Three individuals of Indian origin residing in Canada, Ayush Sharma, Guramrit Sidhu, and Subham Kumar, are facing extradition to the US following their arrest in a Canada-US joint operation targeting a drug trafficking ring spanning Mexico, Canada, and the US. The operation, codenamed 'Dead Hand', involved a coordinated effort by American and Canadian law enforcement agencies. The accused are suspected of conspiring to traffic substantial quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin. If convicted, they could face sentences ranging from 40 years to life in prison, with Sidhu potentially facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years.          

India and the Maldives have reached a consensus on operating three aircraft in the archipelago, with Indian military personnel set to be withdrawn by May. Following discussions between the high-level core group, solutions were devised to enable the continued operation of Indian aviation platforms providing humanitarian and medevac services. While the details weren't disclosed by India, the Maldives specified the timeline for personnel replacement. Bilateral ties, strained by the Maldives' pivot towards China, have prompted discussions to enhance cooperation. The next core group meeting, focused on bolstering defense, security, economic, and development partnerships, is scheduled for late February in Male.

India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, disclosed in Lok Sabha that 403 Indian students have died abroad since 2018 due to various reasons, with Canada reporting the highest number at 91, followed by the UK with 48. Jaishankar emphasized the government's commitment to the welfare of Indian students abroad. The data provided also showed deaths in countries like Russia, the US, Australia, and Germany. Indian missions prioritize addressing issues faced by students abroad. Meanwhile, India reaffirmed its longstanding support for Palestine's sovereignty and condemned terror attacks on Israel. The 'Neighbourhood First policy' remains central to India's approach to regional relations.

France opens its doors to Indian tourists, allowing UPI payments via NPCI International Payments Limited and Lyra. Eiffel Tower leads the way as the first merchant in France to accept UPI transactions. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the milestone during his visit to France, emphasizing the global impact of India's digital advancements. CEO of NIPL, Ritesh Shukla, expressed ambitions for an interoperable global payment system through strategic partnerships. The move aligns with last year's initiative allowing NRIs from 10 countries, including the UK and the US, to use UPI for cross-border transactions.

Indian Navy's INS Sharda successfully foiled a piracy attempt on the Iranian-flagged vessel FV Omaril off the East coast of Somalia. Responding to suspicious activity detected by a Rapid Patrol Aircraft, INS Sharda intervened, coercing pirates into releasing 11 Iranian and 8 Pakistani crew members unharmed. The operation, employing helicopters and boats, ensured the safe release of all hostages. This rescue highlights Indian Navy's commitment to maritime security. Amid global concerns over piracy, the Navy has intensified patrols in strategic waters, including the Arabian Sea and East coast of Somalia, to safeguard merchant vessels.

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.