Congressman Thanedar condemns anti-India rhetoric in Texas

PoK Protest Viral News: Calls for Freedom Emerge in PoK Protests

ABP News Bureau — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 14:06:09 +0530

PoK Protest Viral News: Calls for Freedom Emerge in PoK Protests

UK Court Jails Indian-Origin Man For 34 Years Over Kidnap, Torture And Rape Of Woman

Bharathi SP — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 13:02:16 +0530

An Indian-origin man has been sentenced to 34 years in prison in the United Kingdom after being convicted of kidnapping, torturing and raping a 24-year-old woman in a case that investigators described as exceptionally violent and disturbing. The sentence was handed down by Isleworth Crown Court on Friday after 34-year-old Gagandeep Singh was found guilty earlier this year of multiple serious offences, including two counts of rape, kidnap, false imprisonment and grievous bodily harm with intent.

Under the terms of the sentence, Singh will spend 28 years in custody before serving an additional six-year extended licence period. He will not be eligible for parole until he has completed at least 18 years of his prison term.

Woman Abducted After Refusing Request

The case stems from an incident in June 2024, when the victim was allegedly targeted after refusing to carry a suspicious suitcase from Thailand to the United Kingdom. According to prosecutors, masked men intercepted the woman upon her arrival at Birmingham Airport and transported her to a property in Hanwell, west London, as per a report. There, she was held against her will for more than a day and subjected to prolonged abuse.

During the trial, the court heard that the victim was “punched in the face, beaten, stripped, whipped, burnt and raped” before eventually being released. She was also allegedly threatened and warned against reporting the crimes.

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Evidence Preserved By Mother Proved Crucial

Initially, the woman was reluctant to approach law enforcement authorities due to fears for her safety and that of those around her. Instead, she confided in her mother, who carefully preserved clothing, medical records and other materials that later became key pieces of evidence in the investigation.

The evidence helped detectives build a case that ultimately led to Singh's arrest, prosecution and conviction.

Detective Constable Abdul praised the survivor's determination throughout the investigation and trial process.

"They thank her for that trust and for the patience, bravery and determination she has shown throughout this investigation and the trial that followed. Her courage in the face of such awful crimes is a testament to her hugely impressive strength and resilience."

Survivor Urges Victims Not To Carry Shame

In a statement released through police, the victim spoke about the fear she experienced before deciding to cooperate with the investigation. She said, "I never wanted to contact the police. It felt daunting and I was left thinking that if I did, I could be putting myself and the people around me in danger."

She also offered words of encouragement to other survivors of abuse.

"To anyone who has experienced abuse, sexual or otherwise, please remember this: we are not the ones who should carry shame. We survive, and we go on to live again," she said.

Her mother also praised the response of the Metropolitan Police, saying officers treated the matter with professionalism and sensitivity from the outset.

"When I contacted the Metropolitan Police, they responded with professionalism and sensitivity and reassured me that she could report this too, as a third party," she said.

She added that despite her daughter's hesitation to proceed initially, investigators continued examining the allegations because of their severity.

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Family Welcomes Conviction

The victim's family said the conviction has provided a degree of closure after a traumatic ordeal.

Her mother said that the efforts of investigators and prosecutors had helped ensure justice was served and that "their actions have given us a sense of closure, and we are reassured that a dangerous individual has now been removed from the streets."

Breaking: India Raises Strong Objection Over Sailors’ Deaths as Gulf Tensions and Iran-US Deal Talks Intensify

ABP News Bureau — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 12:19:02 +0530

A major diplomatic controversy has erupted after the deaths of three Indian sailors in a maritime security incident near the Strait of Hormuz. India has taken up the issue directly with the United States, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar speaking to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and conveying New Delhi’s strong concerns over attacks affecting commercial shipping. India emphasized that the safety of its citizens working aboard international vessels remains non-negotiable and that any action endangering commercial maritime traffic is a matter of serious concern. The deaths have drawn attention to growing instability in the Gulf region, particularly around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. The situation has become more complex amid conflicting narratives over responsibility for attacks on ships operating in the area. U.S. President Donald Trump has accused Iran of targeting vessels through drone attacks, while Iranian officials have rejected such claims and criticized American military actions in regional waters. Tehran has also expressed condolences over the loss of Indian lives and called for accountability regarding maritime incidents in the Gulf. Meanwhile, diplomatic momentum appears to be building between Washington and Tehran. Reports from Iranian media suggest that discussions on a broader understanding are progressing, covering issues such as regional ceasefires, maritime navigation, sanctions relief, military deployments, energy exports, and future nuclear negotiations. Among the reported proposals are reopening key shipping routes, easing restrictions on Iranian oil exports, reducing military tensions in the region, and establishing a framework for continued diplomatic engagement. The developments have fueled speculation that a larger Iran-U.S. understanding could be announced in the coming days. As international negotiations continue, India has maintained its focus on securing accountability for the deaths of its citizens and ensuring the protection of commercial shipping routes that are vital to global trade and energy supplies.

Breaking: India Raises Strong Objection After Three Sailors Die in Gulf Incident; Jaishankar Speaks to Rubio

ABP News Bureau — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 12:05:28 +0530

A major diplomatic development has emerged after the deaths of three Indian sailors in a maritime security incident in the Gulf region. India has formally conveyed its concerns to the United States, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reportedly speaking with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding the matter. According to reports, India emphasized that commercial shipping routes are critical to global trade and that the safety of civilian vessels and crew members must remain a top priority. The incident has sparked intense discussion amid ongoing tensions in and around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategically important maritime corridors. The controversy has been further complicated by differing narratives surrounding responsibility for the attack. Statements attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump have linked the incident to Iranian actions in the region, while broader geopolitical tensions continue to shape developments in the Gulf. At the same time, reports suggest that diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran are gaining momentum, with discussions reportedly focusing on maritime security, regional stability, sanctions, and broader de-escalation measures. Various proposed conditions for a potential understanding between Washington and Tehran have also surfaced, though no final agreement has been officially confirmed. The deaths of the Indian sailors have placed renewed attention on the safety of international shipping lanes and the risks faced by commercial crews operating in conflict-prone waters. India’s response highlights its commitment to protecting its citizens abroad and ensuring accountability whenever Indian nationals are affected by international security incidents. As diplomatic engagements continue, global attention remains focused on both the investigation into the sailors’ deaths and the broader efforts to reduce tensions in the Gulf region.

India-US Tension: Jaishankar Raises Strong Objection Over Death of Three Indian Sailors in Gulf

ABP News Bureau — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 11:44:21 +0530

India has strongly raised concerns over the deaths of three Indian sailors in the Gulf region, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar taking up the matter directly with senior U.S. officials. The Indian government has described the incident as a serious issue, emphasizing that commercial shipping routes must remain safe and free from military action. According to reports, the three Indian crew members lost their lives after a commercial vessel near the coast of Oman became caught in a conflict-related incident. Following the tragedy, Jaishankar conveyed India's strong objections and stressed that any action endangering civilian maritime traffic is unacceptable. The issue has gained further attention after comments from Donald Trump, who responded to criticism surrounding the incident. Trump stated that Iranian drone activity had targeted Indian vessels moving through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz and claimed that U.S. forces acted to counter those threats. He further argued that American intervention prevented additional damage and warned Iran against continuing such actions. India's position remains focused on the safety of civilian shipping and the protection of its citizens working aboard international vessels. The deaths of the sailors have triggered concerns about rising instability in Gulf waters, a region that is critical for global trade and energy supplies. The incident is likely to feature prominently in diplomatic discussions between New Delhi and Washington in the coming days. As investigations continue, India is expected to seek greater clarity regarding the circumstances that led to the fatalities and to push for stronger safeguards for commercial maritime traffic operating in conflict-prone areas.

Middle East Update: Trump Signals Possible US-Iran Deal by Sunday or Monday Amid Ongoing Talks

ABP News Bureau — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 11:38:42 +0530

A significant diplomatic development may be on the horizon as U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that a potential agreement between the United States and Iran could be reached as early as Sunday or Monday. Speaking about the ongoing negotiations, Trump expressed optimism regarding the progress of discussions and suggested that a breakthrough may be imminent. This is not the first time the U.S. president has hinted at a weekend agreement. He had previously stated that both sides were moving toward a possible understanding and that negotiations were advancing in a positive direction. According to emerging reports, the proposed agreement could be finalized in Geneva, a city that has historically hosted several high-profile international diplomatic negotiations. While officials have not yet disclosed the exact terms under discussion, the talks are believed to focus on easing tensions and addressing key security and strategic concerns between Washington and Tehran. The latest statement comes at a time when global attention remains fixed on developments in the Middle East. A successful agreement could mark a major diplomatic achievement and potentially reduce regional tensions that have affected international markets, security calculations, and geopolitical relations in recent years. However, no formal confirmation has been issued by either side regarding the finalization of a deal. Diplomats and analysts caution that negotiations often face last-minute hurdles, making it important to wait for an official announcement before drawing conclusions. For now, Trump's remarks have fueled expectations that a breakthrough may be close, with the international community watching closely for any official confirmation from the negotiating teams in the coming days.

'Iran Will Block Any Loopholes': Araghchi Sets 60-Day Compliance Test For US Before Signing Final Deal

Bharathi SP — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 08:10:39 +0530

US Iran War: Iran has indicated that any future nuclear agreement with the United States will depend not on promises, but on concrete action from Washington. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has made it clear that Tehran will not move ahead with a final accord unless the US demonstrates compliance with the terms of an initial understanding within a specified timeframe.

Iran Ties Final Deal To US Compliance

Speaking to state broadcaster IRIB, Araghchi outlined Tehran’s position on the ongoing negotiations, stressing that implementation would be the key test of American commitment. According to IRIB, he said that if the provisions of the memorandum of understanding are not fulfilled, Iran will refuse to proceed with a final agreement. Araghchi explained that once a preliminary arrangement is signed, the United States would have a 60-day window to carry out its obligations.

During that period, Iran would assess Washington’s actions before deciding on the next course. Tehran could continue the existing ceasefire framework, seek further understanding, or abandon the process altogether if the commitments are not met.

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Security Council Review To Decide Next Steps

The foreign minister also revealed that the proposed text remains under review by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. The body is currently examining the draft, with both advocates and critics participating in discussions over its implications. Araghchi said that if the council grants approval, the agreement would be signed remotely. However, he emphasised that implementation remains the decisive factor.

Highlighting Tehran’s reservations, he accused American officials of repeatedly failing to honor commitments in previous negotiations. "Breaking promises is in the nature of US statesmen; we must expect major obstacles in implementing the agreement. We aren't dealing with people fully committed to the deal, so Iran will block any loopholes for their non-compliance," he told IRIB, as per reports.

Regional Tensions Continue Despite Diplomatic Efforts

The diplomatic developments come against the backdrop of heightened military tensions in the Gulf region. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Iranian forces attempted to target commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz using drones.

"Iran launched multiple one-way attack drones in an attempt to strike commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz," CENTCOM wrote on X. The command added that US forces intercepted all of the drones and that shipping operations in the strategic waterway remained unaffected.

Amid these developments, Iranian state media has suggested that a memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington could be announced in the near future. Nevertheless, Araghchi’s remarks underline the deep mistrust that continues to shape relations between the two countries.

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Reaffirming Iran’s security doctrine, the foreign minister stated: "We do NOT rely on the Security Council, the United Nations, or trans-regional coalitions to guarantee our security. Our reliance is only on God, our people, and our own armed forces."

Iran Rejects Trump's 'Baseless' Allegation, Accuses US Of Attacking Vessel That Killed 3 Indian Seafarers

Apoorva Gupta — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 07:58:49 +0530

The Embassy of Iran in India on Saturday rejected allegations made by US President Donald Trump regarding an Indian vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, describing the claims as “baseless” and accusing Washington of attempting to shift attention away from recent attacks on commercial ships carrying Indian seafarers.

The Iranian Embassy alleged that the United States had attacked three Indian vessels in less than a week, resulting in the deaths of three Indian sailors. It described the actions as “brutal” and “pathetic”.

In a post on X, the official account of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in India said, “The U.S. president's accusation against Iran regarding an Indian vessel in the Strait of Hormuz is simply baseless. It is an attempt to divert public attention from the brutal fact that the U.S. has attacked 3 Indian vessels in less than a week and killed 3 innocent Indian sailors. That's pathetic!”

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Iran Responds to Trump’s Allegations

The statement came after Trump alleged that Iran was responsible for attacks on three vessels carrying Indian seafarers near the Hormuz Strait, incidents that resulted in the deaths of three sailors.

According to the report, Trump made the allegations despite the US Central Command having confirmed that the strikes were carried out by American naval forces. He described the incident as “totally unacceptable”.

Three vessels with Indian crew came under attack off the Oman coast this week. One of them resulted in the death of three Indian seafarers on Wednesday.

"Their (Iran's) totally rebuffed Drone attack last night against Indian Ships leaving the Hormuz Strait is TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE," Trump claimed in a post on Truth Social.

Meanwhile, India has described the attacks on commercial vessels as deeply worrisome and it has strongly taken up the matter with the US.

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Iran Condemns US Actions

The latest remarks followed Iran’s condemnation of US attacks on commercial vessels carrying Indian seafarers in the Gulf of Oman, which resulted in the deaths of three people.

Tehran described the actions as “brutal” and accused Washington of engaging in “lawless conduct” that threatens global peace and maritime security.

In a statement posted on X, Esmaeil Baqaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed condolences over the deaths of the Indian nationals and called for accountability.

“The brutal U.S. attacks on Indian commercial vessels, which have killed at least three Indian nationals, stand as clear evidence of America's ongoing policy of armed robbery and State piracy. We extend our sympathies to the families and friends of the slain Indian sailors and offer our sincere condolences to the Indian people and government,” the statement said.

Baqaei also urged the international community to respond to what he described as repeated violations of international norms.

“The international community must hold the United States accountable for its lawless conduct, which continues to threaten global peace and security while endangering the freedom of navigation,” the spokesperson added.

'Not Justified': Jaishankar Lodges Protest With Rubio Over US Navy Attack That Killed 3 Indian Mariners

Apoorva Gupta — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 07:07:36 +0530

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Saturday said he had spoken to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and conveyed India's strong protest over attacks by the US Navy in the Gulf that resulted in the deaths of three Indian mariners.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “Spoke to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio this evening. I reiterated India’s strong protest at the attacks by the US Navy in the Gulf that killed three Indian mariners.”

“Such lethal actions against commercial shipping are not justified,” he added.

Three Indian Seafarers Killed

The remarks came after three Indian sailors were killed in a US military strike on a commercial tanker in the Gulf of Oman.

The vessel, MT Settebello, was attacked on Wednesday after US forces accused it of violating the ongoing naval blockade on Iranian ports. 21 of the 24 Indian crew members on board were rescued, while the three others were later confirmed deceased.

Three vessels with Indian crew came under attack off the Oman coast this week. One of the incidents resulted in the deaths of the three Indian seafarers.

On Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the three Indian seafarers who lost their lives in the attack on MT Settebello had been identified and that efforts were underway to bring their mortal remains back to India at the earliest.

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India Summons US Diplomat

Meanwhile, the MEA on Friday summoned US Charge d'Affaires Jason Meeks to lodge a strong protest over the ongoing attacks on commercial vessels off the coast of Oman.

The diplomatic move followed another incident in which a commercial vessel carrying 20 Indian crew members came under attack in the region. It marked the second time that the US mission had been summoned by the MEA over the escalating maritime security issue.

India also summoned the Charge d'Affaires of the US Embassy in New Delhi to lodge its protest over the matter.

“These attacks came from the US Navy that is stationed there. As you would have seen in the various reports, as also in what was clarified through our statements and otherwise from this podium, the three ships that have been involved in the incidents are foreign-flagged,” Jaiswal said.

ALSO READ: 'Totally Unacceptable': Trump Slams Alleged Iranian Drone Attack On Vessel That Killed 3 Indian Sailors

Trump Blames Iran

Earlier, US President Donald Trump accused Iran of carrying out drone attacks against Indian ships leaving the Strait of Hormuz, describing the action as unacceptable.

“Their (Iran's) totally rebuffed Drone attack last night against Indian Ships leaving the Hormuz Strait is TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE. They better get their act together and FAST,” Trump claimed in a post on Truth Social.

Congressman Thanedar condemns anti-India rhetoric in Texas

PTI — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 05:15:10 +0530

Washington, Jun 13 (PTI): US Congressman Shri Thanedar condemned anti-India rhetoric in Frisco, a city in Texas, asserting that immigrants have made the US stronger.

According to reports, speakers at a public hearing made references to the “Indian takeover” of Frisco and the targeting of the Indian-American community during debates on immigration and H-1B visas.

“This is a disgusting act of hate. Racism has no place in our country,” Thanedar, a Congressman from Michigan, said.

Recently, a video of a man tearing the Indian flag in Frisco also went viral on social media.

“I came to America in search of the American dream. I was lucky enough to get an education, build businesses, create thousands of good jobs, and now serve my community in Congress,” Thanedar said in response to the anti-India rhetoric in Frisco and other parts of Texas.

He said immigrants make the country stronger, with Indian Americans, and the incredible talent they bring to every field, have a special place in the American story,” he said.

“I am proud to be an Indian American, and I will always stand against hate and racism in every form,” Thanedar said.

Over a third of Frisco’s 2.5 lakh residents are of Asian descent, making them the target of accusations of “takeover” of the city. PTI SKU SKY SKY

(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)