Asia

China tightens grip on Tibetan monk after prison release

A Tibetan monk from Kirti Monastery continues to face intrusive state monitoring even after being released early from prison, highlighting what rights groups describe as China's sustained repression of religious freedom in Tibet, as reported by Phayul.

2026-02-18T14:58:38.549021+00:00 IST

PM Modi welcomes World Leaders at Bharat Mandapam

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday warmly welcomed several world leaders at Bharat Mandapam, as the global leaders in tech and policymaking on Artificial Intelligence (AI) converged in the national capital for the ongoing India AI Impact Summit 2026.

2026-02-18T14:49:19.683080+00:00 IST

PM Modi holds talks with Bhutan PM on AI Summit sidelines

PM Modi described the meeting as "outstanding," stating that India-Bhutan friendship continues to expand into new and transformative domains.

2026-02-18T14:47:22.327531+00:00 IST

UAE Crown Prince arrives in Delhi for AI Impact Summit

Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal said that India and USE are working to advance AI.

2026-02-18T14:44:58.290446+00:00 IST

European Legal Gateway a bridge between societies: EAM

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony of the office, EAM Jaishankar highlighted the broader context of global economic transformation, noting the need for countries to manage talent flows while ensuring legality, transparency, and fairness.

2026-02-18T14:31:50.541013+00:00 IST

IMF's Kristalina Georgieva arrives in Delhi for AI Impact Summit

Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal said that India values its close engagement with the IMF.

2026-02-18T14:26:35.160313+00:00 IST

Afghanistan releases 3 Pak soldiers to Saudi officials on Ramadan

Deputy Spokesperson of Afghanistan Hamdullah Fitrat announced that those soldiers were captured on October 12, 2025, during clashes with Pakistan.

2026-02-18T14:18:49.082415+00:00 IST

EU launches first-ever 'Legal Gateway' office in India

The European Union inaugurated the first European Legal Gateway Office in New Delhi. The initiative will support safe and legal mobility of Indian ICT students and professionals to EU Member States, provide information on skills requirements, and strengthen India-EU cooperation on talent, education, and employment opportunities.

2026-02-18T13:01:50.512604+00:00 IST

USISPF hosts US Amb Gor to discuss AI

The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) on Wednesday hosted US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, for a high-level closed-door luncheon at the India AI Impact Summit 2026.

2026-02-18T12:57:06.431068+00:00 IST

Traders protest as admin overreach, road chaos cripple Rawalpindi

The protest was organised by the Rawalpindi Central Traders Association in response to what shopkeepers described as relentless crackdowns by multiple provincial and district authorities, as reported by Dawn.

2026-02-18T12:40:37.267417+00:00 IST

“India should focus on applied AI”: Kore.ai CEO Raj Koneru

Kore.ai CEO Raj Koneru told ANI that India should prioritise "applied AI" over creating expensive models. He dismissed job-loss fears, asserting that people will adapt by learning new skills. Koneru emphasised that India's vast human potential makes it uniquely suited to lead the global AI revolution.

2026-02-18T12:29:01.699428+00:00 IST

Kenya eyes AI, critical minerals partnership with India

Kenya on Wednesday called for enhanced collaboration with India in artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductor manufacturing and critical mineral development, highlighting the growing momentum of South-South cooperation at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in the national capital.

2026-02-18T12:28:41.650669+00:00 IST

“Namaste, India!”: Brazilian President Lula after his arrival

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Wednesday greeted India with a warm "Namaste" upon his arrival for a state visit to the country, stating that his visit carries an important agenda focused on strengthening bilateral ties and discussing the future of artificial intelligence globally.

2026-02-18T12:07:38.845032+00:00 IST

India, France share “same objective” on AI innovation: Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday said that India and France share the "same objective" on artificial intelligence (AI) innovation and do not want to be "totally dependent" on US and Chinese models, emphasising the need for a balanced and sovereign approach to emerging technologies.

2026-02-18T11:57:59.129286+00:00 IST

PM Modi holds talks with Kazakhstan PM on strengthening partnersh

PM Modi and Bektenov discussed ways to strengthen strategic partnership.

2026-02-18T11:49:59.501375+00:00 IST

Philippines DICT chief eyes India tech partnership

Philippines DICT Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda called for closer technology and bilateral ties with India at the India AI Impact Summit 2026. He highlighted the Philippines' strategic location, potential for tech partnerships, and strong cultural links, noting the significant Indian diaspora in his country.

2026-02-18T11:47:47.670355+00:00 IST

'India can leverage US innovation to build AI tools for citizens'

Sriram Krishnan, Senior White House Policy Advisor on Artificial Intelligence stressed on partnerships with India to leverage US innovation to build tools for Indian citizens.

2026-02-18T11:26:18.181729+00:00 IST

UN Secy General arrives in Delhi for AI Summit

Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal said the visit will further strengthen India's partnership with the UN.

2026-02-18T11:15:02.467905+00:00 IST

Macron eases visa process for Indian Students

Speaking at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) campus, President Macron underlined France's commitment to strengthening educational ties with India and significantly increasing student mobility between the two countries.

2026-02-18T11:05:13.385293+00:00 IST

Brazilian President Lula arrives in India on state visit

In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the Brazilian President was warmly received upon arrival by Minister of State in the MEA Pabitra Margherita, marking the beginning of his official engagements in the national capital

2026-02-18T10:43:38.504668+00:00 IST

Hillary Clinton hails India’s climate innovation at Mumbai Week

Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton praised India as a key climate innovator during a fireside chat at Mumbai Climate Week. She urged building models locally, scaling innovations, and using philanthropy to tackle systemic issues while pushing public-private collaboration for urgent climate action.

2026-02-18T10:39:09.153295+00:00 IST