Union Home Minister Amit Shah held talks with US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor in New Delhi on Thursday, with both sides discussing ways to strengthen cooperation on security-related issues, including counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics efforts and border security. The meeting came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump met on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France.

According to statements shared by both leaders after the meeting, discussions focused on enhancing collaboration to combat terrorism, curb narcotics trafficking, strengthen border management and improve efforts to bring criminals to justice in both countries.

Shah said the two sides had a detailed discussion on expanding India-US cooperation in the security domain, particularly in counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics initiatives. He also reiterated India’s commitment to advancing the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.

Meeting follows high-level engagement at G7 summit

The interaction took place shortly after the Modi-Trump bilateral meeting during the G7 Summit in France, where the leaders discussed trade, regional security, economic cooperation and other strategic issues. They also reviewed progress in various areas of bilateral cooperation.

Following his return from France, Gor described the Modi-Trump engagement as productive and highlighted positive outcomes for India-US relations. He said the two leaders held substantive discussions on trade, regional security and strengthening economic ties.

The latest meeting between Shah and Gor underscores continued high-level engagement between New Delhi and Washington on security and strategic matters as both countries seek to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors.

BJP-backed independent candidate Parimal Nathwani secured a Rajya Sabha seat from Jharkhand on Thursday, with reports indicating that cross-voting played a key role in the closely watched election. The second seat was won by Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) candidate Baidyanath Ram.

The election witnessed a three-cornered contest for two Rajya Sabha seats. Alongside Nathwani and Baidyanath Ram, Congress candidate Pranav Jha was also in the fray. Political observers had been closely tracking the possibility of cross-voting in the state, given the numerical strength of various parties in the Jharkhand Assembly.

Cross-voting speculation dominated the contest

Ahead of voting, both the ruling INDIA bloc and the NDA had taken measures to keep their legislators together amid concerns over possible defections and cross-voting. Political discussions in the state largely revolved around whether legislators would vote along party lines or support candidates outside their alliances.

Nathwani’s victory is being linked to support from legislators beyond the NDA’s expected vote base. Reports after the counting suggested that cross-voting may have influenced the final outcome, helping the BJP-backed candidate secure the required support.

The result comes as another example of cross-voting influencing Rajya Sabha elections, a trend that has been discussed in several states during recent Upper House contests.

Congress candidate misses out

While JMM’s Baidyanath Ram and BJP-backed Parimal Nathwani emerged victorious, Congress nominee Pranav Jha failed to secure one of the two available seats. The outcome is likely to trigger political debate over voting patterns within the state assembly and the extent of cross-voting during the election.

Security forces have stepped up operations across Manipur amid growing protests linked to recent deaths and fresh incidents of violence in the state. Authorities have increased deployments in sensitive locations and launched intensified search operations to maintain law and order as tensions remain high.

The latest security measures come after unrest erupted following the treatment and subsequent transfer of three injured Kuki youths. Protests outside the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal led to clashes, prompting security personnel to use tear gas to disperse crowds and prevent the situation from escalating further.

Officials have been conducting search and area-domination operations in vulnerable districts while maintaining a strong presence around key installations and public spaces. Security agencies are also continuing efforts to recover illegal weapons and prevent armed groups from carrying out fresh attacks. Recent police data indicated that a significant portion of the arms looted during earlier phases of the conflict has already been recovered.

The state has witnessed renewed tensions in recent weeks, with multiple incidents involving armed attacks and community-related violence. Authorities have repeatedly appealed for calm while assuring residents that strict action is being taken against those involved in unlawful activities.

The Centre has also strengthened the security apparatus in the state in recent months through additional deployments, including specialised forces, as part of broader efforts to stabilise the situation and prevent further unrest.

Officials said security operations will continue in vulnerable areas and that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure public safety and prevent any deterioration in the law-and-order situation.