Deal ‘rushed, unequal, and risky’, benefits US cotton producers more than Bangladesh garment exporters: report
Bangladesh’s recently signed reciprocal trade agreement with the United States is facing mounting criticism over provisions that analysts say could disproportionately benefit American cotton producers while creating uncertainty for Dhaka’s garment exporters. According to an analysis published by The Daily Star, the so-called
Trump would back Israeli strikes on Iran missile program if talks fail: report
US President Donald Trump has indicated he would support potential Israeli strikes on Iran’s ballistic missile program if diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Tehran collapse, according to US media reports. CBS News, citing sources familiar with the matter, reported that Trump made the
US congressional panel divided over disability wage rule debate
A US House hearing in Wisconsin has reignited debate over Section 14(c), a federal provision that allows certain employers to pay workers with significant disabilities wages based on productivity levels. The hearing, held at Green Valley Enterprises in Beaver Dam, brought lawmakers face-to-face
US airlifts mini nuclear reactor in first military transport mission
The United States military has airlifted a miniature nuclear reactor for the first time, marking a milestone in efforts to expand advanced nuclear power and strengthen energy security at military bases. Three C-17 transport aircraft carried components of the unfueled Valar Atomics Ward
PM Modi, President Macron to meet in Mumbai to review India–France strategic partnership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron will meet in Mumbai on Tuesday to review progress under the India–France Strategic Partnership and discuss key regional and global developments. President Macron is on an official visit to India from February 17 to
Jaishankar, Canadian FM meet in Munich; highlight growing momentum in India–Canada ties
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference in Germany, marking their fifth meeting since September 2025 and signaling steady progress in bilateral relations. According to an official statement from the
EU can’t afford delay in applying Mercosur deal, must fast-track India FTA
The European Union should act swiftly to provisionally apply the EU–Mercosur Interim Trade Agreement and accelerate the provisional application of the EU–India free trade agreement (FTA) in response to mounting geopolitical pressures, including those from the United States, according to a new report.
India-France Rafale deal set to boost indigenous aerospace industry
India’s negotiations with France for the purchase of 114 Dassault Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF) are expected to significantly strengthen the country’s indigenous aerospace industry, according to a report published Thursday. The proposed deal goes beyond procurement, with India
Canadian PM Carney’s India visit may signal new phase in bilateral ties
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s anticipated visit to India in the coming weeks could mark a significant shift in India-Canada relations, moving the partnership from stabilization toward structured expansion, according to a recent analysis. Former diplomat Sanjay Kumar Verma, writing in India Narrative,
Pakistan defense minister says U.S. used Islamabad ‘like toilet paper,’ calls Afghan wars a mistake
Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif delivered a scathing critique of the United States in Parliament on Tuesday, accusing Washington of using Islamabad for its strategic goals and later discarding it “worse than toilet paper.” He also acknowledged that Pakistan’s involvement in the
India’s people-centric BRICS 2026 priorities earn strong support from member and partner countries
India’s vision for its BRICS 2026 chairship — centered on a people-first, development-driven agenda — received broad appreciation from member and partner countries during the first BRICS Sherpa and Sous Sherpa meeting held in New Delhi on February 9–10, the Ministry of External
PM Modi expresses shock and solidarity after deadly Canada school shooting
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed deep grief and solidarity with Canada following a deadly shooting incident in British Columbia that claimed nine lives and left several others injured. In a post on X, Modi described the attack as “horrendous,” extended heartfelt
India and Bahrain deepen strategic ties with focus on naval cooperation and security collaboration
India and Bahrain have moved to further strengthen their strategic partnership, with senior military and diplomatic engagements signaling deeper cooperation in defense, maritime security, and broader bilateral ties. On Tuesday, Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff of the Indian Navy,
French President Emmanuel Macron to visit India next week, attend AI Impact Summit in New Delhi
French President Emmanuel Macron will undertake a three-day official visit to India from February 17 to 19 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Tuesday. The visit is expected to further deepen the strategic
EAM S Jaishankar meets BRICS 2026 Sherpas, charts roadmap for India’s chairship
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Tuesday met visiting BRICS 2026 Sherpas and country representatives in New Delhi, reaffirming India’s commitment to steering the grouping toward a more inclusive, resilient, and development-focused agenda during its chairship. During the interaction, Jaishankar welcomed inputs
India and Hungary hold 11th Foreign Office Consultations, strengthen cooperation across key sectors
India and Hungary on Tuesday held the 11th round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in New Delhi, undertaking a comprehensive review of their growing bilateral partnership and identifying new avenues for deeper cooperation across strategic, economic, technological, and cultural domains. The consultations were
India-China Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi emphasizes people-to-people ties, BRICS coordination, and sensitive issue management
India and China on Tuesday held a high-level Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi aimed at stabilizing bilateral relations, strengthening people-to-people engagement, and addressing long-standing sensitive concerns, even as both sides reaffirmed their commitment to multilateral cooperation through BRICS. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri hosted
NSA Ajit Doval’s Canada visit deals major blow to ISI-backed Khalistan network
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s recent visit to Canada has significantly weakened Pakistan’s ISI-backed efforts to revive the Khalistan movement in Punjab, marking a turning point in India–Canada security cooperation. The high-level engagement signalled a reset in bilateral ties after years of strain
PM Modi unveils $175 million special economic package for Seychelles
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday announced a $175 million Special Economic Package for Seychelles, describing development cooperation as the “strong foundation” of India–Seychelles relations. The announcement was made during a joint press conference with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie at Hyderabad House in
PM Modi reaffirms India’s commitment to remain Seychelles’ reliable partner
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reaffirmed India’s commitment to remain a reliable and long-term partner in Seychelles’ national development, as visiting President Patrick Herminie acknowledged New Delhi’s consistent support for the island nation’s growth and security priorities. During wide-ranging talks in New