Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

India’s global playbook just got a shake-up.

First, President Trump dropped a bombshell from the Oval Office—Prime Minister Narendra Modi has agreed to stop buying Russian oil. After months of U.S. pressure and hefty 50% tariffs on Indian goods, Modi reportedly told Trump the shift will happen “within a short period.” If India follows through, it could hit Moscow’s war chest hard—India’s been one of Russia’s biggest crude buyers since the Ukraine war began. Trump called Modi “a great man,” even as he hinted next on his list is China.

Next, India pitched its homegrown Akash missile system to Brazil. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh met Brazilian leaders in New Delhi, offering co-development deals and training exchanges. The move underlines India’s growing defense confidence—transitioning from an importer to a serious exporter of indigenous tech.

Meanwhile, Washington was stunned when Ashley Tellis, a top U.S.-India relations expert, was arrested for allegedly leaking classified defense documents and meeting Chinese officials. Tellis, a key figure behind the landmark U.S.-India nuclear deal, now faces up to 10 years in prison.

Back home, Tamil Nadu debunked viral claims of a “Hindi ban.” The government called it “completely false,” reinforcing the DMK’s long-standing pro-Tamil stance amid renewed language politics.

And in Delhi, the Supreme Court gave a cautious nod to Diwali celebrations—allowing only green firecrackers from Oct 18–20 under strict monitoring. It’s a delicate balance between tradition and air quality.