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)

India marked its 77th Republic Day with a grand parade at Kartavya Path, blending cultural heritage with modern defence strength. The event honoured 150 years of Vande Mataram, with artistic displays reflecting the national song’s role in the freedom movement. President Droupadi Murmu took the salute, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa attended as chief guests. Cultural performances highlighted unity in diversity. The parade showcased military modernisation through a tri-services tableau titled “Operation Sindoor,” featuring coordinated Army, Navy and Air Force operations. The celebrations ended with a flypast by 29 aircraft, including Rafale and Su-30 fighters. (PC: X)

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said a successful India makes the world more stable, prosperous and secure, during her Republic Day visit to New Delhi. She attended the 77th Republic Day parade as chief guest along with European Council President Antonio Costa. Her visit comes as India and the European Union move closer to finalising a long-pending free trade agreement. Talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi are set for January 27. The EU is India’s largest trading partner, with goods trade worth USD 135 billion in FY 2023–24. Under the proposed pact, India may sharply cut import duties on European cars, signalling deeper economic cooperation. (PC: India Today)

Chinese President Xi Jinping extended Republic Day greetings to President Droupadi Murmu, calling China and India "good neighbours, friends and partners" while emphasizing the significance of bilateral relations for global peace and prosperity. Xi used the metaphor "dragon and elephant dancing together" and expressed hopes for expanded cooperation and mutual concern resolution to promote healthy, stable relations. This comes as the nuclear-armed neighbors, who share a disputed 3,800 km Himalayan border, continue improving ties following the deadly 2020 clash that killed 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers. Both nations have recently increased engagement through high-level visits, resumed direct flights in 2025, and stepped up trade amid Trump's combative foreign policy. (PC: X)

Bangladesh's interim government expressed shock and concern over India allowing ousted PM Sheikh Hasina to deliver a public address from Delhi, warning it "sets a dangerous precedent" for bilateral relations. Hasina, living in exile since August 2024, accused Muhammad Yunus's administration of violence, minority persecution, and sexual assaults, urging citizens to overthrow the "murderous fascist" regime ahead of February 12 elections. Bangladesh's foreign ministry called her remarks "inciteful hate speech" that could destabilize the democratic transition, criticizing India for not honoring extradition obligations despite the International Crimes Tribunal's death sentence against her. The statement warned this undermines sovereignty norms and may impair future elected governments' ability to maintain mutually beneficial India-Bangladesh relations.

India's 77th Republic Day celebration strategically showcased indigenous military prowess before European Union leaders Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen, signaling deepening India-EU defense cooperation. President Droupadi Murmu presided over the Kartavya Path parade where the EU dignitaries witnessed India's advancing self-reliance in defense manufacturing. The 90-minute spectacle, themed around 150 years of Vande Mataram, prominently displayed cutting-edge indigenous systems including the debut phased Battle Array Format featuring T-90 Bhishma tanks, Apache and Prachand helicopters, robotic dogs, and four autonomous unmanned combat vehicles. Following PM Modi's National War Memorial tribute, the parade blended military might with cultural diversity as Param Vir Chakra and Ashoka Chakra awardees marched alongside artists, demonstrating India's technological capabilities to key European partners.

The UAE scrapped plans to operate Islamabad International Airport shortly after President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's surprise three-hour India visit. Abu Dhabi lost interest in the project, agreed upon in August 2025, and failed to name a local partner. While Pakistani media didn't cite political motivations, the development comes amid growing UAE-Saudi tensions over Yemen and shifting Gulf alliances. As Pakistan pursues an "Islamic NATO" with Saudi Arabia and Turkey, the UAE has strengthened India ties through new defence deals. Following his Delhi visit, the UAE President approved releasing 900 Indian prisoners as goodwill. Both nations signed a Letter of Intent for a Strategic Defence Partnership Framework Agreement. (PC: NDTV)

Bangladesh has expressed strong objection after former prime minister Sheikh Hasina delivered a public address in New Delhi. Dhaka said it was “surprised” and “shocked” that India allowed the event to take place. In a statement, Bangladesh’s foreign ministry said the move set a “dangerous precedent” and could harm bilateral relations. Hasina, who has been in India since August 2024, made her first public speech since her removal from power. She criticised the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus and urged people to oppose it. Bangladeshi authorities said Hasina was convicted in absentia last year on serious charges. The speech came weeks before Bangladesh’s general election. (PC: HT)

A 28-year-old Indian-origin man, identified as Dilraj Singh Gill, was fatally shot in Burnaby, British Columbia, on January 22, police said, in what investigators believe was a targeted attack tied to ongoing gang conflict in the region. Officers from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) responded to reports of gunfire near Canada Way, finding Gill with fatal wounds; he was pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving efforts. A burning vehicle later found nearby is believed to be connected to the homicide, and the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team is leading the probe, urging witnesses to come forward. (PC: India Today)

India will mark its 77th Republic Day on 26 January with a large parade in New Delhi. This year’s chief guests are European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa. Experts say the choice reflects India’s growing focus on ties with the European Union. The chief guest sits next to the president, giving the role strong diplomatic meaning. Since 1950, India has used the invitation to highlight key partners, from neighbours to major global powers. Former diplomats say decisions are based on strategic goals, regional balance and timing. Past guest lists have also reflected shifts or strains in India’s foreign relations. (PC: BBC)