External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced that the "historic" India-US trade agreement is in final detailing stages and will be completed "very soon" after meeting Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington DC. The talks occurred three days after President Donald Trump reduced US tariffs on Indian goods to 18% from 50% following a phone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Jaishankar stated the trade deal will open a "new phase" in bilateral relations. The wide-ranging discussions between the two officials focused on finalizing details of the landmark agreement that marks a significant shift in India-US economic partnership and strengthens strategic ties between the world's largest democracies. (PC: X)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar informed Parliament that India is closely monitoring the Iran situation and maintaining regular contact with 9,000-10,000 Indian nationals across 16 provinces, including students, workers, pilgrims, and business persons. The government doesn't view Indians as "stranded" since Iranian airspace remains open with regular connectivity. Special evacuation hasn't been arranged, though Indians wishing to leave are advised to use commercial flights. Jaishankar discussed the situation with Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi. This follows deadly anti-government protests since December that killed thousands and arrested tens of thousands, prompting US military threats. India's Budget 2026 allocated zero funds for Chabahar port despite the 2024 operating agreement. (PC: X)

Pakistan boycotted a T20 World Cup match against India while simultaneously giving World Bank President Ajay Banga, an India-born executive, a lavish reception. The contradictory diplomacy reflects Pakistan's economic desperation, as it seeks $20 billion in World Bank assistance over the next decade. Banga's visit to his ancestral Khushab home featured horse-mounted escorts, marching bands, and banners alongside Punjab's Chief Minister. Pakistan owes roughly $27 billion of its $135 billion external debt to the World Bank. The timing is crucial as India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty after the Pahalgam attack, threatening Pakistan's agriculture sector. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif admitted feeling "ashamed" seeking international financial assistance. (PC: X)

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir Assembly that Kashmir “will become a part of Pakistan.” He spoke in Muzaffarabad on Kashmir Solidarity Day. He said the dispute should be resolved by “honouring the wishes of the people of Kashmir” and following U.N. Security Council resolutions. Sharif said he stood with “our brothers in Kashmir” on behalf of Pakistan’s people and leadership. He also accused India of backing proxy terrorism and said Pakistan wants peace based on “equality and justice.” Pakistan’s President and top military leaders repeated their support for Kashmir. India has maintained that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of India. (PC: The Hindu)

Indian teacher and activist Rouble Nagi has won the $1 million Global Teacher Prize for her work bringing education to children in slum communities. She received the award at the World Governments Summit in Dubai. Her foundation has set up over 800 learning centres across India for children with little or no access to school. She also paints learning murals that teach basic literacy, science, math and history. Prize founder Sunny Varkey said she shows “courage, creativity, compassion, and an unwavering belief in every child's potential.” Nagi said the prize money will be used to build a free vocational training institute. (PC: X)

A new white paper released in London says the Indian diaspora has played a major role in building modern Britain, from post-war recovery to today’s digital economy. The report was launched by Here & Now 365 founder Manish Tiwari with the Aston India Centre at Aston University. It maps four waves of Indian migration to the UK since Independence, covering labour, business, public services, and technology sectors. The study says Indian-born professionals now make up about 15% of the UK’s technology workforce. It adds that Britain’s tech industry ranks second globally after the US and China, with strong Indian participation. Manish Tiwari said, “Indian migrants helped rebuild Britain after the war, powered its digital revolution, and strengthened its health and care systems in times of crisis.” Aston University noted the diaspora “supports public services and powers innovation” while strengthening UK–India economic links. 

Merchant Navy cadet Sarthak Mahapatra from Odisha's Bhadrak district went missing aboard vessel EA Jersey near Mauritius waters while returning to Singapore from West Africa. Last seen entering his cabin on February 3 morning, the chief officer found it empty at 8:30 am. After vessel-wide search confirmed his absence, Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Mauritius launched coordinated search operations. Sarthak joined Anglo-Eastern Ship Management on July 14, 2025, last communicating with family via video call on February 2. His mother stated he had only two months remaining in his 16-month internship before promotion to Third Officer, maintaining regular contact with no work problems reported. Family seeks thorough investigation into his mysterious disappearance. (PC: India Today)

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announced India will restart free trade agreement negotiations with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), comprising Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain. This follows India's recent trade deals with the EU and US. Goyal emphasized 5,000 years of trade relations and 10 million Indians working in GCC economies. The announcement comes months after Pakistan-Saudi Arabia renewed their Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement in September 2025, following India-Pakistan tensions during Operation Sindoor. Meanwhile, UAE-Pakistan ties have soured after UAE scrapped Islamabad International Airport management deal and strengthened relations with India, agreeing to double bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2032 during President Al Nahyan's Delhi visit.

Actress Celina Jaitley has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for her brother Major Vikrant Jaitley's release, a former Special Forces officer detained in UAE since September 2024. Breaking down in an interview with India Today TV, she revealed he was taken from Mall of Emirates parking by unidentified individuals without arrest records for nine months. After Delhi High Court intervention, UAE-based law firm Khalid Almarie Partners agreed to provide pro bono legal representation. Celina said her brother has been held over 16 months at Al-Wathba Detention Centre with only vague "national security" references and no formal charges. She drew parallels with former Indian naval officers' Qatar detention, seeking high-level diplomatic intervention.

A 22-year-old US-born woman's Reddit post went viral after sharing her unexpected experience moving to India. Initially terrified by negative stereotypes, she "literally cried" when her mother announced the move and refused to go. However, she found surprising warmth through extended family relatives who showed genuine care through frequent check-ins. While acknowledging "culture shock is real" and ongoing adjustment to sensory overload and personal questions from aunties, she questioned why people criticize India without visiting. Her younger sister still struggles with the transition, but seeing their mother genuinely happy "made everything feel worth it." The post sparked diverse responses, with many sharing similar adjustment experiences and praising her maturity. (PC: NDTV)