Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is visiting India to repair ties and boost trade. Relations had worsened after Canada accused India of involvement in a Sikh leader’s killing in 2023. India denied the charge. Now, both sides want to move forward. Carney aims to reduce Canada’s trade dependence on the United States. Talks will focus on energy, technology and defence. A possible uranium supply deal is also expected. For Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the visit strengthens India’s global position. With US tariffs affecting both nations, Canada and India see new economic opportunities in rebuilding their partnership. (PC: AFP Via Getty Images)

The United States and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on Saturday. Loud explosions were heard in Tehran. Israel called it a preemptive attack. US President Donald Trump confirmed major combat operations. Iran fired missiles at US bases and Israel in response. Tehran told the United Nations it will keep striking until the attacks stop. At least 15 people were killed in a strike in southern Iran. Air India cancelled several international flights. The US urged commercial ships to avoid the Gulf. India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to Israeli and Iranian leaders and called for dialogue and de-escalation.

India on Saturday urged all sides to step back after US-Israel strikes on Iran increased tensions in West Asia. The Ministry of External Affairs said, “India is deeply concerned at the recent developments in Iran and the Gulf region.” It added, “We urge all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritise the safety of civilians.”   India said dialogue and diplomacy are the only way to reduce tensions. It also stressed that sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be respected under international law and the UN Charter.   Indian missions in Gulf countries issued advisories asking citizens to remain alert and follow local safety guidance. (PC: India Today)

India on Saturday reacted to the US-Israel strikes on Iran and urged all sides to remain calm. The Ministry of External Affairs said, “India is deeply concerned at the recent developments in Iran and the Gulf region.” It added, “We urge all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritise the safety of civilians.”   The statement said dialogue and diplomacy should be used to reduce tensions. It also stressed that sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected.   The MEA said Indian missions are in touch with nationals in the region. Advisories have been issued asking them to remain vigilant and follow local security guidance. (PC: HT)

An Indian national in Bahrain said he heard a siren followed by six to seven blasts after Iran targeted a US naval base in the country.   Asif, an IT worker from Haryana, said they received a government alert around 11.30 am asking people to take shelter. “Within 10–15 minutes, we heard a loud explosion,” he said. Soon after, lifts stopped and residents were told to use stairs and evacuate.   “I heard six or seven blasts. Most were intercepted,” he added.   Shops closed early and flights were suspended. He urged the Indian government to evacuate those who want to return. (PC: India Today)

An Air India flight from Delhi to Tel Aviv (AI139) was forced to **turn back mid-air and divert to Mumbai after Israel shut its airspace following military strikes on Iran on February 28, 2026. The airline said the decision prioritised passenger and crew safety amid the escalating conflict and closures affecting flights in the region. IndiGo and other carriers are also monitoring conditions closely and advising passengers to check flight statuses as disruptions continue due to the security situation. The closures come amid heightened tensions after joint US-Israel actions against Iran. (PC: Air India)

In Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, two men convicted of murdering a man by running him over were sentenced to life imprisonment by Additional District and Sessions Judge Nijendra Kumar. Moments after the verdict, the convicts threatened the judge, telling him they knew his address and village and warning they would harm him, officials said. The chilling threat inside the courtroom has raised serious concerns about judicial safety and courtroom decorum. Police and court authorities are now reviewing security measures for the judge and taking the incident seriously. The victim, Pukhraj, was killed in the Dhampur area in 2024.

Japan has pledged support for infrastructure and connectivity projects that will link Northeast India to the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean, Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister Horii Iwao said during the KIZUNA‑6 India–Japan Intellectual Conclave. He emphasised Tokyo’s commitment to boosting regional integration and development under the broader India–Japan strategic partnership, including encouraging private‑sector cooperation in economic and clean energy sectors. The initiative aims to strengthen transport and trade links from landlocked northeastern states toward maritime routes, enhancing economic opportunities and strategic ties in the Indo‑Pacific. Japan also stressed people‑to‑people cooperation and sustainable growth. 

Campaigners have taken a petition with over 20,000 signatures to Buckingham Palace urging King Charles to prevent the closure of Veeraswamy, the UK's oldest surviving Indian restaurant, founded in March 1926 on Regent Street. The Crown Estate, which manages the Grade II-listed Victory House, declined to renew the restaurant's lease citing plans for comprehensive modernisation. Co-owner Ranjit Mathrani called the decision "short-sighted," saying "100 years of history is being relegated to the dustbin." Celebrity chefs Raymond Blanc, Michel Roux and Richard Corrigan signed the petition. Veeraswamy, which received a Michelin star in 2016 and catered twice at Buckingham Palace, described itself as a "symbol of Indo-British cultural connections."

India and the European Union have agreed on a five-year Most Favoured Nation status as part of their landmark Free Trade Agreement, confirmed in a draft released Friday. Under the deal, 93% of Indian exports will enter the 27-nation EU bloc duty-free, while EU luxury cars face reduced import tariffs potentially dropping from 110% to 40%, eventually reaching 10%. The agreement unites the world's fourth-largest economy with the second-largest economic bloc, forming a combined market of 2 billion people representing 25% of global GDP. Negotiations began in 2007, paused in 2013 and resumed in June 2022. The deal was formally announced on January 27 following marathon talks with PM Modi. (PC: India Today)