Following a US Supreme Court ruling that struck down most of former President Donald Trump’s broad global tariffs as unlawful, the United States has announced a revised trade move affecting India. The court decided Trump exceeded his authority under emergency powers, invalidating tariffs that had been hitting Indian exports. In response, the Trump administration imposed a temporary 10 per cent import tariff on goods from all countries, including India, effective from February 24 under a different legal authority. This replaces previous higher levies that had been reduced as part of India-US trade discussions, potentially altering export costs and ongoing negotiations. (PC: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil reaffirmed stronger economic ties during high-level talks in New Delhi, aiming to raise bilateral trade above $20 billion in the next five years, up from about $15 billion in 2025. They described the relationship as a “win-win partnership” covering critical minerals, technology, defence and pharmaceuticals, with expanded cooperation and business delegations underscoring mutual trust. Both leaders highlighted opportunities in strategic supply chains and broader India-MERCOSUR trade engagement to fuel growth. (PC: X)

India is planning to expand defence ties with Israel, including joint work on anti ballistic missile defence systems. The move comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel on February 25-26. Officials said both sides are likely to sign an MoU on security cooperation. No defence deal will be signed during the trip. Israel is known for systems such as Arrow, David’s Sling and Iron Dome. India wants to boost Mission Sudershan to guard against long range missile threats. Talks may also include laser weapons, long range missiles and drones. (PC: HT)

After the U.S. Supreme Court struck down key aspects of his tariff regime, U.S. President Donald Trump insisted there would be no change to the trade deal with India. Trump said India will continue to pay tariffs while the United States will not, describing the arrangement as a “fair deal”. He praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and reiterated the agreement remains intact despite the court’s decision that invalidated broad reciprocal tariffs imposed under emergency powers. Trump also noted that a 10% global tariff has been introduced under a different authority until further changes are made. (PC: Reuters)

UK Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy, speaking exclusively to Times Now, addressed questions about the extradition of Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya, stressing that such matters are subject to independent judicial processes free from political interference. Lammy cautioned he must avoid commenting on specific cases given his dual role. He confirmed extradition, illicit finance and extremism concerns are taken "extremely seriously" in India-UK discussions. Lammy was in India for the AI Summit 2026, praising it as a great success and highlighting that 150 UK businesses are partnering with 250 Indian organisations. He also condemned anti-India extremist activities in the UK and commented on the Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrest, emphasising no one is above the law. (PC: Times Now)

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, in an exclusive interview with India Today TV, said India and Brazil can conduct bilateral trade in their own currencies without relying on the US dollar, though cautioned the shift would take time. Lula firmly dismissed speculation about a BRICS common currency, stating no such proposal or internal discussion exists. He described BRICS as a vital voice for the Global South, representing more than half of humanity. Lula set an ambitious target of $30–40 billion in India-Brazil bilateral trade, praised India's technological ecosystem, and announced that Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer will establish a manufacturing plant in India, reducing dependence on US and Chinese supply chains. (PC: X/@Shorts91) 

Bangladesh has resumed full visa services for Indian citizens at its High Commission in New Delhi, three days after Tarique Rahman was sworn in as Prime Minister, signalling a diplomatic thaw between the two neighbours. Visa services had been suspended for nearly two months following a sharp deterioration in bilateral ties in December 2025, triggered by the assassination of student leader Sharif Usman Haid and subsequent unrest targeting Hindu minorities. All visa categories, including tourist visas, are now fully operational. India has reciprocated, with senior consular official Aniruddha Das confirming New Delhi is prioritising medical and double-entry visas for Bangladeshi nationals. Diplomatic focus now turns to Rahman's first official foreign visit, with India extending a formal invitation. (PC: X)

French President Emmanuel Macron concluded his high-profile three-day India visit with a cinematic farewell, sharing a 43-second video montage on X set to "Na De Dil Pardesi Nu" from the Hindi film Dhurandhar. The clip captured highlights from his packed itinerary including his ceremonial welcome, bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, temple visits, cultural interactions, Indian cuisine experiences, a meeting with actor Manoj Bajpayee, a podcast recording with Raj Shamani, and a casual street jog in Mumbai. Macron's visit was marked by high-level engagements including attendance at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 and detailed discussions with Modi in New Delhi. "Thank you, India," Macron wrote, signing off warmly.

India has joined over 100 countries and international organisations in condemning Israel's expansion of unlawful settlements in the West Bank, reaffirming its long-standing support for a two-state solution and Palestinian rights. India initially wasn't included when Palestine's UN envoy issued the statement on Tuesday but signed on Wednesday alongside roughly 20 other nations. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified India's position aligns with the India-Arab League ministerial joint statement of January 31, which called for a sovereign Palestinian state based on 1967 borders. The development comes days before PM Modi's planned visit to Israel on February 24–25. India also attended Trump's Board of Peace meeting in Washington as an observer on February 19. (PC: Reuters)

US Ambassador Sergio Gor confirmed Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit India "very soon," with the trip encompassing Quad initiatives alongside Japan and Australia. The announcement follows External Affairs Minister Jaishankar's pushback at the Munich Security Conference against perceptions of Quad losing momentum. Ambassador Gor also revealed President Trump "would love to visit India soon," noting Prime Minister Modi has already extended an invitation. On trade, Gor expressed optimism that a long-anticipated bilateral trade agreement is nearing finalisation, with tariff reductions and broader market access expected. India has also joined the US-led Pax Silica initiative on semiconductors and AI. Separately, Gor reiterated US concerns over India's continued purchases of Russian crude oil.