Asia

India, China discuss border peace, bilateral ties: MEA

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said that several key issues, including peace and tranquillity along the India-China border, were discussed during the India-China Strategic Dialogue held in the national capital between Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and China's Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu.

India reviewing US invitation to join Board of Peace: MEA

Addressing the weekly media brief, the MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that New Delhi has received a formal communication from Washington regarding participation in the Board and is currently examining the proposal.

Imran Khan’s son slams Pakistan govt over ex-PM’s health

The son of former Pakistani Prime Minister and founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan, Kasim Khan, on Thursday accused the Pakistan government and military leadership of responsibility for his father's deteriorating health, following reports noting that the ex-PM has lost most of the vision in his right eye due to prolonged solitary confinement and medical neglect.

Awami League leadership rejects Bangladesh national polls

The Awami League on Thursday rejected Bangladesh's 13th National Parliamentary Election, terming it "illegal" and one-sided, accusing the current interim government under the Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus of being "unconstitutional".

Bangladesh Polls: BNP confident, Jamaat hails vote amid lapse

People queued at polling stations nationwide for the 13th Parliamentary Election and constitutional referendum, with the two major political stakeholders, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance, making contrasting claims as polling concluded at 4:30 pm (local time).

India-AI Impact Summit to be guided by 3 Sutras, 7 Chakras

In a post on X, Jaiswal said the summit's overarching theme is "Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya Welfare for All, Happiness of All," reflecting India's vision of leveraging artificial intelligence for inclusive and sustainable development.

Nepal’s iconic Pashupatinath temple prepares for Maha Shivaratri

Decorations are being set up, saints and sadhus, including the Naga Baba, have camped in various locations around the temple. Structures have been painted white, with walls painted and sanitation maintained; the Pashupatinath Temple is bustling around the clock.

Sheikh Hasina slams National Polls in Bangladesh, calls it "well

The Awami League on Thursday strongly condemned the 13th National Parliamentary Election in Bangladesh, calling it a "well-planned farce" orchestrated by Chief Adviser of the interim government, Muhammad Yunus, and demanded the reinstatement of the party along with the release of political prisoners.

Brazilian President Lula to accompany 14 ministers, top CEOs

The accompanying ministers are expected to hold meetings with their Indian counterparts, while the top CEOs of Brazilian companies are expected to participate in a Business Forum being organised during the Brazilian President's visit, reflecting the growing trade and commercial engagements between India and Brazil.

US Ambassador Gor meets Foreign Secretary Misri

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Thursday met Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, highlighting the "many opportunities" for bilateral cooperation between the two countries following the conclusion of the framework for the India-US interim trade agreement.

"Taken on board India’s inputs....": MEA on UN report

The 37th Analytical and Support Sanctions Monitoring Team report acknowledges India's inputs on cross-border terrorism. The UN report linked Jaish-e-Mohammed to the Red Fort attack, claiming 15 lives, and noted the group's women-only wing, Jamaat ul-Muminat, aims to support terrorist attacks. India had flagged concerns about Jaish-e-Mohammed's activities.

Chief Adviser Yunus calls 13th polls start of “New Bangladesh"

As voting for the 13th Parliamentary Election and Constitutional Referendum concluded across 299 constituencies in Bangladesh on Thursday, Chief Adviser of the country's interim government Muhammad Yunus congratulated the nation for the peaceful and orderly conclusion of polls and referendum, calling it "the beginning of an unprecedented journey toward a new Bangladesh."

Israeli delegation to visit New Delhi this month

Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar on Thursday said that India and Israel are set to fast-track negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with a high-level Israeli delegation scheduled to arrive in New Delhi in late February.

India hands over 3rd tranche of election-related aid to Nepal

India on Thursday handed over the third tranche of election-related assistance to Nepal, including over 220 pickups and 50 trucks for the Nepali Army to ensure the smooth conduct of the upcoming March 5 election.

India, Canada agree to establish liaison officers for better information flow on security: MEA

"We did receive invitation to send Observers": MEA on Bangladesh

Despite receiving an official invitation from Dhaka to monitor the proceedings, India opted not to send official observers to avoid any perception of interference.

Bangladesh Polls: Voting concludes, counting underway

According to the Bangladesh Election Commission (EC), voting officially took place from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm (local time). However, officials clarified that individuals who had entered polling station premises before the close of voting were permitted to cast their ballots.

Brazilian President Lula to visit India from Feb 18-22: MEA

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will pay a state visit to India from February 18 to 22 and participate in the 2nd AI Summit to be held in the national capital from February 16 to 20.

Changes in US factsheet reflect shared understanding: MEA

Addressing a Weekly Media Briefing, MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, when asked about reported changes made in the White House Factsheet on the deal, said that the joint statement on the framework for the interim agreement remains the basis of mutual understanding between the two sides.

Nasreen flags Jamaat threat, says BNP faces tough road ahead

In a statement, Nasreen warned against what she described as the "Islamist threat" posed by Jamaat, while cautioning that the BNP would face "very serious challenges" if either of them came to power.