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.

Indian oil refiners, including Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Reliance Industries, are avoiding purchases of Russian crude for April delivery to support New Delhi’s effort to finalize a trade agreement with the United States by March that would lower tariffs and deepen economic cooperation. These firms have declined trader offers for Russian oil in March and April, although some previously scheduled March deliveries remain. India’s imports of Russian oil have already fallen sharply from 2025 peaks, driven partly by diversification to other suppliers and geopolitical pressures. A key private buyer, Nayara, won’t import Russian crude in April due to maintenance. (PC: Reuters)

India and Greece are bolstering bilateral defence cooperation as Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias visited New Delhi for high-level talks with India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, focusing on expanding military and security collaboration between the two countries. The discussions covered regional and international security developments, defence-industrial cooperation, and strategic alignment between the Indo-Pacific and Mediterranean regions. Dendias has also emphasised India’s growing importance as an indispensable partner for Europe and support for closer economic and security ties, including backing the proposed EU-India Free Trade Agreement. The visit reinforces the ongoing strengthening of India–Greece strategic relations. (PC: The Hindu)

India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval held talks with his Canadian counterpart Nathalie Drouin during a two-day visit to Canada. Officials said the meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation on the safety of citizens in both countries. The talks focused on intelligence sharing, law enforcement coordination, and action against violent extremist groups, including Khalistani-linked networks. Both sides agreed on a joint work plan covering drugs, cyber threats, and organised crime. India and Canada will also post security and law-enforcement liaison officers. Officials said the discussions marked a step toward rebuilding trust and improving coordination on public safety issues. (PC: X)

The Congress party has strongly criticised Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over a now-deleted social media video that showed him firing at framed photos, including one of Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi wearing a skullcap. The clip was first posted by the state BJP handle with the caption “Point blank shot” and was later removed after backlash. Congress leader KC Venugopal called it “a call to genocide” and said the video spreads hate and fear. The party said the post “glorifies targeted violence against minorities” and asked for strict action. The BJP has not issued a detailed public response so far. (PC: X)

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said Hindus in Bangladesh would receive support from Hindus worldwide if they choose to stay and fight for their rights. He was speaking at an RSS centenary lecture event in Mumbai. Bhagwat said, “There are about 1.25 crore Hindus in Bangladesh. If they decide to stay there and fight, all Hindus across the world will help them.” He also spoke about population change and illegal immigration in India, saying earlier governments did not act enough. He said the RSS does not depend on corporate funds and raises support from its workers. He added that the organisation does not discriminate by caste in leadership roles. (PC: NDTV)

A 15-year-old boy who entered a medical college hostel in Ufa, Russia, and stabbed several students, including four Indians, had links to a neo-Nazi group, local media reported. The Baza channel claimed he belonged to the banned NS/WP organisation and shouted Holocaust-related slogans during the attack. It also shared an image showing a swastika drawn on a wall with victims’ blood. Another newspaper, Izvestia, reported the suspect held neo-Nazi views. Russia’s Interior Ministry said the attacker injured two police officers while resisting arrest and also harmed himself. Authorities have not confirmed the motive. The Indian Embassy said it is assisting the injured students. (PC: India Today)