Asia

'India now necessary-to-have, not just nice-to-have': Dendias

Speaking at the India-EU Forum 2026, Dendias said that perceptions in Europe about India had evolved significantly over time.

2026-02-08T00:41:17.325698+00:00 IST

BNP's Tarique Rahman seeks votes for 'rebuilding Bangladesh'

Addressing a campaign rally at the Thakurgaon Government High School ground, Rahman said the Bangladesh Nationalist (BNP) aimed to reconstruct the country with the "support, love and strength" of the people.

2026-02-08T00:10:12.876397+00:00 IST

Pakistan: Imaan, Hadi challenge conviction in social media posts case before Islamabad HC

According to the report, the appeals seek to have the trial court's January 24 verdict, which sentenced the couple to a combined 17 years in prison on multiple charges, declared null and void.

2026-02-07T23:22:13.930845+00:00 IST

Indian subcontinent could be one of best choices for legal migration to Europe, says Greek Defence Minister

Speaking at the India-EU Forum 2026, Dendias said migration was a global, long-standing phenomenon that would continue, but stressed that Europe must develop a balanced, structured migration framework.

2026-02-07T23:07:12.929061+00:00 IST

Rising prices dominate Japan election as voters seek relief

According to the report, the election pits the Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi-led Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) coalition against the opposition Centrist Reform Alliance, with inflation and affordability shaping voter sentiment nationwide.

2026-02-07T21:35:51.312947+00:00 IST

Four Indian students attacked in Russia’s Ufa: Indian Embassy

The Indian embassy in Russia in a post on X, wrote, "An unfortunate incident of attack has occurred in Ufa. Several persons including four Indian students have been injured. The Embassy is in touch with the authorities and the officials from the Consulate in Kazan are on their way to Ufa to provide assistance to the injured students."

2026-02-07T21:26:55.522837+00:00 IST

UN report warns China is erasing Tibetan civilisation, identity

Reacting to the findings, members of the Tibetan exile community in Dharamshala said the UN report confirms what Tibetans have long been asserting about the situation inside Tibet.

2026-02-07T19:32:11.226836+00:00 IST

Consultation on religious freedom in South Asia flags institutional gaps; raises concerns over Pakistan, Bangladesh

The event featured in-depth discussions on the roles of institutions, justice delivery mechanisms, and the lived realities of religious minorities in South Asia. Speakers emphasised that while constitutional guarantees exist in countries such as Pakistan and Bangladesh, their effective implementation remains weak, particularly during periods of social and political unrest.

2026-02-07T18:54:48.642019+00:00 IST

Indian cultural traditions greet PM Modi in Malaysia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day Malaysia visit began on a note of warmth, culture and shared heritage on Saturday, as he was accorded an enthusiastic welcome by the Indian community and friends of India in Kuala Lumpur, marking the first day of his official engagements in the country.

2026-02-07T17:49:39.511286+00:00 IST

Japan leaders make final pitches ahead of lower house polls

As the general election for the lower house in Japan is scheduled to take place on Sunday, February 8, the political leaders in the country are making their final appeals to voters on Saturday, which will determine whether the country's first woman Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, secures a mandate for her policies and the newly formed ruling coalition framework, Kyodo News reported.

2026-02-07T17:48:36.006286+00:00 IST

India-EU Forum concludes in New Delhi

The inaugural India-EU Forum concluded in New Delhi on Friday after two days of wide-ranging discussions on strengthening cooperation between India and the European Union across trade, security, technology and geopolitical domains.

2026-02-07T17:10:01.414303+00:00 IST

Indo-Seychelles focus on maritime trade, blue economy

Key areas of focus for maritime trade include enhancing partnerships in ports and logistics, strengthening collaboration in renewable energy and skills development, and leveraging historical connections and cultural exchanges through people-to-people ties.

2026-02-07T16:42:57.184434+00:00 IST

PM Modi celebrates India–Malaysia bonds, diaspora strength

The Prime Minister, who is currently on a two-day visit to the Southeast Asian Nation at the invitation of his Malaysian counterpart Ibrahim Anwar, also witnessed a show for himself as the community event blended traditional Indian elements along with a Malaysian touch that highlighted the rich cultural ties between the two nations.

2026-02-07T16:15:27.973136+00:00 IST

PM Modi announces new Indian consulate in Malaysia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced that a new Indian consulate will soon be opened in Malaysia, further strengthening ties between the two countries, while also lauding the Union government's "historic decision" to extend Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card eligibility to Malaysian citizens of Indian origin, last year, up to the sixth generation.

2026-02-07T15:21:47.731830+00:00 IST

‘Euphoric’ Indian diaspora in Malaysia welcomes PM Modi

Primas Deputy President C Krishnan said, "Both countries have a long history. After PM Modi became the Prime Minister, this relationship has grown by leaps and bounds. We, as Malaysian Indians, see that our relationship is far better now. We find it much easier to travel to India than before. Many hurdles have been made easier. We are proud and happy to see this event. Although he is the Indian Prime Minister, we felt like he is one of our own."

2026-02-07T14:26:40.364033+00:00 IST

NSCBICC stuns with record-setting Indian dance for PM Modi

Under the banner of the Indian Community Cultural Committee, around 800 dancers performed a single, continuous five-minute choreographed piece, showcasing a wide variety of Indian classical and folk dance forms.

2026-02-07T13:49:25.135361+00:00 IST

"Excited, thankful, appreciative" PM Ibrahim calls PM Modi friend

Addressing the Indian Diaspora, he said, "I am personally very excited, very thankful, very appreciative, that I have a great friend from India joining us in Malaysia. This gathering recognises something deep and enduring between the two nations. Long before there were embassies and trade agreements, long before there were nation-states, traders, scholars, and sailors, across the Indian Ocean between the Indian Subcontinent and the Malay Archipelago, consider the Baliyatra, one of the oldest maritime commemorations observed in India. Prime Minister Modi ji, let me assure you that when Malaysia embarked on building a great nation from its diversity, the Indian community, my brothers and sisters, was an integral partner in that journey."

2026-02-07T13:36:56.343910+00:00 IST

Energy diversification key to India’s energy security: MEA

Following claims made by the White House that India has "committed to stop directly or indirectly importing" oil from Russia, as per the interim framework between the US and India trade agreement, the Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday reiterated its stance on the issue, noting that diversifying energy sourcing in line with objective market conditions and evolving international dynamics remains central to India's strategy to ensure energy security for its population of 1.4 billion.

2026-02-07T13:12:26.685041+00:00 IST

China tightens curbs on Tibetan religious life

Notices stating "Children under 18 are not allowed in the monastery" were reportedly posted at the monastery entrance in Kham, indicating stricter enforcement of long-standing regulations restricting minors' involvement in religious life, according to Phayul.

2026-02-07T13:11:28.682600+00:00 IST

India’s trade deals make trust its strongest currency: PM Modi

Highlighting India's rising global economic stature, citing the country's trade deals with major partners, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that trust has become India's "strongest currency" in the global landscape.

2026-02-07T13:09:08.646954+00:00 IST

Former Bangladesh minister Ramesh Chandra Sen dies in custody

His death, coming just days before the nation's scheduled general election on February 12, 2026, has intensified scrutiny of the treatment of detained politicians and accusations of custodial neglect.

2026-02-07T13:08:06.009320+00:00 IST