French President Emmanuel Macron is set to begin a three-day visit to India on Tuesday, with high-level discussions expected to focus on artificial intelligence cooperation and a potential multibillion-dollar agreement involving Dassault Aviation Rafale fighter jets. The visit underscores the growing India-France relations and reflects both countries’ efforts to strengthen their strategic partnership across defence, technology, and economic sectors. Macron, accompanied by his wife Brigitte

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to undertake a two-day visit to Israel from February 25 to 26, according to sources familiar with the development. The programme for the trip is currently being finalised, but officials indicate that the visit will include high-level engagements aimed at strengthening the already robust India–Israel partnership. During the visit, Modi is likely to address the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, where discussions are expected to focus on key bilateral an

Russia has dismissed recent U.S. threats of tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba, while stating it is exploring ways to assist the Caribbean nation amid a deepening fuel shortage. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the government seeks “constructive dialogue” with the United States regarding Cuba’s critical energy needs but stressed that public disputes over the matter are being avoided. He highlighted that Russia’s current trade with Cuba is limited, reducing the likelihood o

The Arctic, once considered remote and largely inaccessible, is emerging as a key area of global strategic interest. China has formally included its “Polar Silk Road” initiative within its broader Belt and Road strategy, signaling an expansion of influence in a region historically dominated by Arctic nations. By calling itself a “near-Arctic state,” Beijing is asserting that its economic and strategic interests extend well beyond its geographical borders, prompting concern from other glo

US President Donald Trump met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday to discuss a range of strategic issues, with the Iran nuclear deal emerging as a central topic of conversation. The meeting, held amid heightened regional tensions, underscored ongoing diplomatic efforts and disagreements surrounding Tehran’s nuclear programme and its broader military capabilities. Following the talks, Trump took to Truth Social to reiterate his administration’s position on nego

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that tariff threats played a decisive role in resolving several international conflicts during his tenure, claiming that economic pressure through trade measures helped prevent violence and bring rival nations to the negotiating table. In an interview with Fox Business, Trump asserted that at least six of what he described as eight wars were settled after he warned countries that they would face higher tariffs if hostilities continued. Among

Russia has warned that it will respond with military countermeasures if Western nations expand their security presence in Greenland, escalating tensions around the strategically important Arctic territory and widening strains between Moscow, Washington and European capitals. Speaking to Russian lawmakers on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said any move to militarise Greenland or establish military capabilities that could threaten Russia would prompt trigger a proportional

Federal authorities confirmed on Wednesday that unmanned aerial vehicles believed to be operated by Mexican drug cartels crossed into United States airspace near El Paso, Texas, prompting heightened security measures and a temporary halt to flight operations at the city’s main airport. The incident triggered a 10-day suspension of flights ordered by the Federal Aviation Administration, which cited security-related concerns while officials assessed potential risks to civilian aviation and th

China has said it understands and respects India’s aspiration for permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council, marking a notable shift in tone as the two Asian powers work to stabilise relations after several years of tension. The statement came during high-level diplomatic talks in New Delhi and is being viewed as a cautious but significant gesture aimed at rebuilding trust between the neighbours. China’s Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu conveyed the po

Chloe Kim is set to make her long-awaited debut at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics this week, stepping into the women’s snowboard halfpipe with both momentum and adversity shaping her return. The 25-year-old American star, widely regarded as one of the most dominant riders in the sport, will compete in Italy for the first time while managing a lingering shoulder injury that has tested her preparation in the lead-up to the Games. The women’s halfpipe qualification rounds begin

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a telephone conversation with Mauritian Prime Minister Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, during which both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the special and historic relationship between India and Mauritius. The discussion focused on strengthening bilateral ties, expanding development cooperation, and ensuring peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region, underscoring the strategic significance of the island nation in India’s foreign pol

An Iranian man has reportedly taken his own life after recording and sharing a video message in which he appealed directly to former US President Donald Trump to halt any diplomatic engagement with Iran’s current leadership. The man, identified by activists and Iranian media as Pouria Hamidi, was from the southern port city of Bushehr. His death has drawn renewed attention to ongoing political tensions inside Iran and the wider international debate surrounding Tehran’s relations with Wash

A dramatic and heartbreaking moment unfolded at the Winter Olympics 2026 as alpine skiing legend Lindsey Vonn crashed out of the women’s downhill event, abruptly ending her medal hopes. The incident occurred midway through her run when Vonn lost control at high speed, sending her skidding violently off the racing line and forcing officials to halt the event briefly. Visuals from the slope showed medical teams rushing to her aid before she was airlifted off the mountain as a precau

Pakistan has signaled a possible change in its stance regarding the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan clash at the T20 World Cup 2026, but only if certain conditions are met. According to reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board has conveyed three specific demands to the International Cricket Council, stating that it would consult the Pakistani government about reversing the boycott of the February 15 fixture only if the ICC agrees to these terms. The match is scheduled to be played at a neutra

Syria and Saudi Arabia have signed a series of major economic and infrastructure agreements aimed at accelerating Syria’s post-war reconstruction and strengthening bilateral ties, marking one of the most significant rounds of cooperation between the two countries in recent years. Officials said the deals span aviation, telecommunications, energy, and development projects, with billions of dollars expected to flow into key sectors of the Syrian economy. The agreements include the l

A new white paper has underscored the deep and lasting contribution of the Indian diaspora to modern Britain, describing the community as the country’s most economically successful migrant group and a central force in national growth. The report, launched at the House of Lords on 5 February, traces decades of migration and documents how successive generations of Indian migrants have supported Britain’s recovery, innovation and competitiveness across multiple sectors of the economy.

The United States announced a new round of sanctions on Friday targeting Iran’s oil and petrochemical trade, hours after indirect diplomatic talks between Tehran and Washington concluded in Oman, underscoring the fragile balance between pressure and engagement as both sides attempt to manage tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme. The measures, unveiled by the US State Department, apply to 15 entities and 14 vessels that officials say are linked to Iran’s so-called shad