Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemns church attacks in Indonesia

India prime minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (30) began his Indonesia trip by paying tribute to the country's independence struggle by placing a a wreath at the Kalibata National Heroes’ Cemetery in Jakarta.

He also strongly condemned the recent terror attacks on three churches in Indonesia, saying India stayed with Jakarta in its fight against terrorism.


“Friends, I am in grief over the deaths of innocent civilians of Indonesia in the recent terror attacks. India strongly condemns such attacks and stands with Indonesia in its fight against terrorism,” Modi said in a press statement.

Earlier this month, six suicide bombers targeted three churches during services in Surabaya, killing at least seven people and injuring more than 40 others.

On Wednesday, Modi also announced a 30-day free visa for Indonesian citizens and invited them to experience "new India."

"We will grant free of cost visa for Indonesian citizens for travel of up to 30 days," Modi said while addressing a gathering of Indian diaspora at the Jakarta Convention Centre.  "Many of you may never have been to India. I invite you all to come to India for the Kumbh in Prayag next year," Modi told the gathering.

Modi also noted that his government was making India ready to meet the expectations of the 21st century. "We have gone a step ahead in the 'Ease of Doing Business.' Our focus is 'Ease of Living.' Our processes are transparent and sensitive," Modi said. "We have to make a 'New India'. We have to start working to realise the dream of New India by 2022, when India will celebrate 75 years of independence," the prime minister added.

More For You

Police probe hate crime over migrant effigies bonfire in Northern Ireland

Models depicting migrants wearing life jackets in a small boat alongside two banners reading 'Stop the boats' and 'Veterans before refugees' are displayed on top a bonfire in Moygashel, Northern Ireland, on July 9, 2025. (Photo by PETER MURPHY/AFP via Getty Images)

Police probe hate crime over migrant effigies bonfire in Northern Ireland

POLICE in Northern Ireland have launched a hate crime investigation after a bonfire topped with effigies of migrants in a boat was set alight in the village of Moygashel, County Tyrone.

The incident, which took place on Thursday (10) night, has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders, church officials, and human rights groups.

Keep ReadingShow less
Navratri festival in Wembley

A similar event held at the same site last year resulted in a planning enforcement notice being issued due to complaints of noise and disturbance.

Getty Images

Navratri festival in Wembley faces objections

A PROPOSED 10-day Hindu festival in Wembley, north London, has drawn objections over concerns about noise and disruption in the area.

Asian Events Media (AEM) has applied to Brent Council to host the Navratri celebration at Alperton Studios from September 22 to October 1, according to The London Standard.

Keep ReadingShow less
Pakistan rejects claim of China’s role in border clash

Asim Munir

Pakistan rejects claim of China’s role in border clash

PAKISTAN’S army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir on Monday (7) rejected Delhi’s allegation that his military received active support from longtime ally China in its conflict with India in May.

The Indian Army’s deputy chief, Lieutenant General Rahul Singh, said last week that China gave Islamabad “live inputs” on key Indian positions.

Keep ReadingShow less
Modi courts Latin nations to expand trade relations

Christine Kangaloo awards Narendra Modi with the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago last Friday (4)

Modi courts Latin nations to expand trade relations

INDIA’S prime minister, Narendra Modi met Argentine president Javier Milei in Buenos Aires last Saturday (5), urging the expansion of New Delhi’s preferential trade deal with South America’s Mercosur bloc.

The bilateral talks with Milei were the latest in Modi’s whistle-stop diplomatic tour culminating in the summit of Brics emerging economies which began last Sunday (6) in Brazil.

Keep ReadingShow less
Minister 'open to talks' on British Sikh regiment

Lord Coaker (Photo: UK Parliament)

Minister 'open to talks' on British Sikh regiment

A FRESH parliamentary initiative to establish a dedicated Sikh regiment within the British Army has gained momentum in the House of Lords, with defence minister Lord Coaker expressing willingness to engage in further discussions about the long-debated proposal.

The issue was raised in the House of Lords on Monday (7) by Labour peer Lord Sahota, who asked whether there had been any progress on long-standing calls for a Sikh regiment.

Keep ReadingShow less