Modi’s in the news for visiting Israel amid India’s shifting foreign ties, after failing to pass a women’s quota bill in Parliament.
The EU has upgraded its relationship with Vietnam to the highest diplomatic level, aligning it with the US, China, and Russia. This move aims to deepen cooperation amid global uncertainties, with agreements on trade, critical minerals, and security cooperation, reflecting Vietnam's strategic balancing of major powers.
Xi Jinping has engaged in diplomatic calls with Vietnam's To Lam and India's Droupadi Murmu, emphasizing regional cooperation and shared development goals. These moves follow recent improvements in China’s relations with both countries, despite ongoing border tensions and economic disputes. The updates highlight China's focus on regional influence.
Recent investigations reveal Bangladeshi migrant workers in Russia were deceived with false promises of civilian jobs, only to be coerced into combat roles in Ukraine. Many faced threats, violence, and imprisonment, with some escaping after months of forced service. The story highlights migrant risks amid regional conflicts. Today’s date: Tue, 03 Feb 2026.
On January 27, 2026, India and the European Union concluded a landmark free trade agreement after nearly 20 years of negotiations. Covering 2 billion people and 25% of global GDP, the deal will slash tariffs on most goods, double EU exports to India by 2032, and deepen strategic ties amid shifting global trade dynamics and US tariff pressures.
Russia faces a shortfall of at least 2.3 million workers, worsened by the Ukraine war. With Central Asian workers declining, Moscow is increasingly recruiting Indian workers, with permits surging from 5,000 in 2021 to nearly 72,000 last year, reflecting stronger ties and economic shifts.
Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra's deputy chief minister, died in a Learjet crash while traveling to campaign for local elections in Baramati. The aircraft caught fire during landing, killing Pawar, two staff members, and two crew. The cause remains under investigation.
Indian lawmakers are proposing legislation to ban social media accounts for users under 16, citing concerns over digital addiction and data exploitation. The bill aims to shift age verification responsibilities to platforms, amid ongoing debates on youth online safety and international regulation trends.
On February 2, 2026, the US announced it would reduce tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18%, rescinding an additional 25% duty imposed over India's Russian oil imports. India agreed to buy over $500 billion in US products and reportedly to stop purchasing Russian oil, aiming to ease tensions and support ending the Ukraine war. Modi welcomed the tariff cut but did not confirm halting Russian oil purchases.
India and the European Union announced a major trade agreement, including defense provisions, aiming to double trade within six years. The deal marks a shift in India's economic strategy, moving away from self-reliance towards deeper international ties amid global tensions and economic realignments.
The US government reported the costs of deploying National Guard and active-duty Marines to several cities in 2025, with Washington, DC, and Los Angeles being the most expensive. The deployments aimed to combat crime but faced legal challenges and fluctuating troop levels. The total cost exceeded $496 million.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Malaysia for the first time in over a decade, where he signed multiple agreements with Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim. The deals focus on renewable energy, healthcare, AI, and semiconductor cooperation, aiming to strengthen bilateral trade and strategic partnership.
On February 6-7, 2026, the US and India announced a trade framework reducing US tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18%, contingent on India halting Russian oil imports. India agreed to lower tariffs on US industrial and agricultural products and commit to $500 billion in US purchases over five years. The deal faces domestic opposition in India, especially from farmers and unions concerned about agricultural exposure.
A 15-year-old boy in Ufa, Russia, attacked students and police with a knife, shouting nationalist slogans and drawing a Nazi symbol. Four Indian students were injured, and the attacker is in critical condition. Authorities are investigating links to neo-Nazi groups and negligence by officials.
Russian oil revenues have fallen to their lowest levels since the COVID-19 pandemic, due to US and EU sanctions, tariff pressures, and a crackdown on sanctions-dodging tankers. President Putin is borrowing and raising taxes to maintain finances, but economic strains persist amid slowing growth and inflation. The situation highlights the impact of Western sanctions on Russia's war economy.
Opposition in India protests a US trade agreement seen as threatening small farmers, amid government claims of economic benefits. The deal involves tariff reductions and strategic ties, but faces resistance over agricultural and labor reforms, with protests disrupting public services.
The Berlinale is embroiled in controversy over its stance on Gaza, with jury president Wim Wenders and other artists making political statements. Several prominent filmmakers, including Arundhati Roy, withdrew in protest, criticizing the festival's silence and alleged censorship regarding Israel's actions in Gaza. The festival defends its focus on artistic freedom.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the five-day AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, aiming to establish a shared global framework for AI governance. The event, expected to draw 250,000 visitors including world leaders and tech CEOs, highlights India's ambition to lead in AI while addressing safety, ethics, and regulation concerns.
France is seeking to expand its military partnership with India, with discussions expected on a potential contract for 114 additional French fighter jets. French President Macron is visiting India to strengthen defense ties, amid India’s efforts to diversify its military suppliers and reduce dependence on Russia.
In early March 2026, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney completed a strategic Asia-Pacific tour, meeting leaders in India, Australia, and Japan. He secured a $2.6 billion uranium deal with India, advanced a comprehensive economic partnership targeting $50 billion in bilateral trade by 2030, and strengthened cooperation on defense, critical minerals, and clean energy. Carney also addressed the Middle East conflict with Australia’s Prime Minister Albanese, calling for de-escalation and reaffirming opposition to Iran’s nuclear ambitions amid rising regional tensions.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Israel for the second time, strengthening security, economic, and technological cooperation amid regional tensions. The visit highlights a shift in India’s foreign policy, aligning more closely with Israel’s model of governance and security strategies, while also reflecting India’s evolving stance on Palestine and regional conflicts.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's second visit to Israel highlights a deepening strategic partnership, focusing on security, technology, and trade. The visit signals a shift in India's foreign policy, aligning more closely with Israel amid regional tensions and global realignments, with implications for regional stability and international support.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Israel, reaffirming strong political, military, and technological ties. The trip included signing multiple agreements, emphasizing innovation and security cooperation, while avoiding direct criticism of Israel's Gaza actions. The visit signals a shift in India’s regional alliances, amid international scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in Gaza.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Israel has resulted in over a dozen bilateral agreements focused on innovation, technology, and regional security. Both leaders emphasized their strategic partnership amid regional tensions, with plans to expand cooperation in AI, cybersecurity, and regional connectivity initiatives. The visit also included symbolic gestures and discussions on countering extremism.
The Iranian navy logistics ship IRIS Dena sank outside Sri Lanka’s coast after an attack, with 32 rescued and over 100 missing. The cause remains unclear amid regional tensions and recent US-Israeli military actions against Iran. Sri Lanka is managing the rescue and vessel control under neutrality.
On March 4, 2026, a US submarine torpedoed and sank the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena near Sri Lanka's southern coast, killing 87 sailors and rescuing 32. The warship had just completed naval exercises hosted by India. Sri Lanka is hosting survivors and the crew of a second Iranian vessel, IRIS Booshehr, amid ongoing US-Israeli military operations against Iran that have disrupted global markets and regional stability.
Recent US sanctions easing and the Iran war have temporarily increased Russia's oil revenues. The US allowed India to buy Russian oil for a month, while sanctions on Russian tankers and exports continue to be challenged. The conflict's duration will determine long-term impacts on Russia's economy.
India's LPG supply is disrupted due to war in the Middle East, affecting households and industries. The government is prioritising domestic supplies and exploring alternative sources, but shortages persist, impacting restaurants and industrial sectors across the country.
The ongoing Israel-Iran conflict has reshaped Israel's political landscape, with Netanyahu emphasizing Iran while U.S. and Gulf allies face increased risks. Meanwhile, Netanyahu's domestic and regional strategies are influenced by the broader Middle East tensions and international diplomacy.
Iran has permitted some Indian vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing tensions following US and Israeli military actions against Iran. This move comes after Iran's blockade disrupted global oil supplies, with India seeking exemptions due to its energy needs. The situation remains tense and fluid.
Iran's top officials, including parliament speaker Ghalibaf, are involved in negotiations and internal power struggles as the country faces ongoing war following Israeli and US strikes. Key figures are suspected to be wounded or killed, raising questions about Iran's leadership and future direction.
The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed following attacks by Iran and Israel, halting 20% of global oil and gas flows. Prices have surged, causing widespread disruptions. Countries are implementing conservation measures as the crisis threatens supply chains and food security. The situation is the worst in history.
The Strait of Hormuz remains blocked, causing a major disruption in global oil supplies. Countries face rising fuel costs, rationing, and economic strain. Governments and companies are implementing measures to conserve energy, but the supply shortfall is expected to persist, impacting markets worldwide.
Democratic senators and representatives are requesting communications from Treasury officials to determine if Elon Musk influenced the suspension of the Corporate Transparency Act, which aims to increase company ownership transparency. The law was paused after Musk posted on X, and lawmakers suspect his private companies may have benefited.
India has launched its long-delayed 2026 census, the first since 2011, to update population data and social metrics. The exercise involves over 3 million officials collecting detailed household and individual data, including caste, which could influence political and welfare policies. The census runs until March 2027.
New York is delaying green energy projects and extending Diablo Canyon's operation to 2045 amid rising costs and energy demand. The state is reconsidering its 2019 Climate Act goals, with officials citing economic and reliability concerns. These developments reflect ongoing challenges in balancing climate ambitions with practical energy needs.
Vietnam and South Korea have agreed to boost bilateral trade to $150 billion by 2030, with Vietnam seeking to develop a nuclear power plant. South Korea is also expanding cooperation with India and Vietnam, while China and North Korea are deepening strategic relations through high-level visits. These developments reflect shifting regional alliances.
Clashes between the Hindu Meitei and Christian Kuki communities in Manipur have resumed, resulting in multiple deaths and heightened security measures. The ongoing conflict, rooted in land and political disputes, has persisted for nearly three years, with recent violence intensifying fears of further escalation.
Asha Bhosle, the legendary Indian playback singer known for over 12,000 songs across multiple languages and genres, has died at age 92 in Mumbai. She was hospitalized with a chest infection and exhaustion before passing from multiple organ failure. Her career spanned eight decades, influencing Bollywood and global music scenes.
India's parliament has rejected a bill that would increase female representation and expand the size of the lower house from 543 to about 850 seats. The bill was linked to a contentious delimitation process based on the 2011 census, sparking protests and accusations of political manipulation. The bill required a two-thirds majority and was defeated with 298 votes in favor and 230 against.
Amnesty International's annual report criticizes US, Russia, and Israel for rejecting multilateral norms and escalating conflicts. It highlights abuses in Gaza, Ukraine, and Iran, and warns that leaders' actions are emboldening global predators, undermining decades of international law.
On April 24, 2026, Donald Trump has reposted a transcript from conservative commentator Michael Savage on Truth Social, containing derogatory remarks about India and China linked to US birthright citizenship. India has condemned the comments as "uninformed" and "inappropriate," while US officials and advocacy groups have criticized the rhetoric amid ongoing legal battles over citizenship rights.