Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on his seventh visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for a two-day visit aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership. Upon arrival, he was warmly received by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. PM Modi will address the World Government Summit in Dubai and inaugurate the BAPS Hindu Mandir, the first Hindu temple in the UAE. The temple, built over 27 acres, symbolizes the deepening ties between India and the UAE. Bilateral talks will cover areas such as trade, defence, energy security, and healthcare. PM Modi will also visit Qatar to bolster relations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and RuPay card services in Sri Lanka and Mauritius, marking a significant step towards enhancing digital connectivity among the nations. Describing it as a pivotal moment for the Indian Ocean region, PM Modi emphasized the role of fintech connectivity in strengthening historical ties. The launch facilitates UPI settlement services for travelers between India, Sri Lanka, and Mauritius, while enabling Mauritian banks to issue RuPay cards. This initiative underscores India's commitment to fostering regional cooperation and leveraging digital innovation for inclusive development. With UPI extending its footprint globally, India emerges as a leader in fintech innovation.

The External Affairs Ministry revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally oversaw efforts to secure the release of eight Navy veterans imprisoned in Qatar. Following their return to Delhi, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra stated that PM Modi's leadership and India-Qatar ties were evidenced by their release. The veterans, sentenced to death on spying charges last October, had their capital punishment commuted in December after diplomatic efforts. While seven have returned, one is finalizing paperwork. Their return, viewed as a diplomatic victory, followed PM Modi's meeting with Qatar's Amir during the COP28 summit. The veterans expressed gratitude to PM Modi for his intervention.    

Qatar has released eight former Indian naval officers from death row, with seven already returning to India. The officers, previously sentenced to death for unspecified charges, had their penalty converted into varying prison terms. While neither Qatar nor India disclosed the charges, reports suggest they were accused of spying for Israel. Delhi's foreign ministry expressed gratitude towards Qatar's Amir for facilitating the officers' release. The incident, which strained India-Qatar ties, saw diplomatic efforts leading to the commutation of their sentences. The move underscores the close relationship between the two nations, exemplified by a recent multi-billion-dollar energy deal.

India's Unified Payment Interface (UPI) and RuPay card services are set to expand to Sri Lanka and Mauritius in a virtual ceremony on Monday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with leaders from the two island nations, will witness the launch, emphasizing India's fintech innovation. Developed by the National Payments Corporation of India, UPI enables real-time inter-bank transactions via mobile phones, while RuPay is a widely accepted global card payment network. The move aims to enhance digital connectivity and provide seamless digital transaction experiences, benefiting a diverse range of individuals in the participating countries.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Sailani Avenue in Perth, Australia dedicated to Indian-origin soldier Nain Singh Sailani, who sacrificed his life in World War I. The avenue honors 12 Anzacs from the Indian community, two of whom lost their lives in a German offensive campaign. Jaishankar, attending the Indian Ocean Conference, expressed gratitude to veterans and Indian community leaders during his visit. Nain Singh Sailani, a former laborer, joined the Australian Imperial Force in 1916, receiving posthumous recognition with three medals. The Shimla-born soldier rests in Belgium alongside comrades who fell in action.

A 41-year-old Indian-origin executive, Vivek Chander Taneja, was killed in the US after an alleged assault outside a Washington restaurant on February 2. This marks the fifth case of an Indian American killed in the US this year. Taneja sustained critical injuries and succumbed on February 7, with his death ruled a 'homicide'. The Metropolitan Police Department's Homicide Branch is seeking public assistance in identifying the suspect, offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to their arrest and conviction. Anyone with information is urged to contact the police.

US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, expressed regrets over recent attacks on Indian students in the United States, affirming the Biden administration's commitment to ensuring their safety. Amidst concerns over rising violence, Garcetti emphasized collaboration with the Indian government to address security challenges. The statement follows a surge in incidents, including the attack on Syed Mazahir Ali in Chicago, which garnered widespread attention. Indian students, facing precarious security conditions, seek medical and legal assistance, highlighting the urgency of safeguarding their well-being. Garcetti's reassurance underscores efforts to uphold America as a secure destination for international students.

Nawaz Modi, estranged wife of Indian textiles tycoon Gautam Singhania, has lodged fresh allegations of surveillance and harassment against him. Amidst ongoing divorce negotiations, Modi accuses Singhania of installing spyware in her car and orchestrating threats against her and their children. She further alleges his staff forcibly occupied her father's property and maligns her character with false accusations. Singhania refutes the claims, labeling them as "false and baseless." The acrimonious dispute, marked by a viral video of Modi being denied entry to a company event, highlights the unraveling of their marital ties and legal battles over Singhania's $1.4bn fortune.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar engaged in discussions with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong during a visit to Perth for the 7th Indian Ocean Conference. Topics included the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership, Indo-Pacific dynamics, and the situation in West Asia. Joined by Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Singaporean counterpart Vivian Balakrishnan, they participated in the conference's inaugural session. Organized by India's Ministry of External Affairs, this edition focuses on achieving stability and sustainability in the Indian Ocean region. The conference draws delegations from over 22 countries and aims to foster cooperation for Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).