Sidhant Sibal

Amid the Iran-Israel conflict, Israel's ambassador to India, Naor Gilon, has underscored the importance of India's role in international efforts to mitigate the conflict. Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Gilon emphasised India's significant influence, particularly in the region, stating, "India is an important country in the world and a very influential country, especially in our region - it's a great friend of Israel and we expect India to be one of the countries who is leading this international effort."

The German ambassador to India, Dr Philipp Ackermann, has expressed hope for the swift release of Indian nationals who were onboard the Israel-linked

Amid Myanmar's escalating crisis, the National Unity Government (NUG) is actively seeking formal engagement with India, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

In a key development for India's sports education landscape, the country is set to inaugurate its first Olympic Studies and Research Centre (OSRCs) in Gujarat. Named the Bharat Centre for Olympic Research and Education (B-CORE), this pioneering facility will be hosted by the Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) in Gujarat. With an expected opening tentatively scheduled for July 2024, B-CORE is poised to become the premier hub for Olympic research and education not only in India but also in South Asia.

The first contracted BrahMos missile from India to the Philippines will reach the southeast Asian nation on Friday (Apr 19). The journey of this BrahMos missile, the world's fastest supersonic cruise missile, begins from Nagpur, India, where it is loaded onto an Indian Air Force (IAF) C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft.Accompanied by three civilian freight liners carrying additional parts and support systems, the missile is poised to enhance the defence capabilities of the Philippine Marine Corps' coastal defence regiment.

The Iran ambassador to India Iraj Elahi has said that the Indian nationals onboard MSC Aries are free to go.

The number of Indian tourists travelling to Maldives has fallen by over 50 percent when compared year on year, data by the Maldives tourism ministry showed.

The Tibetan government in exile has officially confirmed engaging in back-channel talks with the Chinese government. President Penpa Tsering has said, "I have always admitted to having back channel, keep communication ongoing but at the same time if you look the Chinese leadership policies and programme inside Tibet which are all aims at eradication of National Identity from Language to religion to political space." It has been over a year since these back-channel talks have started between the two sides.

The 35th birthday of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the Dalai Lama-appointed Panchen Lama, was commemorated with fervour in Dharamshala, where the Tibetan leadership of the Tibetan Government in exile fervently called for his release from Chinese custody.Penpa Tsering, Sikyong or President of the Tibetan government in exile, stated, "Chinese government has not heeded to genuine concerns of the international community and Tibetans in exile. Our most pressing concern is if Panchen Rinpoche is alive or not."

Taranjit Singh Sandhu (left) with WION's Sidhant Sibal (right). Photograph:(WION) Story highlights