The United Kingdom on 26 February expanded its ‘Visa Fraud Se Bache’ campaign to Haryana to help prevent visa fraud and irregular migration.   The launch event was held in Sonipat with Haryana Minister Gaurav Gautam and UK Home Office Acting Permanent Secretary Simon Ridley present. The drive will focus on Ambala, Kaithal, Karnal and Kurukshetra.   British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron said, “We want every applicant to know that trustworthy guidance is available.”   Deputy High Commissioner Alba Smeriglio said the campaign will help people “recognise and avoid visa scams.”   Officials warned that visa fraud can lead to heavy debt and a 10-year travel ban to the UK. (PC: X)

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day state visit to Israel, he received a warm reception from hosts and the Indian diaspora. At the Israeli Parliament (Knesset), specially-abled artists performed the song “I Love My India” as Modi arrived and watched the show. Cultural presentations, including traditional Indian dances, celebrated shared heritage and the deepening ties between the two nations. Modi’s visit, which also included bilateral talks with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, highlighted expanding strategic cooperation in trade, technology and defence, even as regional tensions persist. The welcome reflected enthusiastic support and diplomatic goodwill. 

India strongly responded to Pakistan at the United Nations Human Rights Council session in Geneva. India’s representative Anupama Singh rejected Pakistan’s claims on Jammu and Kashmir.   “We categorically reject these allegations,” she said. She added that Pakistan’s propaganda “reeks of envy.”   Singh said Jammu and Kashmir “was, is, and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India.” She called its 1947 accession legal and final.   Referring to development work, she said the J&K budget is “more than double” Pakistan’s recent IMF bailout. She also mentioned the Chenab Rail Bridge and said Pakistan may be “living in the ‘La-la land’.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu surprised Indian PM Narendra Modi by donning traditional Indian attire — a stone‑coloured Nehru jacket with kurta and trousers — ahead of their joint dinner in Jerusalem. Shared on X, the gesture was described as a personal tribute to Modi, reflecting deep friendship and cultural respect. Modi praised the outfit as “truly splendid,” highlighting warmth in their ties. The event also underscored strengthening strategic relations between Israel and India, coinciding with Modi’s visit that included historic engagements, such as addressing Israel’s Knesset.

Ahead of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s official visit to India, Ottawa has publicly stated that it no longer believes India is connected to violent crimes on Canadian soil — a marked shift from its predecessor’s stance amid years of diplomatic strain. Canadian officials said there is now “robust diplomatic engagement” and expressed confidence that alleged foreign interference or repression linked to India is not continuing. The move comes as Carney prepares to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deepen economic, security and strategic ties after tensions following the 2023 killing of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which had sparked a significant bilateral row. (PC: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made history by becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Knesset during his official visit to Israel. In his speech, Modi reaffirmed India’s strong support against terrorism and highlighted expanding cooperation in defence, agriculture, innovation, and technology. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warmly praised Modi, calling him “more than a friend, a brother,” and referenced the famous “Modi hug” as a symbol of deep bilateral ties. Modi was also honoured with the Speaker’s Medal, marking a significant milestone in strengthening India-Israel relations. (PC: NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Israeli Parliament and highlighted strong ties between the two countries. He said he “was born on the day India formally recognised Israel, September 17, 1950.”   Modi expressed condolences over the October 7 Hamas attack. “We feel your pain, we share your grief. India stands with Israel firmly,” he said. He also recalled the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and stressed a policy of “zero tolerance for terrorism with no double standards.”   Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Modi. During the visit, Modi laid a wreath and met children waving Indian and Israeli flags. (PC: X/@narendramodi)

The Maitree bus service between India and Bangladesh resumed after nearly 18 months. The Kolkata-Dhaka-Agartala route restarted after the new BNP government took office in Bangladesh.   On the first day, 18 passengers travelled from Kolkata to Agartala via Dhaka. Officials said the journey was smooth and no major issues were reported.   Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury said the move will boost tourism, trade and cultural ties. He said better connectivity will help the Northeast’s economy.   Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma said India wants to build on “historic ties” and strengthen cooperation with Bangladesh. The Agartala-Dhaka service will also run regularly. (PC: NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the “Speaker of the Knesset Medal” by Israel’s Parliament on Wednesday. He is the first Indian Prime Minister to receive the honour.   Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana presented the medal after Modi addressed the Israeli Parliament. The award recognises his role in strengthening strategic ties between India and Israel.   Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Modi and called him “a great friend of Israel” and “a champion of the Indian-Israeli alliance.”   This is Modi’s second visit to Israel. Bilateral ties were raised to a strategic partnership during his 2017 visit. (PC: HT)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India stands firmly with Israel while addressing the Knesset during his official visit. He expressed condolences for those killed in the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas.   “We feel your pain, we share your grief. India stands with Israel firmly, with full conviction in this moment and beyond,” he said.   He added, “No cause can justify the murder of civilians. Nothing can justify terrorism.”   Modi said India follows a policy of zero tolerance toward terrorism. He highlighted stronger defence, economic and technology ties. He noted that relations were raised to a strategic partnership in 2017. (PC: India Today)