Pakistani media has been rattled after India officially launched the Rs 5,129 crore, 1,856 MW Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project on Chenab River, the first major infrastructure push since suspending the Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistani outlets accused India of "Water Terrorism" and "Fifth Generation Warfare," claiming a "dewatering strategy" to "dry up Pakistan." Pakistan's Foreign Office expressed "grave concern," seeking consultations through Indus water commissioners. India maintains Sawalkote is a run-of-the-river project within developmental rights, not involving water diversion. Located in Udhampur and Ramban districts, the project features a 192.5m dam with underground powerhouse. Pakistan issued letters in July and February seeking information, while India asserts sovereign infrastructure management rights. 

Tarique Rahman emphasized a "Bangladesh First" foreign policy after BNP's landslide victory with 209 seats, stating "interests of Bangladesh and its people will determine our foreign policy." In his inaugural address, Rahman called for unity after the "fragile economy left by authoritarian regime." On Sheikh Hasina's extradition, he said it "depends on the legal process." Senior BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed demanded Hasina's return under bilateral treaty. PM Modi congratulated Rahman, reaffirming India's commitment to bilateral peace and prosperity. BNP acknowledged Modi's message, expressing intent for "constructive engagement" with India. A BNP leader suggested Modi might be invited to Rahman's swearing-in ceremony next week.

Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav personally mimicked Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq's controversial stop-start bowling action during practice, helping teammates prepare for Sunday's T20 World Cup clash in Colombo. Footage showed Abhishek Sharma, recovered from stomach illness, batting against Suryakumar's imitation of Tariq's quirky delivery stride. The Pakistani spinner has taken 11 wickets in four T20Is with an economy under six, making him a surprise weapon. Suryakumar dismissed concerns, saying: "If you get an out-of-syllabus question in exams, you don't leave it; you try to answer." Abhishek looked in prime condition, dispatching boundaries against Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy, sending a message to Pakistan's spin brigade.

Tarique Rahman's top aide Humayun Kabir told NDTV that Bangladesh's new BNP government wants India ties based on "mutual respect and national interest," prioritizing people-to-people connections, trade, and investments. Kabir confirmed India will be among countries visited but emphasized domestic priorities come first. He criticized Sheikh Hasina's "opaque, one-way relationship" with India, pledging to move away from "country-centric foreign policy." On Pakistan relations, Kabir said Bangladesh won't take sides in India-Pakistan tensions, seeking to "normalize relations in the region." India views the BNP victory with "cautious optimism" after the disruptive Muhammad Yunus interim period, believing Rahman may adopt a pragmatic approach driven by economic realities and regional stability.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar strongly defended India's strategic autonomy at the Munich Security Conference, rejecting claims that a US trade deal compels ditching Russian oil. He emphasized strategic autonomy is deeply rooted in India's history and cuts across the political spectrum. Jaishankar explained Indian oil companies, like European counterparts, choose suppliers based on availability, costs, and risks. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri earlier stated India's energy choices follow "national interest" through sufficient supply, fair prices, and reliable sources. He noted India imports most oil/gas from dozens of countries, diversifying to avoid single-source dependency. India currently imports 35% crude from Russia but has increased US crude to 10% of total imports.

The UK and four other countries accused Russia of killing opposition leader Alexei Navalny using dart frog toxin, confirming presence of "epibatidine" a South American poison not naturally found in Russia. His widow Yulia Navalnaya declared his 2024 Arctic prison death is now a "scientifically proven" murder, based on smuggled biological samples analyzed last September. The countries reported Russia to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons for violating the Chemical Weapons Convention. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper called it the "Kremlin's barbaric plot to silence his voice." Navalny was previously poisoned with Novichok nerve agent in 2020. Russian authorities strenuously deny involvement despite no innocent explanation for the toxin's presence.

Bangladesh's BNP may invite PM Modi to Tarique Rahman's swearing-in ceremony next week following the party's landslide victory with 209 of 300 seats. Foreign policy advisor Humayun Kabir indicated the invitation would be a goodwill gesture, though no official confirmation exists yet. The ceremony is expected Monday or Tuesday. Modi congratulated Rahman on his "decisive victory" and spoke with him by phone. Kabir emphasized ties require a "reset," stating India must recognize "Sheikh Hasina and Awami League don't exist in today's Bangladesh." The BNP thanked Modi for his message, expressing commitment to "constructive engagement" guided by mutual respect. India-Bangladesh relations deteriorated after Hasina's August 2024 ouster.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav hinted at Abhishek Sharma's return for Sunday's T20 World Cup clash against Pakistan after the young opener missed the Namibia match due to illness. The 23-year-old left-hander was hospitalized with a stomach infection, losing nearly two kilos, but has since recovered. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha expressed hope Abhishek would play, wanting to face India's strongest XI. When told about Agha's comments, Suryakumar cheekily responded: "If Pakistan want Abhishek Sharma to play, he will play." The aggressive opener, currently the top-ranked T20I batter, would likely replace Sanju Samson, bringing crucial spin-hitting capability to Colombo's spin-friendly conditions.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed India assured Washington it would stop purchasing additional Russian oil amid fresh US sanctions on Moscow's energy sector. However, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reaffirmed India's commitment to strategic autonomy at the Munich Security Conference, stating India would maintain independent decision-making on energy purchases. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dismissed such assurances, noting only US officials made such claims. India currently imports 35% of crude oil from Russia, significantly increased since Ukraine war began. Trump previously claimed India agreed to halt Russian oil purchases as part of a broader trade deal, while increasing US crude imports to 10% of India's total requirements.

Nine months after suspending the Indus Waters Treaty following the Pahalgam attack, Jammu and Kashmir will resume construction on the stalled Wular barrage to regulate Jhelum River water storage. Since India no longer considers itself bound by the 1960 agreement, construction will restart in coordination with the Centre, completing a project dormant for four decades. Work stopped in 2012 after Pakistan-backed terrorists targeted the site. The barrage would ensure year-round Jhelum navigation and restore fishermen's livelihoods around Wular Lake, which has shrunk dramatically. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah confirmed two major water projects will proceed: the Wular barrage and an Akhnoor lift water supply scheme from Chenab River for Jammu city. (PC: NDTV)