US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized Europe for "financing the war against themselves" by purchasing refined Russian oil products from India. Speaking to ABC News on Sunday, Bessent stated that Russian crude oil enters India, gets refined, and Europeans then buy these products. His comments came as European leaders concluded trade deal negotiations in New Delhi during India's 77th Republic Day celebrations, with EU Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen calling the upcoming agreement the "mother of all deals." Bessent had previously claimed European allies refused to impose tariffs on India because they wanted to secure a major trade deal with New Delhi. EU leaders Antonio Costa and Von der Leyen attended Republic Day as chief guests. (PC: The Indian Express)

US President Donald Trump extended Republic Day greetings to India, highlighting the "historic bond" between the two nations as the world's oldest and largest democracies. On India's 77th Republic Day, Trump congratulated the government and people of India on behalf of Americans. US Ambassador Sergio Gor attended the Republic Day Parade for the first time, calling US-made aircraft flying in Indian skies a "powerful symbol" of growing strategic partnership. However, bilateral relations have faced challenges over the past year due to Trump's tariffs on Indian imports and threats of increased duties on Russian oil purchases. India has called these tariffs unjustified, vowing to protect its interests and economic security.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to visit India in early March, marking a significant reset in bilateral relations after tensions under predecessor Justin Trudeau. The visit will likely produce multiple agreements spanning uranium supply (a 10-year deal worth C$2.8 billion), oil and gas, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. Formal negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) are set to begin in March, with completion anticipated within a year. This push comes as Carney prioritizes diversifying Canada's trade beyond the United States amid global uncertainty and Trump's tariff threats. India's National Security Advisor will visit Ottawa next month, while Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman are expected to travel to Canada soon. (PC: X/@narendramodi)

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said a successful India makes the world “stable, prosperous and secure.” She made the remark during India’s Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi. She attended the parade with European Council President António Costa.   Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it was a privilege to host the EU leaders. He said their visit showed the growing strength of India–EU ties.   Von der Leyen is on a three-day visit to India. Talks are expected to conclude the long-pending India–European Union free trade agreement. She earlier called it a “historic” deal at the World Economic Forum. 

The United Arab Emirates has backed out of a plan to operate Islamabad International Airport after its president’s surprise visit to India. Pakistani media said the UAE lost interest in the project and did not name a local partner. Talks on the deal had been underway since August 2025.   The move comes as India-UAE ties continue to grow. During the visit, the UAE president approved the release of 900 Indian prisoners. This was seen as a goodwill gesture.   India and the UAE also agreed to deepen defence cooperation. A new defence framework is now planned. Observers say the decision reflects shifting regional ties and a decline in confidence in Pakistan’s infrastructure and governance. (PC: AFP)

India and the European Union have concluded talks on their Free Trade Agreement. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said the deal is balanced and forward-looking. Legal checks of the final text are now underway. The aim is to complete the process and sign the pact at an early date.   The agreement is expected to boost trade and investment between India and the EU. Officials said the deal could be signed later this year and may come into force early next year.   European leaders visited New Delhi for the Republic Day parade and the India-EU Summit. The government said this reflects growing ties between India and the EU. (PC: PMO)

Indian-origin households are the wealthiest among ethnic groups in the UK, while Pakistani households remain among the poorest, according to a study by the London School of Economics. The report shows median wealth for Indian households rose by more than £93,000 over the past decade. It increased from about £113,000 in 2012–14 to nearly £206,000 in 2021–23. Pakistani households saw much lower wealth levels and weaker growth during the same period. The study also found Indian households were most likely to earn high weekly incomes above £1,000 and £2,000. Pakistani households had a higher share in low income groups. The findings are based on official UK household survey data. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump extended Republic Day greetings to India, calling the two countries partners linked by a “historic bond” despite ongoing trade and policy disputes. In a message shared by the US embassy in New Delhi, Trump highlighted shared democratic values between the United States and India. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also marked the occasion, stressing growing cooperation in defence, energy, critical minerals and emerging technologies. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor attended the Republic Day parade in New Delhi and pointed to US-made aircraft in the flypast as a sign of close strategic ties. The messages came amid strained relations due to tariffs and stalled trade talks. (PC: India Today)

A new study by the London School of Economics shows widening wealth gaps among ethnic groups in the UK. The report found that median household wealth rose sharply for Indian-origin people since 2012, alongside gains among white British households. In contrast, wealth among people of Pakistani origin declined significantly over the same period. Several other minority groups, including black African, black Caribbean and Bangladeshi households, reported very low accumulated wealth. The study used data from the UK Household Longitudinal Survey between 2012/14 and 2021/23. It also found that UK-born Indians hold higher wealth than non-UK-born Indians and white British adults, driven mainly by home ownership and investments. (PC: Moneycontrol)

The United Arab Emirates has dropped its proposal to operate Islamabad International Airport, dealing a setback to Pakistan. The plan had been under discussion since August 2025. Pakistani daily The Express Tribune reported that the UAE could not finalise a local partner to manage airport operations. The decision came soon after UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s brief visit to New Delhi, where India and the UAE advanced defence cooperation. While no official political reason was cited, the move comes amid shifting Gulf ties and Pakistan’s efforts to deepen defence links with Saudi Arabia. The withdrawal signals reduced confidence in Pakistan’s aviation and governance framework. (PC: HT)