The United States has deported 3,258 Indian nationals so far in 2024, marking the highest annual figure since 2009, according to Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s statement in the Rajya Sabha. Of those deported, 2,032 returned via commercial flights, while 1,226 were repatriated on special chartered flights arranged by US authorities. In comparison, 1,368 Indians were deported in 2024 and 617 in 2023. Data from the Pew Research Center estimates around 725,000 undocumented Indian immigrants currently reside in the US, making them the third-largest undocumented group after those from Mexico and El Salvador. The surge in deportations follows the US government’s stricter immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s second term, which identified over 18,000 Indians as illegal entrants. The Indian government says it is actively working to curb illegal migration, dismantle human trafficking networks, and assist citizens stranded abroad.

The Trump administration has informed U.S. lawmakers of its plan to close several foreign offices of Voice of America (VOA), including those in Pakistan, Germany, Thailand, and Botswana. According to a report by The New York Times, a notice dated November 25 was sent to Congress by Carrie Lake, head of VOA’s parent organization and a close ally of former President Donald Trump. The document outlines the closure of six foreign news bureaus and four marketing offices. Officials stated that while contractors may continue some broadcasting operations if necessary, the long-term goal is to significantly reduce VOA’s global footprint. The move is seen as part of the administration’s broader effort to limit the scope of U.S.-funded international media outlets. The decision has raised concerns about the future of American public diplomacy and the reach of independent journalism abroad.

China has announced a $100 million aid package to assist the Palestinian Authority in rebuilding Gaza and addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The announcement was made by Chinese President Xi Jinping during a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron in Beijing. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed gratitude to Xi in a letter, highlighting China’s continued support for Palestinian rights and its role in opposing Israeli occupation in Gaza and the West Bank. According to Chinese state media Xinhua, Xi emphasized China’s commitment to working closely with France to achieve a fair and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue. The move underscores Beijing’s growing diplomatic engagement in Middle Eastern affairs and its efforts to strengthen strategic ties with both Arab nations and European partners amid shifting global dynamics.

Iran has strongly condemned US-imposed unilateral sanctions, labeling them as 'illegal, inhumane, and crimes against humanity.' In a statement on social media platform X, the Iranian Foreign Ministry marked the newly established International Day Against Unilateral Coercive Measures, observed on December 4 under a UN General Assembly resolution. Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani emphasized that sanctions imposed without UN Security Council approval violate fundamental human rights, including access to health, education, and development. He accused the United States of deliberately targeting civilians and hindering Iran’s socio-economic progress. The sanctions, reinstated after the US withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018, have severely restricted Iran’s ability to import essential medicines and medical supplies. Despite Washington’s claims that humanitarian goods are exempt, Iranian officials report thousands of deaths and suffering due to shortages. Tehran reiterated that such measures breach international law and urged global action for their removal. Earlier, an Iranian court ordered the US to pay $6.785 billion in damages to patients affected by sanction-related medicine shortages.

Diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine-Russia conflict have intensified, with the United States playing a central mediating role. On November 23, U.S. and Ukrainian officials met in Geneva to reassess an initial peace plan, taking into account the positions of both Moscow and Kyiv. President Donald Trump later stated that the number of discussion points had been reduced to 22, with only a few remaining contentious. A follow-up meeting took place in Florida on November 30, focusing on potential ceasefire paths, long-term economic and security arrangements, election conditions in Ukraine, and territorial disputes. On December 2, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a five-hour meeting in the Kremlin with U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, discussing key proposals from four U.S. peace documents. Ukrainian ambassador to the U.S. Olga Stefanishyna confirmed that Ukraine’s delegation chief Rustem Umerov will meet Witkoff again in Washington on December 4 to continue negotiations.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a Russian-language translation of the Bhagavad Gita to Russian President Vladimir Putin during the latter’s visit to New Delhi on Thursday. This marks Putin’s first trip to India since the start of the Ukraine war. Modi shared the gesture on social media, describing the Gita as a source of inspiration for millions worldwide. Upon arrival at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, Putin received a red-carpet welcome and was warmly embraced by Modi. The two leaders later shared a private dinner, reciprocating Putin’s earlier hospitality during Modi’s 2023 Moscow visit. On Friday, they are scheduled to hold formal talks, followed by an official reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan and a luncheon at Hyderabad House. Putin will also pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat and inaugurate a new Russian state television channel operated from India before attending a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu. He is expected to depart India on Friday night.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Moscow will not compromise over Ukraine’s Donbas region, vowing to use force if necessary to secure full control. In an interview with India Today on December 4, Putin said that either Russian forces will liberate the remaining areas or Ukrainian troops must withdraw. Currently, Russia controls about 85 percent of Donbas. The warning comes as U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration continues mediation efforts, with Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff meeting both Russian and Ukrainian representatives. The United States recently proposed a 28-point peace plan, including a clause suggesting that remaining Ukrainian-held parts of Donbas be ceded to Russia—a proposal strongly opposed by Kyiv and European nations. Putin acknowledged that Russia agrees with some U.S. proposals but rejects others, without specifying which. The statement underscores Moscow’s hardened stance following recent battlefield gains and complicates international efforts to end the ongoing war.

Yasser Abu Sabab, leader of the pro-Israel armed faction Popular Front in Gaza, has been reported dead, according to Israeli media. A Bedouin tribesman and former prisoner, Abu Sabab had aligned himself with Tel Aviv against Hamas after escaping jail during Israel’s 2023 Gaza offensive. He was accused of multiple crimes, including theft of relief supplies. Following the October ceasefire, Hamas reportedly ordered his capture or killing. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously acknowledged that Israel had armed anti-Hamas groups in Gaza, including Abu Sabab’s faction. Despite the ceasefire, Rafah remains volatile, with frequent gunfire and ongoing clashes. Abu Sabab had recently directed his fighters to “free Rafah of terrorists,” referring to Hamas militants. Israeli Army Radio claimed he died at Soroka Hospital in southern Israel, though the hospital denied this. The exact circumstances of his death remain unclear.

A US military strike on a suspected drug-trafficking vessel in the Caribbean Sea has left four people dead, reigniting debate over Washington’s expanding anti-narcotics operations in international waters. The attack, reportedly ordered under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s direction, targeted a boat allegedly controlled by a terrorist-linked group transporting illegal drugs along the eastern narco-trafficking route. The Trump administration has conducted similar operations for months, killing over 80 suspected traffickers. Following the latest incident, congressional committees have launched investigations amid allegations of extrajudicial killings. Human rights organizations condemned the strike after footage showed survivors being hit by missiles. The White House stated that the order came from official channels but denied any directive to kill all onboard. A Colombian fisherman’s family has filed a complaint, claiming he was mistakenly killed. Meanwhile, Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro accused the US of using military pressure to destabilize his government as American naval presence near Venezuelan waters increases.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya called Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus on Thursday evening to express gratitude for Bangladesh’s assistance and solidarity following the recent devastating cyclone and floods in Sri Lanka. According to a press release from the Chief Adviser’s office, the conversation took place at 6:45 p.m. local time. Amarasuriya thanked Bangladesh for its empathy and support amid the disaster that caused hundreds of deaths and widespread damage across Sri Lanka. In response, Dr. Yunus conveyed deep condolences to the victims and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to stand by Sri Lanka, offering additional emergency aid and expert disaster-response teams if needed. He emphasized that Bangladesh is ready to provide whatever assistance is required. During the call, Yunus invited Amarasuriya to visit Bangladesh in the coming months and expressed interest in learning from Colombo’s political experiences. Senior officials from the Chief Adviser’s office and the Foreign Ministry were present during the discussion.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in India for a two-day official visit, marking his first trip to the country since the start of the Ukraine war. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally welcomed him at Delhi’s Palam Air Base, where the two leaders exchanged hugs and greetings before departing together. The visit includes a private dinner hosted by Modi, reciprocating Putin’s similar gesture during Modi’s Moscow trip last year. On Friday, Putin is scheduled to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, attend an official reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan, and hold high-level bilateral talks at Hyderabad House. He will also inaugurate a new Russian state television channel operating from India and attend a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu. Discussions are expected to focus on defense, energy, and trade cooperation between the two nations. Putin is set to depart India on Friday night.

The Indian Air Force, in coordination with Sri Lankan authorities, has rescued more than 50 people from severe flooding caused by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka. Among those rescued are three Bangladeshi nationals, along with citizens from India, Belarus, Iran, South Africa, Poland, Germany, Slovenia, the UK, Australia, and Pakistan. India launched 'Operation Sagar Bandhu' on November 28 to provide emergency assistance, deploying naval ships and aircraft to deliver over 40 tons of relief materials, including tents, food, and medical supplies. Additionally, 80 members of the National Disaster Response Force and a five-member medical team were sent to assist in rescue operations. The cyclone has left at least 474 people dead and 356 missing, affecting around 450,000 families. Large parts of the country remain without electricity or safe water, and authorities continue to face difficulties reaching remote areas due to ongoing floods and landslides.

French President Emmanuel Macron met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday, December 4, during his official visit to China. The meeting included a state reception for Macron and France’s First Lady, hosted by Xi. This marks Macron’s fourth visit to China during his presidency. In addition to meeting Xi, Macron is scheduled to hold talks with the Chinese Premier. Analysts suggest that trade relations between France and China will be a key topic of discussion. Macron is also expected to urge Beijing to use its influence on Moscow to help end the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The visit underscores France’s efforts to balance economic cooperation with China while addressing global geopolitical challenges, particularly the conflict in Eastern Europe.

Pakistan has reopened the Torkham and Chaman border crossings with Afghanistan after nearly two months of closure, allowing United Nations aid trucks to pass through. Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andarabi confirmed the decision, stating that it was made in consultation with the Ministry of Commerce. However, trade between the two countries remains suspended. The reopening follows heightened tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, which escalated after a drone strike in Kabul on October 9 that the Taliban-led Afghan government blamed on Pakistan. The closure had disrupted cross-border trade and caused shortages of food and medicine in Afghanistan. Despite a ceasefire brokered by Qatar on October 19, relations between the two neighbors remain strained, with Pakistan accusing the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) of using Afghan territory as a safe haven, a claim Kabul denies.

U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. Trump’s remarks came after his special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner met with Putin in Moscow to discuss a revised U.S. peace proposal. Speaking at the White House, Trump said the meeting suggested Putin was seeking a settlement to the conflict. He added that the talks were positive and that both sides must agree for any deal to succeed. Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed that Washington appeared ready to consider Russia’s views in pursuing a long-term resolution. However, Reuters reported that despite a five-hour meeting, no concrete agreement was reached between the U.S. and Russia. Trump reiterated his belief that the war would not have started if he had been president earlier, emphasizing his administration’s willingness to pursue diplomatic solutions to the Ukraine crisis.