Domestic

BALOCHISTAN

1. Police Constable Nizamuddin was martyred when armed terrorists attacked a polio vaccination team in Union Council Roghani 3 of the border town of Chaman (6.2.26).
2. Three people, including local JUI-F leader Dr. Abdul Rasheed, Abdul Saboor, and Seth Manho, were killed and two others injured in an attack by unknown gunmen in the Naal area near Harnai Dam in Khuzdar district (8.2.26).
3. Balochistan Levies Force DG Abdul Ghaffar Magsi dismissed 34 personnel over absenteeism, misconduct, and defiance of orders. The staff, now integrated into Balochistan Police, were posted across multiple districts, including Khuzdar, Ziarat, Surab, Sherani, Noshki, Chagai, Lasbela, Kachhi, Kalat, Washuk, Kharan, Pishin, and Mastung (9.2.26).
4. Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz, during her visit to FC HQ in Balochistan, announced a Rs10 billion allocation for the Frontier Corps to enhance capacity-building and bolster security in the province (10.2.26).
5. Iran’s Consul General Mohammad Karimi Todashki reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to regional peace, sovereignty, and boosting bilateral trade with Pakistan to $10 billion annually, while condemning terrorism and foreign interference. He highlighted Iran’s progress in science, technology, and economic self-reliance, expressed readiness for balanced diplomacy, and voiced solidarity with Pakistan against recent terrorist attacks (12.2.26).
6. Police arrested 29 Afghan nationals, including women and children, in Gwadar who were illegally heading to Iran en route to Europe (13.2.26).
7. Three bullet-riddled bodies were found at a filth depot near Quetta, and another body was recovered under a bridge in Panjgur district (14.2.26). Comments & Analysis: Overall, the situation reflects a mixed security environment: intensified counterterrorism and institutional measures on one hand, and continued militant violence, criminality, and cross-border pressures on the other. A comprehensive approach combining security enforcement, border management, governance reform, economic development, and community-level confidence-building remains essential for long-term stabilization in Balochistan.

ISLAMABAD

1. At least 36 worshippers were killed and 169 injured in a suicide bombing at a Shiite mosque and imambargah in Islamabad’s Tarali area during Friday prayers, with ISIS-K claiming responsibility.
   Pakistan’s President, Prime Minister, Senate Opposition Leader, ministers, and countries including China, Iran, Turkey, and the United States condemned the attack. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif alleged the involvement of India and Afghanistan, but both countries rejected the accusations as baseless and uninvestigated (6.2.26).
2. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said four facilitators of Islamabad’s imambargah suicide attack were arrested in KP raids; ASI Ijaz Khan was martyred and four security personnel were injured. He alleged the attack was planned by Daesh Afghanistan with Indian funding, while Khawaja Asif also blamed India and Afghanistan, but both countries rejected the claims as baseless. Naqvi chaired a security meeting to boost Safe City monitoring and briefed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who directed stronger measures after 36 deaths in the February 6 blast and 12 in the November G-11 bombing (7,14.2.26).

GILGIT-BALTISTAN (GB)

1. Thousands protested across Gilgit-Baltistan against the 6 February suicide bombing at Islamabad’s imambargah. A shutter-down strike was observed in Skardu, where Police Inspector Bahadur Ali and three others from GB who were martyred in the said terror incident were laid to rest. Other persons gathered to offer Jumma prayers there (7.2.26).

KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA (KP)

1. Unknown assailants killed a man, Abdul Samad Khan, and injured another in a shooting in Khar tehsil of Bajaur district (1.2.26).
2. Police and FC recovered six mortar shells and eight 120mm shells hidden in plastic bags during a joint search operation in Michnai, Ekkaghund tehsil of Mohmand district (2.2.26).
3. Teenage boy Umar Zeb, who was critically injured in a toy-like bomb explosion on 21 January, succumbed to his injuries in Domel tehsil of Bannu district (4.2.26).
4. Unidentified assailants martyred Police Constable Jehanzeb in the village of Mirali in North Waziristan district (4.2.26).
5. Security forces killed 14 terrorists during an IBO in Orakzai district (4–5.2.26).
6. Ten terrorists were killed by security forces during an IBO in Khyber district (4–5.2.26).
7. An under-training police constable was martyred after being abducted by terrorists in the Darga forest area of Lakki Marwat district (5.2.26).
8. A child, Abdul Hadi, was killed and another person injured when explosive material detonated in a garbage dump in the Deolai area of Kabal tehsil, Swat district (5.2.26).
9. Tribal elder Malik Naseeb Khan was shot dead by unidentified gunmen while traveling in a vehicle in the Janikhel area of Bannu district (5.2.26).
10. Contractor Bakhtullah Wazi was killed and his relative, schoolteacher Zahidullah, abducted by unidentified armed men in the Khadri Mamandkhel area of Bannu district. He was, however, freed later by his captors (5.2.26).
11. Police claimed to have killed a highly wanted contract killer, Mir Aslam alias Mero, during an encounter within the limits of Phandu Police Station in Peshawar district (5.2.26).
12. Police Head Constable Ikram Gundapur was martyred in an attack by unknown gunmen in the Muryali area of Dera Ismail Khan district (6.2.26).
13. Police Constable Musawar Khan of the district security branch was injured in an attack by unknown armed motorcyclists near Bona Baba Square in Kohat district (6.2.26).
14. Army Captain Abbas Shinwari was reportedly martyred in a quadcopter strike while training soldiers in the Landi Kotal area of Khyber district (Dawn News, 5.2.26).
15. The police bomb disposal unit (BDU) defused a 20kg bomb placed by unknown terrorists in the Wanda Amir area of Lakki Marwat district (7.2.26).
16. A mortar shell from an unknown direction landed in fields near Tajazai, Lakki Marwat district, with no casualties reported (7.2.26).
17. Unidentified gunmen attacked a family, killing Police Constable Zahidullah Wazir and injuring his father and brother in the Boya area of South Waziristan district (8.2.26).
18. Two policemen, Constables Noor Muhammad and Azmat, were injured in separate terrorist attacks in Bannu district (8.2.26).
19. Kohat police arrested two inter-provincial smugglers and foiled an arms smuggling bid in Khushalgarh. Weapons including four Kalashnikovs, a rifle, and other arms made in Darra Adamkhel were recovered from a car (9.2.26).
20. Abdul Waheed, an official of the Peshawar High Court’s Bannu Bench, was injured in a gun attack by unknown armed men in the Gandi Sahib Khan area of Lakki Marwat district (9.2.26).
21. Unidentified assailants killed a young woman and dumped her body in a dry stream in the Jamrud area of Khyber district (9.2.26).
22. Police and security forces killed three terrorists, including commander Umar Azam, while foiling their attack on Khonia Khel Police Post in Bannu district (10.2.26).
23. Local Councillor Shamser Khan Sikhani was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Paroa tehsil of Dera Ismail Khan district (10.2.26).
24. Four policemen, including SHO Faheem Mumtaz, Constable Irfan Khan, Constable Ghulam Subhani, and Constable Wajahat, were martyred in a terrorist attack on a police party in Wanda Budh, Paniala, Dera Ismail Khan district (11.2.26).
25. Unknown armed men reportedly kidnapped CPEC policeman Qadeer and set his house on fire in the Dogar Umarzai area of Bannu district, destroying three rooms and household belongings. In a separate incident, unidentified motorcyclists opened fire at the residence of former Bannu Press Club president and ARY News correspondent Ihsan Khattak on Thursday night, with no casualties reported (12.2.26).
26. An 11-year-old minor, Jawad, son of Constable Ikramullah, was rescued from terrorists in Manjiwala, Lakki Marwat district, after police and locals chased the abductors, who released him in a nearby forest to evade capture (12.2.26).
27. CTD police arrested key terrorist commander Danyal alias Baghi during an IBO in Pipal Bazar, Bannu. He is reportedly linked to the newly formed Ittehadul Mujahideen Pakistan (IMP), emerging from the banned TTP and TTG (12.2.26).
28. Police seized an abandoned pick-up truck containing explosives in drums in the cantonment area of Kohat, which were later defused. In a separate earlier incident, police seized improvised explosive devices from a house in Sheikhan village in the same district (13.2.26).
29. Police shot down a terrorist-operated quadcopter after it injured two officers in the Takhtikhel area of Lakki Marwat district. A day earlier, eight minor boys were injured in a quadcopter strike in the same area (13.2.26).
30. Police destroyed terrorist hideouts in Sol along the Bannu–Lakki Marwat border, setting two hideouts on fire in Bannu district (14.2.26).
31. Gul Mahmooddin, an additional SHO, was martyred while repelling a terrorist attack using light and heavy weapons on a police station in War Mamund tehsil, Bajaur district (15.2.26).

Comments & Analysis: The security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during 1–15 February 2026 reflects sustained militant activity alongside intensified counter-terror operations. A high number of targeted attacks, including killings of police personnel, IED explosions, quadcopter strikes, and assaults on police posts, indicate that law enforcement remains the primary target, particularly in Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, Bajaur, and Khyber districts. At the same time, security forces conducted multiple intelligence-based operations, eliminating several terrorists, including key commanders, demonstrating operational effectiveness but also confirming the continued presence and regrouping capacity of militant networks. The increasing use of drone-based attacks and planted explosives highlights tactical adaptation by insurgent groups, while incidents involving kidnappings, attacks on CPEC-linked personnel, tribal elders, and media representatives suggest an effort to create psychological pressure and undermine state authority. Overall, the province appears to be experiencing a contained but persistent insurgency environment, marked by frequent low-to-medium intensity attacks countered by active security responses, rather than a full-scale deterioration of control.

PUNJAB

1. The bodies of two missing youths, Zain Ali and Shahzeb, were found near Khohaar village in the Pabbi area of Sarai Alamgir in Gujrat district (4.2.26).
2. Seven men were arrested and 35 booked under the Anti-Terrorism Act for storming PAF Wegowal Airfield in Sargodha, damaging property, and threatening security personnel, including three brothers — Iqbal, Mushtaq, and Irshad (6.2.26).
3. CTD police arrested Bilal Ahmed, a banned TTP member, from Wapda Grid Station on Yousafwala Road in Sahiwal district (10.2.26).
4. CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz announced that Rahim Yar Khan and Rajanpur’s riverine areas have been cleared of dacoits, restoring state control after a three-phase operation. In the final phase (Jan 7–Feb 13), over 500 criminals, including gang leaders Umrani, Sikhani, Dolani, Bingyani, Lathani, and Inder, surrendered, 34 of whom had Rs10 million bounties. Earlier, IG Police Abdul Karim said that police will receive body cameras, panic buttons, and CCTV within two months. Officials were directed to ensure respectful citizen interaction, strict action against misconduct, and quick grievance redressal via the 1787 Complaint Center (12,13.2.26).

SINDH

1. A fire at a commercial building near Saddar’s mobile market in Karachi damaged three cars, following a deadly Gul Plaza fire two weeks earlier that killed 73 (2.2.26).
2. Notorious dacoit Rajab Jatoi, wanted in 50 cases with a Rs2 million bounty, surrendered to Sukkur police along with two accomplices (2.2.26).
3. Four robbers looted $100,000 and 200 tola gold at gunpoint from a man returning from his bank on Shahrah-e-Faisal to his Bahadurabad home in Karachi (5.2.26).
4. IG Sindh Javed Alam Odho said Operation Nijaat-i-Mehran has killed 27 bandits, wounded 82, and arrested 77 in 113 encounters since January 2026, vowing to continue until crime is fully eliminated from the katcha areas. In a separate development, three constables — Abdul Hafeez Mehesar, Irfan Ali Chandio, and Imamuddin Khoso — were martyred and another critically injured in an attack by armed dacoits near Mehar town in Dadu district (7,9.2.26).
5. ANP worker Abdul Jalil, a junk dealer, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in the Quaidabad area of Karachi (10.2.26).

DEFENCE AND SECURITY

Pakistan Army

1. On Kashmir Solidarity Day, COAS & CDF Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu reaffirmed support for the people of IIOJK. The COAS visited Muzaffarabad, laid a wreath at the Jammu and Kashmir Martyrs Monument, and paid tribute to freedom struggle martyrs. He also visited a forward post, interacted with troops, and emphasized a swift response to any aggression, highlighting the Armed Forces’ readiness (5.2.26).
2. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, along with senior ministers, visited Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS) in Pakistan and was received by the COAS & CDF. During the visit, the President was briefed on GIDS’ defence and industrial capabilities, highlighting both countries’ commitment to deepening collaboration in defence, technology, and the industrial sector (5.2.26).
3. The 9th International Pakistan Army Team Spirit (PATS) Competition concluded on 9 February 2026 at Kharian, where the COAS & CDF lauded participants from 19 countries for their professionalism and emphasized multinational cooperation and core military values (10.2.26).
4. The COAS & CDF visited Germany from 12–14 February for the 62nd Munich Security Conference, meeting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and German officials to discuss global and regional security, counterterrorism, and bilateral defence cooperation. He also engaged with Brazilian and Lebanese military chiefs, focusing on bilateral military cooperation and measures to enhance regional and global security collaboration. Earlier, he reportedly met Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman in Riyadh to discuss joint efforts and reaffirm their strategic defence partnership to promote global peace and security (12,15.2.26).

Pakistan Navy

• The third edition of Sea Guard 2026 began under the Pakistan Navy, bringing together government, private, and fishing sectors to enhance maritime security and coordination. The exercise included scenario-based drills and discussions, with PN officials praising stakeholder participation and media support for maritime awareness (3.2.26).
• Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf visited Malaysia, meeting Royal Malaysian Navy leadership to discuss strategic alignment, operational cooperation, and maritime security. He also visited Malaysia’s National Hydrographic Centre, strengthening collaboration with Pakistan’s National Hydrographic Office and reaffirming naval partnership (8.2.26).
• Maritime Security Exercise Sea Guard 2026 concluded in Karachi, with Vice Admiral Raja Rab Nawaz praising the exercise, highlighting JMICC’s coordination, and reaffirming the Navy’s commitment to maritime security involving stakeholders from Pakistan’s maritime sector (10.2.26).
• Pakistan Navy’s newly commissioned PNS Khaibar visited Aksaz Naval Base during its maiden voyage, participated in Exercise TURGUTREIS-XIII with TCG Heybeliada and an SH-70 helicopter, conducted coordinated patrols, and held high-level meetings to enhance Pakistan–Türkiye naval cooperation and regional stability (13.2.26).

Pakistan Air Force

• The Pakistan Air Force is showcasing its JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter and Super Mushshak trainer at the World Defence Show 2026 in Saudi Arabia, highlighting Pakistan’s advanced aerospace capabilities, operational excellence, and commitment to defence cooperation and exports (10.2.26).
• The Pakistan Air Force conducted Exercise Golden Eagle in the Southern Air Command area, showcasing combat readiness through AI-enabled operations and indigenous smart technologies. The exercise highlighted Manned–Unmanned Teaming and advanced strike capabilities under unified command and control from Air HQ, Islamabad, reaffirming PAF’s operational excellence (10.2.26).
• Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu visited Indonesia, met President Prabowo Subianto, Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, and the Air Marshal of Indonesia to discuss enhanced PAF–Indonesian Air Force cooperation, joint training, aerospace collaboration, and was awarded the Indonesian Air Force Medal of Honour (13.2.26).

Science, Technology and Defence Industry

1. Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) successfully launched its second indigenous Electro-Optical satellite, EO-2, from China, enhancing Earth observation capabilities alongside EO-1 to support national development. Earlier, it shortlisted two astronauts for advanced training at the Astronaut Center of China, with one set to fly to the Tiangong Space Station in late 2026 under the Pakistan–China Astronaut Cooperation Agreement (7,12.2.26).

DIPLOMATIC DEVELOPMENT AND SIGNIFICANT EVENTS

1. PM Shehbaz Sharif and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev agreed to strengthen Pakistan–Uzbekistan trade, investment, industrial partnerships, and people-to-people ties, targeting $2 billion in trade. President Asif Zardari awarded Mirziyoyev the Nishan-i-Pakistan medal. Mirziyoyev also visited Pakistan Global Industrial and Defence Solutions (GIDS), was received by COAS & CDF Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and was briefed on defence and industrial capabilities, highlighting collaboration in defence, technology, and industry (6.2.26).
2. Federal Minister Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry informed the National Assembly that 947 Pakistani students are stranded in Afghanistan, while 1,100 have returned, mostly by air. None of the students are stranded at border points. The Pakistani Embassy in Kabul is assisting those studying in Kabul and Jalalabad. The border was closed in October 2025 due to repeated cross-border attacks (10.2.26).
3. Russian Ambassador Albert P. Khorov, addressing a seminar titled “Legacy of Russian Diplomacy: Current State and Prospects of Pakistan–Russia Relations” in Islamabad, said Moscow and Islamabad are aligned on Gaza and support Palestinian statehood (10.2.26).
4. The US Trade Representative removed a controversial map of India from its X account after Pakistan strongly protested its depiction of disputed territories — including Jammu and Kashmir, AJK, Gilgit-Baltistan, and China’s Aksai Chin — as part of India (Dawn News, 10.2.26).
5. Pakistan Railways and NLC will upgrade the 1,250 km ML-2 into a dedicated freight corridor with $2 billion funding, while ML-1 (Karachi–Rohri) and ML-3 (Rohri–Taftan) projects are expected to begin soon to enhance domestic and international freight, including trade with Türkiye via Iran (12.2.26).
6. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with Deputy PM and FM Ishaq Dar, left for Austria on a two-day official visit at the invitation of Chancellor Christian Stocker. He will hold bilateral meetings and co-chair a session with business leaders to boost investment between the two countries (15.2.26).

Regional

AFGHANISTAN

1. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said security risks in Central Asia and Afghanistan are key concerns for the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). He added that Moscow is not mediating Pakistan’s ties with India and Afghanistan but is ready to help if asked.
2. In another development, Tajikistan’s Prosecutor General Habibullah Wahidzada said recent attacks from Afghan territory killed five Chinese nationals and were aimed at destabilizing the region and harming Dushanbe’s ties with Beijing. Investigations show Tajik citizens were not involved, and the Afghan Taliban confirmed that the attacks were carried out by groups seeking regional instability, pledging to protect trust with Tajikistan (3,15.2.26).
3. Mawlawi Bilal Karimi, Afghanistan’s ambassador to China, met Chinese officials, including Liu Jinsong and Yu Xiaoying, to discuss political, economic, and trade ties, activation of the Wakhan Corridor, and consular issues. Both sides emphasized continued cooperation, with China reaffirming support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and Karimi praising Beijing’s constructive role.
4. Afghan Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Iran would have the capacity to prevail in a potential conflict with the United States, while stressing opposition to war. He stated that Afghans are ready to cooperate with the Iranian people if formally requested, within their capacity.
5. Amid nuclear talks, the U.S. is increasing its regional military presence, and Iran has warned it would target U.S. bases in retaliation. According to an unconfirmed report, the CEO of Iran Railways reportedly said that a proposed Herat–Mazar-e-Sharif–Wakhan railway linking Iran to China via Afghanistan could cut transport distances by up to 50% and enable direct freight services to Europe, boosting regional trade. It would increase China–Europe rail traffic and strengthen Afghanistan’s integration into regional networks (15.2.26).
6. Afghan Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, addressing a police graduation ceremony, said Afghanistan’s security is vital for regional and global stability. Defence Minister Mohammad Yaqub Mujahid stressed unity, independence, non-interference, and warned against foreign interference.

Pakistan–Afghanistan Ties

1. Pakistan once again urged the Afghan Taliban Government to act against militant groups operating from its territory while keeping the door open to diplomacy for peace. Pakistan Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Tahir Andrabi cited a UN report highlighting Pakistan’s concerns over the TTP resurgence since 2021, which the IEA denied, rejecting responsibility for Pakistan’s security challenges.
2. Experts and former diplomats at an Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) roundtable conference emphasized Afghanistan’s regional impact and the need for sustained dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding with Pakistan for long-term stability (12,13.2.26).
3. Ironically, Zabihullah Mujahid once again denied support for the banned TTP, stating that no unauthorized armed groups are allowed in the country. He said Afghanistan offered to facilitate the return of Waziristani migrants, but Pakistan declined and instead requested their relocation from areas near the Durand Line to other parts of Afghanistan. He added that border closures have hurt traders on both sides and that crossings will not reopen unless Islamabad guarantees they will not be shut again for political reasons (5,14,15.2.26).

Comments & Analysis: Afghan Taliban spokesperson persistently throws dust in the eyes of the world by denying the presence of TTP in Afghanistan. Unabashedly, he wants Pakistan to consider terrorism emanating from Afghanistan as a political affair. Pakistan has sealed the Pak-Afghan border permanently on the principle that trade and terrorism cannot go hand in hand.  

BANGLADESH

Parliamentary Elections

In Bangladesh’s 12 February elections, the BNP-led alliance won 212 of 297 contested seats, the Jamaat-led alliance won 77, and the student-backed National Citizen Party secured six seats, including 27-year-old Nahid Islam.

The BNP, returning to power after 20 years, is set to have Tarique Rahman become prime minister following Sheikh Hasina’s ouster, with the transition overseen by interim leader Muhammad Yunus amid high voter turnout.

A simultaneous referendum on reforms — including two-term limits for prime ministers, stronger judicial independence, women’s representation, and a second parliamentary house — saw over 2 million voters participate. However, Sheikh Hasina rejected the results as unconstitutional and fake (12,13,14.2.26).

Comments & Analysis:  World leaders, including those from Pakistan, China, India, the USA, Russia, and European countries, congratulated BNP leader Tarique Rahman on his election victory and expressed readiness to collaborate on shared development goals.

The BNP’s win signals a potential setback for the 2024 reform movement but reflects the continued influence of student-led opposition and public demand for change. Regionally, the outcome may strengthen ties with China and Pakistan while easing India–Bangladesh tensions compared to a scenario in which Jamaat-e-Islami, considered a hardliner, had won a majority of seats.

The change may influence debates on cross-border migration, demographics, and border governance, including in Assam, with potential campaign implications around the Siliguri Corridor (“Chicken’s Neck”) — a narrow 22-km-wide strip in West Bengal connecting India’s northeast to the mainland, bordered by Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh — which is a strategically critical chokepoint for military, logistical, and economic connectivity, and other national issues.

The BNP government could also ease tensions with Myanmar by prioritizing safe Rohingya repatriation. Bangladesh hosts around 1.3 million Rohingya in overcrowded Cox’s Bazar camps, including Kutupalong refugee settlement.

ILLEGAL INDIAN OCCUPIED JAMMU AND KASHMIR (IIOJK) / LOC

Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited forward areas along the International Border and LoC in Kathua, interacting with BSF personnel, paying tribute to martyrs, inaugurating projects, and announcing modernization and welfare measures.

He also chaired a high-level security review in Jammu with IIOJK Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and senior officials, while BSF Sub-Inspector Raj Kumar died by suicide in Rajouri district.

Indian Army Northern Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma reviewed counter-militancy security measures at a joint meeting of paramilitary forces and police in Udhampur Cantonment.

BSF and police, in a joint operation, claimed to have seized a drone carrying 4 kg in the RS Sector of Jammu (5,12,13,14.2.26).

INDIA

Defence and Security

Indian Army

1. Indian armed forces commanders continued reviewing operational preparedness and upgrading naval and air infrastructure, focusing on borders with Pakistan and China. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth visited Bhuj’s Creek Sector to assess Kori Creek, witness the ‘TATRAKSHA’ exercise, and enhance coastal security. Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, GOC XIV Corps, visited the Siachen Brigade to review security and operational readiness and interact with troops at the world’s highest battlefield. Lt Gen PK Mishra, GOC 16 Corps, assessed security and operational preparedness along the LoC in Naushera, Rajouri district (4,5,6,11.2.26).
2. Chief of Indian Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi visited forward areas along the LoC in Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir, to review operational preparedness and interact with deployed troops.
3. In another development, BSF DG Praveen Kumar and SSB DG Sanjay Singhal met the COAS to boost border management, intelligence sharing, and inter-agency coordination under the “One Border, One Force” strategy following a J&K security review chaired by Home Minister Amit Shah (7,11.2.26).

Indian Navy

• The Indian Navy is reportedly hosting the large international exercise ‘Milan 2026’ at Visakhapatnam from 17–26 February 2026, featuring an International Fleet Review, with 90 ships and 45 aircraft, including INS Vikrant (R11). Invitations were sent to 135 countries, with 55 confirmed participants.
• In a separate development, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority became India’s first port to deploy an advanced anti-drone system with 360° RF and radar coverage for real-time detection and neutralization of unauthorized drones (7.2.26).

Indian Air Force

• The Indian Air Force will showcase its first post-Operation Sindoor firepower demonstration, Exercise Vayu Shakti, on February 27 at the Pokhran test firing range in Rajasthan, featuring 77 aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, and 277 weapons for precision and smart strikes (14.2.26).

Science, Technology and Defence Industry

• The Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved Rs 3.60 lakh crore in acquisitions for the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Coast Guard, including fighter jets, combat missiles, P-8I aircraft, and EO/IR systems. The $39 billion plan also includes additional Rafale jets and 288 Russian S-400 missiles, aiming to boost combat readiness, long-range strike capability, maritime and aerial surveillance, and modernize India’s armed forces (12.2.26).
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a historic C-130J landing on Assam’s Dibrugarh highway-based Emergency Landing Facility, boosting IAF operational flexibility in Northeast India. Constructed with the Defence and Road Transport ministries, ELFs enable rapid refueling, troop and equipment airlifting, and serve as temporary runways during conflicts or emergencies. India has identified 28 ELFs across 11 states/UTs, with Assam having the most, following the global trend of dual-use highways for military and civilian purposes (14.2.26).

Diplomatic Developments and Significant Events

• India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval met Canada’s Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree and NSA Nathalie G. Drouin in Ottawa, agreeing on a joint security plan covering liaison officers, law enforcement cooperation, cybersecurity, fraud prevention, and immigration coordination.

It is learned that Canada and India are reportedly close to finalizing a nearly $3 billion, 10-year uranium supply deal, which is likely to be signed during Prime Minister Mark Carney’s March visit, to support India’s 100 GW nuclear expansion and strengthen civil nuclear ties (8.2.26).

• The U.S. and India reportedly agreed on an interim trade deal, with India stopping Russian oil imports, reducing tariffs on U.S. goods, and planning to purchase $500 billion worth of U.S. products over five years. The Indian National Congress criticized the deal, while President Donald Trump described it as “historic,” highlighting a major boost in U.S. coal and energy exports (3,12.2.26).
• An Indian national, Nikhil Gupta, pleaded guilty in a U.S. federal court to plotting the assassination of Sikh activist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York, admitting to charges of murder-for-hire, conspiracy, and money laundering. The plot, directed by former Indian intelligence officer Vikash Yadav, involved a $100,000 agreement and was foiled by U.S. law enforcement before any attack occurred. U.S. authorities described the case as “transnational repression,” noting that Gupta targeted Pannun for exercising his American rights (13.2.26).

IRAN

1. Iran and the United States held nuclear talks in Muscat, Oman, described by Tehran as a “good start,” although Washington seeks to expand discussions to broader issues while Iran insists on limiting talks strictly to nuclear matters.
2. The Secretary of Iran’s Defence Council, Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani, warned of strong retaliation and described Iran’s missile forces as untouchable. President Donald Trump stated that negotiations are progressing but reportedly signed an order enabling potential 25% tariffs on countries that continue trade with Iran.
3. During the Munich Security Conference in Germany, a protest led by exiled former royal family member and self-proclaimed opposition leader Reza Shah Pahlavi was held, where he urged U.S. military intervention and asked Washington not to prolong nuclear talks, while calling on Trump to back regime change.
4. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi said Iran is open to compromise if sanctions relief is included. A second round of talks is scheduled for Geneva following initial discussions in Oman (6,13,14,15.2.26).
5. The U.S. military is preparing for possible weeks-long operations against Iran if President Trump orders action, amid ongoing nuclear talks in Oman. The Pentagon has deployed an additional aircraft carrier, troops, jets, and destroyers, as quoted by Reuters.
6. Trump stated that reaching a deal with Iran may become difficult, and the White House reiterated that all options remain on the table. Previous strikes, such as June’s “Midnight Hammer,” resulted in limited Iranian retaliation. U.S. officials said current operational planning is more complex. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned of retaliation, and Israel emphasized its security concerns. Iran seeks nuclear sanctions relief but rejects linking missile restrictions to nuclear negotiations (14.2.26).
7. Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, affirming Moscow’s support for Tehran. UN Secretary-General António Guterres also congratulated Iran on the anniversary, noting that national days serve as moments to reflect on a country’s ideals, responsibilities, and the importance of dialogue and solidarity in addressing global challenges (14.2.26).

MIDDLE EAST

1. Gaza’s civil defence reported that Israeli strikes killed at least 12 people, with Israel citing ceasefire violations. Despite a U.S.-brokered truce entering its second phase, violence continues, with Israel and Hamas accusing each other of breaching the agreement (15.2.26).
2. President Trump stated that Board of Peace members pledged thousands of personnel for an International Stabilisation Force in Gaza. He announced that further details would be shared at the Board meeting on February 19 in Washington.
3. Members also pledged over $5 billion for Gaza’s humanitarian and reconstruction efforts. Trump stressed that Hamas must honor full and immediate demilitarization and described the Board of Peace as the most consequential international body in history, stating that he was honored to serve as its chairman (15.2.26).