Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami's powerful message echoed at a High Commission of India, London event commemorating the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks on Tuesday, November 28. His message was clear: " Our approach to this particular egregious act of terror is, was, and will be: Never forget, never forgive, and never again." This sentiment reflects India's stance against the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Doraiswami highlighted the nation's progress in security measures and its clear anti-terrorism policy, signaling a strategic shift. The event, attended by UK and Indian dignitaries, emphasized global cooperation against terror. Discussions also touched on Israel's designation of Lashkar-e-Taiba as a terror group, reflecting a global inclination towards legal and international mechanisms in countering terrorism.

Israel's Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon, urges India to designate Hamas as a terrorist group, stating, "India has been consistent in not tolerating terror attacks." Despite recognizing Hamas' actions as terrorism, India has not yet banned the group. Gilon emphasizes, "Now it is for the Indian government to decide – if, where, how, and how fast." The plea comes during an extended ceasefire, with Gilon noting Israel's focus shifting from northern to southern Gaza. The envoy's remarks coincide with Arab ambassadors expressing solidarity with Palestine in New Delhi. India's UN representative reiterates support for a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Sikhs for Justice leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, declared a terrorist by India for spearheading a global referendum on Khalistan, alleged the Indian government wants to "kill me" for the secessionist voting campaign in an interview with the Time. With the Financial Times reporting the US foiling a purported plot against Pannun on American soil, he said the "onus is on the Joe Biden administration for my protection." Denying that he called to "bomb Air India" Pannun claimed that his actual call was to "boycott Air India", which the Indian government allegedly twisted. Pannun asserted he's challenging the "terror" narrative peacefully through the referendum. Pannun claimed peaceful democratic resolution was never sought on whether Punjab should be independent since 1947. He revealed plans for "Khalistan referendum voting in Punjab on January 26, 2024." Calling out assassination plots, the banned SFJ leader expects US security against what he calls violent Indian suppression of his banned group's separatist referendum agenda.

India's envoy to Canada has revealed that India received "legally presentable" inputs from the US on the alleged assassination plot against separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. He said the inputs pointed to a nexus between criminals and terrorists in the US with possible "Indian connections." However, envoy Sanjay Kumar Verma said India got "nothing specific" from Canada related to the killing of separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar despite conversations. Verma said while the US shared actionable details, Canada only provided "allegations." He reiterated India's offer to investigate if Canada provides relevant information. But Verma asserted the Indian government had no role in Nijjar's killing in Canada.

India's Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, has emphasized the need for concrete action on climate funding and technology transfer at the upcoming COP28 summit. Speaking at the India Global Forum Middle East and Africa 2023 in Dubai, Sitharaman highlighted India's commitment to climate goals, funded independently of the pledged hundred billion. Calling for more than mere discussions, she stressed the significance of COP28 in directing the transfer of technology and actual funding, especially for developing economies. Despite geopolitical tensions, Sitharaman assured that the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor remains resilient. The conference also featured insights from UAE's AI Minister, Omar Al Olama, who emphasized the crucial role of AI in driving economies and impacting societies. The upcoming COP28 is anticipated to set the stage for global climate strategies.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, marking Guru Nanak Jayanti, lauded the substantial impact of British Sikhs on the UK, citing it as a "source of pride and inspiration." Sunak, of Punjabi Indian heritage, emphasized the significance of the Sikh community's contribution on the 554th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Born to Hindu Punjabi parents with roots in Ludhiana and Gujranwala, Sunak expressed joy in extending Gurpurab wishes. Recognizing the Sikh community's immense role in the country, he concluded, "You are a source of pride and inspiration to us all." The celebration aligns with Sunak's acknowledgment of his familial Indian roots.

Indian Ambassador to the United States, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, was assaulted by pro-Khalistani elements during a Gurpurab visit to a Gurdwara in Long Island, NYC. Video footage shows Sandhu being confronted by extremists mentioning about designated terrorist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar and Gurpatwant Sing Pannun. The Indian envoy left the gurdwara as a lone protestor raised the Khalistani flag. This incident follows a global rise in pro-Khalistani activities, with recent incidents in Canada, the UK, Australia, and the US. In July, Khalistani extremists attacked the Indian consulate in San Francisco. This also echoes the September heckling of Indian envoy to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, in a Glasgow Gurdwara. Concerns about diplomats' security were raised with UK authorities, and India is taking follow-up actions.

Gurmit Kaur, a 78-year-old Indian Sikh woman residing in Smethwick since 2009, is confronting deportation from the UK, sparking widespread community support. An online petition, amassing over 65,000 signatures since July 2020, champions her cause. Taranjit, a local Sikh community member, affirms, "Gurmit Kaur has no family here; Smethwick's Sikh community has adopted her." Despite applying to stay, the UK Home Office argues she can adapt to Punjab. Salman Mirza, an immigration advisor for the Brushstroke Community, initiating the petition, states, "It's like water torture, a slow death—she's never had the right to work." The Home Office maintains a careful consideration of applications. Kaur, estranged from her family, now relies on the kindness of strangers, finding solace in her local community where she volunteers at charities.

Pro-Khalistani activists confronted India’s Ambassador to the United States, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, during his Guruprab visit to a New York gurudwara. A viral video captures the activists referencing designated terrorists, Hardeep Singh Nijjar and Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. This incident echoes a similar one in the UK involving India's envoy Vikram Doraiswami. Protests escalate outside Indian embassies following Canada's claims of "possible" Indian agent involvement in Nijjar's killing in British Columbia. Mr Sandhu later posted on X about his visit to the gurdwara but did not mention the heckling. Investigations continue amidst diplomatic tensions, including Canada's allegations of Indian involvement in Nijjar's killing and the recent US report on a foiled plot against Pannun.  

Tragedy struck as the Raptor, a Comoros-registered cargo ship, sank near Lesbos in stormy seas. Thirteen crew members, including four Indians, are missing after the vessel, en route from Alexandria, Egypt, to Istanbul with 6,000 tons of salt, reported a mechanical problem. Amid northwesterly winds exceeding 80 kph, one Egyptian crew member has been rescued. The search involves eight merchant ships, two helicopters, and a Greek navy frigate, while rough seas pose challenges for three coast guard vessels. The ongoing rescue operation unfolds against the backdrop of challenging weather conditions in the region. [ photo courtesy: htTweets/X ]