Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to supporting Indian citizens residing in Gulf countries, particularly those impacted by the escalating US-Israel war with Iran. Speaking at an event in Kochi, Kerala, PM Modi emphasized that Indian missions and embassies are operating 24/7 helplines to provide comprehensive assistance, asserting that “Whenever our countrymen are in trouble overseas, we do not abandon them.” He also extended gratitude to Gulf nations for their exceptional care of Indian expatriates during these tumultuous times.

This assurance comes as the region faces heightened instability, including an incident near Dubai International Airport where two drones fell, injuring four individuals, including one Indian national. Separately, India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar engaged in detailed conversations with his Iranian counterpart, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, to discuss the ongoing Middle East crisis, its impact on shipping routes, and regional security. Similar discussions were also held with the Foreign Ministers of Germany and South Korea, underscoring India’s proactive diplomatic engagement to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape.

Domestically, India witnessed a landmark legal development as the Supreme Court for the first time permitted passive euthanasia in a specific case, allowing the removal of life support for Harish Rana, a man who has been in a vegetative state for over a decade. While passive euthanasia was legalized for terminally ill patients in 2018, this ruling marks the first instance of court-approved withdrawal of life support, setting a significant precedent. Active euthanasia, however, remains illegal in India.

In a significant economic announcement, US President Donald Trump revealed that Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries Ltd will fund the first new US oil refinery in five decades. This substantial $300 billion deal, set to develop at the Port of Brownsville in Texas, was lauded by Trump as a historic investment. Meanwhile, an Air India Express flight from Hyderabad experienced a malfunction upon landing at Thailand’s Phuket Airport, sustaining damage to its landing gear and prompting a temporary runway closure. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, and all guests were safely deplaned.

Adding to the week’s domestic political discourse, the Lok Sabha, India’s lower house of Parliament, is scheduled to debate a no-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla. The motion, moved by Congress lawmaker Mohammad Jawed and supported by 118 opposition members, alleges “partisan behavior” by the Speaker. This marks the first such attempt against a presiding officer of the House in nearly four decades, signaling a contentious parliamentary session ahead.