Ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina delivered a defiant audio message from New Delhi, calling the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government a "murderous, fascist clique" and urging citizens to overthrow the "foreign-serving regime." Speaking at the Foreign Correspondents' Club via audio link during her first formal public appearance with former ministers since fleeing in August 2024, Hasina declared herself "democracy in exile." She accused the administration of creating "murderous anarchy" and targeting religious minorities including Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians. Former ministers Hasan Mahmud and Mohibul Chowdhury Nowfel attended the briefing. With Bangladesh's February 12 elections approaching and Awami League banned from participating, Hasina dismissed the polls as illegitimate under Yunus's "illegal government." (PC: X)

Bangladesh is pushing ahead with the Padma Barrage project costing 50,443.64 crore Taka as India-Bangladesh Farrakka Water Treaty renewal talks stall. The 1996 treaty, expiring in 2026, faces complications from deteriorating bilateral ties, with Bangladesh seeking guaranteed dry season flows while India pursues revised terms. Bangladesh claims the barrage is necessary due to disrupted water flow caused by India's upstream Farakka Barrage, affecting 37% of the country. The project aims to store monsoon water and supply seven to eight rivers year-round. Meanwhile, China's involvement in Bangladesh's Teesta Master Plan and recent visits near India's strategic Siliguri corridor add geopolitical complexity to regional water-sharing negotiations. (PC: NDTV)

A Pakistani Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist was killed during a joint counter-terrorism operation by Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Army, and CRPF in Kathua district's Billawar area on Friday. The operation was launched following specific intelligence inputs, with the area being cordoned off before contact was established. Search operations continue in the region. This incident occurs just ten days after security forces discovered three terrorist hideouts in the same area. Meanwhile, a separate operation is ongoing in Kishtwar district for the third consecutive day, where terrorists fled into forests after a gunfight that killed one paratrooper and injured seven others. Senior officials are monitoring both operations closely on the ground. (PC: X)

India received an invitation from US President Donald Trump to join the newly launched “Board of Peace,” an initiative aimed at overseeing peace and reconstruction efforts, particularly for Gaza. However, New Delhi did not join the launch at the World Economic Forum in Davos and has yet to decide on participation, instead watching developments closely. Officials are concerned the board’s broad mandate could undermine established multilateral institutions such as the United Nations. India’s absence stood out as Pakistan and other countries signed on, and New Delhi’s decision reflects careful diplomatic calculation amid geopolitical sensitivities. (PC: Reuters)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Brazilian President Lula da Silva on Thursday, reviewing the "strong momentum" in the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership and expressing anticipation for welcoming him to India soon. Preparations are underway for President Lula's state visit to India in February 2026, considered a key bilateral milestone as both nations face steep tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. The leaders previously discussed "imposition of unilateral tariffs" and recalled their goal of increasing bilateral trade to over $20 billion by 2030. Since 2023, Modi and Lula have met four times. Current bilateral trade reportedly surpasses $15 billion. Both nations collaborate through G20, BRICS, WTO, and the G4 grouping. 

Anti-government protests in Iran since late December 2025 have severely disrupted India's apple supply chain, causing shortages and price hikes. At Pune's APMC Gultekdi Market Yard, weekly Iranian apple arrivals plummeted from 8,000-10,000 crates to just 4,000-4,500 crates. Wholesale prices surged ₹150-200 per 10kg, with Iranian apples now selling at ₹1,350-1,500 per 10kg compared to Afghan apples at ₹900-1,000. November to February is typically the Iranian apple import season. Environmental factors compounded the crisis as reduced yields in Turkey and inadequate snowfall in key cultivating countries stunted harvests. Despite government reducing import duties on New Zealand apples from 50% to 25%, premium varieties remain unaffordable for most Indian consumers. (PC: The Indian Express)

US President Donald Trump launched his "Board of Peace" at Davos on Thursday, with Pakistan joining but India notably absent despite Prime Minister Modi receiving an invitation. Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif sat beside Trump, exchanged handshakes, and signed the charter, a move that was especially delicate in light of worries about cross-border terrorism. Around 35 countries signed, while France, UK, China, and Germany also skipped. The board aims to promote stability, initially focusing on Gaza reconstruction. Trump repeated claims his intervention prevented India-Pakistan conflict during May 2025's Operation Sindoor escalation assertions New Delhi denies. Diplomats question whether the initiative could dilute the UN's role, as no permanent Security Council member besides the US has committed. (PC: India Today)

India strongly condemned the trespassing and vandalism of its embassy in Zagreb, Croatia, by "anti-India elements," citing Vienna Convention protections for diplomatic premises. The Ministry of External Affairs took up the matter with Croatian authorities in New Delhi and Zagreb, demanding accountability for the perpetrators. Pro-Khalistani activists reportedly removed the Indian flag and replaced it with a Khalistan flag, according to video shared by Sikhs for Justice leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The incident occurred days before the India-EU Summit scheduled for January 27 in New Delhi. Croatia is an EU member. Last year, Prime Minister Modi visited Zagreb, the first-ever Indian PM visit where Croatia backed India's counter-terrorism efforts.

US President Donald Trump has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said India and the United States would reach a trade deal. Speaking to Moneycontrol at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump said, “I have great respect for your Prime Minister. He’s a fantastic man and a friend of mine.” Asked about trade talks, he added, “We are going to have a good deal.” Trump’s remarks come amid ongoing negotiations to resolve trade disputes between the two countries. He has earlier warned India of higher tariffs over Russian oil purchases, saying, “We can raise tariffs on them very quickly.” India has denied giving any assurances and said its energy policy is guided by national interest. Talks are continuing. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed hope for a positive trade deal with India. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump called Modi “a fantastic man” and “a friend.”   “We are going to have a good deal,” Trump said in remarks to Indian media. His comments came despite strained trade ties and high US tariffs on Indian goods. Trump again linked trade relief to India’s purchase of Russian oil and warned of higher tariffs.   India has denied giving any assurances on oil imports and said decisions are based on national interest. Talks between the two countries are ongoing. (PC: Reuters)