French President Emmanuel Macron will visit India February 17-19 at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation, the MEA announced Tuesday. The leaders will hold bilateral talks in Mumbai on February 17, discussing the Horizon-2047 roadmap marking a long-term framework adopted in 2023 steering ties through India's Independence centenary, 100 years of diplomatic relations, and 50 years of strategic partnership. They'll jointly inaugurate the India-France Year of Innovation, strengthening collaboration in AI, digital infrastructure, space, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. Macron participates in New Delhi's AI Impact Summit on February 19. Discussions will cover Indo-Pacific cooperation, defence, security, and emerging technologies. France supports India's UN Security Council permanent membership bid and partners in defence modernization. (PC: X)

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer identifies India as a critical "waystation" for American companies exiting China, though emphasizing domestic manufacturing remains Washington's priority. Speaking to Fox News, Greer acknowledged India's vast workforce and growing manufacturing capacity make it vital for diversifying global production amid US-China decoupling efforts. However, he stressed reciprocity, insisting the relationship remain a "two-way street" benefiting American workers and exports. The remarks reflect Washington's "China Plus One" strategy, where India serves as a preferred secondary hub while America rebuilds its industrial base. India's "Make in India" initiative and Production Linked Incentive schemes align with US supply chain security goals, positioning India as a regulated partner in achieving economic resilience. (PC: X/@ANI)

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif delivered a scathing parliamentary address, accusing the US of exploiting Pakistan "worse than toilet paper" before discarding it. He condemned Pakistan's post-1999 realignment with Washington over Afghanistan, calling it disastrous. Asif rejected official narratives claiming religious duty drove Pakistan's Afghan involvement, asserting the anti-Soviet war served American geopolitical interests, not genuine jihad. He blamed military rulers Zia-ul-Haq and Pervez Musharraf for entangling Pakistan in external conflicts whose consequences remain devastating. After 9/11, Pakistan turned against the Taliban supporting US counter-terrorism efforts, only to face continued violence, radicalization, and economic strain after Washington's withdrawal. Asif declared these "irreversible mistakes" left Pakistan bearing uncompensated losses as a discarded pawn.

US Customs and Border Protection officially notified removal of the additional 25% tariff on Indian goods effective February 7, 2026, following President Trump's executive order. The department confirmed duties eliminated for products entering consumption or withdrawn from warehouse from that date. This follows the India-US trade deal reducing tariffs from 50% to 18%. The August 2025 tariff penalty over Russian oil purchases has been lifted, though reciprocal tariffs remain. Trump's order claims India committed to stopping Russian oil purchases and increasing US energy imports, though India hasn't confirmed this. The framework includes India reducing tariffs on US industrial, food, and agricultural products. (PC: X)

China expressed understanding and respect for India's United Nations Security Council permanent membership aspirations during high-level strategic talks in New Delhi on February 10, 2026. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and China's Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu led discussions emphasizing border peace as essential for bilateral progress. Both sides reviewed stabilization measures following prolonged tensions and committed to implementing leadership guidance on trade issues from strategic perspectives. India highlighted successful Kailash Mansarovar Yatra resumption, seeking expansion, while both nations agreed to expedite Air Services Agreement updates and enhance people-to-people exchanges. China pledged support for India's BRICS Summit hosting during its chairship, marking improved multilateral cooperation. (PC: X)

India's trade community expresses concern over the new US-Bangladesh trade agreement, fearing intensified export competition, particularly in textiles and apparel. Bangladesh secured 19% reciprocal tariffs on broad exports plus zero-tariff access for garments using US cotton and fibers, potentially undercutting Indian products in America's market. This could disrupt India's cotton supply chain to Bangladesh, as Dhaka may prioritize US cotton for preferential access. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the arrangement, claiming India's advantage in textile exports has vanished. While India negotiated an 18% tariff rate, Bangladesh's zero-duty provisions for specific textiles shift competitive dynamics. Trade experts await implementation details to assess full impact on regional supply chains. (PC: ANI)

Bangladesh's opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), frontrunner in February 12 elections, demands former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's extradition from India while simultaneously promoting cooperative neighbor relations. Hasina has resided in India since August 2024 after mass protests forced her resignation; Bangladesh convicted her in absentia for crimes against humanity, sentencing her to death. BNP's manifesto adopts "Bangladesh First" philosophy, calling for equality-based ties with neighbors and addressing India-related issues: fair water sharing from transboundary rivers and preventing border killings. The party promises minority protection, including increased Hindu welfare funding. India hasn't committed to extradition, citing legal processes and treaty provisions allowing refusal for political offenses and death penalty cases. (PC: X)

The United States and India will work in the coming weeks to finalise an interim trade agreement, aiming to later conclude a full Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), the White House said in a fact sheet. The interim pact, part of a recently announced framework, is intended to boost reciprocal, mutually beneficial trade and strengthen economic ties. Talks will continue on key issues such as services, investment, labour and government procurement while both sides address remaining trade barriers. This step marks progress in US‑India negotiations toward deeper economic cooperation. (PC: PTI)

A new white paper released in London says Indian migrants make a major contribution to the UK economy and public services. The study was prepared by Here & Now 365 with the Aston India Centre at Aston University. It reviews four waves of Indian migration since India’s independence. The report says early migrants filled labour shortages after World War II and supported core services. Later groups built businesses and entered skilled professions. It estimates Indian-born professionals account for about 15% of the UK technology workforce. The paper says the Indian diaspora is “woven into the UK’s growth story” through health, skills, and innovation. (PC: NDTV)

India’s interim trade deal with the United States is likely to take effect next week, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said. The deal will start after the White House signs an executive order. Under the agreement, US tariffs on Indian goods will drop from 50% to 18%. Goyal said this will improve access for Indian products in the US market. Nearly half of India’s exports may face zero duty. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer is expected to visit New Delhi in March to sign the final legal document. The deal aims to reduce trade barriers and support exporters.