UK Minister Lord Tariq Ahmed is heading to India for the Raisina Dialogue, underscoring the UK's commitment to the Indo-Pacific region. Lord Ahmed will emphasize the importance of a "free and open" Indo-Pacific and highlight the link between security in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific areas. Discussions will focus on strengthening UK-India defense partnerships and addressing global security challenges. Additionally, Lord Ahmed will engage with Middle Eastern leaders to address humanitarian crises and hold high-level meetings with Indian counterparts to bolster trade relations. The Raisina Dialogue aims to address pressing global issues under the theme "Conflict, Contest, Cooperate. Create."          

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis are close to finalizing a partnership on migration and mobility. During a meeting in New Delhi, Modi expressed happiness over doubling bilateral trade by 2030 and welcomed Greece's participation in the Indo-Pacific. The leaders discussed collaborations in startups, shipping, defence, cybersecurity, and education. India and Greece plan to celebrate their 75th diplomatic anniversary with a joint action plan in science, technology, sports, and more. Mitsotakis affirmed support for India's UN Security Council bid. The visit marks the first bilateral head of state visit from Greece to India in 15 years.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor receives France's highest civilian honor, 'Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur', for his dedication to strengthening Indo-French ties and promoting international peace. French Senate President Gerard Larcher presents the prestigious award, praising Tharoor's multifaceted career as a diplomat, author, and politician. Tharoor expresses gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the significance of Franco-Indian relations and pledging to foster further collaboration between the two nations. The accolade underscores Tharoor's enduring commitment to diplomacy and cultural exchange, highlighting his influential role in promoting global cooperation.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will take a Break from the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from February 26 to March 1 to deliver two special lectures at his former school, Cambridge University. The decision was confirmed by Congress spokesperson Jairam Ramesh, citing Gandhi's prior commitments and important meetings in New Delhi. The yatra, aimed at promoting justice, will resume from Dholpur on March 2, covering several districts in Madhya Pradesh. Gandhi is also scheduled to visit the Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain on March 5. The yatra, spanning 15 states, underscores the message of justice while engaging with citizens along the way.

The owner of an Indian restaurant in the UK has been banned as a company director until 2031 for hiring three illegal workers from Bangladesh without right-to-work checks. Ikbal Hussain, 51, hired the workers at his Taste of Raj restaurant before it was raided by immigration officials in 2020. The workers had been employed for up to two months without proper documentation of their right to work. Hussain failed to conduct the required checks or keep paperwork proving their eligibility. The Home Office said Hussain not only employed the illegal workers but failed to adhere to documentation and check requirements.

The police in the UK have arrested eight men following the murder of Vignesh Pattabhiraman (36), an Indian restaurant manager in Reading, on February 14. Pattabhiraman was cycling home from work when he was hit and killed by a vehicle which then fled the scene. A murder investigation was launched and police arrested a 24-year-old man on suspicion of committing the murder. Seven other men aged 20, 21, 24, 27, 31, 41 and 48, all from Reading, were also arrested for assisting the offender. A police spokesperson said to TOI: “It is believed that the cyclist was also assaulted by an occupant of the vehicle, which then left the scene." All eight men remain in police custody.

US Deputy Secretary Richard Verma stated the US remains engaged with India regarding the alleged plot to kill Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Verma acknowledged India's serious approach and looks forward to the findings of the Indian committee investigating the matter. The murder-for-hire case, involving an Indian official and Nikhil Gupta, created bilateral tensions. Verma also praised India's role in securing the Red Sea, emphasizing the need for increased trade and security cooperation. The overall India-US relationship is surging forward, addressing complexities and shared responsibilities.

India extends its submarine rescue capabilities to friendly nations during the 'Milan 2024' Navy exercise. With only six nations globally possessing Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles (DSRVs), India's move aims to strengthen influence. Keen interest from countries like Singapore, South Africa, and Japan noted. India's DSRVs, stationed on both coasts, demonstrate self-reliance, shaped at the Hindustan Shipyard. The ongoing exercise involves 50+ nations conducting advanced naval drills, fostering cooperation and maritime security.

Japan has pledged a 232.21-billion-yen ($1.55 billion) Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan for diverse projects in India, covering road connectivity, climate change, and horticulture. The funds will support crucial infrastructure ventures in North East India, including the Dhubri-Phulbari bridge and Chennai Peripheral Ring Road. Additionally, the loan aims to boost startup innovation in Telangana, sustainable horticulture in Haryana, and address climate change in Rajasthan. Notably, part of the funding will contribute to medical services in Nagaland and enhance urban water supply in Uttarakhand. The finance ministry confirmed these details, emphasizing Japan's commitment to India's development.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has stated, "The current relationship with Moscow is based on a stable and always very friendly relationship with Russia," during an interview with German newspaper Handelsblatt. He emphasized that Russia has never violated India's interests, despite its military aggression in Ukraine, and highlighted the stable nature of the bilateral ties. Jaishankar further explained, "The people I talk to today understand that you can’t completely ignore one part of a relationship." The diplomat also defended India's decision to buy Russian oil, stating, "If I am smart enough to have multiple options, you should be admiring me."