It has been four years since Russia began its large-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Russian President Vladimir Putin had announced a “special operation,” which many believed would be short and end with Kyiv’s fall.   Instead, the war continues. European leaders travelled to Kyiv on Tuesday to show support for President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Ukrainian people.   Putin met senior officials of the Federal Security Service (FSB) but did not mention the anniversary. He said threats against Russia had increased. “They absolutely must have the defeat of Russia,” he said.   France and the UK said allies remain committed to a “just and lasting peace” and urged Russia to agree to a full ceasefire. (PC: HT)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has proposed a new “hexagon” of alliances and named India as a key partner. He said the bloc would include Israel, India, Greece and Cyprus, along with some Arab, African and Asian nations.   Speaking at a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said the aim is to counter “the radical Shiite axis” and “the emerging radical Sunni axis.” He said these nations “see eye-to-eye on the reality, challenges, and goals.”   The plan comes days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel. The framework is expected to focus on security, defence and intelligence cooperation. (PC: India Today)

Ahead of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's upcoming visit to India, the Canadian government is actively moving to revoke the citizenship of Tahawwur Rana Hussain, a 64-year-old Pakistan-born Canadian national accused of playing a key role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Rana is a close associate of David Coleman Headley, alias Daood Gilani, one of the principal conspirators behind the devastating 26/11 attacks that claimed over 160 lives. The citizenship revocation move is widely seen as a significant diplomatic gesture by Ottawa toward New Delhi, signalling Canada's intent to repair its previously strained bilateral relationship with India ahead of Carney's high-profile state visit. (PC: AP)   

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is undertaking a two-day visit to Israel beginning Wednesday marking his second in nine years aimed at significantly strengthening bilateral defence, trade and strategic cooperation amid escalating US-Iran tensions in the Middle East. Modi will address Israel's parliament, hold comprehensive delegation-level talks with PM Benjamin Netanyahu focusing heavily on defence and security cooperation, and meet President Isaac Herzog. Key agenda items include exploring integration of Israel's Iron Dome technology into India's indigenous "Sudarshan Chakra" air defence system, advancing Free Trade Agreement negotiations, and reviewing the Bilateral Investment Agreement signed in September. Netanyahu will host a private dinner for Modi on Wednesday. Over 20,000 Indians currently work in Israel. (PC: X/@netanyahu)

Harman Singh Kapoor, owner of the Indian restaurant 'Rangrez' in Hammersmith, London, has announced its closure after 16 years, citing repeated "disturbances and attacks by Pakistanis," rising operational costs, sustained online harassment and inadequate support from the Metropolitan Police. Announcing the closure on X, Kapoor vowed to intensify his activism, warning radicals that disrupting his business would not break his resolve. The restaurant had previously faced controversy in March 2023 when Kapoor alleged a Khalistani attack following his TikTok videos criticising the Khalistan movement and mocking radical preacher Amritpal Singh. Kapoor had expressed nuanced views on Khalistan, condemning the violent approach while not entirely rejecting the concept itself.

CNN-News18 has exclusively accessed a video of Saifullah Kasuri, deputy chief of Lashkar-e-Taiba and alleged mastermind of the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack, issuing direct threats of a 26/11-style maritime attack against India. Kasuri claimed Pakistan "dominated the air in 2025" and will "dominate the sea in 2026," warning of no safe space for India across land, air or sea. He accused India of "water terrorism," threatened Hindu religious sites including temples, and warned that pressure on Kashmir would trigger unrest in Balochistan. Intelligence sources interpret these statements as advance warning of a potential Arabian Sea terror operation. Kasuri also openly acknowledged continued coordination with Pakistan's army and ISI. (PC: X)

India is considering buying Russian Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets to strengthen its Air Force. Sources said the Air Force may order around 40 aircraft. The Su-57 comes with advanced stealth features and radar-evading design. It can carry out air-to-air and air-to-surface missions. Officials say modern air warfare now depends more on detection than dogfights. The talks come after Operation Sindoor and rising regional threats. China has deployed J-20 stealth fighters, which may support Pakistan. India is also developing its own Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft. The first flight is expected by 2028 or 2029, with induction around 2035.

A 22-year-old Indian national has been removed from Canada over alleged links to extortion activities. Surrey Police Service said Lovebir Singh was identified in early 2026. He had been in Canada since 2023. Police shared details with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). After an immigration probe, he was deported. Officials believe he was sent back to India. Authorities released his photo to seek more information. Canada removed over 22,000 inadmissible persons last year, a record high. In the first ten months of 2025, 2,831 Indians were removed. Investigations into extortion networks are ongoing. (PC: AP)

A photo published by The Irish Times showing students outside the Speir student pantry at the University of Galway has sparked racist abuse online against Indians in Ireland. The report highlighted the growing cost-of-living crisis and rising demand for food support. It did not mention the nationality of students using the pantry. However, some social media users focused on South Asian faces in the image. One user wrote, “Deport Indians,” while others made similar remarks. The backlash comes amid recent attacks on Indians in Ireland. The Indian Embassy has urged citizens to remain cautious and take safety precautions.

India has issued an urgent advisory asking all its nationals in Iran including students, pilgrims, businesspersons and tourists to leave immediately via available commercial means, citing the "evolving situation" in West Asia. The Indian Embassy in Tehran reinforced earlier January advisories, urging citizens to carry travel documents, avoid protests, and register with the embassy. Families in India were also asked to assist in registration amid potential internet disruptions. The advisory coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to Israel on February 25-26, his first since 2017. Israeli PM Netanyahu called the visit significant amid ongoing Oman-mediated US-Iran nuclear talks and heightened regional security concerns.