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Global Politics Team
17 February 2026 |
The World Today
India AI Impact Summit 2026: Five-day flagship event under the IndiaAI Mission commences; India’s first commercial-scale semiconductor production soon to be operationalised
On 16 February, the India AI Impact Summit 2026 commenced in New Delhi, marking the first international AI summit in the Global South. This five-day flagship event is hosted by the Government of India under the IndiaAI Mission. It aims to shape an AI future that is inclusive, responsible and impactful, bringing together delegations from over 45 countries and leading tech figures from Silicon Valley and beyond. High-level bilateral meetings on the sidelines are set to focus on AI governance, trusted technologies, quantum computing and digital infrastructure cooperation. Speaking at the India AI Impact Summit, the Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of India, S. Krishnan, said India’s first commercial-scale semiconductor production will begin soon, with Micron set to inaugurate its facility later in February. He noted that 10 projects have been cleared under the India Semiconductor Mission, with Semiconductor Mission 2.0 focused on designing AI chips domestically. Krishnan also highlighted affordable access to AI computers alongside plans for sovereign AI capabilities, green data centre expansion, and global participation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the summit was “proof that our country is progressing rapidly in the field of science and technology and is making an important contribution to global development.”
The US-Iran Tensions: Foreign Minister Araghchi arrives in Geneva for the second round of nuclear talks
On 16 February, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Geneva for the second round of nuclear discussions with the United States. He made it clear that he was there in Geneva with genuine proposals to secure a just and balanced agreement and would not yield to any threats. Araghchi met IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi with Iranian nuclear specialists for a deep technical dialogue on access to Iran’s primary nuclear sites attacked by the US and Israel during last June’s brief war, raising radiation risks and requiring protocols for inspecting highly enriched uranium buried under debris. He also planned talks with Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, who mediated initial indirect discussions after the conflict derailed prior diplomacy. Iran maintains its missile programme as a non-negotiable and rejects US demands for complete nuclear enrichment cessation.
The War in Ukraine: Delegates from Kyiv, Moscow and Washington head to Geneva for new peace talks
On 16 February, Ukrainian officials flew to Geneva for a third round of trilateral talks with Russia and the US to bring an end to the four-year war. Ukraine’s Chief of Staff, Kyrylo Budanov, said that the “aim is to draw the right conclusions.” At the same time, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the talks will be “serious” and “substantive,” though he said they are more about Ukrainian concessions than about Russian concessions. The Geneva talks follow two rounds of US-mediated talks in the United Arab Emirates, which were considered constructive but did not produce any significant breakthroughs. The most important points in contention are still the trajectory of eastern Ukraine, where Russia is insisting on the withdrawal of troops and the recognition of annexed territory, while Kyiv is demanding a freeze on the conflict in its current lines with ironclad security guarantees. Meanwhile, both sides continue near-daily strikes, with Ukraine launching a massive drone attack on Russian energy infrastructure and Russia claiming to have seized 12 settlements in eastern Ukraine.
Today in History
16 February 1951: Fidel Castro assumes office as Cuba’s prime minister after the revolution
On 16 February 1951, Fidel Castro took his oath as Cuba's Prime Minister, marking a crucial point in the aftermath of the Cuban Revolution. The guerrilla movement of his forces achieved its goal by overthrowing the Batista dictatorship after only a few weeks of control. The appointment of Castro by President Manuel Urrutia signalled the beginning of the consolidation of revolutionary authority. The new government dedicated itself to comprehensive reforms that included land redistribution, enhanced education, and wider healthcare access,, establishing complete independence from US control over the island. Castro's emergence established communism as the ruling power in Western Hemisphere countries, leading to fundamental changes in Cuba's international and domestic political systems that lasted for several decades. His leadership period developed into a situation that emerged from dangerous Cold War conflicts, including the Bay of Pigs invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis.
The Indian Neighbourhood Today
Bhutan: The WWF appeals against a lower court ruling against employee termination to the High Court
On 15 February, the Kuensel reported that the World Wildlife Fund Bhutan Country Office had appealed to the High Court after the Thimphu Dzongkhag Court ruled on 21 January that the dismissal of its former Communications Manager, Tashi Phuntsho, was unlawful. The court ordered WWF to pay six months’ salary as compensation, an additional six months’ salary for breach of contract, and BTN 380,000 in legal costs. The Dzongkhag Court held that although WWF followed procedures under Section 90 of the Labour and Employment Act of Bhutan 2007 on redundancy, it violated Section 91, rendering the termination unlawful. Compensation and legal expenses were directed under Sections 94(B) and 94(C). WWF maintains the dismissal was lawful and was consistent with Sections 92 (A and B), 82, 83, and 85 of the Act. The organisation stated it had informed the Chief Labour Administrator via email, though the court accepted the administrator’s claim that the email was not received. WWF has sought a waiver of compensation and a review of the legal costs to be paid to Tashi Phuntso.
Bangladesh: NCP to sign July Charter at Jamuna
On 16 February, the Dhaka Tribune reported that a delegation of the National Citizens Party ( NCP), led by Convener Nahid Islam, will visit the state guest house Jamuna on Monday evening at 1800 hours to sign the July Charter. Apart from Nahid Islam, the delegation includes Joint Convener Sarwar Tushar, Monira Sharmin, Jabed Rasin, Akhter Hossen, joint member secretary member secretary, and Advocate Zahirul Islam Musa. The charter was signed on 17 October last year by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, members of the National Consensus Commission, and leaders of different parties, amid boycotts by several political parties, including the NCP. Previously, NCP Member Secretary Akhter Hossen said the party would sign the July Charter only after receiving an official order and a referendum.
Bangladesh: Climate change cuts Bangladesh's Ilish fish haul
On 16 February, the Dhaka Tribune reported that the ilish catch is shrinking at an alarming rate as rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and shifting river flows disrupt breeding cycles, threatening fish supplies and a key source of income for thousands of fishermen. Ilish is a Geographical Indication (GI) product and Bangladesh's national fish. Fishermen in Chandpur's Haimchar Upazila, widely known as the Ilish capital, reported that this season has been disappointing. The same frustration is echoed in the southern district of Barisal, particularly along the Gajaria River, flowing through Mehendiganj and Hizla Upazilas, once considered a prime ilish zone. Acknowledging these concerns, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter stated that the ilish catch during July-August 2025 dropped by around 45 per cent compared to the same period in 2024. She stated: “Both natural and man-made factors are responsible for the decline of ilish in Bangladesh’s rivers.” The primary reason for this decline is attributed to climate change; however, unsustainable extraction rates, industrial encroachment, effluent discharge into rivers, siltation, a reduction in the number of navigable rivers, and newly formed shoals are also obstructing ilish migration routes from the sea into rivers for spawning.
Bangladesh: Chief Advisor Dr Muhammad Yunus delivers farewell address
On 16 February, the Daily Star reported that the Chief Advisor of the interim government of Bangladesh, Dr Muhammad Yunus, delivered his farewell address at his office in the city’s Tejgaon area, as his tenure is coming to an end tomorrow, following the swearing-in ceremony of the new government led by the BNP. Dr Yunus was appointed as the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh on 8 August 2024, following the student-led protests that toppled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. As a courtesy call, the Chief of Army Staff, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, visited Dr Yunus at his Chief Advisor’s office. During the meeting, they exchanged greetings and briefly discussed various matters related to performing responsibilities during the interim government’s tenure. According to the CA press wing, Dr Yunus expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to the army chief for the cooperation extended by the Bangladesh Army during the Chief Advisor’s tenure, particularly during the 13th Parliament Elections.
Myanmar: Government expels East Timor’s representative
On 16 February, The Irrawaddy reported that Myanmar’s military junta expelled East Timor’s representative, giving them a week to leave the country. This move follows a report by the Chin Human Rights Organisation (CHRO), which said that East Timor had appointed a representative to investigate the “criminal files” presented by the organisation. The CHRO's case accuses the junta of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including "irrefutable evidence" of gang rape, the massacre of 10 people, the slaughter of religious officials, and a hospital airstrike. The organisation filed its complaint under the principle of universal jurisdiction, which allows domestic courts to prosecute international crimes. A junta statement expressed disappointment over Dili’s appointment of a prosecutor to investigate the case, arguing that it violates ASEAN charter articles, which emphasise respect for sovereignty and non-interference.
Myanmar and China: Beijing hails ‘New Heights’ in ties with Myanmar
On 16 February, the Irrawaddy reported that China’s ambassador to Myanmar, Ma Jia, declared that bilateral ties had reached “new heights” in 2025 during Chinese New Year celebrations in Yangon on Saturday. Junta Chief Min Aung Hlaing was notably absent from the annual celebration and sent his deputy, Soe Win, to represent him, underscoring his growing chance for a senior post in the upcoming administration. Addressing the ceremony, Soe Win thanked China for its role in Myanmar’s “peace process” and for its “continued constructive encouragement and backing” both regionally and internationally. He also framed Myanmar’s geography as a strategic asset for Beijing. He openly touted Myanmar as China’s corridor to the Indian Ocean while highlighting progress on Beijing-backed megaprojects, including the Kyaukphyu deep-sea port in Rakhine State, the Myitsone Dam in Kachin State, and Chinese oil and gas pipelines stretching nearly 800 km from Kyaukphyu to Yunnan. He described 2026 as the Chinese Year of the Horse, as a symbol of strength and progress and looked forward to deepening cooperation once a new government is formed in April. Ambassador Ma Jia echoed the upbeat tone, noting that bilateral trade grew by 19 per cent and Chinese investment surged by 230 per cent last year.
Sri Lanka: IMF Managing Director in Colombo for a three-day visit
On 16 February, The Daily Mirror reported that the IMF’s managing director, Kristalina Georgieva, arrived in Sri Lanka for a three-day visit. The visit takes place against the backdrop of Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic recovery under an IMF-monitored program. Georgieva is scheduled to meet with various stakeholders from the government and private sectors. Discourse over the visit includes how long the IMF can continue to monitor and support Sri Lanka’s economic stability and recovery. The visit also aims to assess the damage post the recent cyclone. This visit comes at a critical juncture for Sri Lanka since its economic collapse in 2022, marked with sovereign default, foreign reserve depletion and mass protests. The IMF engagement is crucial for the credibility of economic policies. Also looming in the background is the debt restructuring, which is pertinent for the release of future loan tranches, creditor confidence and restructuring negotiations with bondholders. Without the IMF’s approval, investor trust may weaken significantly. For the current administration, this visit is highly significant, as a failed negotiation could spark speculation about economic instability and severe political backlash.
Pakistan and Syria: Islamabad backs Syria’s unity deal, calls for Kurdish rights and coordinated counterterrorism
On 16 February, The Express Tribune reported that Pakistan, speaking at the UN Security Council, welcomed the recent agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian democratic forces and urged Damascus to pursue an inclusive political transition that strengthens unity, territorial integrity, and stability. It stated that Pakistan's UN representative, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, supported the 16 January presidential decree, which established Kurdish rights. Still, he emphasised that terrorism threats, including ETIM foreign fighters, need immediate international law-based coordinated responses. The statement emphasised that Pakistan highlighted the extreme humanitarian emergency in Syria while demanding immediate access to humanitarian aid and early recovery assistance, as sanctions relief would create conditions for economic growth. The statement also maintained Syria's opposition to Israeli actions, which violate the 1974 disengagement agreement.
Pakistan: Arif Habib-led consortium to gain full control of PIA
On 15 February, Dawn reported that the group led by Arif Habib announced plans to acquire the remaining 25 per cent government stake in Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). This would mean the consortium secures full control of the national flag carrier. The group had acquired a 75 per cent stake for PKR 135 billion in December 2025. To ensure the success of its revival plan, the group now aims to gain full control of decision-making. The government has given the consortium 90 days to purchase the remaining shares, valued at PKR 45 billion. The agreement, signed in January, allows for 12 months to transfer funds.
Afghanistan: Split confirmed in the Afghanistan National Movement for Peace and Justice
On 16 February, Afghanistan International reported that a split has been confirmed in the Afghanistan National Movement for Peace and Justice (ANMPJ). Based on a statement released on Sunday by Hanif Atmar, five members of the leadership council have decided to separate from the group following weeks of failed attempts to organise a consensus in support of the organisation’s charter. Several of the involved members see changes in the underlying political framework as a key way to address the instability currently affecting the nation. The ANMPJ was formed in 2022 by exiled officials of the Afghan Republic who continue to believe that intra-Afghan dialogue is the means to establish a legitimate system rather than through armed conflict. These developments leave the anti-Taliban movement in need of a better strategy and organisation.
Iran: Foreign Minister to meet IAEA chief in Geneva
On 16 February, Al Jazeera reported that the Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, had arrived in Geneva for talks amidst the growing tensions over US involvement in Tehran’s nuclear programme. The Minister met Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to discuss the state of damage and possible radiation leaks that could have resulted from the recent US bombings of the Iranian nuclear facilities. The foreign ministry spokesperson has noted that the IAEA will play a central role in mediating between the US and Iran. A major demand by the Iranian authorities has been the refusal to accept zero nuclear enrichment as required by the US. These developments have come to light following the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) 's military exercises in the Persian Gulf.
