External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar kicked off his five-day Russia visit with a nostalgic touch, recalling childhood memories. Landing in Moscow, Jaishankar shared an entry pass from 1962, commemorating the first Russian cosmonauts in space at the Red Square. Visiting this iconic location as a seven-year-old left a lasting impression. Emphasizing the enduring ties, he highlighted the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership "The Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership reflects experiences and sentiments of the last 75 years." He said, also urging the Indian community to deepen cooperation saying, "Contribute to the deepening of mutually beneficial cooperation." Jaishankar, set to meet Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, recognized the consistent bond between India and Russia over 70-80 years, even as both nations transformed.

India aims to secure easier market access for mangoes and grapes while fast-tracking visas for skilled workers in discussions with the US at the India-US Trade Policy Forum on January 13-14. The forum, co-chaired by Piyush Goyal and US Trade Representative Katherine Tai, will address trade-related issues, including India's new authorization system for IT hardware imports. Despite assurances that the system won't expand, concerns linger, with the US fearing potential business obstacles. India's move to restrict imports, citing national security, will be discussed bilaterally. The talks also cover WTO cases and strengthening intellectual property rights between the two leading trading partners.

In response to a drone attack on merchant ship MV Chem Pluto, the Indian Navy deploys warships INS Mormugao, INS Kochi, and INS Kolkata in the Arabian Sea. The explosive ordnance disposal team inspects the vessel in Mumbai after it was hit off India's west coast. The attack, suspected to be a drone strike from Iran, raises concerns amid a series of attacks on commercial vessels in the Arabian Sea. The Navy maintains a deterrent presence, and investigations are underway to determine the nature and origin of the attack. No injuries were reported.

An Airbus A340, carrying 276 passengers, predominantly Indians, was detained in France for four days over suspected human trafficking allegations. The flight, originating from Dubai, landed in Mumbai early this morning after being grounded at Vatry airport near Paris. French authorities confirmed 276 passengers boarded the plane, while 20, including five minors, sought asylum in France. The incident raises concerns amid a surge in Indians attempting illegal entry into the US, with the flight's connection to Nicaragua drawing attention. The investigation, now with France's anti-organized crime unit, carries potential severe consequences for human trafficking.

India emerges as the preferred emerging market for sovereign wealth funds and public pension schemes, with 40% favoring it over China, according to a survey by OMFIF. Concerns over Beijing's interventions in companies drive this trend, with China receiving backing from less than a quarter of surveyed managers. Regulatory challenges and geopolitical factors deter around 75% from investing in China. The surveyed funds, wielding a combined financial strength of $25.9 trillion, cite diversification and benchmark exposure as primary reasons for maintaining any investment in China. India's resilient economy gains traction, while China grapples with a deepening property crisis and sluggish growth, leading to hesitancy among long-term investors.

Iran firmly denies allegations from the US regarding a drone attack on a tanker off the Indian coast, dismissing the claims as "completely rejected and worthless." The US Pentagon had accused Tehran of orchestrating the attack, which targeted a Japanese-owned chemical tanker amid a series of strikes by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. Iran's foreign ministry spokesman, Nasser Kanani, stated that such accusations aim to distract public attention and cover up the US government's support for Israel's actions in Gaza. Additionally, Iran criticized recent remarks by UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron, dismissing them as "repetitive" and "threadbare."

A plane, held near Paris over trafficking suspicions, departs for Mumbai with 303 passengers, mostly Indians. French prosecutors cleared the Airbus A340 after two days of questioning. The charter, bound for Nicaragua, faced grounding at Vatry airport after a trafficking tip-off. Departure approval was expected today, and the plane is anticipated to land in Mumbai this afternoon. While French courts questioned passengers, some hearings were canceled due to procedural irregularities. The Indian embassy collaborated with French authorities for stranded passengers' welfare, providing consular access. Legend Airlines, the Romanian company, plans to seek damages, asserting no wrongdoing.

A charter flight carrying 303 Indian passengers, en route to Nicaragua from Dubai, was permitted to continue its journey after being grounded in France over human trafficking suspicions. Operated by Romanian charter company Legend Airlines, the flight faced scrutiny from French authorities at Vatry airport, east of Paris. The passengers, including 11 unaccompanied minors, underwent questioning by judges, leading to the cancellation of hearings due to procedural irregularities. The Indian Embassy in France confirmed the development, emphasizing the detainees' predominantly Indian origin. The destination of the flight remains uncertain, raising questions about its next course—India, Nicaragua, or Dubai.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to embark on a five-day (Dec 25-29) visit to Russia from Monday, aiming to discuss bilateral and global issues. The visit includes meetings in Moscow and St. Petersburg. The MEA highlights the stable and resilient India-Russia partnership. Jaishankar will engage with Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov on economic matters. Discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will cover various issues. The annual India-Russia leaders' summit won't occur this year. Jaishankar's visit underscores the enduring Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia.

A drone launched from Iran attacked the Japanese-owned chemical tanker, Chem Pluto, in the Arabian Sea. The vessel, en route to Mumbai from Saudi Arabia, continues its journey under US military communication. The Indian Navy will inspect and sanitize the ship upon arrival in Mumbai. The incident raises concerns amid regional security challenges, including Houthi militia actions and piracy. The Iranian-backed Houthis, expressing solidarity with Hamas, contribute to the complex security landscape. This follows a series of recent incidents, including a suspected drone attack on an Israeli-owned cargo ship in the Indian Ocean.