A far-right Hindu organization in India reportedly called for the expulsion and conversion of Muslims during a government-funded event in Delhi. According to a report by The Quint, the group organized the 'Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav' on December 13–14, 2025, with 6.3 million rupees allocated by the Ministry of Culture. Several central government ministers attended the event. The government stated that the funding was intended to mark the 150th anniversary of the nationalist song 'Vande Mataram'.

The incident has triggered widespread controversy in India. The Congress party strongly criticized the Ministry of Culture, alleging that hate speech targeting Muslims was delivered at the event. Congress also claimed that the Sanatan organization is linked to the killings of journalist Gauri Lankesh and scholar M. M. Kalburgi, cases currently under investigation by the Karnataka government.

Opposition parties have demanded accountability from the central and Delhi governments for financing an event that allegedly promoted anti-Muslim rhetoric. Reports indicate that multiple speakers at the taxpayer-funded gathering called for the eradication of India’s Muslim minority.

Bill Gates withdrew from India’s AI Impact Summit in New Delhi just hours before his scheduled keynote address on Thursday, February 19, citing a desire to keep the focus on the event’s priorities. His withdrawal, followed by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s cancellation, dealt another setback to a summit already facing criticism for poor organisation, a controversy over a robotic exhibit, and severe traffic disruptions. The event, billed as the Global South’s first major artificial intelligence forum, aimed to highlight India’s leadership in global AI governance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the summit alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, calling for stronger safeguards for children on AI platforms. The summit’s management drew anger from participants after exhibition halls were abruptly closed to the public and attendees faced transport chaos due to repeated road closures for VIP movements.

Despite the controversies, more than US$100 billion in AI-related investments were pledged during the summit, with the Indian government projecting total commitments could exceed US$200 billion within two years.

Galgotias University in India faced criticism at the India AI Impact Summit in Delhi after a professor claimed that a robotic dog displayed at its stall was developed by the university. The robot, named Orion, was later identified online as the Go2 model produced by Chinese company Unitree Robotics. The university denied claiming ownership of the robot, calling the backlash a propaganda campaign, and said its use of the robot was part of efforts to teach students AI programming using global tools.

Professor Neha Singh, who made the initial remarks, said her comments were misunderstood. Reports indicated that the university was asked to vacate its stall, and electricity to the booth was later cut off. A BBC reporter confirmed that the stall was dark and unattended. The controversy embarrassed summit organizers after the video was shared on IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s official account, which was later deleted.

India’s IT Secretary S Krishnan urged that the incident should not overshadow the contributions of other participants. The five-day summit, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to position India as a global AI hub and includes delegates from over 100 countries.

Bangladesh has joined India and 70 other countries in a large-scale international naval exercise hosted by India. The Bangladesh Navy sent its frigate warship ‘Somudra Avijan’, which arrived in India on 16 February. Other participating nations include Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The Indonesian Navy’s frigate KRI Bung Tomo-357, the UAE’s warship Al Emarat, and India’s INS Vikrant also took part in the exercise.

Before the exercise began, Indian President Droupadi Murmu stated that the event symbolizes the trust, unity, and respect of various nations toward maritime heritage. She emphasized that ships flying different flags and sailors from diverse countries reflect a spirit of unity. The theme of the exercise is “maritime unity,” and Murmu said the combined naval forces’ determination can overcome all obstacles, sending a positive message to the global community.

The exercise highlights growing multilateral cooperation in maritime security and shared commitment among participating nations to strengthen regional and global naval ties.

India and France have upgraded their relationship to a 'special global strategic partnership' following a high-level meeting between French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai. During Macron’s three-day official visit, the two nations finalized over 20 agreements across defense and civilian sectors, including joint production of 'Hammer' air-to-ground missiles and a deal for 114 Rafale fighter jets. The leaders also inaugurated an H-125 helicopter assembly plant in Karnataka, built jointly by Airbus and Tata Group.

According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the new agreements extend existing defense cooperation by another decade. The H-125 facility, India’s first private helicopter manufacturing plant, will assemble aircraft capable of operating at Mount Everest’s altitude. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said the project involves an investment of about 10 billion rupees and will generate significant employment. Modi emphasized that the partnership will advance global stability and progress, while Macron highlighted the deepening cooperation over the past eight years.

The Rafale and missile deals mark India’s largest recent defense acquisitions and align with its 'Make in India' initiative to boost domestic production of advanced military equipment.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sharply criticized India’s Election Commission, urging it to take lessons from Bangladesh’s recently concluded 13th national parliamentary elections, which she described as peaceful and fair. Speaking at a press conference in Nabanna on Tuesday, she said that despite fears of unrest, Bangladesh’s election was conducted smoothly and without violence. She added that any weakness in conducting elections in a democratic country like India would be a matter of shame for the commission.

Banerjee labeled the Election Commission as a “Tughlaqi Commission,” accusing it of acting under the direction of a particular political party and undermining democracy through what she called “politics of intimidation.” She claimed such behavior was unprecedented even in monarchies and posed a serious threat to democratic governance. With assembly elections approaching in West Bengal and four other Indian states, Banerjee alleged that the commission was interfering unnecessarily in state affairs, disrupting constitutional balance and weakening the federal structure.

Her remarks have sparked fresh political debate in India, intensifying verbal clashes between ruling and opposition parties ahead of the upcoming state elections.

The government of Bihar, India, has decided to prohibit the open sale of fish and meat across the state. The policy decision, approved under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s leadership, was reported by Indian media on February 17. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha stated that once the new rule takes effect, fish and meat can only be sold in licensed, designated shops. He added that the restriction will apply to everyone, and strict action will be taken against violators. However, the government has not yet announced when the rule will come into force or what penalties will apply.

The report noted that the move follows a similar 2025 decision by Uttar Pradesh to ban meat sales within 500 meters of religious sites. Central Minister Giriraj Singh has expressed support for Bihar’s decision and urged district administrations to take prompt action. The state already enforces a ban on alcohol sales, and this new measure extends its regulatory approach to food sales.

The decision marks another step in Bihar’s tightening of public commerce regulations, though details of implementation remain pending.

India’s trade deficit rose to a three-month high of 34.68 billion dollars in January, according to data released by the country’s commerce ministry. The increase was driven by a 12 percent rise in imports to 71.24 billion dollars, largely due to higher gold and silver imports, while exports fell 5 percent to 36.56 billion dollars. Economists had expected the deficit to be around 26 billion dollars based on the previous month’s figure of 25.04 billion dollars.

The widening deficit comes as India prepares to send a delegation to Washington next week to finalize a trade deal aimed at reducing U.S. tariffs on Indian goods. The Trump administration had imposed a 50 percent tariff on Indian exports, which officials say will drop to 18 percent this week. President Donald Trump earlier confirmed the reduction, bringing relief to exporters and policymakers.

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal told Reuters that the delegation’s visit is intended to conclude the trade agreement. Trump also stated that India has pledged to cut oil imports from Russia and increase purchases of U.S. goods more than twofold.

A court in Karnataka, India, has sentenced three men to death for the gang rape of two women, including an Israeli tourist, and the murder of a local youth. The verdict was delivered on Monday, February 16, 2026. The case stemmed from an incident in March of the previous year in Koppal district, where five tourists were attacked. The victims included two Indian nationals from Maharashtra and Odisha, an American tourist, an Israeli tourist, and the owner of a local homestay.

According to reports, the homestay owner had taken the tourists sightseeing when the accused—Mallesha (Handimalla), Saikumar, and Sharanbasavaraj—blocked their path on motorcycles, citing a financial dispute. The confrontation escalated into violence. The attackers allegedly threw three male members of the group into a canal and raped the two women. One man was killed on the spot after being hit with stones, while another drowned.

The court found the accused guilty of gang rape, murder, attempted murder, robbery, and extortion. Judge Sadananda Nagappa Naik imposed the death penalty under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and ordered life imprisonment for the rape convictions.

India has come under criticism for a new trade deal with the United States, announced this month, aimed at addressing the impact of President Donald Trump’s tariff policies. Critics have described the deal as a ‘surrender’ to Washington. The agreement has sparked concern among India’s influential farmer groups, who fear that cheaper US imports could harm domestic producers. Over 700 million Indians are engaged in agriculture. The full details of the deal have not been released, though a joint statement and a White House fact sheet were published. New Delhi said an interim agreement could be finalized by the end of March.

A key controversy surrounds India’s expressed ‘intention’ to buy US goods worth 500 billion dollars over five years, compared to 45 billion dollars in imports last fiscal year. Analysts have called the target unrealistic, noting that even large aircraft purchases would fall short. Another disputed issue is Washington’s claim that India agreed to stop buying Russian oil, after which the US lifted a 25 percent tariff. However, India has neither confirmed nor denied such a commitment.

Analysts say the deal remains fragile and politically contentious, with uncertainty over its durability and implications for India’s growth outlook.

India has nearly finalized plans to construct an underground railway through the narrow Siliguri Corridor, also known as the ‘Chicken’s Neck’, which connects the country’s northeastern states with the rest of India. The proposed 35.76-kilometer tunnel will run from Tin Mile Hat in North Dinajpur district of West Bengal to Rangapani near Siliguri, with two parallel tunnels designed for secure and uninterrupted transport. The project, estimated to cost around 12,000 crore rupees, awaits final approval. Separately, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a 16-kilometer tunnel under the Brahmaputra River in Assam that will accommodate both rail and road traffic.

Officials from Northeast Frontier Railway said the Siliguri tunnel aims to ensure safe connectivity through a region bordered by Bangladesh, Nepal, and China. Experts emphasize its strategic military value, as the corridor is India’s only link to the northeast and a key route for troop and equipment movement. The Brahmaputra tunnel will connect Gohpur and Numaligarh, reducing travel time and strengthening regional infrastructure.

Both projects are expected to enhance India’s logistical resilience, military mobility, and regional economic integration once completed.

Indian author, translator and historian Rakhshanda Jalil attended the annual art and literature festival in Goa on 12 February 2026, where she spoke about the fear and despair experienced by Muslims in India. She described the festival as a rare platform for marginalized voices and said she felt compelled to discuss the pervasive fear that, in her view, is eroding the sense of existence among minorities.

Jalil explained that despite her education, social standing and professional success, she continues to live with a constant sense of fear that has turned into a lingering despair. She noted that many urban Muslims share this anxiety, choosing silence in political debates and avoiding public discussions, even on social media. According to her, poorer and less educated Muslims face even greater insecurity, often concealing their identity to avoid losing work or facing discrimination.

She also expressed concern for imams and assistant imams serving in Hindu-majority areas, questioning their safety. Jalil said that while her appearance sometimes shields her, her Muslim name could still expose her to danger in an increasingly tense environment.

India advanced to the Super Eight stage after a commanding 61-run victory over Pakistan, securing the top position in Group A. Batting first, India posted a competitive total of 176 runs despite losing an early wicket. Ishan Kishan led the innings with a blistering 77 off 40 balls, supported by Tilak Varma’s 25 and captain Suryakumar Yadav’s 32. Late contributions from Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube helped India reach a strong total.

Pakistan’s chase faltered from the start, collapsing to 13 for 3 in the second over after Jasprit Bumrah struck twice. Captain Babar Azam’s 34 and Usman Khan’s 44 offered brief resistance, but the team was bowled out for 114. India’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, with six of seven bowlers taking wickets. Bumrah and Hardik Pandya claimed two each in pace, while Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy matched that in spin.

The result marked India’s third consecutive win, confirming their Super Eight qualification and reinforcing their position as strong title contenders.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed on a national highway in Moran, Assam, near the Bangladesh border, aboard a C-130J aircraft on February 15, 2026. The landing took place on the region’s first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF), built to serve as both a highway and an airstrip for relief and rescue operations during emergencies. The event marked the beginning of Modi’s one-day visit to the state ahead of upcoming elections.

Following the landing, Modi observed a 40-minute air show featuring Tejas, Sukhoi, and Rafale fighter jets. According to reports, the Moran ELF holds significant strategic value due to its proximity to key borders—approximately 600 kilometers from Bangladesh’s Sylhet border, 700 kilometers from Rangpur, and 450 kilometers from China. The facility can serve as an alternative to Dibrugarh Airport or Chabua Air Base if needed during emergencies.

The demonstration highlighted India’s growing focus on dual-use infrastructure in its northeastern region, enhancing both defense readiness and disaster response capabilities.

South Africa moved closer to securing a place in the T20 World Cup Super Eight after a commanding seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in Ahmedabad. Chasing 176 runs, the Proteas made a blistering start, reaching 62 in just four overs. They sealed the win with 17 balls to spare, marking their third consecutive victory in the tournament.

Captain Aiden Markram led from the front with an unbeaten 86 off 44 balls, hitting eight boundaries and four sixes. He reached his half-century in only 19 deliveries. Quinton de Kock contributed 20 runs from 13 balls before being dismissed in the fifth over. Earlier, New Zealand appeared set for a big total after scoring 83 runs in the powerplay but lost momentum following quick wickets.

New Zealand’s innings collapsed after reaching 138 in 14 overs, losing three wickets for just seven additional runs. Mark Chapman top-scored with 48 off 26 balls, while South Africa’s Marco Jansen claimed four wickets to restrict the opposition.