India and France have agreed to build 3 more Scorpene-class submarines in Mumbai. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed the deal during Modi’s visit to France. India already operates six Scorpene submarines, with the latest featuring Indian-made technology. The new submarines will have advanced features, including the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, allowing them to stay underwater longer. Both leaders also discussed cooperation on missiles, helicopters, and jet engines. Modi invited France to consider India’s Pinaka rocket system, strengthening defence ties further. The visit highlighted growing Indo-French military and technological collaboration.

A Singaporean woman of Indian descent has been in the news for her unconventional daily commute—flying to work in Malaysia instead of renting a house there. She contends that flights, when combined with transport costs, are less expensive than Malaysia's high rent. She went on social media to explain how airline prices, discount promotions, and clever planning make this an affordable alternative. Her story has sparked debate on the subject of the high cost of living and creative solutions to housing affordability costs. Her unconventional approach is a testament to the high cost of living for working professionals in large cities today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the ITER project in France, which aims to create a miniature Sun on Earth. ITER, the world’s largest fusion energy experiment, involves seven countries, including India. Modi inspected the reactor with French President Emmanuel Macron. India has invested ₹20,000 crore in the project and will gain full access to its technology. Scientists are working to generate clean energy by fusing atoms, similar to the Sun. The project is delayed but expected to be ready by 2035. Modi praised Indian scientists and engineers contributing to this global effort for a sustainable energy future.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron of France talked about how to take India-France relations forward in defence, civil nuclear cooperation, and space. They started a roadmap for cooperation in AI and launched the 'India-France Year of Innovation 2026'. The two leaders emphasized the need for UN Security Council reforms and agreed to strengthen trade, investment, and global cooperation, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. They also discussed nuclear energy, the Jaitapur project, and signed agreements on training and education on advanced nuclear reactors. France affirmed support for India's permanent membership of the UNSC.  

Denmark topped the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) as the world’s least corrupt nation, followed by Finland and Singapore. India dropped to 96th place from 93rd last year, scoring 38/100. Transparency International’s report ranked 180 countries based on perceived public sector corruption. South Asian neighbors fared poorly, with Pakistan at 135th and Bangladesh at 149th. The US fell to 28th place, while Russia’s score dropped due to its Ukraine invasion. Transparency International warned corruption hinders economic growth and democracy. Somalia and South Sudan remained the most corrupt, scoring below 10.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron inaugurated the Indian consulate in Marseille, strengthening India-France ties. They interacted with the Indian community, who welcomed them with dhols and flags. The leaders also visited Mazargues War Cemetery, paying tribute to Indian soldiers who fought in the World Wars. Modi recalled Veer Savarkar’s 1910 escape attempt from British custody in Marseille, thanking French activists of that era. His visit includes the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) site before heading to the US. The new consulate aims to enhance India-France diplomatic and people-to-people relations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, visiting Marseille, France, paid tribute to freedom fighter VD Savarkar’s 1910 escape attempt from a British ship. “The bravery of Veer Savarkar continues to inspire generations!” Modi posted on X. He also thanked French activists who opposed Savarkar’s extradition. Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron visited the Mazargues War Cemetery to honour Indian soldiers who died in World Wars. They also toured ITER, a nuclear fusion project. In Paris, Modi addressed an AI summit, stressing ethical AI development. “AI must be about people-centric applications,” he said.

President Donald Trump has paused enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), a law restricting U.S. companies from bribing foreign officials. Trump, critical of the FCPA, believes it harms American business interests. This move follows accusations from the Biden administration against India's Adani Group for allegedly bribing officials, which the group denies. Trump’s executive order directs a review of ongoing FCPA cases. Following the pause, Adani stocks surged. U.S. Congress members also criticized the Biden administration’s pursuit, claiming it jeopardized U.S.-India relations without national security justification.

Ahead of Prime Minister Modi's US visit, Mumbai Police received a terror threat on February 11, warning of a potential attack on his aircraft. The call, made to the police control room, prompted immediate investigation. The suspect, arrested from Chembur, is reportedly mentally ill. This is not the first such threat; similar warnings were received last December, including claims of a bomb plot involving alleged ISI agents. Authorities continue to investigate and ensure safety measures for the prime minister's travel. PM Modi is currently on a four-day official visit to France and the US.  

Prime Minister Modi is set to visit Washington for a 36-hour trip, where he will stay at Blair House, directly across from the White House. He will meet President Trump to discuss strategic issues, including trade and tariffs. The visit will feature six bilateral meetings, culminating in a private dinner. Notably, there will be no engagements with the US Congress due to the short duration. Despite differences over tariffs, both sides are expected to focus on larger strategic matters, with Modi becoming the fourth foreign leader to meet Trump since his re-election.