Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally received UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the airport during his three-hour official visit to India. The leaders strongly condemned cross-border terrorism, emphasizing no nation should harbor terrorists who finance or commit terrorist acts. They agreed to strengthen cooperation under FATF to counter terror financing. Bilateral trade reached $100 billion in FY 2024-25 under CEPA, with targets set for $200 billion by 2032. Key discussions covered regional issues including Yemen, Gaza, and Iran. Both nations committed to deepening ties in AI, space, digital infrastructure, and defense. The UAE expressed support for India's 2026 BRICS chairmanship, while India backed the UAE-hosted UN Water Conference. (PC: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan agreed to speed up defence and energy cooperation during a three-hour meeting in New Delhi. The two sides announced plans to finalise a strategic defence partnership and a 10-year LNG supply deal of 0.5 million tonnes annually. They set a target to double bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2032. Both leaders also identified innovation, space, civil nuclear energy and small modular reactors as future focus areas. They reviewed progress under the trade pact signed in 2022 and discussed regional and global issues.

An Indian-origin man charged over his wife’s death told an Australian court that he accepts responsibility but denies murder. Vikrant Thakur appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on January 14. “I killed my wife, but it wasn’t murder,” he said, entering a plea for manslaughter on legal advice. His wife, Supriya Thakur, 36, was found unconscious at their home in Adelaide’s northern suburbs on December 21. Police attempted CPR, but she died at the scene. Prosecutors are awaiting DNA and post-mortem reports. The matter is scheduled to return to court in April.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar delivered a stern message to Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, urging Poland to display "zero-tolerance" for terrorism and avoid fueling terrorist infrastructure in India's neighborhood. The statement references Poland's October joint declaration with Pakistan mentioning Kashmir following Sikorski's Islamabad visit. Jaishankar also criticized "unfair and unjustified selective targeting" of India over Ukraine-Russia energy ties. Sikorski agreed about the unfairness regarding tariffs. The ministers discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, defense, and technology. India-Poland bilateral trade stands at $7 billion with 200 percent growth over a decade. Indian investments in Poland exceed $3 billion, creating numerous Polish employment opportunities. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally received UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Delhi's Palam airport on Monday, sharing a car ride together in a significant diplomatic gesture. The brief two-hour visit comes amid volatile Middle East tensions involving Iran-US relations, Saudi-UAE disputes over Yemen, and Gaza instability. Modi emphasized the visit illustrates Al Nahyan's commitment to strong India-UAE friendship. The leaders will hold wide-ranging discussions covering trade, investment, defence cooperation, energy initiatives, and regional security. This marks Al Nahyan's third official India visit since becoming president and fifth in a decade. Bilateral ties have strengthened significantly since the 2022 comprehensive economic partnership agreement.

Japanese YouTuber Ikechan sparked controversy after posting an Air India flight vlog titled "packed with Indians" with a caption reading "bad Air India." The January 17 video drew widespread criticism for appearing to reference last year's Air India crash tragedy in its original thumbnail. While the YouTube vlog garnered 122,000 views, the X post received 15 million views and intense backlash. Users accused Ikechan of trivializing the tragedy and holding preconceived notions about India. Fellow Japanese creator Tomomura publicly criticized her approach as disrespectful. Ikechan later claimed no ill intent, stating she slightly altered the thumbnail after criticism and encouraged viewers to watch the complete video before judging. 

UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conducted a brief but substantive visit to India on Monday amid heightened West Asian tensions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally received Al Nahyan at the New Delhi airport, sharing a ride together in a notable diplomatic gesture. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized the visit's substance despite its few-hour duration. The leaders held discussions in restricted and expanded formats, with multiple documents exchanged. This marks Al Nahyan's third official India visit since becoming UAE President and fifth in a decade. Modi gifted traditional presents including a Royal Carved Wooden Jhula, Pashmina Shawl, and Kashmiri Saffron, symbolizing the strong India-UAE friendship and bilateral ties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday received Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the airport in New Delhi, breaking protocol during the UAE leader’s short visit. The two leaders shared a brief hug before heading for talks. Sheikh Mohamed’s visit lasted about two hours and was held at Modi’s invitation. The Prime Minister later said the visit showed the importance of strong India-UAE ties. The UAE President is on his third official visit to India since taking office. India and the United Arab Emirates cooperate closely in trade, energy, defence and regional security. (PC: India Today)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday urged Poland to show zero tolerance for terrorism during talks with Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski in New Delhi. Jaishankar said countries must avoid actions that support terrorist networks in the region. His remarks followed Poland’s reference to Kashmir in a joint statement with Pakistan last year. Jaishankar said Sikorski was familiar with the challenge of cross-border terrorism. Sikorski agreed on the need to counter such threats and referred to recent acts of sabotage in Poland. The meeting also reviewed wider regional and security concerns. (PC: India Today)

Indian-origin couple Kosha Sharma (52) and Tarun Sharma (55), known as "Mama K" and "Pop," were arrested in Virginia for operating a sex and drug trafficking ring from their Red Carpet Inn motel. Federal and local agents conducted raids after several undercover operations since May 2023. The couple allegedly used the third floor for illegal activities while housing regular guests on lower floors, taking profits from prostitution and drug sales. Kosha alerted criminals to police presence and blocked officer entry. Three others named Margo Pierce, Joshua Reddick, and Rashard Smith were also arrested. Undercover operations documented 15 drug purchases and eight prostituted women. All face conspiracy charges carrying mandatory 10-year minimum sentences. (PC: NDTV)