European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said a successful India makes the world “stable, prosperous and secure.” She made the remark during India’s Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi. She attended the parade with European Council President António Costa.   Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it was a privilege to host the EU leaders. He said their visit showed the growing strength of India–EU ties.   Von der Leyen is on a three-day visit to India. Talks are expected to conclude the long-pending India–European Union free trade agreement. She earlier called it a “historic” deal at the World Economic Forum. 

The United Arab Emirates has backed out of a plan to operate Islamabad International Airport after its president’s surprise visit to India. Pakistani media said the UAE lost interest in the project and did not name a local partner. Talks on the deal had been underway since August 2025.   The move comes as India-UAE ties continue to grow. During the visit, the UAE president approved the release of 900 Indian prisoners. This was seen as a goodwill gesture.   India and the UAE also agreed to deepen defence cooperation. A new defence framework is now planned. Observers say the decision reflects shifting regional ties and a decline in confidence in Pakistan’s infrastructure and governance. (PC: AFP)

India and the European Union have concluded talks on their Free Trade Agreement. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said the deal is balanced and forward-looking. Legal checks of the final text are now underway. The aim is to complete the process and sign the pact at an early date.   The agreement is expected to boost trade and investment between India and the EU. Officials said the deal could be signed later this year and may come into force early next year.   European leaders visited New Delhi for the Republic Day parade and the India-EU Summit. The government said this reflects growing ties between India and the EU. (PC: PMO)

Indian-origin households are the wealthiest among ethnic groups in the UK, while Pakistani households remain among the poorest, according to a study by the London School of Economics. The report shows median wealth for Indian households rose by more than £93,000 over the past decade. It increased from about £113,000 in 2012–14 to nearly £206,000 in 2021–23. Pakistani households saw much lower wealth levels and weaker growth during the same period. The study also found Indian households were most likely to earn high weekly incomes above £1,000 and £2,000. Pakistani households had a higher share in low income groups. The findings are based on official UK household survey data. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump extended Republic Day greetings to India, calling the two countries partners linked by a “historic bond” despite ongoing trade and policy disputes. In a message shared by the US embassy in New Delhi, Trump highlighted shared democratic values between the United States and India. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also marked the occasion, stressing growing cooperation in defence, energy, critical minerals and emerging technologies. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor attended the Republic Day parade in New Delhi and pointed to US-made aircraft in the flypast as a sign of close strategic ties. The messages came amid strained relations due to tariffs and stalled trade talks. (PC: India Today)

A new study by the London School of Economics shows widening wealth gaps among ethnic groups in the UK. The report found that median household wealth rose sharply for Indian-origin people since 2012, alongside gains among white British households. In contrast, wealth among people of Pakistani origin declined significantly over the same period. Several other minority groups, including black African, black Caribbean and Bangladeshi households, reported very low accumulated wealth. The study used data from the UK Household Longitudinal Survey between 2012/14 and 2021/23. It also found that UK-born Indians hold higher wealth than non-UK-born Indians and white British adults, driven mainly by home ownership and investments. (PC: Moneycontrol)

The United Arab Emirates has dropped its proposal to operate Islamabad International Airport, dealing a setback to Pakistan. The plan had been under discussion since August 2025. Pakistani daily The Express Tribune reported that the UAE could not finalise a local partner to manage airport operations. The decision came soon after UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s brief visit to New Delhi, where India and the UAE advanced defence cooperation. While no official political reason was cited, the move comes amid shifting Gulf ties and Pakistan’s efforts to deepen defence links with Saudi Arabia. The withdrawal signals reduced confidence in Pakistan’s aviation and governance framework. (PC: HT)

India marked its 77th Republic Day with a grand parade at Kartavya Path, blending cultural heritage with modern defence strength. The event honoured 150 years of Vande Mataram, with artistic displays reflecting the national song’s role in the freedom movement. President Droupadi Murmu took the salute, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa attended as chief guests. Cultural performances highlighted unity in diversity. The parade showcased military modernisation through a tri-services tableau titled “Operation Sindoor,” featuring coordinated Army, Navy and Air Force operations. The celebrations ended with a flypast by 29 aircraft, including Rafale and Su-30 fighters. (PC: X)

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said a successful India makes the world more stable, prosperous and secure, during her Republic Day visit to New Delhi. She attended the 77th Republic Day parade as chief guest along with European Council President Antonio Costa. Her visit comes as India and the European Union move closer to finalising a long-pending free trade agreement. Talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi are set for January 27. The EU is India’s largest trading partner, with goods trade worth USD 135 billion in FY 2023–24. Under the proposed pact, India may sharply cut import duties on European cars, signalling deeper economic cooperation. (PC: India Today)

Chinese President Xi Jinping extended Republic Day greetings to President Droupadi Murmu, calling China and India "good neighbours, friends and partners" while emphasizing the significance of bilateral relations for global peace and prosperity. Xi used the metaphor "dragon and elephant dancing together" and expressed hopes for expanded cooperation and mutual concern resolution to promote healthy, stable relations. This comes as the nuclear-armed neighbors, who share a disputed 3,800 km Himalayan border, continue improving ties following the deadly 2020 clash that killed 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers. Both nations have recently increased engagement through high-level visits, resumed direct flights in 2025, and stepped up trade amid Trump's combative foreign policy. (PC: X)