual occurrence of the Prime Minister's landmark Israel visit in July 2017—the first by an Indian PM. In an official statement, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal dismissed all other insinuations in the email with "the utmost contempt".

"The rest of the allusions in the email are little more than trashy ruminations by a convicted criminal," the statement read. The government's response aimed to shut down what it framed as a baseless narrative rooted in the claims of a disgraced individual.

 The Allegation and Political Fallout

The specific email cited by opposition leaders was sent by Epstein on July 6, 2017—the final day of PM Modi's Israel trip. In it, Epstein wrote, "The Indian Prime Minister Modi took advice and danced and sang in Israel for the benefit of the US president. They had met a few weeks ago.. it worked !".

The Congress party seized on the reference, with spokesperson Pawan Khera calling it a "matter of national shame" and demanding the Prime Minister personally answer three questions about the nature of the alleged advice and what "worked".

The BJP retaliated fiercely, accusing the Congress of fraud. Party spokesperson Sambit Patra alleged the opposition had deceptively edited the email, inserting the word "his" to falsely construct a phrase claiming Modi took "his advice" from Epstein.

Beyond the 2017 Email: Other India References

The tranche of documents contained more than a dozen emails and messages referencing India. They included:

A 2014 email from current Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri to Epstein, written before Puri joined the government, detailing strategic reasons for engaging with India post-Modi's election.

May 2019 emails from Epstein to Trump strategist Steve Bannon and Indian businessman Anil Ambani. Epstein suggested arranging a meeting between Bannon and Modi, claiming the Prime Minister was "on board" with certain ideas and discussing China and Pakistan as strategic concerns.

A Global Scandal's Latest Ripple

The U.S. DoJ's release is the largest under the transparency act and includes emails linking Epstein to a global network of politicians, celebrities, and billionaires. The files mention hundreds of names, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, Britain's Prince Andrew, and entrepreneur Elon Musk, highlighting the financier's relentless pursuit of high-profile connections.

Legal representatives for Epstein's victims have criticized the release for inadequately protecting survivors' identities, with lawyer Gloria Allred stating the DoJ "should be ashamed of themselves".

Key Allegations and Official Responses

| Aspect | Detail | Source / Response |

| Core Allegation | Epstein email claims PM Modi "took advice" and performed in Israel for the benefit of the US President in July 2017. | U.S. DoJ Released Files |

| MEA's Response | Dismisses claims as "trashy ruminations by a convicted criminal," confirms only the official visit occurred. | Official MEA Statement |

| Political Reaction | Congress demands PM's explanation; BJP accuses Congress of editing emails and committing fraud. | Political Statements |

| Other India Links | Emails show 2014 contact from Hardeep Puri and 2019 messages to Steve Bannon & Anil Ambani referencing Modi. | Document References |

| Global Context | Files detail Epstein's connections to Trump, Prince Andrew, Bill Gates, Elon Musk, and other global figures. | BBC Analysis |

Why This Matters Now

The timing of the controversy is significant on two fronts. First, it demonstrates the continuing global ripple effects of the Epstein case, revealing how his influence operations attempted to touch virtually every sphere of power. Second, it injects a volatile element into India's domestic politics, with the opposition seeking accountability and the government vehemently defending the Prime Minister's integrity.

As of now, the MEA's unequivocal dismissal stands as the government's final word on the matter. With the Prime Minister scheduled for a second visit to Israel in February 2026, the diplomatic significance of the relationship remains, even as the political storm over the past visit continues to brew at home.