CWA # 1982
The World Today #263, 24 February 2026
The World Today

The Indian Neighbourhood Today

Global Politics Team
24 February 2026
Photo Source:

The World Today
The War in Ukraine: President Zelenskiy marks the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion by urging European partners to sustain their support
On 24 February, the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, President Zelenskiy called for sustained international support, given visible divisions among its European partners. The EU member states sought agreement on a new sanctions package against Russia and a 90 billion euro loan for Kyiv, but Hungary maintained its veto on both measures. Addressing the European Parliament on the occasion, Zelenskiy called on the bloc to defend shared values and put forth that EU membership would guarantee Ukraine’s future security after a peace settlement, stating Kyiv could be ready by 2027. The EU is exploring interim benefits before full accession reforms are completed. “Russians must learn that Europe is a union of independent nations and millions of people who do not tolerate humiliation and will not accept violence,” he said. The commemoration in Kyiv included prayers attended by senior European leaders, however, no major Western heads of government were present. Zelenskiy further called for tighter sanctions and additional air defence missiles, criticising countries continuing to purchase Russian oil. Moscow saw no official anniversary ceremonies. Peskov stated that Russia is open to diplomacy, but he did not provide details on when further talks could take place. On platform X, President Macron wrote: “One day, Russians will grasp the enormity of the crime committed in their name.”

The US: President Trump to deliver the State of the Union address to Congress at a politically sensitive moment
On 24 February, President Trump will deliver the State of the Union address to Congress at a politically sensitive moment. His approval ratings have declined, public concern over Iran has increased, and economic pressures with respect to rising living costs continue as the November midterm elections approach. The prime-time address, his second since returning to office 13 months ago, provides an opportunity to consolidate support for the Republican Party. However, it follows a turbulent period given the domestic and international challenges. Recent developments include the Supreme Court ruling invalidating his global tariff regime and statistics showing slower economic growth along with inflation accelerating. The Department of Homeland Security remains largely shut down due to partisan disagreement over immigration enforcement following the Minneapolis shootings. Meanwhile, Washington has increased military deployments to the Middle East as tensions with Iran over its nuclear program escalate. According to media reports and White House officials, the address may outline the administration’s position on Iran. The President is also expected to defend the economic situation and respond to the tariff ruling. Advisers have called on the President to prioritize voters’ economic concerns as opinion polls suggest limited public confidence in his cost-of-living promises.

Iran and China: Tehran nears deal with Beijing for advanced anti-ship missiles amid rising US pressure
On 24 February, Reuters reported that Iran is set to finalize a deal with China for the purchase of CM-302 supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles. These missiles, manufactured by China, have a range of 290 kilometres and use low-altitude and high-speed flight to avoid air defence systems on naval platforms. The sources state that the initial talks regarding the purchase of these missiles began two years ago and intensified after the brief Israel-Iran conflict in 2025, which left Iran’s missile arsenal depleted. Iranian military and government leaders, including Deputy Defense Minister Massoud Oraei, reportedly visited China to advance negotiations. Neither Iran nor China has released information regarding the terms of the deal, including the time frame for delivery and the price of the missiles. An Iranian foreign ministry official stated, Iran is prepared to activate existing military and security agreements with its allies. China’s Foreign Ministry said it was unaware of the reported missile negotiations, while its defence ministry did not comment. The White House declined to directly address the talks, but President Donald Trump warned that the United States would take “very tough” action if Iran fails to reach a nuclear deal, underscoring rising tensions that also implicate China.

Mexico: President Sheinbaum's military raid reflects break from predecessor's policy but could trigger backlash, reports Reuters
On 23 February, Mexico carried out its biggest security operation in a decade, killing Nemesio Oseguera-“El Mencho,” the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said that the operation was a firm response to organized crime, a departure or a trun from the “hugs not bullets” policy of her predecessor Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. El Mencho, who had a price  of USD 15 million on him from US authorities, had long been considered invincible. The United States, under Donald Trump, had pressed Mexico to make more efforts against cartels and lauded the raid. Supporters of the CJNG created 250 roadblocks in 20 states, burning cars and businesses. Analysts predict that while rates of homicide had been declining, a cartel war could turn this around. The government is now left with a tough decision. The government must now weigh whether to deepen its actions against CJNG while continuing operations against the Sinaloa Cartel.

The Indian Neighbourhood Today
Nepal: Kathmandu witnesses 498 disasters in the month of Magh
On 24 February, the Himalayan reported that the Nepali month of Magh of the fiscal year 2082/083 (Vikram Samvat (BS) calendar), which is from mid-January to mid-February, recorded 498 disaster incidents across Nepal. The incidents resulted in 22 deaths and 103 injuries, out of which eight were men, and 14 were women and 43 men and 60 women, respectively. 153 people were displaced, and 2,707 police personnel were mobilised for emergency response. The estimated financial loss from these incidents reached NPR 12,73,89,800. Nepal Police reported that the disasters include fire, floods, landslides, lightning strikes, animal attacks, epidemics, windstorms, snowfall, avalanches, cold waves, heavy rainfall, boat accidents, altitude sickness, earthquakes, snake bites and other related events.

Bangladesh: Students protest at the University of Dhaka
On 24 February, Dhaka Tribune reported that students of the University of Dhaka staged a protest in front of Shahbagh Police Station, demanding justice for fellow student Nayem Uddin, who was allegedly assaulted during a Dhaka Metropolitan Police anti-drug drive at Suhrawardy Udyan. The demonstration began at 13:00 hours, with a student delegation entering the police station for talks an hour later. Protesters called for an end to what they termed unwarranted police action, accountability for those responsible for the assault, and the formation of a lawful investigation committee.

Myanmar: Junta escalates airstrikes in Kachin state
On 23 February, Irrawaddy reported that the Myanmar military junta has intensified aerial attacks in Kachin State, targeting areas like Laiza, Waingmaw, and Momauk since 18 February. The attacks, which include drone strikes and airstrikes, have killed civilians and damaged homes. The escalation follows a drone attack on Myitkyina Airport on 20 February, which the junta blamed on the Kachin Independence Army (KIA). KIA spokesperson Colonel Naw Bu denied the allegations, stating they don't target civilians. The Kachin Human Rights Watch expressed concern over potential civilian casualties, citing 23 killed and 25 injured in January alone. The KIA has recently captured 14 towns in Kachin State, seizing most junta bases in Bhamo and Waingmaw.

Myanmar: Justice For Naypyidaw urges for fresh sanctions against the junta
On 24 February, Irrawaddy reported that Justice For Myanmar (JFM) had urged the EU, UK, Canada, US and Australia to impose fresh sanctions on vessels and companies involved in supplying aviation fuel to Myanmar’s military junta, warning that the fuel trade is enabling deadly airstrikes against civilians. Citing data from Myanma Port Authority showing jet fuel imports nearly doubled from 64,562 tonnes in 2024 to 106,604 tonnes in 2025, JFM said the surge fueled an unprecedented number of aerial attacks as the junta prepared for a “sham election.” Referencing investigations by Amnesty International and Reuters, the group alleged that some shipments were carried by vessels linked to Iran’s “shadow fleet” and called for sanctions on specific ships, their owners and managers, as well as on junta-controlled Myanma Petrochemical Enterprise. JFM spokesperson Yadanar Maung said coordinated action could disrupt a supply chain stretching “from Vietnam to Iran,” adding that Canada remains the only country to have comprehensively banned aviation fuel exports and related services to Myanmar.

Sri Lanka: Railway service disrupted, giving way to criticism of administration
On 24 February, the Daily Mirror reported that railway services were disrupted in Sri Lanka. The Railway Station Master’s Union warned that operational failures would cause severe hardship among the public. Operational failure of public infrastructure is increasingly viewed as an administrative shortcoming rather than a technical failure. In addition to this, union warnings are a significant pressure mechanism in Sri Lankan politics. Railways also remain a primary low-cost option for working-class commuters.

Iran: Tehran attempts anti-ship missile deal
On 24 February, Reuters reported that while US forces are accumulating around Iran, the nation is now close to fulfilling a deal with China that involves anti-ship missiles. The Chinese CM 302 supersonic missiles have a range of roughly 290 kilometres. They are capable of dodging several ship-based defence systems. An Israeli intelligence expert commented that it would be a “game changer” for the conflict. Meanwhile, members of the Chinese foreign ministry claimed they were not aware of any such deal. The White House, on the other hand, has not directly commented on the matter. While not too many details have been released, this procurement could shift the nature of the situation in the Gulf.


PREVIOUS COMMENTS

The World This Quarter 
April 2026 | CWA # 2065

Lakshmi Venugopal Menon

The Middle East (Jan–Mar 2026):
The US-Iran War, Israel-Hamas Conflict and their interconnected fallouts
The World This Quarter 
April 2026 | CWA # 2064

Anwesha Ghosh

Afghanistan (Jan–Mar 2026):
Gender Repression, Leadership Rifts, Regional Realignments and Clashes with Pakistan
The World This Quarter 
April 2026 | CWA # 2063

Ramya B

Russia (Jan-Mar 2026)
Assertive Military Posture, Attempts for an Economic Turnaround and Search for Partners
The World This Quarter 
April 2026 | CWA # 2062

Himani Pant

Europe (Jan-Mar 2026)
Trade diversification & FTAs, Increased defence spending, Tightening irregular migration and Economic slowdown
The World This Quarter 
April 2026 | CWA # 2061

S Shaji

Africa (Jan-Mar 2026)
Elections, Civil Wars, Militancy and Peace Initiatives
The World This Quarter 
April 2026 | CWA # 2059

Adarsh Vijay

India and the World (Jan-Mar 2026)
Maintaining Strategic Autonomy, Balancing the US relations and Resetting the China ties 
The World This Quarter 
April 2026 | CWA # 2058

Nishchal N Pandey  & Mahesh Raj Bhatta

Nepal (Jan-Mar 2026)
Political Upheaval, Generational Change and Economic Uncertainty
The World This Quarter 
April 2026 | CWA # 2057

Bibhu Prasad Routray

Myanmar (Jan-Mar 2026)
An Illegitimate Regime’s Consolidation Game
The World This Quarter
April 2026 | CWA # 2056

Ashik J Bonofer

Southeast Asia (Jan-Mar 2026)
Deteriorating situation in Myanmar, Philippines as the ASEAN Chair, New government in Thailand, and Economic & Environmental challenges
The World This Quarter 
April 2026 | CWA # 2055

Haans J Freddy

East Asia (Jan-Mar 2026)
China’s military operations near Taiwan, Japan-China tensions and South Korea’s security challenges
The World This Quarter
April 2026 | CWA # 2052

Shreya Upadhyay

The United States (Jan-Mar 2026)
Tariffs, Ukraine, Iran and Operationalization of Trump’s World Order
March 2026 | CWA # 2039

Femy Francis

Trump-Xi Meeting
Why did Trump reschedule it? What does that mean?
March 2026 | CWA # 2035

Akshath Kaimal

Pakistan-Afghanistan Conflict
Broken ceasefire, Expanding military strikes and Worsening humanitarian situation
Global Politics Early Bird
March 2026 | CWA # 2033

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal after elections:
Five major challenges for the new government
March 2026 | CWA # 2024

Lekshmi MK

The UN and the Iran-US War
UNSC Resolution 2817 between “Clear and Unified Message” and “Manifest Injustice”
March 2026 | CWA # 2023

Femy Francis

China’s Two Sessions 2026
New Five-Year Plan, Ethnic Unity Law, and an Enhanced Defence Budget
March 2026 | CWA # 2019

Akshath Kaimal

Rising Violence in Nigeria
Limited State Capacity, Multiple Actors, and a Complex Security Environment
March 2026 | CWA # 2012

Padmashree Anandhan

The War in Ukraine
Long-range strikes, Defence adaptation and the EU’s energy dependence
Global Politics Early Bird
March 2026 | CWA # 2010

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal Elections 2026
The Rise of the “New” and the Fall of the “Old”
March 2026 | CWA # 2009

Sreemaya Nair

Nepal Elections 2026
Rise of a new leadership and Reset in political landscape
February 2026 | CWA # 1998

Anu Maria Joseph

Instability in Sudan
Response to the genocide call and the threats of a regional spillover
PR Commentary
February 2026 | CWA # 1985

Abhimanyu Solanki

Basant in Pakistan
The return of Basant, and what it signifies
February 2026 | CWA # 1977

Anu Maria Joseph

Violence in Nigeria
US military deployment amidst worsening insurgency
February 2026 | CWA # 1976

Lekshmi MK

The War in Ukraine
The Geneva Talks and Growing Negotiation Asymmetry
Pakistan in 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1971

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi

Pakistan Budget 2025-26
Legislating stabilisation under IMF discipline and coalition constraints
Pakistan in 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1970

Aparna A Nair

Pakistan & China
Ten Years of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
PR Explainer
November 2025 | CWA # 1968

Vani Vyshnavi Jupudi

Pakistan and the US
A New opening, or another cycle?
February 2026 | CWA # 1959

Yesasvi Koganti

UK and China
PM Keir Starmer’s visit and the Recalibration of Economic, Strategic, and Domestic ties
TWTW Note
January 2026 | CWA # 1946

R Preetha

The Davos Summit 2026
Five Major Takeaways from The World Economic Forum
State of Global Politics 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1931

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
State of Global Politics 2025
December 2025 | CWA # 1924

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025
This Week in History
August 2025 | CWA # 1801

R Preetha

28 August 1963
Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech and the Civil Rights Movement in the US
The World This Week
August 2025 | CWA # 1790

GP Team

The World This Week#323-324
The Trump-Putin meeting & the US-China tariff extension
TWTW note
August 2025 | CWA # 1780

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

Trump tariffs:
Weaponization of access to the US economy
The World This Week
August 2025 | CWA # 1779

GP Team

The World This Week#322
US tariffs on India, Brazil and Canada & the EU-US trade deal
This Week in History
August 2025 | CWA # 1778

Lekshmi MK

28 July 1914
Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia, starting the First World War
Global Politics Explainer
July 2025 | CWA # 1770

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

Pakistan-Afghanistan relations:
Why the focus on terrorism, refugees, and Uzbekistan as the third partner?
The World This Week
July 2025 | CWA # 1769

GP Team

The World This Week#321
Indian PM Modi's visit to the Maldives I Elections to the Upper House in Japan
Global Politics Explainer
July 2025 | CWA # 1762

Lekshmi MK

Ocean Darkening: 
What is the phenomenon? What are its effects? And who are more vulnerable?
Global Politics Explainer
July 2025 | CWA # 1749

R Preetha

Africa as the Hunger Epicenter
Of the 13 Global Hunger Hotspots, 8 are in Africa: Five reasons why
The World This Week
July 2025 | CWA # 1748

GP Team

The World This Week #318
PM Modi’s Visit to Trinidad and Tobago & Ghana, One big beautiful bill, and Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting
Global Politics Explainer
July 2025 | CWA # 1744

Chittrothu Vaihali

EU-Canada Summit 2025
What is security and defence partnership all about?
Conflict Weekly
July 2025 | CWA # 1742

IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly # 287-88
The 12 Day War and the Congo-Rwanda Peace Deal
Global Politics Explainer
July 2025 | CWA # 1738

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

Thailand and Cambodia
What was the phone call between PM Shinawatra and President of Senate Hun Sen? What is the border dispute between the two? Why has this become an issue?
TWTW Note
June 2025 | CWA # 1735

Padmashree Anandhan

NATO Summit 2025:
Trump making Europe great again
The World This Week
June 2025 | CWA # 1734

GP Team

The World This Week #317
NATO Summit 2025 and Russia-Mali bilateral agreements
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1733

Ananya Dinesh

China and the Pacific Islands 
What was the recent China-PIC joint statement about? What it says, and what it means?
TWTW Note
June 2025 | CWA # 1728

M Kejia

G7 Summit 2025:
The Focus on the Middle East and Trade negotiations
TWTW Note
June 2025 | CWA # 1727

Aparna A Nair

Second China-Central Asia Summit:
China’s continuing search for regional partners, and the emphasis on the BRI
The World This Week
June 2025 | CWA # 1726

GP Team

The World This Week #316
China-Central Asia Summit in Kazakhstan, and the G7 Summit in Canada
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1725

Brighty Ann Sarah, R Preetha, Santhiya M, Aparna A Nair & M Kejia

Operation Midnight Hammer: US bombs three nuclear sites in Iran
What were the three Iranian nuclear sites that were targeted? What are the B2 Bombers and Bunker Buster Bombs? What do these attacks mean? What Next?
Conflict Weekly
June 2025 | CWA # 1724

IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly #286
The Spiralling Israel-Iran Crisis, and the Dangerous Hunger Hotspots
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1721

Rizwana Banu S and Santhiya M

Who are the Afrikaners?
Why is Trump interested in the Afrikaner question in South Africa?
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1720

Lekshmi MK

New WMO Report on Arctic Warming
What are the social, economic and environmental implications of Arctic warming
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1719

J Yamini  

China’s EV Surge
What contributes to the rise of BYD
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1717

J Yamini

Gender Violence in Pakistan:
What are the larger issues in the Noor Mukadam case?
TWTW Note
June 2025 | CWA # 1715

Femy Francis

The US-China:
On Tariffs, Rare Earths and Visas
The World This Week
June 2025 | CWA # 1713

GP Team

The World This Week #315
The UN Ocean Conference in France and the US-China Meeting in London
Conflict Weekly
June 2025 | CWA # 1709

IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly #284-285
Cambodia-Thailand Border Tensions, Protests in the US, and the Indigenous Māori question in New Zealand
The World This Week
June 2025 | CWA # 1705

GP Team

The World This Week #314
Elections in South Korea and Poland I China and the Pacific Island Countries I Bangladesh Election Announcement 2026
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1703

M Kejia 

Sagarmatha Sambaad in Nepal
Kathmandu’s Global Agenda for the Himalayas
Global Politics Explainer
June 2025 | CWA # 1700

R Preetha

Ethiopia bans the TPLF
What does the TPLF ban mean for the Pretoria agreement? What next for Ethiopia?
TWTW Note
June 2025 | CWA # 1694

Aashish Ganeshan

The US:
Harvard vs Trump Administration
The World This Week
June 2025 | CWA # 1691

GP Team

The World This Week #313
China-ASEAN-GCC Summit I President Macron's visit to South East Asia I Trump Vs Harvard
The World This Week
May 2025 | CWA # 1690

GP Team

The World This Week #312
Elections in Romania, Portugal & Poland I UK-EU Summit
CW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1689

Padmashree Anandhan

Ukraine
Continuing Russia’s Aerial Attacks, despite exchange of prisoners
CW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1688

Ayan Datta

Gaza
The Humanitarian Crisis and Israel’s Renewed Offensive
TWTW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1685

Aparna A Nair

UK-EU Summit:
First step towards a reset
TWTW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1683

Aashish Ganeshan

Elections in Portugal:
The Rise of Chega Party and the Search for Political Stability
TWTW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1679

Aashish Ganeshan

US in the Middle Easr
Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE
TWTW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1678

Gauri Gupta

China in Latin America
China-CELAC forum: Strengthening ties with Latin America and Caribbean
The World This Week
May 2025 | CWA # 1677

GP Team

The World This Week #310-311
China in Latin America and the Carribbean I Trump's Middle East Visit I Denmark as the new Arctic Chair
CW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1675

Lekshmi MK

Turkey:
PKK disbands after 40 years of armed insurgency
CW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1673

Padmashree Anandhan

Ukraine:
The Discussion in Turkiye and the Elusive Ceasefire
CW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1672

D Suba Chandran

India and Pakistan:
De-escalation and the “New Normal”
CW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1671

Abhiruchi Chowdhury

US, Ukraine and Russia:
Air attacks amidst a Minerals deal and Ceasefire Proposals
Global Politics Early Bird
May 2025 | CWA # 1670

Fleur Elizabeth Philip

Singapore Elections in 2025:
People’s Action Party (PAP) Wins, Again
TWTW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1667

R Preetha and Brighty Ann Sarah

East Asia:
Tough Tariff Negotiations with the US
TWTW Note
May 2025 | CWA # 1666

Padmashree Anandhan

The US-Ukraine
The mineral deal with the US
Conflict Weekly
May 2025 | CWA # 1665
Conflict Weekly # 280-81
India-Pakistan De-escalation I Ukraine Discussion in Istanbul I The Battle over Port Sudan I Disbanding of PKK in Turkiye I France-Algeria Diplomatic Tensions
Global Politics Early Bird
May 2025 | CWA # 1663

R Preetha

Canada Elections 2025:
What do the results convey? What next for Mark Carney?
NIAS Global Politics Database
March 2024 | CWA # 1251

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
NIAS Global Politics Database
February 2024 | CWA # 1226

NIAS Africa Team

Africa This Week
The War in Ukraine
October 2023 | CWA # 1091

Annem Naga Bindhu Madhuri

Issues for Europe
IPRI Quarterly Forecasts I Triggers, Trends, and Trajectories
July 2023 | CWA # 1012

Bibhu Prasad Routray

Myanmar continues to burn
2022: The World This Year
December 2022 | CWA # 879

Padmashree Anandhan

The Ukraine War
Europe: Heatwaves, Wildfires, Droughts, and Ice Melt in Alps
November 2022 | CWA # 838

Rishma Banerjee

Tracing Europe's droughts
NIAS Africa Weekly
March 2022 | CWA # 705

NIAS Africa Team

In Focus: Libya
The World This Week: 150th Issue
December 2021 | CWA # 630

GP Team

Europe in 2021
Pakistan Reader
October 2021 | CWA # 588

Abigail Miriam Fernandez

TLP is back again
NIAS Fortnightly on Science, Technology & International Relations
August 2021 | CWA # 528

STIR Team

Space Tourism
Science, Technology and International Relations
September 2019 | CWA # 162

Lakshman Chakravarthy N

5G: A Primer
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 71

Mahesh Bhatta

Nepal
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 70

Nasima Khatoon

The Maldives
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 69

Harini Madhusudan

India
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 68

Sourina Bej

Bangladesh
South Asia Monthly Brief (Nov 2018)
December 2018 | CWA # 67

Seetha Lakshmi Dinesh Iyer

Afghanistan