Saketh Sreenivasaiah, the Indian student found dead in California after being missing since February 9, was an engineering graduate with a strong academic record. The 22-year-old was pursuing a master’s degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. He earlier completed his BTech in chemical engineering from IIT Madras in 2025. On LinkedIn, he wrote that he was “passionate about deep-tech innovations” and advanced materials. He was last seen near Tilden Regional Park. Police later recovered his body, the Indian Consulate said. Authorities have not yet shared details about the cause or circumstances of his death. (PC: X)

An Indian student who went missing in California has been found dead after six days, officials confirmed. Saketh Sreenivasaiah, 22, a master’s student at the University of California, Berkeley, had been missing since February 9. The Indian Consulate in San Francisco said local police recovered his body and informed the mission. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family,” the Consulate said, adding it will help with formalities and repatriation of the mortal remains. He was last seen near Lake Anza in the Berkeley hills. His backpack with his passport and laptop was earlier found nearby. He was from Karnataka and a 2025 IIT Madras graduate. (PC: India Today)

Pakistani media has been rattled after India officially launched the Rs 5,129 crore, 1,856 MW Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project on Chenab River, the first major infrastructure push since suspending the Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistani outlets accused India of "Water Terrorism" and "Fifth Generation Warfare," claiming a "dewatering strategy" to "dry up Pakistan." Pakistan's Foreign Office expressed "grave concern," seeking consultations through Indus water commissioners. India maintains Sawalkote is a run-of-the-river project within developmental rights, not involving water diversion. Located in Udhampur and Ramban districts, the project features a 192.5m dam with underground powerhouse. Pakistan issued letters in July and February seeking information, while India asserts sovereign infrastructure management rights. 

Tarique Rahman emphasized a "Bangladesh First" foreign policy after BNP's landslide victory with 209 seats, stating "interests of Bangladesh and its people will determine our foreign policy." In his inaugural address, Rahman called for unity after the "fragile economy left by authoritarian regime." On Sheikh Hasina's extradition, he said it "depends on the legal process." Senior BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed demanded Hasina's return under bilateral treaty. PM Modi congratulated Rahman, reaffirming India's commitment to bilateral peace and prosperity. BNP acknowledged Modi's message, expressing intent for "constructive engagement" with India. A BNP leader suggested Modi might be invited to Rahman's swearing-in ceremony next week.

Tarique Rahman's top aide Humayun Kabir told NDTV that Bangladesh's new BNP government wants India ties based on "mutual respect and national interest," prioritizing people-to-people connections, trade, and investments. Kabir confirmed India will be among countries visited but emphasized domestic priorities come first. He criticized Sheikh Hasina's "opaque, one-way relationship" with India, pledging to move away from "country-centric foreign policy." On Pakistan relations, Kabir said Bangladesh won't take sides in India-Pakistan tensions, seeking to "normalize relations in the region." India views the BNP victory with "cautious optimism" after the disruptive Muhammad Yunus interim period, believing Rahman may adopt a pragmatic approach driven by economic realities and regional stability.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar strongly defended India's strategic autonomy at the Munich Security Conference, rejecting claims that a US trade deal compels ditching Russian oil. He emphasized strategic autonomy is deeply rooted in India's history and cuts across the political spectrum. Jaishankar explained Indian oil companies, like European counterparts, choose suppliers based on availability, costs, and risks. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri earlier stated India's energy choices follow "national interest" through sufficient supply, fair prices, and reliable sources. He noted India imports most oil/gas from dozens of countries, diversifying to avoid single-source dependency. India currently imports 35% crude from Russia but has increased US crude to 10% of total imports.

Bangladesh's BNP may invite PM Modi to Tarique Rahman's swearing-in ceremony next week following the party's landslide victory with 209 of 300 seats. Foreign policy advisor Humayun Kabir indicated the invitation would be a goodwill gesture, though no official confirmation exists yet. The ceremony is expected Monday or Tuesday. Modi congratulated Rahman on his "decisive victory" and spoke with him by phone. Kabir emphasized ties require a "reset," stating India must recognize "Sheikh Hasina and Awami League don't exist in today's Bangladesh." The BNP thanked Modi for his message, expressing commitment to "constructive engagement" guided by mutual respect. India-Bangladesh relations deteriorated after Hasina's August 2024 ouster.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed India assured Washington it would stop purchasing additional Russian oil amid fresh US sanctions on Moscow's energy sector. However, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reaffirmed India's commitment to strategic autonomy at the Munich Security Conference, stating India would maintain independent decision-making on energy purchases. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dismissed such assurances, noting only US officials made such claims. India currently imports 35% of crude oil from Russia, significantly increased since Ukraine war began. Trump previously claimed India agreed to halt Russian oil purchases as part of a broader trade deal, while increasing US crude imports to 10% of India's total requirements.

Nine months after suspending the Indus Waters Treaty following the Pahalgam attack, Jammu and Kashmir will resume construction on the stalled Wular barrage to regulate Jhelum River water storage. Since India no longer considers itself bound by the 1960 agreement, construction will restart in coordination with the Centre, completing a project dormant for four decades. Work stopped in 2012 after Pakistan-backed terrorists targeted the site. The barrage would ensure year-round Jhelum navigation and restore fishermen's livelihoods around Wular Lake, which has shrunk dramatically. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah confirmed two major water projects will proceed: the Wular barrage and an Akhnoor lift water supply scheme from Chenab River for Jammu city. (PC: NDTV)

A 22-year-old Indian postgraduate student, Saketh Sreenivasaiah from Karnataka, has gone missing in California, prompting search efforts by local authorities, UC Berkeley, and the Indian consulate. He was last seen Tuesday in the 1700 block of Dwight Way in Berkeley. His backpack containing passport and laptop was discovered on a doorstep in the Park Hills neighborhood, raising serious safety concerns. The Indian consulate in San Francisco confirmed contact with his family and local authorities to locate him. Sreenivasaiah is approximately 6 feet 1 inch tall, weighing 73 kilograms, with short black hair and brown eyes. Berkeley police have urged anyone with information to contact law enforcement immediately. (PC: LinkedIn)