Fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi has been ordered by a London court to pay Bank of India more than $11.5 million, including accrued interest, in connection with a personal guarantee linked to a loan extended to one of his Dubai-based firms.

In a significant ruling delivered by the London Circuit Commercial Court, Justice Simon Tinkler held that Modi remained liable under the personal guarantee issued for a loan granted to Firestar Diamond FZE, a Dubai-incorporated company associated with him. The court rejected Modi’s challenge to the enforceability of the guarantee.

The court examined whether Modi had been properly served with a demand notice, whether the demand related to a liability owed to the bank, and whether the personal guarantee was legally enforceable. Justice Tinkler ruled in favour of Bank of India on all three issues.

According to the judgment, Modi is liable for the principal outstanding amount of $4.1 million. After adding accumulated interest, the total payable amount has risen to an estimated $11.5 million as of March 2026, with additional interest continuing to accrue.

The public sector lender has been pursuing recovery proceedings against Modi since 2018, following the emergence of allegations involving companies linked to the businessman. Modi, who has largely represented himself in the proceedings, is currently lodged in a UK prison while contesting his extradition to India in a separate Punjab National Bank fraud and money laundering case.

Law firm Fladgate LLP, representing Bank of India, clarified after the verdict that the proceedings were strictly related to a commercial banking recovery claim and did not deal with the wider allegations connected to the Punjab National Bank fraud case.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly been invited by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to attend the funeral ceremonies of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to diplomatic sources and media reports.

Iran is preparing to hold extensive state funeral and burial ceremonies for Khamenei, who served as the country’s Supreme Leader for more than three decades. The ceremonies are expected to take place over several days and are likely to witness the participation of senior leaders and dignitaries from across the world.

According to reports, the Iranian leadership has extended formal invitations to several international leaders, including Prime Minister Modi, as part of the planned state mourning events.

However, there has been no official confirmation so far from India’s Ministry of External Affairs regarding whether Prime Minister Modi will attend the ceremonies.

The invitation comes amid longstanding diplomatic and strategic ties between India and Iran. New Delhi had earlier conveyed condolences following Khamenei’s death and reiterated its support for peace and stability in the region.

Iran had earlier announced that the state funeral ceremonies, initially postponed, would be held between late June and early July. Authorities in Tehran are expecting a massive turnout for the final rites, with millions of mourners anticipated to participate in the ceremonies.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei remained Iran’s highest political and religious authority from 1989 until his death, playing a central role in shaping the country’s domestic and foreign policies for decades.

The internal crisis within the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) has escalated, with both the camp led by Mamata Banerjee and the rebel faction approaching the Election Commission over claims to the party’s leadership and organisational control.

The latest development comes amid an intensifying power struggle within the party following the formation of a parallel leadership structure by dissident leaders. The rebel group, led by Ritabrata Banerjee, has asserted that it represents the “real” Trinamool and has sought official recognition from the poll panel.

Rival camps approach Election Commission

On Tuesday evening, members of the rebel faction met officials of the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer and reiterated their claim that they are the legitimate organisational face of the Trinamool Congress. The dissident camp has already announced a separate National Working Committee and appointed its own leadership team.

In response, Mamata Banerjee’s camp has moved swiftly to reinforce its authority. The faction led by the former West Bengal chief minister submitted a fresh list of office-bearers and a reconstituted National Working Committee to the Election Commission, asserting that Mamata Banerjee remains the chairperson of the party.

Internal turmoil deepens

The confrontation marks a new phase in the turmoil that has gripped the Trinamool Congress after its defeat in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. Several senior leaders, including some long-time associates of Mamata Banerjee, have joined the rebel camp, further deepening divisions within the party.

With both factions staking claim to the party’s identity and organisational machinery, the Election Commission may now have to examine competing submissions before deciding on the issue of recognition and control.