PM Modi announces special economic package of $175 million for Seychelles

IANS | February 9, 2026 1:53 PM

New Delhi, Feb 9 (IANS) Calling development partnership a "strong foundation" of New Delhi-Victoria ties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday announced a special economic package of $175 million for Seychelles to support concrete projects in various sectors like social housing, e-mobility, vocational training, health, defence and maritime security.

Desperation mounts as ISI hunts Afghan Taliban dissidents to sustain Kashmir operations

Vicky Nanjappa | February 9, 2026 11:47 AM

New Delhi, Feb 9 (IANS) After ties with the Afghan Taliban soured, Pakistan has been hunting for disgruntled elements and recruiting them into the Jaish-e-Mohammed. Indian agencies have learnt that the ISI has been scouting for disgruntled elements from the Afghan Taliban and other breakaway factions. The idea is to recruit such persons and take them into the Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Pakistan PM's aide says 'innocent people' could be taken in custody in Balochistan crackdown

IANS | February 9, 2026 9:43 AM

Islamabad, Feb 9 (IANS) A discussion on the prevailing situation in Balochistan turned contentious after Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Rana Sanaullah suggested that innocent civilians could end up being detained during security crackdowns following militant attacks, including those reported across the province on January 31, local media reported on Monday.

Global IIT gathering to shape future innovation, strengthen ties with India (IANS exclusive)

Lalit K Jha | February 9, 2026 8:40 AM

Washington, Feb 9 (IANS) When thousands of Indian Institute of Technology alumni, entrepreneurs and executives gather in Long Beach, California, next April, the agenda will extend well beyond networking and keynote speeches. For the organisers of the Global Pan-IIT Conference, the four-day event is intended as a statement about how a relatively small community of Indian-origin technologists has come to play an outsized role in shaping innovation, capital and public life in both India and the United States.