Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the ongoing conflict and tense situation in the Middle East. Modi urged Netanyahu to bring an immediate end to the hostilities. The discussion was revealed in a post on social media platform X early Monday night, where Modi confirmed that the two leaders exchanged views on the current regional situation.

During the call, Modi conveyed India’s concern over recent developments and emphasized that the safety of civilians should remain the highest priority. He reiterated India’s position that the conflict must stop immediately. The conversation came as tensions escalated following Israeli and U.S. attacks on Iran early Saturday, which caused explosions in several Iranian cities and reportedly killed senior figures including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The exchange between Modi and Netanyahu highlights India’s diplomatic engagement amid a volatile regional crisis involving multiple powers and ongoing military actions.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid heightened regional tension. Modi announced the call in a statement released around 2 a.m. Bangladesh time on Sunday. According to his post on Facebook, the two leaders discussed the current situation in the Middle East. Modi conveyed India’s concern over recent developments and emphasized that the safety of ordinary people should remain the highest priority. He reiterated India’s position that the ongoing conflict must stop immediately.

The conversation took place as the Middle East faces a surge in hostilities, including reports of an Iranian missile attack on an energy facility in Qatar, the deaths of two senior Iranian intelligence officials allegedly by Israel, and a fire on a ship in Bahrain’s port following an unidentified strike. The situation has also disrupted travel and logistics, with 300,000 people stranded in the Gulf region and 34,000 flights canceled.

The exchange between Modi and Netanyahu underscores India’s call for restraint and its concern about the humanitarian impact of the escalating conflict in the region.

India’s main opposition party, the National Congress, has strongly condemned the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, describing it as a joint attack by the United States and Israel. In a statement issued on Saturday, the party called the incident an assassination carried out without a formal declaration of war and said it violated international law and diplomatic norms. The Congress warned that such actions could deepen the ongoing crisis in the Middle East and severely disrupt regional stability.

The Indian central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has not yet issued an official statement on Khamenei’s death. While the government expressed concern over rising tensions in the Middle East, it avoided direct comment on the killing. The situation deteriorated further on Saturday following a series of retaliatory missile strikes among the United States, Israel, and Iran.

India has historically maintained warm diplomatic ties with Iran, particularly in energy imports, regional trade, and strategic projects such as the Chabahar Port. The government’s silence following Khamenei’s death has sparked political debate in New Delhi.

Thousands of people in Indian-administered Kashmir staged demonstrations on Saturday to protest the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. According to the report, Khamenei was killed in a joint attack by the United States and Israel. Protesters gathered in the heart of Srinagar carrying red, black, and yellow flags, chanting slogans against the United States and Israel during the peaceful rally.

One participant, identified as 40-year-old Syed Taufiq, told AFP that the crowd was mourning the death of their beloved leader and vowed to resist oppression. He said the protesters considered themselves followers of Khamenei and would not be defeated. Similar demonstrations were also reported in other parts of Kashmir and across India.

The protests reflect widespread anger and grief among sections of the population following Khamenei’s death, with participants expressing solidarity with Iran and opposition to U.S. and Israeli actions.

During a two-day visit to Israel, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed multiple agreements with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to strengthen bilateral relations. In his address to the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, Modi expressed unwavering support for Israel and condemned the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack as barbaric, but avoided mentioning Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza or the humanitarian crisis there. Analysts said Modi’s position marks a clear departure from India’s traditional foreign policy on Palestine.

Modi highlighted India-Israel cooperation through the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the I2U2 group, which includes India, Israel, the UAE, and the United States. IMEC aims to connect India, the Middle East, and Europe through integrated transport networks, while I2U2 focuses on joint projects in energy, food security, and technology. Experts noted that these initiatives reflect India’s growing role in regional trade and strategic connectivity.

The visit occurred amid rising regional tensions, including Israel’s expansion in the occupied West Bank and U.S.-Iran friction. Netanyahu also proposed forming a new regional bloc including India, though no country has formally endorsed it.

An article by Dr. Mohammad Abdul Majid, published on 28 February 2026 in Amar Desh, examines the final phase of India’s partition in 1947. It describes how, by mid-July 1947, the British withdrawal from India had accelerated, leading to rushed administrative decisions and secretive boundary demarcations. The Indian Independence Act, passed on 18 July 1947, legally ended British rule and created the dominions of India and Pakistan. The Radcliffe Commission, working under extreme time pressure, drew the borders of Punjab and Bengal without prior disclosure to political leaders, fueling uncertainty and violence.

The article highlights how political bargaining, communal divisions, and British haste shaped the subcontinent’s fate. It references Alex Von Tunzelmann’s book “Indian Summer,” which explores the classified background of partition decisions, including negotiations over Chittagong’s inclusion in Pakistan. The narrative details disputes among Congress, the Muslim League, and British officials, showing how strategic decisions left East Bengal economically and politically vulnerable.

The analysis concludes that the rushed and secretive process of partition sowed long-lasting instability across South Asia, with consequences still visible in regional politics and identity conflicts.

India has issued a strong condemnation of Pakistan’s recent airstrikes in Afghanistan. On Friday, February 27, 2026, Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India denounces Pakistan’s actions on Afghan soil. In a post on social media platform X, he said the attacks, carried out during the holy month of Ramadan, caused the deaths of many civilians, including women and children.

Reaffirming India’s stance on Afghanistan’s territorial integrity, Jaiswal accused Pakistan of shifting blame for its internal problems onto other countries. He described the airstrikes as part of that pattern and reiterated India’s unwavering support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty, independence, and regional integrity.

According to the report, the strikes followed overnight attacks on Pakistani soldiers in several areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. In response, Pakistan launched air operations targeting Kabul and other parts of Afghanistan.

A Delhi court on Friday granted major legal relief to former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in the excise policy corruption case. The court refused to accept the chargesheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and discharged both leaders from the case. Along with them, former Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao’s daughter K. Kavitha and 21 others were also given a clean chit.

The CBI announced it would immediately appeal the trial court’s decision before the Delhi High Court, arguing that several key aspects of the investigation were overlooked. During the hearing, Special Judge Jitendra Singh criticized the CBI’s investigation, noting inconsistencies and lack of strong evidence against Kejriwal and Sisodia. The court observed that the charges were inconsistent with the rule of law and lacked concrete proof.

Following the verdict, Kejriwal became emotional outside the Rouse Avenue Court and said the judgment proved both he and Sisodia were honest, describing the Aam Aadmi Party as a “deeply honest” organization.

The Indian Navy’s multinational maritime exercise ‘Milan 2026’ concluded on Wednesday in the Bay of Bengal after a week of operations. The large-scale drill involved 42 warships and submarines, 29 military aircraft, and naval units from 18 friendly countries. The closing ceremony was held aboard India’s indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant near the Visakhapatnam coast, under the theme ‘Camaraderie, Cooperation, Collaboration.’

According to the Indian Navy, this year’s Milan exercise was the largest in its history, aimed at strengthening coordination, mutual understanding, and cooperation among participating navies. France, Germany, and the United States contributed maritime surveillance aircraft to the exercise. The initial ‘Harbour Phase’ featured bilateral meetings, an international maritime seminar, and expert-level discussions.

During the subsequent ‘Sea Phase,’ high-intensity operations were conducted, including integrated air defense, anti-submarine warfare, maritime interdiction, communication drills, and cross-deck flying operations. Live firing exercises used naval guns and anti-aircraft weapons. Indian vessels such as INS Vikrant, Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, Nilgiri-class frigates, and the diving support vessel INS Nistar took part in the joint missions.

India kept their T20 World Cup semifinal hopes alive with a commanding 72-run victory over Zimbabwe in Chennai. Batting first after losing the toss, India posted their highest total of the tournament, scoring 256 for 4 in 20 overs. Abhishek Sharma hit 55 off 30 balls, Ishan Kishan added 38 off 24, and captain Suryakumar Yadav contributed 33 off 13. Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma powered the finish with an unbeaten 84-run stand from 31 balls, Pandya remaining not out on 50 and Varma scoring 44 off 16. India’s innings featured 17 sixes.

In reply, Zimbabwe reached 184 for 6 despite a valiant 97 off 59 balls from Brian Bennett. Arshdeep Singh broke Bennett’s 72-run partnership with Sikandar Raza and took 3 wickets for 24 runs in 4 overs. The defeat confirmed Zimbabwe’s exit from the tournament after consecutive losses, while India stayed in contention for a semifinal spot. South Africa had already secured their place in the last four earlier.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s strong support for Israel during a speech at the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, on the first day of his two-day state visit. Modi, the first Indian leader to address the Knesset, condemned the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack as barbaric and said no cause can justify the killing of innocent civilians. He was warmly received by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who described India as a symbol of trust and Modi as more than a friend, a brother.

Despite international criticism over the Gaza war, Modi called India’s partnership with Israel essential for global peace and stability. He expressed support for the UN Security Council–approved Gaza peace initiative and pledged deeper cooperation in defense, security, artificial intelligence, and quantum technology. India remains Israel’s largest defense equipment buyer, with purchases worth about $20.5 billion between 2020 and 2024.

The visit has drawn mixed reactions in India. Opposition parties criticized Modi’s stance, citing India’s traditional support for Palestinian self-determination, while Israeli media highlighted the diplomatic significance of his presence amid global tensions.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Israel for two days starting Wednesday, a trip expected to reinforce what both governments describe as a “special relationship.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the visit will strengthen economic, diplomatic, and security cooperation. Modi is expected to address Israel’s parliament, attend a technology and innovation event in Jerusalem, and visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum, but he will not travel to the occupied West Bank or Gaza.

The visit comes as India continues to support Israel diplomatically and militarily, even amid ongoing genocide allegations in The Hague. Under Modi’s leadership, India’s defense ties with Israel have expanded sharply, with a 175 percent rise in arms imports between 2015 and 2019. The two countries have also signed a bilateral investment treaty and are exploring joint projects in missile defense, drones, and laser-based systems.

According to Netanyahu’s office, cooperation will also expand in high-tech, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. While no new defense deal is expected, a memorandum of understanding may be signed to deepen strategic collaboration.

Bengaluru police detained 18 individuals on suspicion of being Bangladeshi nationals and later transferred them from Karnataka to West Bengal, according to a report published on February 25, 2026. The group includes women and children. Police sources cited by Anandabazar said the detainees were behaving suspiciously and lacked valid documents. They were taken to West Bengal on Tuesday afternoon, but their next destination remains unclear.

According to the report, except for the children, the detainees had been working as migrant laborers in Bengaluru for a long time. Police began questioning them after their recent activities raised suspicion. When asked to show legal papers, they failed to produce any. After being brought to Howrah station, authorities did not disclose where they would be taken next.

Police officials have not provided further details about the investigation or the detainees’ legal status, leaving uncertainty about the next steps in the case.

Authorities at Lucknow University in Uttar Pradesh sealed the historic Lal Baradari building, which houses the campus’s only mosque, without prior notice. The closure prevented Muslim students from offering prayers since the start of Ramadan, prompting protests by several student organizations. Demonstrations were held late Sunday and Monday nights, with additional police deployed to maintain order. Protesters alleged that the administration deliberately locked the mosque to restrict prayers during the holy month.

University officials stated that the mosque was sealed due to the building’s deteriorating condition, describing it as structurally unsafe. Students countered that the 200-year-old structure had long served as a prayer site and that the gate was welded shut without consultation. On February 22, Muslim students prayed outside the locked building while Hindu students formed a human shield to ensure their safety, an act praised locally as a symbol of communal harmony.

Separately, former BJP MP Sukhbir Singh Jaunpuria faced criticism after a viral video showed him refusing a blanket to a Muslim woman during a relief event in Rajasthan, drawing condemnation from opposition leaders.

A renewed debate has emerged in India over whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government is adopting an “Israeli model” in its governance of Kashmir. The discussion resurfaced after former Indian Consul General Sandeep Chakravorty, speaking at a private event in New York in November 2019, suggested applying such a model in Indian-administered Kashmir. His remarks came months after the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional status in August 2019, amid strict security measures and political detentions.

Analysts cited in the report argue that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s Hindutva-based ideology shares similarities with Israel’s identity-driven state model, influencing closer bilateral ties. The article also highlights domestic controversies such as “bulldozer justice” in BJP-ruled states, where homes of alleged rioters were demolished, and the Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling against property destruction without due process. Defense cooperation between India and Israel has deepened, including drone purchases and joint training.

Further disputes involve surveillance technology, notably allegations of Pegasus spyware use against journalists and opposition figures. Critics claim Kashmir remains under heavy militarization and surveillance since 2019, while the government maintains these measures are necessary for counterterrorism and development.