Following recent trade tensions, former U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that India has agreed to reduce tariffs on American products, although the Modi government has stated that discussions are still ongoing.

White House Press Secretary Carolyn Levitt highlighted that India imposes a 150% tariff on American liquor, calling it unfair. She also pointed out India’s additional 100% tariff on agricultural products. Levitt emphasized that Trump believes in mutual cooperation and aims for a fair and balanced trade relationship between the two nations.

Canada’s Minister Ahmed Hussen has announced over $270 million in new funding for foreign aid projects in Bangladesh and the Indo-Pacific region. He emphasized Canada’s long-standing ties with the region and its commitment to strengthening those bonds. The funding will be allocated to 14 projects aimed at healthcare for vulnerable populations, women’s empowerment, and combating climate change. In addition to Canada’s contributions, other international donors and partners are also involved in the funding efforts.

Russia has sought the assistance of Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus, to ensure the continuation of state-owned Gazprom International’s gas exploration activities in the country. In 2023, Gazprom identified five new drilling sites in Bhola. Yunus praised Gazprom’s preparations and assured that the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources is committed to supporting the initiative. Meanwhile, Bangladesh has become Russia’s second-largest wheat importer after Egypt. Russia’s ambassador also expressed interest in fertilizer supply and the export of Bangladeshi human resources.

The United States denied entry to Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, K.K. Ahsan Wagan, at the airport despite his valid visa and travel documents. He was detained by immigration officials in Los Angeles during a personal visit, with the authorities raising concerns over a ‘controversial visa reference’. Questions were also raised about his diplomatic protocols, though the exact details of the matter remain unclear. The Pakistani Foreign Ministry has confirmed that Wagan was on a personal visit and stated that a thorough investigation is underway.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, stated that regardless of the political party in power, China will continue to strengthen its relationship with Bangladesh. He expressed that the upcoming visit of the Chief Adviser to China would enhance mutual understanding. The ambassador reaffirmed China’s consistent policy towards Bangladesh, noting that no changes would occur despite any international or internal shifts. He also highlighted that repatriating Rohingya refugees to Myanmar is the only solution, with China continuing its negotiations with Myanmar on the matter, while stressing the importance of a coordinated global response.

Gambia’s Foreign Minister Dr. Mamadou Tangara is set to arrive in Dhaka tonight for a three-day official visit. During his stay, he will meet with Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus and hold discussions with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain, Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, and Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin. One of the key agreements to be signed during the visit is a visa exemption deal for diplomatic and official passport holders of both countries.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus is strengthening Bangladesh’s international relations with planned visits to China, Thailand, and Japan between March and May. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is already preparing for Dr. Yunus’s visit to China, where he will hold crucial meetings with President Xi Jinping. In April, Thailand will host the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, requiring Dr. Yunus to travel immediately after returning from China. In May, he will attend the 30th Nikkei Future of Asia conference in Japan and hold a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

U.S. hostage affairs envoy Adam Boehler has drawn criticism from Israeli officials after stating that “the United States is not Israel’s agent” regarding negotiations with Hamas. Senior Israeli officials told the Times of Israel they were shocked by Boehler’s remarks. The statement came amid ongoing discussions mediated by Qatar and Egypt, focusing on securing the release of American hostages in Gaza. Boehler stressed that the ultimate goal remains the release of all captives.

Bangladesh and India have failed to reach an agreement on the water sharing of the Ganges River due to disputes over the Farakka Barrage. During the dry season, Bangladesh does not receive adequate water, while in the monsoon season, India releases water without prior notice, causing sudden floods. A two-day bilateral meeting was recently held, but no consensus was reached. Representatives from both countries measured the Ganges’ water flow at Farakka. On the first day, they discussed water sharing and signed the meeting minutes. However, discussions on border rivers on the second day ended without any signatures on the minutes.

During a meeting with Kuwait’s newly appointed ambassador, Ali Tunian Abdul Wahab Hamadah, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus invited Kuwait to invest in Bangladesh’s oil refinery sector and special economic zones. He emphasized the potential of halal food industries and urged Kuwaiti investors to explore opportunities in this field. He also encouraged participation in the upcoming Bangladesh Investment Summit in Dhaka, scheduled for April 7-9.

Steve Witkoff, Donald Trump’s envoy for Middle East affairs, will visit Doha on March 11 to engage in talks regarding a ceasefire in Gaza, as reported by Axios citing two U.S. officials. Witkoff aims to mediate a new hostage-release and ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Prior to his visit, Israeli and Hamas negotiators, along with representatives from Qatar and Egypt, are expected to convene in Doha on March 10 for preliminary discussions.

India’s Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, remarked that India has always sought to maintain strong ties with its neighbors, including Bangladesh. Referring to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he stated, “We may change our friends, but not our neighbors.” Despite concerns over law and order and the situation of minorities, which India has raised, Bangladesh media has dismissed them as exaggerated.

Former U.S. diplomat John F. Danilovich has stated that there were flaws in U.S. foreign policy during the One-Eleven period, as the U.S. government did not focus enough on institutional reforms at that time. He noted that the current interim government is learning from those mistakes.

Ambassador Milam added that they are working to raise awareness among the American public about Bangladesh’s democratic process. Over the past five years, the U.S. has provided financial support and continues to back these initiatives.

Danilovich also alleged that the League government had refused to issue him a visa. He further claimed that misleading information was being spread regarding U.S. military activities on Saint Martin’s Island to cover up corruption and irregularities. Additionally, he described Trump’s grant-related remarks as misleading.

The United States is set to close several consulates across Europe as part of a plan to reduce its workforce, according to multiple foreign officials cited by The Guardian on Thursday. The closures are expected to take place within the coming months. Initial reports suggest that consulates in several smaller cities, including Leipzig, Hamburg, and Düsseldorf in Germany, Bordeaux and Strasbourg in France, and Florence in Italy, could be shut down. However, the US government has not yet made an official decision. The Trump administration has stated that the closures are part of a broader strategy to reduce global staff levels.

Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia’s Permanent Representative in Vienna, stated that Israel has no right to comment on Iran’s peaceful nuclear program. When a BBC Persian journalist expressed doubts about Iran’s nuclear activities, Ulyanov firmly emphasized that Iran is a key neighbor and ally of Russia. He further clarified that even if Iran’s uranium enrichment program reaches 90%, it remains entirely peaceful.