The demonstration, held at Dam Square in Amsterdam to mark the United Nations' International Day in Support of Victims of Torture on Friday, saw activists highlight what they described as "systematic, deliberate, and long-ignored" abuses against the people of Balochistan.

Sharing pictures of the demonstration on X on Saturday, Asad Baloch, a member of FBM, said, "Protesters condemned the ongoing abductions of Baloch students, political workers, and ordinary citizens who vanish without trial, without charges, and without a trace. Families have waited years, some decades, for answers that never come."

The demonstrators denounced "brutal machinery of oppression: torture cells, extrajudicial killings, and arbitrary detentions" carried out by Pakistani security forces, stressing that "these abuses are not isolated incidents but part of a long-standing pattern."

The FBM called on the European Union, the UN, and global human rights bodies to break their silence, protect vulnerable activists, and hold perpetrators accountable.

"Protesters insisted that international institutions can no longer look away. This action in Amsterdam is part of a growing wave of diaspora-led mobilisation across Europe -- a movement determined to ensure that the Baloch struggle for dignity, safety, and freedom is no longer pushed to the margins of global attention," Asad noted.

Marking the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, another human rights group, Baloch Voice for Justice (BVJ), expressed solidarity with every victim of torture and families devastated by enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, and abuses by Pakistani forces.

"Across Balochistan, these violations continue to cause profound physical and psychological suffering while families are denied truth and justice. The systematic use of torture and incommunicado detention undermines the rule of law and violates the most basic principles of human dignity. Families searching for their loved ones have spent years pursuing peaceful and lawful avenues, yet their calls for justice continue to be ignored," the BVJ stated.

Balochistan continues to reel under relentless atrocities by the Pakistani forces, marked by enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings of Baloch civilians at an unprecedented level.

Shahid Akhtar passed away on June 24 and was laid to rest at the H-8 graveyard in Islamabad. Videos from the funeral, which have since gone viral on social media, show Saifullah Kasuri and several other individuals associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba present at the funeral prayers.

Among those spotted at the ceremony were Inam Ur Rehman, president of the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML), widely regarded as the political front of Lashkar-e-Taiba. The PMML was formed by UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed after his earlier organisations, including Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Milli Muslim League (MML), faced international and domestic sanctions.

The presence of senior Lashkar functionaries at a public funeral has once again drawn attention to the continued visibility of members of proscribed terror organisations in Pakistan. Analysts say the incident underscores concerns over the operational space available to banned terrorist groups and their influence within the country's political and social landscape.

Kasuri, the deputy chief of Lashkar-e-Taiba, has repeatedly made inflammatory anti-India statements and has been associated with provocative speeches following the April terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed lives of 25 tourists.

Following the attack, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and launched 'Operation Sindoor', targeting terrorist infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation reportedly destroyed several terror facilities, including Lashkar-e-Taiba's headquarters in Muridke, besides striking military installations from Rawalpindi to Sukkur.

The operation significantly disrupted the activities of Lashkar-e-Taiba and other Pakistan-based terror groups. However, since then, Kasuri has continued issuing threats against India, including warnings of another Mumbai-style terror strike through the sea route.

In a video that surfaced in February this year, Kasuri openly threatened India, claiming there would be no space left for the "enemy" on land, air or sea. He also accused India of pursuing "water terrorism", an apparent reference to New Delhi's decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, and warned that increased pressure in Kashmir would be met with unrest elsewhere.

Shoaib Akhtar, who retired from international cricket in 2011, remains one of Pakistan's most recognisable sporting figures and continues to work as a cricket commentator, including for various international tournaments.

"Thanks to the Panamanian solidarity, donations are being collected, and a first flight with 18 tonnes of aid has been completed," Mulino said in a post on X on Friday (local time).

Requested supplies include nonperishable food, bottled water, personal hygiene items, basic medical supplies, flashlights, batteries and other emergency supplies for affected families, reports Xinhua news agency.

In addition, Panama is preparing to deploy a specialised search and rescue team led by the national civil protection system, its director Omar Smith said.

Smith said the team includes about 60 specialised personnel and four trained dogs for search operations. He added that the contingent would have drones and thermal-capable equipment to help locate people, as well as personnel trained to handle chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear scenarios.

According to local media, the operation will initially last seven days, though the search period could be extended depending on the situation in Venezuela. If necessary, a second aircraft carrying more rescue personnel will be coordinated.

Meanwhile, technical and humanitarian assistance from more than a dozen countries has begun arriving in Venezuela to help victims and support early recovery efforts after Wednesday's devastating earthquakes.

Rescue teams and specialised equipment have arrived in Venezuela since Thursday from countries including India, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Colombia, Mexico, Chile, Ecuador, Spain, Germany, Switzerland and Qatar, as well as from the UN system.

Wednesday's earthquakes killed at least 920 people and injured more than 3,360, according to the latest official report, severely damaging infrastructure along the country's central coast.

New Delhi, June 27 (IANS) Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) is burning and neither are the protesters or the establishment showing any signs of backing down. The directive from the top man in Pakistan, Field Marshal Asim Munir is clear and that is to put down the protests using brute force. However, Pakistan’s crackdown has exposed the selective silence of global rights groups.

In recent days, horrific stories are emerging from PoK. 1,500 people have been arrested using anti-terror laws. Women and children have been fired upon by the Pakistani security forces, while the bodies of the men killed by the security forces are not being returned to the family members.

Officials say that the atrocities continue with each passing day.

The international community and global human rights advocacy groups who usually are very vocal about issues relating to Jammu and Kashmir are surprisingly quiet when it comes to PoK.

The official said what is taking place in PoK is brutal abuse of human rights. The same groups had spoken out loudly when it came to the abrogation of Article 370 and the crackdown on terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir.

Despite the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) pleading with the international community and human rights advocacy groups, there is pin drop silence, the official added.

Another official said that the silence clearly signals how a network of digital platforms, western lobbies and regional figures are selectively silent and prioritise Islamabad’s geopolitical narrative over the human rights of the PoK people.

The crisis in PoK erupted when the Pakistani establishment failed to yet again keep its promise of bringing reform to the region.

The protests are being now being led by the JAAC which comprises a coalition of traders, lawyers and civil society members.

They have been seeking economic relief, political sovereignty and curtailment of elite privileges and luxury administrative expenditures for government officials.

On one hand the establishment assured that there would be talks with the JAAC and on June 5, the state officially banned the group under anti-terrorism laws.

Officials say that this move turned the civilian community organisers into enemies of the state overnight.

Further, Pakistan-banned Internet and mobile services in the region and local channels, too, were suspended.

The state police which is in charge of law and order was replaced with heavy contingents of the Punjab Rangers to crush the protests.

On June 7 and 8 the Rangers opened fire on demonstrators in Rawalot during which 30 civilians were killed.

Disinfo Lab, a group of researchers who investigate Info-warfare and Psy-war, in a series of posts on X questioned the silence of the global ecosystem, think-tanks and NGOs which claim to stand up for Kashmiri self-determination.

These groups are quick to post updates regularly about civil rights in Jammu and Kashmir, but not PoK. There was a stoic silence from these groups to the events that took place on June 7 and 8, Disinfo Lab also said.

The feed of the international advocacy handles such as @standwithkashmir and @wka_kashmir only posted anti-India feed through June. Despite the deaths in PoK being documented, these groups offered no solidarity and no human rights reporting on the crisis.

Organisations such as the Kashmir Institute of International Relations which has offices in PoK were clearly compromised.

Moreover organisations in the West which are linked to the Ghulam Nabi Fai network, the Kashmiri American Council, Pakistan House and Centre for Strategic and Contemporary Research also had nothing to say about the events in June.

These entities according to Disinfo Lab are built on a specific narrative framework that is designed to challenge Indian sovereignty while portraying Pakistan as the champion of human rights in Jammu and Kashmir.

Officials say speaking about the PoK issue would undermine the premise of their lobbying efforts and endanger their support structures.

Another development that one got to witness was when prominent Kashmiri-origin political figures instead of condemning the violence stepped up to delegitimise the protesters in PoK. None of them appealed to Asim Munir to put an end to the hostilities and gross violation of human rights in PoK.

Mushaal Hussein Malik, a prominent political figure and former advisor to the Pakistani government finally broke her silence.

However this was not to condemn the civilian killings in PoK’s Rawalot, but to call on the JAAC protesters to disband immediately. She called the protests a political conspiracy which is aimed at destabilising the region.

An official said that these groups have only focussed on Jammu and Kashmir and even in the past never uttered a word about what is going on in PoK. These groups have always spoken about the lives of people in Jammu and Kashmir so that they can use it as a leverage against New Delhi.

All these advocacy groups are well aware that post the abrogation of Article 370, the lives of the Kashmiris have only improved. The eradication of separatism and the fight against terror has only seen tourism booming in Jammu and Kashmir and this is much to the disliking of these international advocacy groups, officials also said.

According to the report, released on Friday (local time), 148 patients have recovered, while 419 patients are in isolation or receiving hospital care. Health authorities also identified 265 suspected cases, including 77 deaths.

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Friday on X that contact tracing in the DRC was reaching more people and more Ebola patients were recovering and returning home.

However, he warned that the fight was "far from over," saying war and insecurity were still slowing the response and that mistrust remained a key challenge, reports Xinhua news agency.

The report also listed a series of operational challenges facing the response, including community resistance to post-mortem testing, insufficient treatment capacity in Ituri, where treatment centres were close to saturation, and a contact follow-up rate still below the 95 per cent target.

It also warned of shortages of essential medicines, infection prevention and control supplies, with a gap of about 20 isolation centres. Insecurity and limited access in areas affected by armed groups, population mobility and a funding gap of about 20 million U.S. dollars were also cited as major constraints.

The current outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus, was officially declared on May 15.

Meanwhile,the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has appealed for 1.4 billion US dollars to finance Ebola outbreak response efforts.

During an online press briefing on Thursday evening, Africa CDC Director General Jean Kaseya said that five weeks into its declaration, the outbreak has yet to reach its peak, citing "a huge increase of cases" over the past week. He noted that compared to similar recent Ebola outbreaks, the current crisis is fast emerging as the largest.

"If we don't stop this outbreak now, and if it lasts two years -- as was the case in West Africa and in the eastern part of the DRC -- it will certainly be the largest Ebola outbreak ever," he warned.

In separate exclusive interviews with IANS at the White House, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor described the relationship as stronger than ever, highlighting growing cooperation in trade, defence, energy, critical technologies and the Indo-Pacific.

Rubio said the administration was working towards Trump's visit to India next year.

"I look forward to returning myself before the end of the year and setting up a presidential visit in the early parts of next year," he said.

Asked if the visit would take place next year, Rubio replied: "We're hoping. That's what we're working towards sometime early next year to have the President come."

The Secretary of State also expressed optimism about the ongoing trade negotiations.

"We're hoping to finalise a trade deal. We're on the last inches of getting it done, and it's very positive," Rubio said.

Gor echoed that assessment, saying negotiators were now focused on completing the agreement.

"There's a handful of issues that remain," he said. "A lot of it now is on the language that ultimately both sides will sign."

"We're confident that over the next few weeks, over the next few months, it'll get done."

Both officials underscored the importance of the personal relationship between Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"India is such a close partner and ally of the United States, and the relationship between the Prime Minister and the President couldn't be closer, which I think is really important in diplomacy," Rubio said.

Gor described the relationship between the two leaders as "one of the big anchors" of India-US ties.

"The President and Prime Minister are great friends, and that's something that goes back years ago, and it's something that will continue to go years ahead," he said.

He also praised PM Modi's leadership, saying, "He is incredibly dynamic. He's incredibly hands-on, and he's results-driven."

"In a way, I see a lot of similarities between him and President Trump, because they both love being hands-on and getting things done and accomplishing things fast."

Rubio and Gor also pointed to the broadening scope of bilateral cooperation.

"I think we have so much aligned and in common that we can build and work on together our interests on economics, on supply chains, on critical minerals, on energy, on security, on freedom of navigation," Rubio said.

"We're aligned on so many things."

Gor said the partnership had "limitless potential", pointing to expanding collaboration in technology, defence, pharmaceuticals and investment.

"You can look at any sector in the United States, and India can work together and take that level up to the next level," he said. "We do have limitless potential."

The officials also highlighted growing economic engagement. Gor said the US Embassy in India had helped facilitate more than $20 billion in new investments into the United States in a year, while Rubio described India as "such a close partner and ally" as Washington prepared for another Quad meeting.

India and the United States have steadily deepened their strategic partnership over the past two decades, expanding cooperation across trade, defence, critical and emerging technologies, clean energy, education and maritime security. The two countries also work closely through the Quad, alongside Japan and Australia, to promote a free, open and stable Indo-Pacific.

Both Rubio and Gor, in their interviews with IANS, offered one of the clearest public indications yet of the Trump administration's priorities for India, pointing to stronger political engagement, deeper economic integration and wider strategic cooperation as the next phase of the bilateral relationship.

According to the report, released on Friday (local time), 148 patients have recovered, while 419 patients are in isolation or receiving hospital care. Health authorities also identified 265 suspected cases, including 77 deaths.

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Friday on X that contact tracing in the DRC was reaching more people and more Ebola patients were recovering and returning home.

However, he warned that the fight was "far from over," saying war and insecurity were still slowing the response and that mistrust remained a key challenge, reports Xinhua news agency.

The report also listed a series of operational challenges facing the response, including community resistance to post-mortem testing, insufficient treatment capacity in Ituri, where treatment centres were close to saturation, and a contact follow-up rate still below the 95 per cent target.

It also warned of shortages of essential medicines, infection prevention and control supplies, with a gap of about 20 isolation centres. Insecurity and limited access in areas affected by armed groups, population mobility and a funding gap of about 20 million U.S. dollars were also cited as major constraints.

The current outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus, was officially declared on May 15.

Meanwhile,the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has appealed for 1.4 billion US dollars to finance Ebola outbreak response efforts.

During an online press briefing on Thursday evening, Africa CDC Director General Jean Kaseya said that five weeks into its declaration, the outbreak has yet to reach its peak, citing "a huge increase of cases" over the past week. He noted that compared to similar recent Ebola outbreaks, the current crisis is fast emerging as the largest.

"If we don't stop this outbreak now, and if it lasts two years -- as was the case in West Africa and in the eastern part of the DRC -- it will certainly be the largest Ebola outbreak ever," he warned.

The financing will support rooftop solar aggregation and virtual net metering, allowing eligible consumers to benefit from solar power without installing panels on their own buildings.

The package includes a 35-million-dollar concessional loan, a 16.9-million-dollar grant from the European Union and a 5.5-million-dollar grant from the Japan Fund for the Joint Crediting Mechanism. Counterpart funding from implementing agencies will bring the total estimated project cost to 80.5 million dollars, the ADB said on Friday (local time).

ADB said the Rooftop Solar Aggregation and Virtual Net Metering Project will help two government-owned power utilities establish a scalable, utility-led model. The model will pool electricity generated by large rooftop solar systems and virtually distribute credits to eligible consumers, reports Xinhua news agency.

ADB Country Director for Sri Lanka Shannon Cowlin said the project would widen access to affordable renewable energy, strengthen grid readiness and support a more resilient and inclusive power sector.

The project will help micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and community organisations, including those unable to install rooftop solar systems because of financial or space constraints, reduce electricity costs through allocations under a social compensation mechanism.

The financing will support about 25 megawatt-peak of rooftop solar installations. It will also help modernise and digitalise the distribution networks of the two utilities and strengthen the grid for greater use of distributed renewable energy.

ADB said the project will also establish a training facility for green skills development, strengthen women's participation in the clean energy sector and build capacity in advanced low-carbon technologies.

On Friday (Local time), in his message on the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed annually on June 26, Guterres said illicit drug trafficking is not a victimless crime, "it inflicts profound harm on people and communities around the world while fuelling violence, crime and instability."

The UN chief said the proliferation of synthetic drugs and the growth of online trafficking networks are compounding the crisis, while fragile health systems, persistent treatment gaps and limited access to support are undermining efforts to reduce stigma and address drug use disorders.

Noting this year's theme challenges the world to forge solutions grounded in foresight, innovation and solidarity, he called on the international community to "recommit to the bold, innovative and evidence-based solutions this scourge demands."

In its World Drug Report 2026, released Friday, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) said drug traffickers are exploiting technologies and global instability to introduce novel drugs, experiment with different trade routes and methods, and aggressively push into new markets, reports Xinhua news agency.

"We have seen an unprecedented spike in new types of drugs on the market, and worryingly, some are more potent or dangerous than before," said UNODC Executive Director Monica Juma. "And, we are already suffering the impact: millions of premature deaths and healthy years of life needlessly lost; drug trafficking networks that are distorting economies; the destruction of lives, communities and livelihoods; and the compounding of insecurity and violence."

According to the report, an estimated 331 million people used a drug in 2024, which represents 6.2 per cent of the global population aged between 15 and 64, compared to 5.2 per cent in 2014. Cannabis remained the most widely used drug by far (256 million users) in 2024, followed by opioids (63 million), amphetamines (32 million), cocaine (25 million) and ecstasy (21 million).

The report found that illicit drug manufacturers continue to invent new synthetic drugs in attempts to skirt regulations and avoid detection, with five times more drug types found in seizures in 2024 than before 2000.

The increasing availability of novel synthetic opioids such as fentanyls, nitazenes and orphines on the market suggests that traffickers continue to search for alternatives to heroin, and a turn away from plant-based opiates toward synthetics could cause a permanent shift in the global opioid market, with ramifications on how these drugs are used and the harms therein, the report said.

The report showed that new trafficking routes and the gradual spread of methamphetamine production have created new markets for the drug, notably in the Near and Middle East, Africa and parts of Europe.

Cannabis production, trafficking and use are all evolving, likely in part due to the ongoing changes in perception toward the drug around the time when many jurisdictions, notably in North America, adopted legalisation and/or decriminalization policies, according to the report.

Drug use can be associated with acquisitive crime, violence within families and social groups, and victimisation of -- and by -- those who use drugs, the report said. But these outcomes are also influenced by wider factors, such as the context of the drug use and the personal histories of the people involved, including poverty, homelessness, poor mental health and contextual factors in the community, such as a potential lack of access to drug treatment and social services, the report noted.

Speaking to IANS, members of the Indian community shared their enthusiasm about the Prime Minister's visit.

Bharat Irani, a member of the Indian diaspora, said, "I have been working here for the last 15 years. We are very excited, and we will perform a dance at the airport to welcome the Prime Minister. We cannot express how happy we are. It has been 11 years since he last visited Seychelles, and we had the opportunity to meet him then as well. As I am also Gujarati, all of us Gujaratis are ready to welcome him. We have been preparing for this for a long time. We call him India's 'Dhurandhar,' and we are all very excited."

Another member of the diaspora said, "This will be the first time I will see Prime Minister Modi in person. I have been living here since 2016. Indians receive great respect in Seychelles, and the people here also embrace our culture. I hope there will be direct flights between India and Seychelles. The two countries have shared good relations for a long time, and I believe something new will emerge from this visit."

Another member of the diaspora from Gujarat said, "This is the first time I will be welcoming Prime Minister Modi. We have made all the arrangements, from the airport to the hotel. We are excited and will welcome him with cultural performances and celebrations."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday embarked on a three-day State Visit to Seychelles to attend the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the country's National Day as the Guest of Honour and further strengthen the bilateral cooperation.

Earlier in his departure statement, PM Modi expressed confidence that his visit to Seychelles would enhance maritime cooperation while also advancing the vision of a "secure, peaceful and prosperous" Indian Ocean region.

"At the invitation of my friend, H.E. Dr Patrick Herminie, President of the Republic of Seychelles, I will undertake a State Visit to Seychelles from 27-29 June 2026 to participate in the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the National Day of Seychelles as the Guest of Honour," PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister said that Seychelles is a "valued maritime neighbour" and a "key partner" in India's 'Vision MAHASAGAR' and the countries' shared commitment to the Global South.

In an exclusive interview with IANS at the White House, Gor dismissed suggestions of strains in bilateral relations and said the friendship between the two leaders had remained strong over the years.

"I think we're in a great place," Gor said when asked about the current state of India-US relations.

"One of the big anchors to that relationship is the relationship between the President and the Prime Minister that has always remained strong."

"The President and Prime Minister are great friends, and that's something that goes back years ago, and it's something that will continue to go years ahead."

Gor said regular engagement between the two leaders had helped keep the relationship on a positive trajectory.

"My goal has been, since arriving there, to ensure that the two sides are regularly speaking and moving the ball forward, and we're able to identify these win-win situations for both of our countries," he said.

Recalling the recent meeting between Trump and PM Modi in France, Gor said he was present during the discussions, which covered trade, defence and other bilateral issues.

"We had a fantastic meeting. It was very warm, over an hour together," he said.

"They covered a lot of aspects, including, of course, trade, and some defence issues. It was a very productive meeting."

Gor said the relationship between the two leaders was built on shared leadership styles and a common focus on delivering results.

"He is incredibly dynamic. He's incredibly hands-on, and he's results-driven," Gor said of PM Modi.

"In a way, I see a lot of similarities between him and President Trump, because they both love being hands-on and getting things done and accomplishing things fast."

"The Prime Minister wants something done, he moves on it. The President is the same way."

"I think that's one of the core anchors of their relationship, is they think alike. They want to deliver."

Asked about Trump's broader view of India, Gor said the President continued to hold both PM Modi and India in high regard.

"The President's very warm on India," he said.

"Our relationship with India is very deep. It goes back a long time."

"He's always talked about the Prime Minister being a great friend of his personally."

Gor added that Trump still spoke about his first visit to India and remained impressed by the country's energy and people.

"He reminds me of his first trip to India and the vibrancy that he saw there. It's something that he's never forgotten."

The Ambassador also indicated that Trump remained keen to visit India after receiving an invitation from PM Modi.

"I just left the President (after meeting him in the Oval Office of the White House)," Gor said. "One of the things the President asked about is, 'So when am I coming?' He's very keen to come. The Prime Minister invited him."

The personal rapport between PM Modi and Trump has been a defining feature of India-US relations during both leaders' time in office.

Their meetings have often focused on expanding cooperation in trade, defence, technology and the Indo-Pacific, while also strengthening people-to-people ties between the world's two largest democracies.

Both countries continue to deepen cooperation across economic, security and technological sectors while maintaining regular engagement at the highest political levels.

In an exclusive interview with IANS at the White House, Gor reflected on his first six months in India, saying the country's diversity, economic dynamism and growing partnership with the United States had reinforced his optimism about the future of bilateral ties.

"I actually just got back from India yesterday, and in those six months, it's been an extraordinary time," Gor said. "I've travelled all over the beautiful country, and I've met some incredible people all over the place."

The US Ambassador said India's diversity remained one of its greatest strengths.

"What I love about India is every hundred kilometres you have an incredibly different area," he said. "You have a different history, you have a different background in that area, different languages, different dialects. The diversity of it is just absolutely incredible and something that's unmatched."

Gor said cooperation between the two countries now extends across virtually every major sector.

"You can look at any sector in the United States, and India can work together and take that level up to the next level," he said. "Whether that's something in the pharmaceutical industry, whether that's IT, whether that's defence cooperation, you name it."

He also highlighted growing commercial ties, pointing to major investments flowing in both directions.

"Amazon was just there. They announced a 40-plus billion dollar deal in India this week," Gor said. "Whether it's Microsoft or Google, every one of those individuals is going over there. At the same time, a lot of Indian companies, a lot of Indian ingenuity is coming to the United States."

Gor said attracting investment to the United States had been one of his priorities as Ambassador.

"All the embassies around the world compete to bring investment back into the United States," he said. "We were very proud that our Embassy in India was number one."

"We announced over 20 billion in one year of new investments that the Embassy was involved in."

"We do have limitless potential," he added.

The US Ambassador also praised the close working relationship between Trump and PM Modi, describing it as an important foundation for bilateral ties.

"He is incredibly dynamic. He's incredibly hands-on, and he's results-driven," Gor said of PM Modi. "In a way, I see a lot of similarities between him and President Trump, because they both love being hands-on and getting things done."

"They think alike. They want to deliver."

Looking ahead, Gor said his priorities included concluding the bilateral trade agreement, expanding defence cooperation and advancing initiatives such as Pax Silica.

"Every single week I tell my team, what is it that we're going to achieve this week and deliver," he said. "That's something I'll continue building upon."

India and the United States have steadily broadened their strategic partnership over the past two decades, expanding cooperation beyond defence and security to include technology, critical and emerging technologies, semiconductors, clean energy, education and investment. The relationship has become one of Washington's most important partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.

In an exclusive interview with IANS at the White House, Gor said the administration's immigration reforms were part of a broader effort to overhaul the entire US immigration system rather than measures directed at any particular country.

"I don't think the big item to remember on that is this is not targeted at India," Gor said when asked about concerns surrounding H-1B visas and reports of increased immigration enforcement in the United States.

"The United States, we had to take stock of the whole immigration system, every kind of visa," he said. "Unfortunately, under previous administrations, our borders were wide open. That's something the President wanted to fix on day one."

Gor said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump shared similar views on illegal immigration.

"It's actually something the Prime Minister relates to," he said. "When I listen to the Prime Minister speaking in India, he talks about no illegal migrants. We hundred per cent agree with that."

The US Ambassador said India's large population naturally meant more Indians were affected by changes in US immigration procedures, but stressed that the reforms should not be viewed as India-specific.

"Of course, India's a massive population, so you're impacted by it," he said. "But things continue."

Gor pointed to the scale of visa operations in India as evidence of the strength of bilateral exchanges.

"Our Embassy is one of the busiest embassies in the world as it relates to visas, as you know," he said.

"So the people-to-people ties will continue, trade will continue, commerce will continue."

He also highlighted the depth of the broader strategic partnership between the two countries.

"India exports more to the United States than anywhere else in the world," Gor said. "India does more defence exercises with the United States than any other country in the world."

"So we have incredible things happening. We'll continue building on that."

On energy cooperation, Gor said New Delhi had already increased purchases of US energy and argued that diversifying supplies would strengthen India's energy security.

"I think we've already seen an incredible increase in energy coming from the United States," he said. "For India, that's a good thing. You want to be diversified. You should not have all your energy supplies coming from one place."

Referring to the recent crisis involving Iran, Gor added: "Unfortunately, when Iran decided to shut down the Strait of Hormuz, which are international waterways, the whole world was impacted by it. So having different sources is a good thing for every country."

India remains one of the largest sources of international students and skilled professionals entering the United States, while Indian companies continue to expand investments and operations across the American market. Mobility of students, professionals and business travellers has become an important pillar of the bilateral relationship.

The India-US partnership has expanded significantly over the past two decades, encompassing defence, technology, trade, clean energy and critical supply chains. Despite periodic policy differences on immigration and trade, both governments have consistently described the relationship as one of their most consequential strategic partnerships.

In an exclusive interview with IANS at the White House, Gor expressed confidence that the agreement would be concluded in the coming weeks or months, saying the negotiations had already progressed at an unusually fast pace compared with many other major trade deals.

"A lot of it is the language that has to be written," Gor said, referring to the remaining work on the agreement.

"I was in those meetings, that was 48 hours ago, with (US Trade Representative) Ambassador Jamieson Greer in Delhi, and we met with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, who's a great friend of mine. It was very productive."

"There's a handful of issues that remain. A lot of it now is on the language that ultimately both sides will sign," he said.

"We're confident that over the next few weeks, over the next few months, it'll get done."

Gor said the negotiations should be viewed in perspective, noting that the proposed India-US agreement had been under discussion for only about 18 months.

"Look, to put it in perspective, we've been working on this deal for a year and a half," he said. "The European Union deal, which is still not done, is 20 years. Everybody says, 'Why is this taking so long?' We're on an incredible trajectory of getting it done."

While declining to discuss the contents of the proposed agreement, Gor said both governments were working towards an outcome that would benefit each side.

"I don't want to reveal too much. You're going to have to wait and see," he said. "It's one of those things when you find common ground, and we're able to identify things that are good for each side, that's when the deal happens."

The US Ambassador also indicated that President Donald Trump remained eager to visit India following his recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in France.

"I don't have exact dates yet," Gor said. "I just left the President. I was with him for several hours in the Oval Office."

"One of the things the President asked about is, 'So when am I coming?' He's very keen to come. The Prime Minister invited him. I think that'll happen at some point."

Although he declined to provide a timeline because of the US midterm election schedule, Gor said India remained a priority destination.

"We have midterms coming up here in the United States, so the President has a very hectic and busy schedule focusing on domestic travel. But with that said, India's high on the list of places where he'll visit soon."

Gor said the personal relationship between Trump and PM Modi continued to provide a strong foundation for bilateral ties despite periodic speculation about strains in the relationship.

"I think we're in a great place," he said. "One of the big anchors to that relationship is the relationship between the President and the Prime Minister that has always remained strong."

"The President and Prime Minister are great friends, and that's something that goes back years ago, and it's something that will continue to go years ahead."

India and the United States have been negotiating the first phase of a bilateral trade agreement aimed at expanding market access, reducing tariff barriers and strengthening economic cooperation. Both governments have repeatedly described the pact as a priority and have been working to conclude an initial agreement before moving to a broader trade framework.

Trade has emerged as one of the fastest-growing pillars of the India-US strategic partnership, which also spans defence, technology, critical and emerging technologies, energy, education and people-to-people ties. The two countries have increasingly sought to deepen economic integration alongside their expanding cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

In an exclusive interview with IANS at the White House, Rubio said Washington was well-positioned to support India's expanding energy requirements as both countries deepen their strategic partnership.

"I think obviously India's been focused for a very long time on diversifying its sources of energy, and so I think that trend will continue and we certainly would love to be a part of that," Rubio said.

"We think we have some solutions in that regard."

Rubio linked the issue to US President Donald Trump's efforts to reduce tensions in the Middle East and stabilise global energy markets.

"One of the reasons why the President has given peace a chance in the Middle East is the desire to see more fuel enter the marketplace for our allies," he said.

At the same time, Rubio stressed that India's long-term energy security would depend on maintaining a diverse supply base.

"I think the long-term solution really is to diversify their supplies," he said.

The Secretary of State also pointed to Venezuela as a potential future source of crude for India, saying the United States was working to increase the country's production capacity.

"I know India's been talking to not just the United States, but Venezuela. We're working very closely to increase their production capacity," Rubio said.

He noted that India's refining capability made it uniquely placed to process Venezuelan crude.

"India's one of the few countries in the world with their ability to refine the heavy crude that Venezuela produces. So I think that's a thing we would look to facilitate as well."

Rubio said energy was among several areas where Washington and New Delhi shared common strategic interests.

"These are the largest democracies in the world and the oldest democracies in the world," he said. "I think we have so much aligned and in common that we can build and work on together our interests on economics, on supply chains, on critical minerals, on energy, on security, on freedom of navigation."

"These are all issues that bind us together. We're aligned on so many things," he added.

India is one of the world's fastest-growing energy consumers and has steadily expanded its crude oil and liquefied natural gas imports to meet rising domestic demand. Diversifying energy supplies has become a central element of New Delhi's strategy to enhance energy security while reducing dependence on any single source.

Energy cooperation has emerged as an important pillar of the India-US strategic partnership. Alongside growing trade in oil and LNG, the two countries have expanded collaboration in civil nuclear energy, clean energy technologies, critical minerals and resilient supply chains as part of their broader economic and strategic engagement.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on Friday (local time) said the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that more than 2,600 people were displaced in the Artibonite department last week. More than three-quarters of them sought refuge in the commune of Marchand Dessalines.

"Continuing violence in the Artibonite department is raising serious protection concerns," OCHA said.

The IOM reported that in Haiti's West department, renewed armed clashes in Cite Soleil since June 13 have displaced more than 5,000 people, adding to the thousands who had been displaced between March and May while fleeing armed violence.

OCHA said ongoing violence has severely disrupted health services, particularly for women and girls, reports Xinhua news agency.

It has forced Doctors Without Borders, a nongovernmental organisation, to suspend activities at its maternity facility in Cite Soleil on June 19, depriving thousands of women of access to maternal and reproductive health care in one of the most densely populated areas of Port-au-Prince. It has also led to an increase in the number of wounded treated in health facilities, said the office.

According to the IOM, more than 25,500 people were forcibly returned last month, bringing the total for the year to more than 117,000 people. Of those, 24 per cent were women, and nearly 8 per cent were children.

OCHA said it continues to work with humanitarian partners to assess needs and provide assistance despite significant access constraints. The 2026 Haiti humanitarian appeal for 880 million U.S. dollars is only 27 per cent funded, it added.

In an exclusive interview with IANS at the White House, Rubio said the Trump administration held PM Modi in high regard and viewed India as one of America's closest strategic partners.

"We are enormous fans of Prime Minister Modi and what he's done," Rubio said.

"He leads a country that's making incredible gains economically and is really coming into its own as a global power, a country that's increasingly accounted for on decisions being made on the global stage."

Rubio said India's growing global influence had further strengthened the partnership between New Delhi and Washington.

"India is such a close partner and ally of the United States, and the relationship between the Prime Minister and the President couldn't be closer, which I think is really important in diplomacy," he said.

The Secretary of State said the shared values and interests of the two democracies provided a strong foundation for expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.

"These are the largest democracies in the world and the oldest democracy in the world," Rubio said. "I think we have so much aligned and in common that we can build and work on together."

He identified economics, supply chains, critical minerals, energy, security and freedom of navigation as areas where the two countries were deepening cooperation.

"These are all issues that bind us together. We're aligned on so many things," Rubio said.

Rubio also highlighted the contribution of the Indian-American community to the relationship.

"You have a very strong Indian American community as well, which is an additional link between our countries," he said.

When told that he was popular among Indian Americans, Rubio responded: "Oh, good. I'm glad to hear that. I appreciate that very much. It's a community that's enriched our country in many ways."

India and the United States have significantly expanded their strategic partnership over the past two decades, with cooperation extending from defence and trade to critical technologies, energy and the Indo-Pacific.

Successive governments in the US have described the relationship as one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century.

In an exclusive interview with IANS at the White House, Rubio said he expected to travel to India before the end of the year to prepare for the President's visit.

"I look forward to returning myself before the end of the year and setting up a Presidential visit in the early parts of next year," Rubio said.

Asked if Trump's visit could take place next year, Rubio replied: "We're hoping. That's what we're working towards sometime early next year to have the President come."

Rubio said the India-US relationship was in a strong position following the recent meeting between Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 Summit.

"I think it's going fantastic. I mean, it's very strong," he said. "We had a great meeting with the Prime Minister. The President did at the G7."

The Secretary of State also expressed optimism about the ongoing trade negotiations between the two countries.

"We're hoping to finalise a trade deal. We're on the last inches of getting it done, and it's very positive," he said.

Rubio said Washington was also looking forward to another meeting of the Quad leaders in the near future.

"We look forward to re-engaging again in another Quad meeting very soon," he said.

Describing India as one of America's closest partners, Rubio said: "India is such a close partner and ally of the United States, and the relationship between the Prime Minister and the President couldn't be closer, which I think is really important in diplomacy."

President Trump last visited India in February 2020, when he and Prime Minister Modi addressed the "Namaste Trump" rally in Ahmedabad before holding bilateral talks in New Delhi.

Since returning to office, Trump and Modi have maintained regular engagement as both governments seek to deepen cooperation across trade, defence, technology and the Indo-Pacific.

The United States and India are also key partners in the Quad, alongside Japan and Australia, with the four nations expanding cooperation on regional security, critical technologies, resilient supply chains and maritime security. Both Washington and New Delhi have described their partnership as one of the defining strategic relationships of the 21st century.

"We want to tell everyone that La Guaira state is now fully militarised and fully under the control of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces," Rodriguez said during a televised briefing on Friday (local time).

Rodriguez said acting president Delcy Rodriguez had ordered the measure to ensure public safety, maintain internal order and facilitate rescue operations by Venezuelan emergency responders and international rescue teams.

He said the majority of rescue personnel were operating in Caraballeda, Macuto, Los Corales and Catia La Mar -- areas that had been severely affected by the earthquakes, reports Xinhua news agency.

Rodriguez called on the public not to travel to La Guaira to avoid congesting evacuation routes and routes used for transporting rescue teams and equipment.

He also called on Venezuelans to donate supplies, including water, food, mattresses, clothing, blankets, light and heavy equipment, including earthmoving machinery, through collection centres set up in Caracas.

He thanked thousands of volunteers, officials and rescue organisations for their tireless efforts to save lives and assist those affected.

Technical and humanitarian assistance from more than a dozen countries has begun arriving in Venezuela to help victims and support early recovery efforts after Wednesday's devastating earthquakes.

Rescue teams and specialised equipment have arrived in Venezuela since Thursday from countries including India, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Colombia, Mexico, Chile, Ecuador, Spain, Germany, Switzerland and Qatar, as well as from the UN system.

Wednesday's earthquakes killed at least 920 people and injured more than 3,360, according to the latest official report, severely damaging infrastructure along the country's central coast.

The latest tremor comes just hours after another earthquake rattled parts of the country on Friday evening.

In a statement, the NCS said the quake measured 5.3 in magnitude and occurred at a depth of 75 kilometres. The tremors were felt across several regions, though there were no immediate reports of casualties or structural damage. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as further details are awaited.

Earlier, preliminary assessments had placed the magnitude of quake at 5.4, later updated it to 5.5.

The latest sequence of tremors highlights Pakistan’s vulnerability to seismic activity. The country lies along the boundary where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, making it one of the most earthquake-prone regions in the world.

The Saturday quake marks another in a series of recent seismic events affecting the region, coming shortly after Friday’s 5.3 magnitude tremor.

Meanwhile, in a major natural disaster reported in recent days, a fresh 4.9 magnitude earthquake struck off Venezuela’s northern coast on Friday, just two days after powerful twin earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 devastated parts of the country.

The earlier quakes caused widespread destruction, including building collapses in Caracas and surrounding areas. Venezuelan authorities have confirmed that the death toll has risen to 920, while 3,360 people have been injured.

As of Friday afternoon, 871 international rescue workers were assisting relief operations in the country.

Meanwhile, as of mid-day Friday, over 50,000 people remain missing, according to a website established to receive reports of people still unaccounted for.

Emergency teams in Venezuela remain engaged in large-scale relief efforts as aftershocks continue to affect already devastated areas, further complicating rescue and rehabilitation work.

Authorities are closely monitoring seismic activity, with disaster response agencies on alert for any further developments.

"We want to tell everyone that La Guaira state is now fully militarised and fully under the control of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces," Rodriguez said during a televised briefing on Friday (local time).

Rodriguez said acting president Delcy Rodriguez had ordered the measure to ensure public safety, maintain internal order and facilitate rescue operations by Venezuelan emergency responders and international rescue teams.

He said the majority of rescue personnel were operating in Caraballeda, Macuto, Los Corales and Catia La Mar -- areas that had been severely affected by the earthquakes, reports Xinhua news agency.

Rodriguez called on the public not to travel to La Guaira to avoid congesting evacuation routes and routes used for transporting rescue teams and equipment.

He also called on Venezuelans to donate supplies, including water, food, mattresses, clothing, blankets, light and heavy equipment, including earthmoving machinery, through collection centres set up in Caracas.

He thanked thousands of volunteers, officials and rescue organisations for their tireless efforts to save lives and assist those affected.

Technical and humanitarian assistance from more than a dozen countries has begun arriving in Venezuela to help victims and support early recovery efforts after Wednesday's devastating earthquakes.

Rescue teams and specialised equipment have arrived in Venezuela since Thursday from countries including India, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Colombia, Mexico, Chile, Ecuador, Spain, Germany, Switzerland and Qatar, as well as from the UN system.

Wednesday's earthquakes killed at least 920 people and injured more than 3,360, according to the latest official report, severely damaging infrastructure along the country's central coast.

Asked at a daily briefing on Friday (local time) where Guterres hopes that the Strait of Hormuz will return to how it was before the US-Israel conflict against Iran began, Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson, said: "I think we have to remain determined.

The Strait of Hormuz, prior to the opening of this conflict, actually worked, right? So we know it can, and we should go back to that."

Dujarric said the United Nations welcomed the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the United States and Iran, which covers the issue of the Strait of Hormuz, noting that it is important that all sides honour their commitments, reports Xinhua news agency.

"We are keen to see a sustained reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, based on the concept of freedom of navigation," said Dujarric.

"It is important that all parties involved keep their eyes on the greater good -- the greater good of regional stability, the greater good of global stability."

The Strait of Hormuz, the world's most important energy shipping chokepoint, had been open and toll-free before Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iran and assassinated dozens of Iran's top leaders on February 28.

The strait was closed by Iran immediately after the Israel-US strikes, and tolls were imposed on limited shipping traffic.

After the signing of the MoU in mid-June, the strait was opened, but was closed again after Israel continued strikes in southern Lebanon, in violation of the MoU.

Rescue teams and specialised equipment have arrived in Venezuela since Thursday from countries including India, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Colombia, Mexico, Chile, Ecuador, Spain, Germany, Switzerland and Qatar, as well as from the UN system.

Spain's solidarity delegation includes 59 members of the Military Emergency Unit, two army engineers and eight canine units specialised in rescue operations. The Spanish teams will be deployed in La Guaira state in north-central Venezuela, the area hardest hit by the quakes.

A delegation of 300 rescue and salvage specialists from El Salvador has also arrived in Venezuela, and 50 tonnes of humanitarian aid and machinery were sent, reports Xinhua news agency.

Rescue delegations from the Dominican Republic and Ecuador are also in Venezuela to help with rescue, salvage and civil protection work.

Colombia's assistance to Venezuela includes 63 rescuers, search dogs and 12 tonnes of specialised equipment for search operations.

Mexico's famed "Topos" rescue teams have also arrived in Venezuela on two separate flights, along with 4.4 tonnes of tools, materials and equipment, as well as 2.7 tonnes of medical supplies.

The US Embassy in Venezuela said Friday that specialised search and rescue teams, 80 experts and 12 trained dogs have arrived in the country.

Qatari authorities announced the launch of a humanitarian air bridge to Venezuela, including "family tents, field hospitals and shelter materials to support affected families."

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva also announced the imminent arrival in Venezuela of a field hospital, 100 solar-powered water purifiers, medicine, and medical supplies for surgeries.

Brazilian humanitarian aid, including specialised personnel, is expected to arrive in Venezuela on two flights between Friday and Saturday.

Aid from France and Portugal is also expected to arrive in Venezuela in the coming hours. France is sending a detachment of the Military Civil Security Brigade, specialised in rescue operations in collapsed environments, while Portugal is sending a delegation of 60 firefighter-rescuers.

Wednesday's earthquakes killed at least 920 people and injured more than 3,360, according to the latest official report, severely damaging infrastructure along the country's central coast.

In a statement issued by the Lebanese Presidency on Friday (local time), Aoun said the agreement represents the first step toward enabling displaced Lebanese to return to their land, stressing that Lebanon would no longer accept occupation.

Aoun thanked Washington for hosting and sponsoring the negotiations and expressed gratitude to Arab and friendly countries that backed Lebanon throughout the process, reports Xinhua news agency.

The deal drew immediate opposition from Hezbollah. Its lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah said Friday the group would confront any attempt to implement the framework and would not relinquish its weapons, according to Lebanese news website Elnashra.

Fadlallah noted that Iran, a close ally of Hezbollah, had made clear that Tehran would not sign an agreement with Washington before a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory, Elnashra reported.

The framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon aims to resolve longstanding disputes. According to Israel's state-owned Kan TV News, it includes the withdrawal of Israeli forces from two areas in southern Lebanon as part of a pilot program.

The parties also agreed on how to address Hezbollah's tunnels in southern Lebanon and deal with the group's growing strength, Kan added.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a recorded video statement Friday evening that the Israeli military will remain in the "security zone" it holds in southern Lebanon as long as Hezbollah does not disarm.

The remarks came shortly after Israel, Lebanon, and the United States signed a framework agreement in Washington, announced by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Netanyahu described the agreement as a "major achievement" for Israel, signed after lengthy negotiations in Washington between Israel and Lebanon.

He framed the agreement as a major blow to Iran, which he said had been trying to force an Israeli withdrawal.

Israeli forces on Friday continued ground and aerial operations in southern Lebanon, Lebanese media reported.

In the border town of Ain Arab, Israeli troops launched a large-scale combing operation hours after taking seven people -- three Lebanese residents and four Syrian farm workers -- into Israeli-held territory, Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) reported.

Ambassador Kang Kyung-wha made the remarks on Friday (local time) during an event commemorating the 76th anniversary of the outbreak of the 1950-53 war at the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, underscoring that South Korea will never forget the veterans' sacrifices and will be "eternally" grateful to them.

"Your courage defended freedom. Your service secured peace, and your sacrifice laid the foundation for the Korea-US alliance, which continues to safeguard our shared future," she said at the event attended by some 70 people, including war veterans and representatives from the countries that participated in the war.

Noting South Korea's rise from the ashes of the war into a trusted US ally, a leader in high-tech and strategic industries and a cultural powerhouse, Kang attributed it to the veterans who fought alongside South Korean troops under the UN banner during the war, reports Yonhap news agency.

"Korean companies are investing in communities across the US, creating jobs for American families and strengthening the economic ties between our peoples, and Korean culture, from music and film to food and beauty products, is embraced and enjoyed here in America and around the world," she said.

"Yet, none of this success would have been possible without the service and sacrifice of the brave men and women who we honour today."

Kang went on to highlight the importance of the Seoul-Washington alliance, pointing to the evolving international security landscape marked by Pyongyang's escalating nuclear threats and other challenges.

"North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities continue to grow, posing an ever (more) serious impediment to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and the broader global order. The threat has indeed grown, but our commitment to achieving lasting peace has not changed one bit," she said.

She added, "Our alliance, bolstered by seven decades of history as one of the world's most successful and enduring relationships, is prepared to meet these challenges."

"Working together, we show that strong alliances remain essential to meeting the challenges of our time and those still to come," she said.

At the event, Bernard Champoux, former commander of the Eighth US Army and vice chairman of the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation, also appreciated the veterans for having provided the foundation for the South Korea-U.S. alliance, stressing that their sacrifices were "not in vain."

"Our responsibility is to ensure that Korean War veterans and their families do not fade from our memory, nor from our devotion," he said.

The temblor occurred at around 10:29 p.m. local time on Friday (local time) at a depth of about 20 km. It measured lower 6, the third-highest level on Japan's seismic intensity scale of 7, in Fujikawaguchiko Town and Upper 5 in Otsuki City, both in Yamanashi Prefecture, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).

The prefecture is known for Mt. Fuji.

An intensity of lower 6 means it is difficult to remain standing, and unsecured objects like furniture may topple over, and windows may be damaged, reports Kyodo News, quoting the agency.

Such a level of shaking was last recorded in Yamanashi in 1924, prompting some to worry about possible volcanic activity of Mt. Fuji. But the JMA said after the quake that no abnormalities had been detected in the mountain's volcanic activity, reports Xinhua news agency.

Experts said it is unlikely to cause Mt. Fuji to erupt, considering the mechanism of the quake that occurred near the boundary between tectonic plates.

The earthquake also affected Kanagawa and Shizuoka prefectures, as well as Tokyo, where shaking was clearly felt. No tsunami warning was issued.

Earlier on Friday, an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.8 struck Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo.

The quake's epicentre was located at a latitude of 35.7 degrees north and a longitude of 140.6 degrees east.

The quake was the second to strike near Tokyo in less than an hour. At 11:49 a.m., a 4.1-magnitude earthquake hit southern Ibaraki Prefecture, with tremors also clearly felt in the capital.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, at least four people were injured after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck northeastern Japan.

The temblor, revised up from a preliminary magnitude of 6.9, occurred at around 7:30 a.m. local time off the eastern coast of Iwate Prefecture at a depth of about 40 km. It measured upper 6, the second-highest level on Japan's seismic scale of 7, in Hashikami Town and lower 6 in Hachinohe City, both in Aomori Prefecture, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said.

Earlier in his departure statement, PM Modi expressed confidence that his visit to Seychelles would enhance maritime cooperation while also advancing the vision of a "secure, peaceful and prosperous" Indian Ocean region.

"At the invitation of my friend, H.E. Dr Patrick Herminie, President of the Republic of Seychelles, I will undertake a State Visit to Seychelles from 27-29 June 2026 to participate in the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the National Day of Seychelles as the Guest of Honour," PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister said that Seychelles is a "valued maritime neighbour" and a "key partner" in India's 'Vision MAHASAGAR' and the countries' shared commitment to the Global South.

"This year, we also mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations, which are rooted in mutual trust, shared democratic values, respect for diversity and deep affinity between our peoples," he said.

This tour comes just months after Seychelles President Herminie visited India in February 2026. During the visit, PM Modi will hold bilateral talks with Seychelles President Herminie and is also scheduled to address the Seychelles National Assembly and interact with members of the Indian diaspora.

PM Modi said that he looks forward to his discussions with the Seychelles President aimed at further strengthening the "enduring friendship". "Together, we will work to advance the progress of our peoples, and promote security and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region," he said.

On being set to become the first Indian Prime Minister to address the National Assembly of Seychelles, PM Modi said, "This historic opportunity reflects the strong democratic values and parliamentary traditions that bind our two nations."

"I also look forward to interacting with the vibrant Indian community in Seychelles, who have been nurturing the special friendship between India and Seychelles for generations, and serving as a living bridge between our two nations," he further said.

"I am confident that my visit will further deepen the longstanding bonds between the two countries, enhance maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean region, and advance our shared vision of a secure, peaceful and prosperous Indian Ocean region," PM Modi added.

"Two vessels operated by South Korean shipping companies, which had been waiting inside the Strait of Hormuz, are sailing normally after passing through the strait," a ministry official said, reports Yonhap news agency.

They were among the 26 South Korea-related vessels that had been stranded in the strait after Iran blocked shipping routes in the waterway in late February amid its conflict with the United States and Israel.

The first two of them cleared the strait during the conflict with Iranian assistance, while the remaining vessels were leaving the waterway one by one after the U.S. and Iran signed a ceasefire deal earlier this month.

The latest passage left three South Korea-related vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, including the HMM Namu, which sustained damage in Iranian-linked missile attacks and is undergoing repairs at a port in Dubai.

Four South Korean crew members were aboard the two vessels that recently cleared the strait, but neither vessel is bound for South Korea.

A total of 43 South Korea crew members are still stranded in the strait, including those aboard South Korean vessels and foreign-flagged ships, according to the ministry.

The ministry said it had conducted real-time monitoring and provided diplomatic and navigation assistance, together with the foreign ministry, to help the ships safely pass through the waterway.

Meanwhile, South Korea on Friday lowered price ceilings on fuel products to reflect the recent decline in global crude oil prices, with the finance minister vowing to freeze electricity and gas rates in the second half of the year to further tame inflation.

Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol made the remarks during a meeting with economy-related ministers, noting the cap system will remain in place until consumer prices are fully stabilised.

"The government will adjust the emergency measures currently in place in phases by closely monitoring developments in the Middle East and the South Korean economy," Koo said.

â€"IANS

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PM Modi is set to embark on a three-day State Visit to Seychelles starting Saturday to attend the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the country's National Day as the Guest of Honour.

In his departure statement, PM Modi said, "At the invitation of my friend, H.E. Dr Patrick Herminie, President of the Republic of Seychelles, I will undertake a State Visit to Seychelles from 27-29 June 2026 to participate in the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the National Day of Seychelles as the Guest of Honour."

The Prime Minister said that Seychelles is a "valued maritime neighbour" and a "key partner" in India's 'Vision MAHASAGAR' and the countries' shared commitment to the Global South.

"This year, we also mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations, which are rooted in mutual trust, shared democratic values, respect for diversity and deep affinity between our peoples," he said.

This tour comes just months after Seychelles President Herminie visited India in February 2026. During the visit, PM Modi will hold bilateral talks with Seychelles President Herminie and is also scheduled to address the Seychelles National Assembly and interact with members of the Indian diaspora.

PM Modi said that he looks forward to his discussions with the Seychelles President aimed at further strengthening the "enduring friendship". "Together, we will work to advance the progress of our peoples, and promote security and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region," he said.

On being set to become the first Indian Prime Minister to address the National Assembly of Seychelles, PM Modi said, "This historic opportunity reflects the strong democratic values and parliamentary traditions that bind our two nations."

"I also look forward to interacting with the vibrant Indian community in Seychelles, who have been nurturing the special friendship between India and Seychelles for generations, and serving as a living bridge between our two nations," he further said.

"I am confident that my visit will further deepen the longstanding bonds between the two countries, enhance maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean region, and advance our shared vision of a secure, peaceful and prosperous Indian Ocean region," PM Modi added.

PM Modi is set to embark on a two-day State Visit to Seychelles starting Saturday to attend the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the country's National Day as the Guest of Honour.

In his departure statement, PM Modi said, "At the invitation of my friend, H.E. Dr Patrick Herminie, President of the Republic of Seychelles, I will undertake a State Visit to Seychelles from 27-29 June 2026 to participate in the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the National Day of Seychelles as the Guest of Honour."

The Prime Minister said that Seychelles is a "valued maritime neighbour" and a "key partner" in India's 'Vision MAHASAGAR' and the countries' shared commitment to the Global South.

"This year, we also mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations, which are rooted in mutual trust, shared democratic values, respect for diversity and deep affinity between our peoples," he said.

This tour comes just months after Seychelles President Herminie visited India in February 2026. During the visit, PM Modi will hold bilateral talks with Seychelles President Herminie and is also scheduled to address the Seychelles National Assembly and interact with members of the Indian diaspora.

PM Modi said that he looks forward to his discussions with the Seychelles President aimed at further strengthening the "enduring friendship". "Together, we will work to advance the progress of our peoples, and promote security and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region," he said.

On being set to become the first Indian Prime Minister to address the National Assembly of Seychelles, PM Modi said, "This historic opportunity reflects the strong democratic values and parliamentary traditions that bind our two nations."

"I also look forward to interacting with the vibrant Indian community in Seychelles, who have been nurturing the special friendship between India and Seychelles for generations, and serving as a living bridge between our two nations," he further said.

"I am confident that my visit will further deepen the longstanding bonds between the two countries, enhance maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean region, and advance our shared vision of a secure, peaceful and prosperous Indian Ocean region," PM Modi added.