Indian oil refiners, including Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Reliance Industries, are avoiding purchases of Russian crude for April delivery to support New Delhi’s effort to finalize a trade agreement with the United States by March that would lower tariffs and deepen economic cooperation. These firms have declined trader offers for Russian oil in March and April, although some previously scheduled March deliveries remain. India’s imports of Russian oil have already fallen sharply from 2025 peaks, driven partly by diversification to other suppliers and geopolitical pressures. A key private buyer, Nayara, won’t import Russian crude in April due to maintenance. (PC: Reuters)

India and Greece are bolstering bilateral defence cooperation as Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias visited New Delhi for high-level talks with India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, focusing on expanding military and security collaboration between the two countries. The discussions covered regional and international security developments, defence-industrial cooperation, and strategic alignment between the Indo-Pacific and Mediterranean regions. Dendias has also emphasised India’s growing importance as an indispensable partner for Europe and support for closer economic and security ties, including backing the proposed EU-India Free Trade Agreement. The visit reinforces the ongoing strengthening of India–Greece strategic relations. (PC: The Hindu)

India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval held talks with his Canadian counterpart Nathalie Drouin during a two-day visit to Canada. Officials said the meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation on the safety of citizens in both countries. The talks focused on intelligence sharing, law enforcement coordination, and action against violent extremist groups, including Khalistani-linked networks. Both sides agreed on a joint work plan covering drugs, cyber threats, and organised crime. India and Canada will also post security and law-enforcement liaison officers. Officials said the discussions marked a step toward rebuilding trust and improving coordination on public safety issues. (PC: X)

The Congress party has strongly criticised Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over a now-deleted social media video that showed him firing at framed photos, including one of Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi wearing a skullcap. The clip was first posted by the state BJP handle with the caption “Point blank shot” and was later removed after backlash. Congress leader KC Venugopal called it “a call to genocide” and said the video spreads hate and fear. The party said the post “glorifies targeted violence against minorities” and asked for strict action. The BJP has not issued a detailed public response so far. (PC: X)

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said Hindus in Bangladesh would receive support from Hindus worldwide if they choose to stay and fight for their rights. He was speaking at an RSS centenary lecture event in Mumbai. Bhagwat said, “There are about 1.25 crore Hindus in Bangladesh. If they decide to stay there and fight, all Hindus across the world will help them.” He also spoke about population change and illegal immigration in India, saying earlier governments did not act enough. He said the RSS does not depend on corporate funds and raises support from its workers. He added that the organisation does not discriminate by caste in leadership roles. (PC: NDTV)

A 15-year-old boy who entered a medical college hostel in Ufa, Russia, and stabbed several students, including four Indians, had links to a neo-Nazi group, local media reported. The Baza channel claimed he belonged to the banned NS/WP organisation and shouted Holocaust-related slogans during the attack. It also shared an image showing a swastika drawn on a wall with victims’ blood. Another newspaper, Izvestia, reported the suspect held neo-Nazi views. Russia’s Interior Ministry said the attacker injured two police officers while resisting arrest and also harmed himself. Authorities have not confirmed the motive. The Indian Embassy said it is assisting the injured students. (PC: India Today)

New satellite images show repair work underway at Bholari Air Base months after it was hit during India’s Operation Sindoor. Geo-intelligence analyst Damien Symon shared before-and-after images showing the damaged hangar roof partially removed. The hangar was struck in May 2025 during an Indian missile strike and reportedly housed a Saab 200 AEW&C aircraft. Pakistan has not officially confirmed the attack, but Sindh’s chief minister earlier said six air force staff were killed. The base lies less than 100 miles from Karachi and was among several targets hit by India. Satellite images earlier showed the hangar covered with a tarpaulin, suggesting temporary repairs. (PC: X)

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said Hindus across the world would support Hindus in Bangladesh if they decide to stand up for their rights. Speaking at an RSS event in Mumbai, Bhagwat said there are around 1.25 crore Hindus in Bangladesh. His remarks come amid unrest and reports of attacks on minorities after political turmoil in the country. Bhagwat also urged people in India to remain vigilant against illegal infiltration and report suspected foreigners to the police. He said infiltration needs strong action from the government. Bhagwat added that unity among Hindus is important and caste should not divide society. (PC: ANI)

The United States has removed a 25% penalty tariff on Indian goods after India committed to stop importing Russian oil and buy US energy. The order, signed by Donald Trump, took effect on February 7. The US said it will closely monitor whether India resumes Russian oil purchases and may reimpose the tariff if it does. The deal also includes plans to expand India-US defence cooperation over the next 10 years. India has not officially confirmed stopping Russian oil imports. The Ministry of External Affairs said India’s energy choices depend on market conditions and national energy security. (PC: PTI)

A 27-year-old Indian man has said he was forced to return home after failing to find a job in the United States due to visa problems. In a social media post, he said he did everything right but still could not secure work. He spoke about months of job searching, repeated rejections and strict visa rules. His post sparked a wide discussion online, with many international students sharing similar struggles. Several users pointed to long hiring delays, limited sponsorship and high costs of staying unemployed. The man said his American dream ended despite his skills and efforts. His experience has again highlighted the challenges faced by foreign students in the US job market.