Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, following a state visit to China, declared that the Indian Ocean archipelago is "not in the backyard of any particular country." Expressing the need for self-reliance, Muizzu aims to reduce dependence on a single nation for essential commodities, historically sourced from India. In a significant shift, he announced plans to diversify suppliers for rice, sugar, and flour, striking a deal with Turkey for the first shipment. The move signals a departure from the Maldives' traditional reliance on India and emphasizes a pursuit of economic autonomy in key sectors.

Indian students, braving a snowstorm in Brampton, Ontario Canada, continue protesting Algoma University, demanding transparency after 32 of them failed exams. The university offers a makeup exam, but protesters insist on proving their deserved grades, claiming no direct communication from the institution. Allegations of racial bias emerge, impacting Algoma's reputation, heavily reliant on Indian student enrollment. The incident prompts concerns for other colleges depending on foreign student revenue. Concurrently, Brampton landlords protest a permit requirement for overcrowded housing, fearing cost transfer to tenants. Both situations reflect challenges faced by educational and housing sectors amid changing regulations.

India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, is set to visit Iran on January 14-15 amidst escalating tensions, including Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and the Israel-Hamas conflict. The visit aims to discuss bilateral, regional, and global issues with Iranian Foreign Minister HE Dr Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. Key topics include political cooperation, connectivity initiatives, and concerns over the Red Sea conflict. Jaishankar may address regional stability, with a focus on the Chabahar Port for enhanced connectivity. The visit gains significance amid the Middle East crisis, where India could play a crucial role in de-escalation efforts.

Returning home after a high-profile state visit to China, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu on Saturday struck a defiant note saying "We may be small but this doesn't give them the license to bully us". His comments followed a diplomatic row with India over derogatory social media posts by three of his ministers against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Though we have small islands in this ocean, we have a vast exclusive economic zone of 900,000 square km. This ocean does not belong to a specific country. We aren't in anyone's backyard. We are an independent and sovereign state," he said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar asserts that normal relations between India and China are impossible unless a solution is found for the border dispute. Addressing the impact on various fronts like trade and economy, Jaishankar emphasizes the need for a firm resolution. During a townhall meeting, he discusses India's bid for a UNSC seat, highlighting growing global support. Jaishankar also explains the importance of maintaining ties with different nations, drawing parallels to common life, where friendly relations are upheld even between those with differences. He underlines the necessity for diplomacy in managing independent interests.

Maldives President Muizzu, after a China visit, asserts no country has the right to "bully" the island nation amidst a diplomatic spat with India. The dispute stems from derogatory remarks by Maldivian politicians on PM Modi's Lakshadweep visit. President Muizzu, emphasizing the nation's stature, states, "We may be small, but that doesn't give you the license to bully us." Following India's concerns, three ministers were suspended, and Maldivian envoy summoned. The remarks led to canceled vacations, with EaseMyTrip suspending Maldives bookings. President Muizzu, in China, urges intensified tourism efforts while maintaining previous "India Out" campaign stance.

India has lodged a strong protest against the UK over the visit of British envoy Jane Marriott to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The external affairs ministry deems the visit as an "unacceptable" infringement of India's territorial integrity. Marriott visited Mirpur in PoK on January 10, conducting meetings with various stakeholders. Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra raised a strong protest with the British High Commissioner in India, emphasizing that Jammu and Kashmir are integral parts of India. India has historically objected to foreign diplomats visiting PoK, urging respect for its sovereignty. Marriott's visit follows similar protests over US diplomats visiting the region.

In an exclusive session at Taj Hotel London, Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh engaged fervently with the Overseas Friends of BJP UK (OFBJPUK) on January 10, 2024. Emphasizing the paramount role of defense, Singh dedicated time to interact with committed karyakartas, assuring the continued security of India's borders and states. Addressing the spirited team, he expressed satisfaction with their enthusiasm, aiming for a substantial impact in the upcoming 2024 elections. Singh conveyed confidence in the Modi Government securing more seats than before. He urged the diaspora to maintain their credibility abroad, citing global recognition, including praise from China's Global Times. The meeting showcased a robust collaboration between the Defence Minister and OFBJPUK, underscoring a shared commitment to India's prosperity and security.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is set to visit Iran to address the escalating crises in Gaza and the Houthi attacks on commercial shipping near the Indian coast. Following US-UK strikes on Houthi positions, Jaishankar aims to engage Iranian leadership in mitigating global concerns in the Middle East. Discussions with counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahain and a potential meeting with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi are expected. India emphasizes concerns over Gaza's humanitarian situation and condemns Houthi attacks, expressing support for a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict. Jaishankar's visit will also touch upon the North-South Trade Corridor and address the ongoing Azerbaijan-Armenian conflict.

In a crucial diplomatic exchange, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed shared concerns over Houthi attacks in the southern Red Sea. The United States welcomes increased cooperation with India to safeguard freedom of navigation in the region, emphasizing the vital Red Sea corridor for international trade. The talks extended to addressing the Israel-Hamas conflict and efforts to prevent escalation, as well as discussions on Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Both leaders expressed optimism for extensive cooperation in 2024. The dialogue highlights the strategic partnership between India and the US in addressing global challenges.