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Monday, February 16, 2026
TopicThe Ministry of External Affairs

Topic: The Ministry of External Affairs

Australian authorities in touch with India over Bondi Beach shooters

Sajid Akram, one of alleged gunmen behind terrorist attack that left 15 dead, held Indian passport. His son Naveed, who was the second alleged shooter, was born in Australia.

Foreign Ministry recognises J&K Police for ‘outstanding contributions’ to passport verification services

J&K Police finalised 134,219 passport application verifications between April 2024 & March 2025, considered an 'exceptional disposal rate'.

Against illegal immigration, says MEA amid Trump crackdown, will take people back if nationality proved

Trump 2.0 looking to deport about 18,000 Indians illegally staying in US, it is learnt. According to Pew Research Center, Indians make up 3rd largest group of illegal immigrants in US.

8 Navy veterans jailed by Qatar released after pardon by Qatari Emir, 7 return to India

In a significant diplomatic breakthrough for ministry of external affairs, the Indian Naval veterans, in Qatari jail since August 2022, were released early Monday.

India will replace military personnel at Maldives aviation platforms with civilians

The 77 Indian military personnel — engineers, trainers, and pilots — posted in Maldives are responsible for operating two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft given by New Delhi to Maldives.

India extended lines of credit ‘worth $32.02 billion’ for infra projects in Asian & African countries

Minister of State for External Affairs, V. Muraleedharan, told Parliament these funds have supported more than 600 projects in sectors such as infrastructure, power, connectivity and health.

Ties with China ‘complex’ despite talks, Pakistan ‘vilifying India’: MEA annual report

In its report released Monday, external affairs ministry also talked about expanding scope of Quad, and grant-in-aid projects in Afghanistan being kept on hold.

Continuation of high-level violence remains a concern, Afghan leader Abdullah Abdullah says

The influential Afghan leader met PM Modi Thursday, lauded India’s stance on participating only in Afghan govt-led US-Taliban peace talks.

Negotiation is the way forward with China, says India amid rising tensions at LAC

It is clear that the situation witnessed in the past four months is a result of the actions taken by China that sought to effect unilateral change of status quo, says MEA.

India seeks more engagement with China on border row, envoy Misri meets top Chinese officials

More diplomatic, commanders-level meetings will take place between India and China as the disengagement process turns ‘complex’, says MEA.

On Camera

Andhra proposes Rs 100-cr wealth fund, eyes Norway-style sovereign fund model to drive growth

Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav presented a Rs 3.32 lakh crore budget for 2026–27 in the assembly Saturday.

Top US military commander applauds ‘India’s tactical execution’ during Op Sindoor; adds ‘there’s lessons too’

On bilateral ties, Admiral Paparo said India-US ties have an exponential effect on deterrence, because it demonstrates a unity of purpose among us to maintain the peace.

The new Great Game—Trump’s playing for time, China for leverage & India for wiggle room

This is the game every nation is now learning to play. Some are finding new allies or seeing value among nations where they’d seen marginal interest. The starkest example is India & Europe.