FEATURE STORY
Around a dozen MoUs, defence ties in the wake of the new Rafale deal, and trade talks, besides discussions on a range of sector will take centre stage as Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets French President Emmanuel Macron in Mumbai today. The two leaders are set to review progress in the India-France strategic partnership and chart the course for future cooperation.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh’s next Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman, on February 17.
Ishan Kishan’s explosive 77-run knock and a clinical bowling masterclass from Varun Chakaravarthy led India to a dominant 61-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium. Defending a target of 176, the Indian attack dismantled the Pakistan lineup for just 114 runs, maintaining their unbeaten streak in the T20 World Cup 2026 and officially securing a place in the next round.
Following a landslide victory for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Tarique Rahman was officially sworn in as Prime Minister on February 17, 2026, ending his 17-year exile and signaling a transformative political shift. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a formal congratulatory message and held preliminary discussions with Rahman to stabilize ties, he was unable to attend the ceremony in person due to high-profile bilateral commitments with French President Emmanuel Macron and a major AI summit in New Delhi. Represented by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, India’s participation underscores a pragmatic effort to reset the “enduring friendship” with Dhaka and maintain regional stability under the new administration.
