FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2026 1 A We e kl y N e w s p a p e r Fe a tu r i ng N ew s an d Tren d s f ro m the In d ian Sub- Co n tin en t Pub li s hed From the U S Ca pi ta l Web Site: WWW.Indiathisweek.us Volume 35 No. 8 Washington DC. Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800; 301-445-1868 E-Mail: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Friday February 20 , 2026 India, France Elevate Ties to Special Global Strategic Partnership; Announce Cooperation on Critical Minerals, Defence, Innovation Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 18 (ANI): India and France on Tuesday elevated their bilateral relationship to a Special Global Strategic Partnership, announcing wide-ranging cooperation across critical minerals, defence manufacturing, advanced technologies, innovation, space, clean energy, and industrial collaboration. Indian Ambassador to France Sanjeev Kumar Singla said that both countries have agreed on a Joint Declaration of Intent for cooperation in critical minerals, alongside the creation of a Joint Advanced Technology Development Group and a Letter of Intent to estab- lish a Centre on Advanced Materials between India’s Department of Science and Technology and the French research institution CNRS. “On critical and emerging technology, we have decided to constitute a joint advanced technology development group, as well as a joint declaration of intent for cooperation in critical minerals. There is also a letter of intent to establish a centre on advanced materials between our Department of Science and Technology and the French institution CNRS,” Singla said, adding that an amendment to the Double Tax Avoidance Agreement between the two countries has also been signed. According to a joint statement issued by India and France, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Em- manuel Macron agreed to deepen cooperation in the exploration, extraction, processing, and recycling of critical minerals and rare earths to build diversified, sustainable, responsible, and resilient supply chains. Both leaders recognised the central role of critical minerals in enabling a green and digital economy, emerging technologies, and advanced manufacturing. Prime Minister Modi said the India– France partnership is vital for “global stability and progress” following bilateral talks held in Mumbai. In a post on X, the Prime Minister said discussions covered cooperation in industry, defence, clean energy, space, and emerging technologies, along with plans to strengthen networks between startups and MSMEs, facilitate student and researcher exchanges, and establish new IndIa-France see page 6 Indian Student Reported Missing Found Dead in San Francisco SAN FRANCISCO, February 15 (ANI): The body of a University of California, Berkeley student from Karnataka who had been reported missing a day earlier has been recovered by local authorities, officials said. The student, identified as Saketh Sreenivasaiah, was found deceased after a search effort that involved local law enforcement and the Consulate General of India in San Francisco. In a post on X, the Consulate General said, “The Consulate deeply regrets to inform that local police have confirmed the recovery of the body of the missing Indian student, Saketh Sreenivasaiah. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this profoundly difficult time.” The Consulate said it is in direct contact with the family and will provide all necessary assistance, including coordination with local authorities and arrangements for the repatriation of the remains to India. “The Consulate stands ready to provide all necessary assistance to the family, including coordination with local authorities and arrangements for the repatriation of mortal remains to India at the earliest. Our consular officers are in direct contact with the family and will support them with all required formalities and services,” the post said. A day earlier, the Consulate had expressed Remember: “The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man.” George Bernard Shaw concern over the disappearance of the postgraduate student and said it was working with local authorities to locate him. “The Consulate General of India in San Francisco is deeply concerned about the disappearance of Saketh Sreenivasaiah, an Indian postgraduate student of UC Berkeley, hailing from the State of Karnataka. The Consulate is in touch with the family and is also in contact with the concerned local authorities to locate the student,” it said in an earlier post. Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of death. Police are continuing their investigation. Concerns over the safety of Indian students abroad have been raised in the past, including allegations of discrimination, racist attacks, and negligence by authorities. In response to a question raised by Member of Parliament Asaduddin Owaisi in the Lok Sabha regarding student safety overseas, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) outlined measures taken to ensure the well-being of Indian students abroad. “The Govern- ment accords high priority to the safety and security of Indian students abroad and monitors incidents of violence against them. Violent and untoward incidents are immediately taken up by Indian Missions/Posts abroad with the concerned authorities of the host country to ensure proper investigation and that perpetrators are punished,” the MEA said in its reply. The ministry said Indian Missions and Posts maintain regular contact with students enrolled in foreign universities and conduct orientation sessions upon their arrival to brief them on potential challenges and precautions. Advisories are also issued from time to time. To ensure effective communication and timely support, students are encouraged to connect with Indian Missions through platforms such as the MADAD portal, WhatsApp groups created specifically for students, consular camps, open houses, and emergency hotlines. The MEA added that Missions and Posts remain vigilant, particularly in countries facing political instability or economic crises. Incidents affecting Indian students are promptly raised with host governments to ensure safety and redressal. Consular assistance, including emergency medical support and temporary accommodation, is provided when required, with financial assistance extended through the Indian Community Welfare Fund in cases of distress. During major crises, the Government of India has carried out evacuation operations to bring back Indian nationals, including students. Recent efforts have included Operation Devi Shakti in Afghanistan, Operation Ganga in Ukraine, Operation Kaveri in Sudan, and Operation Ajay and Operation Sindhu in Israel and Iran. The government said these initiatives underscore its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian students abroad. (ANI)
Delhi: Newborn abducted from hospital, recovered; one accused arrested New Delhi [In- dia], February 18 (ANI): A newborn baby, who was delivered on the 14th of this month, was abducted from the hospital. The baby was recovered by the police, and one of the accused has been arrested. According to Additional Commissioner of Police Rajiv Ranjan, “At 9 a.m. today, a call was received that a newborn baby, who was delivered on the 14th at BSA Hospital, had been kidnapped by someone. After receiving the information at 9 a.m., the North Rohini police station team became active. With the help of necessary investigation and technical surveillance, they arrested the accused from the Meerut Expressway about an hour ago this evening and also recovered the child.” He further told ANI, “For now, it is known that she is a resident of Noida, age 40. And the co-accused with her, Ahivaran Saxena, is 20 years old. And both were involved in this. The woman was actively involved. Anyway, now she has come into police custody. She will be questioned in detail.” He also said that in the arrests made earlier in such cases of kidnapping, no involvement of hospital staff was found.”In this case, we will also keep all angles in mind during the investigation. The accused has just come into our custody, so we will take the accused on police remand and question further,” he added. When asked, as a police officer, what appeal he would make to the public given the rumours, and what he would say to prevent such incidents from happening.To which Rajiv Ranjan replied, “In this matter, I would like to say that do not trust any unknown person. It should not happen at all that in two or three days, someone wins your trust so much that you hand over the child to them. Because this is what happened in this case. At 5 a.m., this accused lady, who is 40 years old, said, ‘I will take care of the child, you rest.’ So, the child’s mother went to sleep. She woke up at 8 a.m. At 8 a.m., the family searched on their own. When the baby was not found anywhere, and this lady, the accused lady, was also not found, then a PCR call was made. So, trusting someone so much in two days is not right at all.” (ANI) FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2026 Anand Ramanand Sagar Chopra, son of legendary Ramanand Sagar, passes away Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 13 (ANI): Anand Ramanand Sagar Chopra, son of the legendary filmmaker Ramanand Sagar, is no more.He breathed his last in Mumbai on February 13, 2026. Sharing the news of his demise, his family in a note stated, “It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our dear father Anand Ramanand Sagar Chopra… Your prayers and blessings for his peaceful journey are sincerely appreciated. Sagar Family.” Anand’s funeral was held at Pawan Hans Crematorium. Several members of the film industry, including Poonam Dhillon, Bhagyashree, and Ramesh Sippy, attended his last rites.A prayer meeting in fond memory of Anand is likely to take place on Monday. Anand, 84, is survived by wife Nisha Sagar, son Shakti Sagar, daughter Gauri Sagar, son Amar Sagar, daughter-inlaw Vaishali Sagar, grand daughter Aanya Sagar, and grandson Arjun Sagar.Son of legendary Ramanand Sagar, creator of the original 1987 TV series Ramayan, Anand Sagar was part of the second generation managing Sagar Pictures Entertainment. Anand Sagar made a lasting impact on Indian mythological storytelling, most notably with the 2008 television epic Ramayan. In addition to his work in television, he was also associated with the film Armaan, whose popular song ‘Ramba Ho Ho Ho’ was recently recreated for the Ranveer Singh starrer ‘Durandhar’. (ANI)
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2026 Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller Welcomes Monks on “Walk for Peace” to Final Stop in Annapolis ANNAPOLIS, MD –- Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller today welcomed nearly two dozen Buddhist monks to the Maryland State House, the final destination on their “Walk for Peace.” The monks, along with dozens of volunteers and their canine companion, Aloka, have walked more than 2,300 miles from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington D.C. This marks the first time the monks have visited an official residence of a First Family along their entire journey. “I am profoundly honored that this extraordinary delegation of venerable monks chose to include Annapolis as a sacred stop on their remarkable journey. To witness our community respond with such an outpouring of love, unity, and compassion fills my heart beyond measure,” said Lt. Governor Aruna Miller. “From Fort Worth, Texas, across ten states and through our nation’s capital, it is both fitting and deeply symbolic that the Walk for Peace concludes here in Annapolis — the nation’s first peacetime capital. This is a moment that will be etched in our history and in our hearts. We will never forget the grace, the purpose, and the profound spirit of peace that has brought us together today.” Upwards of 12,000 people flocked to Annapolis to welcome the monks on their approach to the capitol from the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Following brief remarks, Lt. Governor Miller escorted the monks inside the State House to be introduced to the House and Senate Chambers, where they were presented with resolutions in recognition of their journey, and for a collaborative conversation with other local elected officials and the Council for Interfaith Outreach, chaired by the Lt. Governor. Governor Wes Moore and First Lady Dawn Moore also welcomed the monks to Government House for a private lunch. Before their meal, the monks were presented with Maryland State Flags pins to commemorate their visit and thank them for their commitment to compassion and peace. “It was an honor to welcome these spiritual leaders to Maryland, the final destination of their powerful ‘Walk for Peace,’” said Governor Wes Moore. “To walk 2,300 miles is a physical feat and a profound act of faith in motion. It was a privilege to welcome them to the People’s House as they conclude their journey.” “After a powerful journey across the nation, the governor and I are proud to welcome these monks to ‘The People’s House,’ a place where we are committed to ensuring that all people feel seen and welcomed,” said First Lady Moore. “As a state, we know that in order to create change and build a better future — we must work together. We thank the monks for being an inspiration to all Marylanders, and showing us how we can unite our communities, uplift our society, and build meaningful connections under the one common goal of peace.” Dr. Lora Hargrove, Director of Faith Outreach for the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives, guided the conversation with the Council and the monks, emphasizing the importance of interfaith collaboration in strengthening community resilience, promoting mutual respect across religious traditions, and addressing common challenges together. “When faith communities come together to listen, learn, and serve alongside one another, we create a foundation of unity that lifts up all Marylanders,” said Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives Director of Faith Outreach Dr. Lora Hargrove. “Here in Maryland, we are proud to stand with leaders of all faiths to build bridges, foster dialogue, and advance peace in our communities.” Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman and Lt. Governor Aruna Miller each presented the monks with a proclamation declaring February 12, 2026 as “Walk for Peace Day.” Faith Community Liaison for Montgomery County Kate Chance presented the monks with a “Peace Day,” citation. Capitol Police Lieutenant Colonel Glend McGuire presented them with a police badge to honor their journey and their presence. The walk began in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 26, 2025. Rooted in Theravada Buddhist teachings of nonviolence, mindfulness, and loving-kindness, the pilgrimage was launched to raise awareness for peace after lead monk Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra said he observed a lack of mindfulness across the nation and the world. The group initially brought only 1,000 “peace bracelets” to share along the journey, but by the end, they had distributed hundreds of thousands. “When we started out in Fort Worth, Texas, we were alone. We are not alone anymore,” said Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra. “After this walk, we are not alone. We have so many people walking with us on this path, together, for the better. So I am honored, I am grateful, that I chose this walk for peace.”
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Friday, February 20, 2026 India, France Elevate Ties to Special Global Strategic Partnership; Announce Cooperation on Critical Minerals, Defence, Innovation India-France from page 1 joint innovation centres. “Held wide-ranging talks with President Macron in Mumbai. Ours is a partnership for global stability and progress,” Modi said, noting that the relationship has now been elevated to a Special Global Strategic Partnership. As a major milestone under the Make in India initiative, both leaders jointly inaugurated the H125 Final Assembly Line, India’s first private-sector helicopter manufacturing facility. The project brings together Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus, and will serve India’s domestic market while exporting to third countries. Modi highlighted that the helicopter is capable of flying at extreme altitudes, including the heights of Mount Everest. The leaders also inaugurated the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 at the Gateway of India in Mumbai, marking a new phase of people-to-people, cultural, scientific, and industrial collaboration. Modi said the Year of Innovation reflects the transformation of bilateral ties into a partnership driven by innovation and public participation. Addressing the India-France Innovation Forum, President Macron lauded defence ties between the two nations, saying India and France have “chosen each other The Poetic Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- February 20, 2026 Men Who Cannot Be Sold By Rajan George It is not much to assume that men who’ve Scaled the heights of power would maintain Integrity and truth as their shield In the performance of the job they swore to uphold. It is not much to assume that men who’ve Promised never to swerve from Truth, While serving the people and their cause, Would sacrifice all for the sake of their folks. It is not much to assume that men who’ve Committed to help and not to hurt the people, By word or deed, regardless of personal gain, Would not seek to aggrandize themselves. But when there is a reversal of dedication, When commitments are forsaken for self-service, In pursuit of climbing the ladder of power To advance their own ambitions, When evidence reveals that their assurances Were phony and false, and ulterior motives Are brought to light, it is often too late To flush them out, for they are deeply aligned With forces of darkness. The nation needs leaders who are not for sale, Whose spines hold firm despite the peril ahead, Who do not shift with drifting trends, But stand strong, no matter the cost. Men of strong conviction, who will not Shift their stance even if the sands beneath them Are swept away, but stand firm Even when their very lives are at risk. Only such men can be counted worthy Of being called a “Man” or a “Leader.” Such men are the nation’s greatest asset, Deserving honor, trust, and the crown. on land, at sea, and in the sky.” He described France as a steadfast partner of India’s Make in India programme, citing cooperation on next-generation engines, multi-role helicopters, combat aircraft, submarines, and space technologies. “This is not just a defence contract, but a series of defence contracts. We speak about what a sovereign alliance is—two great nations choosing each other by conviction,” Macron said. The French President confirmed ongoing collaboration on Rafale fighter jets, submarines, and fifth-generation fighter aircraft engines, emphasising technology transfer and strategic autonomy. Both leaders welcomed progress on the procurement of 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets and appreciated partnerships involv- ing Safran, HAL, Bharat Electronics Limited, and the establishment of MRO facilities for LEAP and M-88 engines. Earlier in the day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh co-chaired the 6th India–France Annual Defence Dialogue with his French counterpart, during which the two sides renewed their defence cooperation agreement for another 10 years and signed an MoU for manufacturing HAMMER missiles in India. Macron also highlighted cooperation in space, referencing the TRISHNA satellite, and stressed that innovation must serve the common good by improving everyday life, health, and safety. Calling France “the only clear answer” to India’s search for innovation partners, Macron said Paris intends to stand with New INDIA THIS WEEK Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800 www.indiathisweek.online India This Week is published every Friday by ADV Solutions Inc, Views expressed in this paper are those of the individual writers and not necessarily of India This Week. India This Week accepts no liability for the errors in advertisements or in any of its reports. For remedial actions any errors should be brought to the attention of the editor by the information provided below. Publisher: Dr. Babu Stephen Chief Editor: Rajan George Contributing Editors: Saju Mathew Isaac George Asst. Editors: Manu Jacob Sherena Panjikkaran Special Business Correspondent Elisha B. Pulivarti Business Coordinators Rajan C. George Jithu Johny Panjikkaran Dr. Renuka Misra, Special Correspondent: Geeta Goindi Community Coordinator: Prof. Vinod Goel India Office Manesh Krishna Columnists: Anadi Naik World Religions Dr. Sam Prasad Jillella Photo Journalist: Mathew Karmel, System Admn. & Maintenance: Rajan C. George Layout & Graphics: Prinston Samuel, Business Affairs: Mrs. Molly George CALL US • 301-445-0200 • 301-917-4800 e-Mails: Advertisements: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Press Releases: indiathisweekpress@yahoo.com Web: www.indiathisweek.online Remember: “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ” Jesus Christ Delhi for the long term. As the Mumbai leg of his visit concluded, President Macron departed for New Delhi to attend the AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam. Prime Minister Modi also returned to the national capital after concluding his engagements in Mumbai. (ANI) NEW DELHI, February 17 — India has seized three U.S.-sanctioned oil tankers linked to Iran this month and intensified surveillance within its maritime zone to curb illicit trade, Reuters reported Monday, citing a source with direct knowledge of the matter. According to Reuters, the move is part of India’s effort to prevent its waters from being used for ship-to-ship transfers that obscure the origin of oil cargoes. The report noted that the heightened surveillance follows improved ties between New Delhi and Washington, shortly after the announcement of an interim trade agreement between the two countries. The three sanctioned vessels — Stellar Ruby, Asphalt Star, and Al Jafzia — frequently changed their identities to evade law enforcement by coastal states, the source told Reuters, adding that their owners are based overseas. Reuters also cited Iranian state media quoting the National Iranian Oil Company as saying the three tankers seized by India had no connection to the company. The company stated that neither the cargo nor the vessels were linked to it. The report said the Indian Coast Guard has deployed approximately 55 ships and between 10 and 12 aircraft for roundthe-clock surveillance within its maritime zones. Reuters further noted that the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control last year sanctioned three vessels — Global Peace, Chil 1, and Glory Star 1 — with International Maritime Organization numbers identical to the ships recently seized by India. According to data from the London Stock Exchange Group cited by Reuters, two of the three tankers are linked to Iran. Al Jafzia carried fuel oil from Iran to Djibouti in 2025, and Stellar Ruby was flagged in Iran. Asphalt Star primarily operated on routes around China, the data showed. Earlier in February, the Indian Coast Guard said it had dismantled an international oil-smuggling network operating through a complex sea-air system. According to an official release, the vessels involved devised a method to smuggle large volumes of low-cost oil and oil-based cargo from conflict-affected countries, transferring them mid-sea to motor tankers in international waters. The syndicate allegedly consisted of handlers operating from multiple countries, coordinating sales and transfers between seagoing vessels. Three vessels were intercepted by Indian Coast Guard ships about 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai. Through sustained searches, electronic data verification, document checks, and crew interrogation, a specialist boarding team established the sequence of events and the group’s operating methods, officials said. Technology-driven systems detected a motor tanker engaged in suspicious activity within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone, prompting a digital investigation. Data pattern analysis identified two additional vessels as possible participants in the illicit transfer of oil-based cargo at sea, allegedly evading significant duties owed to coastal states, including India. India Seizes Three U.S.-Sanctioned Tankers Linked to Iran, Reuters Reports
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