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.

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.

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)

A 22-year-old Indian postgraduate student, Saketh Sreenivasaiah from Karnataka, has gone missing in California, prompting search efforts by local authorities, UC Berkeley, and the Indian consulate. He was last seen Tuesday in the 1700 block of Dwight Way in Berkeley. His backpack containing passport and laptop was discovered on a doorstep in the Park Hills neighborhood, raising serious safety concerns. The Indian consulate in San Francisco confirmed contact with his family and local authorities to locate him. Sreenivasaiah is approximately 6 feet 1 inch tall, weighing 73 kilograms, with short black hair and brown eyes. Berkeley police have urged anyone with information to contact law enforcement immediately. (PC: LinkedIn)

Senior BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed hope India will extradite former PM Sheikh Hasina, insisting it won't damage Delhi-Dhaka relations. Hasina has been in New Delhi since August 2024 after a mass uprising forced her resignation. In November 2025, a special tribunal sentenced her to death in absentia for crimes against humanity during the 2024 crackdown. Fakhrul stated extradition would follow due legal process and international rules, noting Bangladesh has formally requested her repatriation. His comments followed BNP's landslide victory in recent parliamentary elections, the first since the 2024 uprising. The Awami League was barred from contesting after interim government suspended party activities. (PC: X)

Two Canadian tourists experienced an unforgettable seven-hour sleeper class train journey in India after accidentally booking third-class tickets. Kim Greenwood and her companion found their cabin filled with curious local children who transformed the space into a community gathering. Instead of getting rest, they bonded with families who shared homemade food and snacks bought at stations. Greenwood praised the cooperation and family-like relationships among strangers, calling it inspiring. Despite zero sleep, she declared she "wouldn't change a thing" about the experience. The viral Instagram video garnered over 615,000 views, with users praising the Canadians' positive attitude and celebrating India's unique train culture where passengers become one big family.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he congratulated Tarique Rahman on the party’s election victory. In a post on X, the BNP said, “We greatly appreciate your kind acknowledgement.” The party added, “This outcome reflects the trust and confidence the people of Bangladesh have placed in our leadership.” It also said, “We look forward to engaging constructively with India.” Earlier, PM Modi praised Rahman’s win and said India would support a democratic and progressive Bangladesh. Unofficial results show the BNP-led alliance won 210 seats in Parliament. (PC: PTI)

Bangladesh’s ruling party plans to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the swearing-in ceremony of Tarique Rahman. The move comes after the party won the national elections. Sources said regional leaders may also be invited to the event in Dhaka. A day earlier, PM Modi spoke to Rahman and congratulated him on his victory. He shared the message on X and wished him success. Modi also stressed strong ties between India and Bangladesh. There is no official date yet for the ceremony. Officials have not confirmed which foreign leaders will attend.