India and the Maldives convened for the second round of discussions regarding Male's request for the withdrawal of all Indian military personnel from the archipelago by March 15. Tensions arose as Maldives faced backlash over alleged derogatory remarks about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Despite a core group meeting between the two nations, differences persist on the matter. The demand comes amidst efforts by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu to distance the country from India and strengthen ties with China. Both sides are exploring options, including reducing military presence and utilizing civilian experts for aviation operations.

The death of 19-year-old Indian-origin student Shreyas Reddy Beniger in Ohio marks the fourth such incident this year, raising concerns over the safety of Indian students in the US. Beniger, a student at Linder School of Business, was found deceased, with authorities ruling out foul play or hate crime. This follows recent deaths of Neel Acharya at Purdue University and Vivek Saini in Georgia, highlighting potential risks faced by Indian students abroad. Despite reassurances from Indian consulates, questions arise over campus security and support systems. With over 300,000 Indian students in the US, concerns over mental health and safety persist amidst the pandemic influx.

India refrains from commenting on reports of an impeachment motion against Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu by the main opposition party. The Maldivian Democratic Party claims to have gathered enough signatures, but the Opposition is yet to submit the motion in Parliament. Tensions between India and Maldives persist since Muizzu's election, marked by diplomatic disagreements, including demands for Indian troop withdrawal and breaking tradition by visiting Turkey first. The recent decision allowing a Chinese research vessel to dock raises strategic concerns. India maintains it's an internal matter for Maldives.

The US has greenlit the sale of 31 MQ-9B armed drones to India at a cost of $3.99 billion. Announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's State Visit in June 2023, the deal includes 15 SeaGuardian drones for the Navy and eight SkyGuardian versions each for the Army and Air Force. Aimed at bolstering the US-Indian strategic relationship, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency stated the sale supports India's security goals. The proposed equipment includes drones, missile systems, communication suites, and more. The implementation won't alter regional military balance, and no additional US representatives will be assigned to India.

Canadian officials achieve the "largest drug seizure in the history of the Prairies" with the arrest of Indian-origin trucker Komalpreet Sidhu. The 406.2 kg methamphetamine haul, valued at over 51 million Canadian dollars, was discovered at the Boissevain port of entry in Manitoba. Packed in suitcases, the illicit substances are estimated to equate to 4 million doses. Sidhu faces charges for importing and possessing methamphetamine, with the RCMP, CBSA, and international agencies jointly investigating the cross-border drug trafficking operation. The seized drugs will be destroyed after further investigations.

Indian student has been discovered dead in Cincinnati, making it the third death in US within a week, with the cause of death yet to be determined. Recent incidents include the murder of 25-year-old MBA graduate Vivek Saini, fatally attacked by a homeless man, and the death of Neel Acharya, a Purdue University student reported missing on social media. This adds to a series of tragic cases, including Aaditya Adlakha's shooting in Ohio last November and Akul Dhawan's hypothermia-related death in Illinois this January. The circumstances surrounding these losses highlight the vulnerability of Indian students studying in the U.S.

Pakistani and Iranian crew express gratitude to the Indian Navy for their rescue from Somali pirates. The Navy released a video showcasing the anti-piracy operation, with the crew thanking Indian Navy for saving their lives. Pirates disarmed after seeing the Indian Navy, firing warning shots during the mission. The Navy remains committed to maritime security in the Indian Ocean region. INS Sumitra successfully thwarted piracy attempts, rescuing 19 Pakistani crew members. The crew members, held by Somali pirates, extend their thanks, emphasizing the Indian Navy's crucial role in ensuring maritime safety.

Indian Navy's INS Sumitra successfully rescues hijacked fishing vessel from Somali pirates, releasing 19 Pakistani crew members. Netizens, amused by a zoomed-in photo, discover a pirate wearing a Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) jersey. Social media erupts with laughter and memes, with comments like "Divided by Nation, united by RCB." Users highlight the global fanbase of RCB and humorously suggest the pirate might have thought the jersey would garner forgiveness. Despite the amusing revelation, the Indian Navy continues its efforts, thwarting another piracy attempt on the Iranian-flagged fishing vessel, FV Iman, saving 17 crew members.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar states that India doesn't fear China and is confident to compete. In an exclusive interview, he emphasizes India's strong position in the region by various measures. Acknowledging a competitive world, he urges India to compete not only with China but also with Western nations. Jaishankar sees diplomacy as a natural competition for interests and stresses the need for a competitive mindset. Regarding 'China Plus,' he highlights new industries entering India and emphasizes the country's focus on building technology strengths.

India and Bhutan are in early talks to expand and develop Gelephu airport, aiming to make it a hub for economic investments in South Asia. The master plan includes enlarging the airport's size and runway length. The Airports Authority of India is in discussions to assist in the development. Gelephu's growth aligns with Bhutan's plans for the Gelephu Mindfulness City and a Special Administrative Region (SAR) to reshape the country's economic landscape. The SAR, spanning 1,000 sq. km, seeks Indian investments for infrastructure, with the airport expansion supporting Bhutan's ambitions for regional economic connectivity.