New Delhi

Chinese President Xi Jinping missed the dinner for world leaders at the G20 summit in New Delhi because he was unwell, according to people familiar with the matter. The report has fueled fresh speculation about the 70-year-old leader's health, coming just days before he was scheduled to travel to the United States, and has drawn wide attention and debate about his condition and absence from a key diplomatic gathering.

India and Pakistan exchanged sharp statements at the United Nations General Assembly after Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif raised the Kashmir issue and levelled allegations against India. New Delhi responded, exercising its right of reply, with Kashmir and terrorism dominating the exchange. The latest spat underscores the two neighbours' long-running dispute over the region.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is holding a live press conference at Indira Bhawan, the party headquarters in New Delhi. The event is drawing large live audiences, with viewers following his remarks on current political matters. Further details of what was announced were not immediately available beyond the live broadcast of the event.

India has dispatched humanitarian support to Afghanistan, continuing a policy of providing assistance to the Afghan people despite not formally recognising the Taliban administration. The aid is part of New Delhi's ongoing engagement with Afghanistan, which has included wheat, medicines and other relief supplies in recent years. Observers see the move as a sign of India maintaining a humanitarian presence in the region.

Indian applicants for US visitor visas are facing long interview waits, with Hyderabad at around 12 months, Mumbai 11.5 months, New Delhi 10 months, Chennai 7.5 months and Kolkata 6.5 months. The figures are drawing attention as families planning travel for tourism, business or family visits face delays stretching close to a year before they can secure an interview appointment.

Pakistani security forces have killed dozens of alleged terrorists in operations in Balochistan, with officials claiming the fighters were backed by India. Islamabad has long accused New Delhi of supporting insurgent groups in the restive southwestern province, allegations India denies. The reported operation is drawing attention amid already heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.