A deadly bomb explosion near a popular restaurant in central Moscow has killed three people and injured at least 21 others. Russian authorities have described the incident as a terrorist attack, saying a woman carrying a homemade explosive device detonated the bomb after being stopped by security.

The blast occurred near the Balzi Rossi Italian Restaurant at Kudrinskaya Square, close to one of Moscow's iconic Stalin-era skyscrapers. Emergency services, police, and forensic teams rushed to the scene as investigators launched a full-scale terror probe.

Deadly Moscow Bomb Blast: 3 Killed, 21 Injured In Suspected Terror Attack

<p>An 18-year-old man carrying a loaded shotgun was arrested outside the US Capitol on Tuesday (Feb 17). The man, who allegedly was planning a shooting attack, was detained while running towards the Capitol building after officers confronted him as he ran toward the building, authorities said.</p><h2><strong>What happened?</strong></h2><p>US Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan told the press that the alarming incident began shortly after noon when the suspect parked a white Mercedes SUV near the Capitol and exited the vehicle holding the firearm. He then ran toward the West Front of the Capitol, which faces the National Mall and is one of the most closely guarded areas of the complex.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/pawtucketpawtucket-arena-shooting-suspect-identified-as-mentally-sick-trans-woman-roberta-esposito-family-dispute-angle-under-probe-robert-dorgan-1771310477265"><strong>'Mentally sick' trans person Roberta Esposito identified as Rhode Island hockey arena shooting suspect | All we know - In Pics</strong></a></p><p>Officers stationed in the area immediately challenged the suspect and ordered him to drop the weapon. According to Sullivan, the man complied without resistance.</p><p>"This individual was challenged by United States Capitol Police officers in order to drop the weapon, which he did comply with," Sullivan told reporters during a press briefing. "He laid down the weapon and then laid down on the ground and was taken into custody by our United States Capitol Police officers."</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Our officers just arrested a person with what appears to be a gun near the West Front of the U.S. Capitol Building. Please avoid the area. We will provide more information when new information is confirmed. <a href="https://t.co/f9JQPYUq8O">pic.twitter.com/f9JQPYUq8O</a></p>&mdash; The U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/CapitolPolice/status/2023813274282897827?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2><strong>Suspect had additional ammo: What was he planning?</strong></h2><p>Police said the shotgun was loaded and the suspect was carrying additional ammunition. He was also wearing tactical gear, including a vest and gloves. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered more equipment, including a Kevlar helmet and a gas mask.</p><p>Authorities said the suspect was not previously known to Capitol Police and does not live in the Washington, D.C., area. Investigators are still working to confirm his identity and background, as the vehicle he drove was not registered in his name and he appears to have used multiple addresses, "so we're trying to chase down where he actually came from," said Sullivan.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-jesus-watches-over-her-whoops-disturbing-epstein-files-email-mocking-young-victim-s-faith-goes-viral-1771055911141"><strong>'Jesus watches over her… whoops': Disturbing Epstein files email mocking young victim’s faith goes viral</strong></a></p><p>Officials have not determined a motive, and the investigation remains ongoing.</p><p>Earlier in the day, Capitol Police said the situation was contained quickly and that there was no indication of additional suspects or any continuing threat to lawmakers, staff, or visitors.</p><p>Sullivan praised the officers involved in the arrest, saying their quick response prevented what could have become a dangerous situation. "Who knows what could have happened if we wouldn't have had officers here standing guard like they do every single day," he said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

An armed 18-year-old in tactical gear was arrested just seconds before he could enter the US Capitol with a loaded shotgun. Extra ammo, a gas mask, and mystery gear were found in his SUV. What was he planning, and where did he come from? Scroll down.

An 18-year-old man carrying a loaded shotgun was arrested outside the US Capitol on Tuesday (Feb 17). The man, who allegedly was planning a shooting attack, was detained while running towards the Capitol building after officers confronted him as he ran toward the building, authorities said. What happened? US Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan told the press that the alarming incident began shortly after noon when the suspect parked a white Mercedes SUV near the Capitol and exited the vehicle holding the firearm. He then ran toward the West Front of the Capitol, which faces the National Mall and is one of the most closely guarded areas of the complex. Also read | 'Mentally sick' trans person Roberta Esposito identified as Rhode Island hockey arena shooting suspect | All we know - In Pics Officers stationed in the area immediately challenged the suspect and ordered him to drop the weapon. According to Sullivan, the man complied without resistance. "This individual was challenged by United States Capitol Police officers in order to drop the weapon, which he did comply with," Sullivan told reporters during a press briefing. "He laid down the weapon and then laid down on the ground and was taken into custody by our United States Capitol Police officers."

<p>An armed 18-year-old in tactical gear was arrested just seconds before he could enter the US Capitol with a loaded shotgun. Extra ammo, a gas mask, and mystery gear were found in his SUV. What was he planning, and where did he come from? Scroll down.</p>

Security scare at US Capitol as armed teen in tactical gear arrested with loaded shotgun and extra ammo | All we know

Former US President Donald Trump's interview at the southern border in Arizona ended abruptly due to an ongoing security threat and this was due to a manhunt for a local man who had allegedly made death threats against Trump on social media earlier. The former President ended the interview saying he was in danger and the Secret Service did not want him standing there.

Donald Trump abruptly ends Interview citing security concerns

<p>Schools and universities in Pakistan’s capital city of Islamabad were declared shut on Monday (Jan 22) over security threats, according to media reports citing the local police. The closure order was issued amid reports that the law enforcement had received the threat of a suicide attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the&nbsp;Islamabad police, in a post on X, late Monday asked people not to believe the "fake" notification being issued for the closure of businesses and educational institutions and being attributed to their officials.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What we know so far</strong></h2>

<p>Inspector Inamullah Khan at Islamabad’s police control told Bloomberg that the police received the threat of a suicide attack. However, he did not identify the terrorist group that issued the threat.</p>

<p>Parents received messages&nbsp;from&nbsp;schools on Monday morning,&nbsp;urging them to pick up their children a few hours after they had dropped them off,&nbsp;according to Arab News.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, an Islamabad police official told AFP on condition of anonymity that three universities affiliated with Pakistan’s military, the National Defence University, Bahria University and Air University in Islamabad were “shut down because of potential threats”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The institutions, tied to Pakistan’s army, navy and air force, respectively, have been closed indefinitely.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Multiple media reports citing sources said that the attack was planned at&nbsp;Bahria University and could involve sending a female suicide bomber.</p>

<p>“Due to security reasons...all faculty and staff, except security and necessary admin staff, will work from home,” said a text sent to Bahria University students and seen by AFP.</p>

<p>The fourth university which received the threat was a&nbsp;public institute&nbsp;named&nbsp;Quaid e Azam University, which will reportedly be closed for a week.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Pakistan Elections 2024: Election panel faces flak ahead of polls</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-elections-2024-election-panel-faces-flak-ahead-of-polls-675807/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The closure also comes after Pakistan’s security agencies conducted a search operation in the suburbs of Islamabad late Sunday (Jan 21), reported Geo News.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-launches-attack-in-iran-day-after-deadly-balochistan-strike-report-681019">Pakistan retaliates with multiple strikes in Iran a day after deadly Balochistan attack</a></strong></p>

<p>According to media reports, the university administration told the students about the indefinite closure late Sunday night.&nbsp;The announcement will also affect the upcoming exams.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Several messages sent to students and parents informing&nbsp;them about the closure also said that the exams and tests are postponed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The&nbsp;Islamabad police issued a statement late Monday asking people not to&nbsp;believe the "fake" notification about the closure of schools, colleges, and business centres attributed to Deputy Commissioner Islamabad circulating on social media.</p>

<h2><strong>Rise in violence, upcoming&nbsp;elections</strong></h2>

<p>Pakistan is set to vote in general elections on February 8 amid overlapping political, economic and security crises. Islamabad has recently witnessed a rise in violence along its border regions since the Taliban surged back to power in Afghanistan in 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-violence-linked-deaths-in-2023-at-a-six-year-high-shows-data-675496">Pakistan: Violence-related deaths in 2023 at a six-year high, shows data</a></strong></p>

<p>In 2014, the Pakistan Taliban stormed an army public school in the northwestern provincial capital of Peshawar and killed more than 150 people, most of them children.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pakistan recorded an alarming surge in incidents of violence in 2023 with 1,524 violence-related fatalities and 1463 injuries from as many as 789 terror attacks and counter-terror operations. This also included nearly 1,000 deaths among civilians and security personnel.</p>

<p>Overall deaths have been at a record six-year high since 2017, according to a report by the Centre for the Research and Security Studies (CRSS).&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Schools and universities in Pakistan’s capital city of Islamabad were declared shut on Monday (Jan 22) over security threats, according to media reports citing the local police.

Schools and universities in Pakistan’s capital city of Islamabad were declared shut on Monday (Jan 22) over security threats, according to media reports citing the local police. The closure order was issued amid reports that the law enforcement had received the threat of a suicide attack. Meanwhile, the Islamabad police, in a post on X, late Monday asked people not to believe the "fake" notification being issued for the closure of businesses and educational institutions and being attributed to their officials. What we know so far Inspector Inamullah Khan at Islamabad’s police control told Bloomberg that the police received the threat of a suicide attack. However, he did not identify the terrorist group that issued the threat. Parents received messages from schools on Monday morning, urging them to pick up their children a few hours after they had dropped them off, according to Arab News. Additionally, an Islamabad police official told AFP on condition of anonymity that three universities affiliated with Pakistan’s military, the National Defence University, Bahria University and Air University in Islamabad were “shut down because of potential threats”. The institutions, tied to Pakistan’s army, navy and air force, respectively, have been closed indefinitely. Multiple media reports citing sources said that the attack was planned at Bahria University and could involve sending a female suicide bomber. “Due to security reasons...all faculty and staff, except security and necessary admin staff, will work from home,” said a text sent to Bahria University students and seen by AFP. The fourth university which received the threat was a public institute named Quaid e Azam University, which will reportedly be closed for a week. WATCH | Pakistan Elections 2024: Election panel faces flak ahead of polls The closure also comes after Pakistan’s security agencies conducted a search operation in the suburbs of Islamabad late Sunday (Jan 21), reported Geo News. ALSO READ | Pakistan retaliates with multiple strikes in Iran a day after deadly Balochistan attack According to media reports, the university administration told the students about the indefinite closure late Sunday night. The announcement will also affect the upcoming exams. Several messages sent to students and parents informing them about the closure also said that the exams and tests are postponed. The Islamabad police issued a statement late Monday asking people not to believe the "fake" notification about the closure of schools, colleges, and business centres attributed to Deputy Commissioner Islamabad circulating on social media. Rise in violence, upcoming elections Pakistan is set to vote in general elections on February 8 amid overlapping political, economic and security crises. Islamabad has recently witnessed a rise in violence along its border regions since the Taliban surged back to power in Afghanistan in 2021. ALSO READ | Pakistan: Violence-related deaths in 2023 at a six-year high, shows data In 2014, the Pakistan Taliban stormed an army public school in the northwestern provincial capital of Peshawar and killed more than 150 people, most of them children. Pakistan recorded an alarming surge in incidents of violence in 2023 with 1,524 violence-related fatalities and 1463 injuries from as many as 789 terror attacks and counter-terror operations. This also included nearly 1,000 deaths among civilians and security personnel. Overall deaths have been at a record six-year high since 2017, according to a report by the Centre for the Research and Security Studies (CRSS). (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: Schools and universities across capital shut over ‘suicide attack’ threat

Following a threat alert regarding a potential terror attack, several educational institutes in Islamabad were closed to avoid any catastrophe. This security threat comes as Pakistan is scheduled to hold general elections on February 8.

Pakistan: Intel reports reveal threat of terror attack in Islamabad

Following a threat alert regarding a potential terror attack, several educational institutes in Islamabad were closed to avoid any catastrophe. This security threat comes as Pakistan is scheduled to hold general elections on February 8. Watch to know more!

Pakistan Universities shut down amid security concern

<p>The well-known social media platform, TikTok, declined to commit to US lawmakers if it would stop sending US user data to China. It instead promised to negotiate with all US national security concerns.</p>

<p>The hearing comes after national security legislation in China that demands firms to cooperate with data that's been a matter of concern in the US. Many people believe that China can access US data in order to identify intelligence targets and agents and that it can even be used to shape false information or campaigns.</p>

<p>During their hearing before the Senate Homeland Security Committee, TikTok Chief Operating Officer Vanessa Pappas argued during their hearing over the app's corporate structure before being asked for a specific request.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-challenge-sparks-massive-number-of-car-thefts-in-the-united-states-514831"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;TikTok challenge sparks huge spurt in number of car thefts in the United States</strong></a></p>

<p>Portman asked, "Will TikTok commit to cutting off all data and data flows to China, China-based TikTok employees, ByteDance employees, or any other party in China that might have the capability to access information on US users?" CNN reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Pappas claimed that TikTok is owned by ByteDance, whose owner is Chinese but the app doesn't actually operate in China.</p>

<p>After a BuzzFeed News report in June this year claimed, based on leaked meeting audio, that ByteDance personnel had been repeatedly accessing US user data, US concerns about TikTok&nbsp;were relinked.</p>

<p>Later, in the hearing, Pappas acknowledged that people in China can access user data from the US but emphasised that the security measures were seen by its US-based security team. She also reaffirmed TikTok's assurance that it would, under no circumstance, send data to China and refuted claims that the country has no control over the platform.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-justice-department-accuses-google-of-paying-billions-annually-to-illegally-remain-top-search-engine-514558"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;US justice department accuses Google of paying billions annually to illegally remain top search engine</strong></a></p>

<p>However, Pappas stayed silent when asked if ByteDance would protect US user data from the Chinese government or if China would have any influence on the app.</p>

<p>When further asked, Pappas reacted to the BuzzFeed report by saying those allegations were not found. She then added that a master account was mentioned, which the company doesn't have and doesn't know whether the engineers work for ByeDance or TikTok.</p>

<p>In response to Pappas' assurance, Portman once more asked her to take a pledge and shut off all data transfers to China, but Pappas only made a statement that its final deal with the US government would satisfy all its national security concerns.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


The well-known social media platform, TikTok, declined to commit to US lawmakers if it would stop sending US user data to China. It instead promised to negotiate with all US national security concerns.

The well-known social media platform, TikTok, declined to commit to US lawmakers if it would stop sending US user data to China. It instead promised to negotiate with all US national security concerns. The hearing comes after national security legislation in China that demands firms to cooperate with data that's been a matter of concern in the US. Many people believe that China can access US data in order to identify intelligence targets and agents and that it can even be used to shape false information or campaigns. During their hearing before the Senate Homeland Security Committee, TikTok Chief Operating Officer Vanessa Pappas argued during their hearing over the app's corporate structure before being asked for a specific request. Also read | TikTok challenge sparks huge spurt in number of car thefts in the United States Portman asked, "Will TikTok commit to cutting off all data and data flows to China, China-based TikTok employees, ByteDance employees, or any other party in China that might have the capability to access information on US users?" CNN reported. However, Pappas claimed that TikTok is owned by ByteDance, whose owner is Chinese but the app doesn't actually operate in China. After a BuzzFeed News report in June this year claimed, based on leaked meeting audio, that ByteDance personnel had been repeatedly accessing US user data, US concerns about TikTok were relinked. Later, in the hearing, Pappas acknowledged that people in China can access user data from the US but emphasised that the security measures were seen by its US-based security team. She also reaffirmed TikTok's assurance that it would, under no circumstance, send data to China and refuted claims that the country has no control over the platform. Also read | US justice department accuses Google of paying billions annually to illegally remain top search engine However, Pappas stayed silent when asked if ByteDance would protect US user data from the Chinese government or if China would have any influence on the app. When further asked, Pappas reacted to the BuzzFeed report by saying those allegations were not found. She then added that a master account was mentioned, which the company doesn't have and doesn't know whether the engineers work for ByeDance or TikTok. In response to Pappas' assurance, Portman once more asked her to take a pledge and shut off all data transfers to China, but Pappas only made a statement that its final deal with the US government would satisfy all its national security concerns. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

TikTok denies committing to stop sending US data to China but assures to maintain all security concerns

<p>Fiji faces its biggest threat from "devastating climate change" rather than conflict, the country's defence minister warned Sunday at a high-level security summit that has been dominated by geopolitical tensions.</p>

<p>This weekend's Shangri-La Dialogue, which brings together defence ministers from around the world, has seen sparring between Washington and Beijing over Taiwan while delegates also voiced concern about the Ukraine war.</p>

<p>It comes as Beijing jostles with Western powers for influence over Pacific island nations.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/funds-needed-for-tackling-climate-disasters-up-more-than-800-in-20-years-report-485996">Funds needed for tackling climate disasters up ‘more than 800%’ in 20 years: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>But Fijian Defence Minister&nbsp;Inia Seruiratu sought instead to focus attention on the threat posed by climate change to his Pacific country, which is regularly hit by cyclones.</p>

<p>"Machine guns, fighter jets, ships... are not our primary security concern," he told hundreds of delegates at the event in Singapore.</p>

<p>"The single greatest threat to our very existence is... human-induced, devastating climate change.&nbsp;It threatens our very hopes and dreams of prosperity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Waves are crashing at our doorsteps, winds are battering our homes, we are being assaulted by this enemy from many angles."</p>

<p>He said security was "broader than many of us have traditionally defined it", urging other countries to support Fiji's efforts to combat climate change.</p>

<p>Last September, Fiji passed a sweeping climate change act which declared a climate emergency while setting out the legal framework for the nation's response.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;'Super Algae' to help fight climate change</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/super-algae-to-help-fight-climate-change-486051/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p><strong>Cyclones, rising seas</strong></p>

<p>Low-lying Pacific island nations are some of the most vulnerable countries to climate change in the world. Threats range from cyclones that are becoming more regular and powerful, to rising seas.</p>

<p>Ahead of last year's key climate talks in Glasgow, Pacific states warned they were bearing the brunt of global warming and urged wealthy, industrialised nations to do more.</p>

<p>China has been vying for influence in the region with other nations, including Australia and the United States.</p>

<p>But Fiji was among 10 Pacific nations that last month rebuffed China's push for a wide-ranging security pact, in a high-profile political setback for Beijing.</p>

<p>While he avoided the topic during his address, Seruiratu was asked about it at a question and answer session afterwards.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-talks-test-global-resolve-on-warming-485504">Climate talks test global resolve on warming</a></strong></p>

<p>He said people had asked him "everybody's coming to Fiji and courting you but when will you get married?"</p>

<p>"Let me say this. Marriage is about... an enduring relationship. Relationships must be enduring and built on trust."</p>

<p>Seruiratu also struck a conciliatory tone towards Beijing, despite the recent failed attempt to push its security pact.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"China is a key development partner, and that is a known fact. And that is accepted as well in the region," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Fiji faces its biggest threat from "devastating climate change" rather than conflict, the country's defence minister warned Sunday at a high-level security summit that has been dominated by geopolitical tensions.

Fiji faces its biggest threat from "devastating climate change" rather than conflict, the country's defence minister warned Sunday at a high-level security summit that has been dominated by geopolitical tensions. This weekend's Shangri-La Dialogue, which brings together defence ministers from around the world, has seen sparring between Washington and Beijing over Taiwan while delegates also voiced concern about the Ukraine war. It comes as Beijing jostles with Western powers for influence over Pacific island nations. Also read | Funds needed for tackling climate disasters up ‘more than 800%’ in 20 years: Report But Fijian Defence Minister Inia Seruiratu sought instead to focus attention on the threat posed by climate change to his Pacific country, which is regularly hit by cyclones. "Machine guns, fighter jets, ships... are not our primary security concern," he told hundreds of delegates at the event in Singapore. "The single greatest threat to our very existence is... human-induced, devastating climate change. It threatens our very hopes and dreams of prosperity. "Waves are crashing at our doorsteps, winds are battering our homes, we are being assaulted by this enemy from many angles." He said security was "broader than many of us have traditionally defined it", urging other countries to support Fiji's efforts to combat climate change. Last September, Fiji passed a sweeping climate change act which declared a climate emergency while setting out the legal framework for the nation's response. Watch | 'Super Algae' to help fight climate change Cyclones, rising seas Low-lying Pacific island nations are some of the most vulnerable countries to climate change in the world. Threats range from cyclones that are becoming more regular and powerful, to rising seas. Ahead of last year's key climate talks in Glasgow, Pacific states warned they were bearing the brunt of global warming and urged wealthy, industrialised nations to do more. China has been vying for influence in the region with other nations, including Australia and the United States. But Fiji was among 10 Pacific nations that last month rebuffed China's push for a wide-ranging security pact, in a high-profile political setback for Beijing. While he avoided the topic during his address, Seruiratu was asked about it at a question and answer session afterwards. Also read | Climate talks test global resolve on warming He said people had asked him "everybody's coming to Fiji and courting you but when will you get married?" "Let me say this. Marriage is about... an enduring relationship. Relationships must be enduring and built on trust." Seruiratu also struck a conciliatory tone towards Beijing, despite the recent failed attempt to push its security pact. "China is a key development partner, and that is a known fact. And that is accepted as well in the region," he said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Fiji's biggest threat 'climate change, not conflict'

Huawei denies allegations of security threat

Heightened security in France after man in yellow jacket threatens to explode grenade

<p>Apparently, it&rsquo;s quite unnatural for Bangladesh and India not to be close allies, especially with India&#39;s involvement in Bangladesh&#39;s War of Independence of 1971. And then, of course, there are the unique cultural similarities and geographical realities with regards to common Ganges-Bramhaputra plain that runs through both the countries. Despite the overt Hasina-Modi bonhomie, the political reality is, however, very different. Bangladesh&#39;s relations with India can best be described as a loose friendship with hidden mutual mistrust and suspicion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The lack of trust between the two countries&nbsp;comes forth more in the context of Bangladesh-Myanmar tussle on persecution and expulsion of &nbsp;Rohingyas from Arakan.&nbsp;</p>

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<h5>The tensed Bangladesh &ndash;India relationship stems from a variety of issues, such as &lsquo;equitable sharing of all common river water, terrorist camps and migration.</h5>
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<p>The prime deficiency of India&rsquo;s South Asia policy has been its obsession with Pakistan. Only recently a separate desk has been introduced for Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal in the Ministry of External Affairs at the South Block of Raisina Hills in New Delhi. Pakistan became important for its nuisance value while India failed to see the constructive value of the rest, especially Bangladesh which is already the 31st largest economy in the world with more than 6 per cent average economic growth in the last couple of decades. Courtesy the economic growth, the western world has come to view Bangladesh as one of the &lsquo;Next Eleven&rsquo;. Bangladesh has come to develop relations with the west, Japan, Middle-East and China and derived great economic benefits out of those relations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The tensed Bangladesh &ndash;India relationship stems from a variety of issues, such as &lsquo;equitable sharing of all common river water, terrorist camps and migration. Since 1996 gradual progress has been achieved by Bangladesh and India to address some of these issues. Bangladesh has destroyed the dens the Indian rebels made along Bangladesh -<br />
India borders and proactively searched and sealed all channels of logistics and arms supply to these rebels. Bangladeshi intelligence agencies are also blocking ISI or its proxies&rsquo; probable operations against India from Bangladeshi soil. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Geo-politically, in South Asia and beyond, there are several areas where an alliance between the India and Bangladesh could have brought good mutual dividend and uphold some great IR principles. One such area is Pakistan&rsquo;s export of terrorism and Islamic radicalism. Both India and Bangladesh are affected by that. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Myanmar on the other hand hardly has any principled position. It is buying good numbers of multi-role fighter aircraft&nbsp;from Pakistan, the regional hub of Islamic terrorism, giving a boost to Pakistani military industry and technology. These are made through the collaboration between Pakistan and China, Myanmar&rsquo;s closest ally and India&rsquo;s geo-strategic nemesis. In this context, it&rsquo;s difficult to make sense as to why&nbsp;India is siding with Myanmar in its dissension with Bangladesh on an acute humanitarian crisis like Rohingya.&nbsp;</p>

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<h5>It&rsquo;s difficult to make sense as to why&nbsp;India is siding with Myanmar in its dissension with Bangladesh on an acute humanitarian crisis like Rohingya.&nbsp;</h5>
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<p>Apart from the principle and propriety angle, India hardly gains anything from Myanmar. India can&rsquo;t match the kind of investment China made in Myanmar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A further irony is, lacs of &nbsp;Indians were expelled from Myanmar like the Rohingyas in the fifties and sixties. The remaining ones and later migrant Indian in Myanmar are still abused in that country with racial slur &#39;Kala&rsquo;. The Myanmar Indians falls in the same absurd 1982 citizenship law as Rohingyas. Myanmar is always likely to be on China&#39;s side despite India&rsquo;s disgraceful pampering.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the other hand, India has much to lose not by standing by Bangladesh&rsquo;s side at the time of its need both in comparative and absolute terms. &nbsp;Bangladesh might again lean more towards the Islamic bondage rather than the subcontinental one. If Islamic solidarity is revived on this issue, India&rsquo;s massive stake in the Middle East might even be harmed for its direct or indirect support in Rohingya genocide and expulsion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It seems&nbsp;some of PM Modi&rsquo;s strategic advisors have gone bonkers with anti-Muslim preoccupation and very weak Rohingya terrorism stories. Because of them, soon India might find herself on the wrong side of geopolitics and history. Bangladesh did a balancing act between concerns of India and interest of China by postponing China&rsquo;s proposal for a Sri Lanka and Pakistan like the development of a deep sea port in Sonadia of Chittagong. Now, it&rsquo;s a payback time for India and an opportunity for it to befriend Bangladesh for the long term by strongly being by the latter&rsquo;s side in this crisis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If India is strongly by the side of Bangladesh now, much of the remaining &nbsp;Indo-Bangla mistrust in the relationship will be gone, and Bangladeshi people, as well as the political forces, will appreciate the value of India&rsquo;s friendship immensely. It will bring a defining shift in Bangladesh-India relation for a very long term. &nbsp;The question is whether PM Modi is ready for an in-depth strategic re-assessment and would his policy strategists allow him to do that?</p>


India?s massive stake in the Middle East and South Asia might be harmed for its direct or indirect support in Rohingya genocide and expulsion.

Apparently, it’s quite unnatural for Bangladesh and India not to be close allies, especially with India's involvement in Bangladesh's War of Independence of 1971. And then, of course, there are the unique cultural similarities and geographical realities with regards to common Ganges-Bramhaputra plain that runs through both the countries. Despite the overt Hasina-Modi bonhomie, the political reality is, however, very different. Bangladesh's relations with India can best be described as a loose friendship with hidden mutual mistrust and suspicion. The lack of trust between the two countries comes forth more in the context of Bangladesh-Myanmar tussle on persecution and expulsion of Rohingyas from Arakan. The tensed Bangladesh –India relationship stems from a variety of issues, such as ‘equitable sharing of all common river water, terrorist camps and migration. × The prime deficiency of India’s South Asia policy has been its obsession with Pakistan. Only recently a separate desk has been introduced for Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal in the Ministry of External Affairs at the South Block of Raisina Hills in New Delhi. Pakistan became important for its nuisance value while India failed to see the constructive value of the rest, especially Bangladesh which is already the 31st largest economy in the world with more than 6 per cent average economic growth in the last couple of decades. Courtesy the economic growth, the western world has come to view Bangladesh as one of the ‘Next Eleven’. Bangladesh has come to develop relations with the west, Japan, Middle-East and China and derived great economic benefits out of those relations. The tensed Bangladesh –India relationship stems from a variety of issues, such as ‘equitable sharing of all common river water, terrorist camps and migration. Since 1996 gradual progress has been achieved by Bangladesh and India to address some of these issues. Bangladesh has destroyed the dens the Indian rebels made along Bangladesh - India borders and proactively searched and sealed all channels of logistics and arms supply to these rebels. Bangladeshi intelligence agencies are also blocking ISI or its proxies’ probable operations against India from Bangladeshi soil. Geo-politically, in South Asia and beyond, there are several areas where an alliance between the India and Bangladesh could have brought good mutual dividend and uphold some great IR principles. One such area is Pakistan’s export of terrorism and Islamic radicalism. Both India and Bangladesh are affected by that. Myanmar on the other hand hardly has any principled position. It is buying good numbers of multi-role fighter aircraft from Pakistan, the regional hub of Islamic terrorism, giving a boost to Pakistani military industry and technology. These are made through the collaboration between Pakistan and China, Myanmar’s closest ally and India’s geo-strategic nemesis. In this context, it’s difficult to make sense as to why India is siding with Myanmar in its dissension with Bangladesh on an acute humanitarian crisis like Rohingya. It’s difficult to make sense as to why India is siding with Myanmar in its dissension with Bangladesh on an acute humanitarian crisis like Rohingya. × Apart from the principle and propriety angle, India hardly gains anything from Myanmar. India can’t match the kind of investment China made in Myanmar. A further irony is, lacs of Indians were expelled from Myanmar like the Rohingyas in the fifties and sixties. The remaining ones and later migrant Indian in Myanmar are still abused in that country with racial slur 'Kala’. The Myanmar Indians falls in the same absurd 1982 citizenship law as Rohingyas. Myanmar is always likely to be on China's side despite India’s disgraceful pampering. On the other hand, India has much to lose not by standing by Bangladesh’s side at the time of its need both in comparative and absolute terms. Bangladesh might again lean more towards the Islamic bondage rather than the subcontinental one. If Islamic solidarity is revived on this issue, India’s massive stake in the Middle East might even be harmed for its direct or indirect support in Rohingya genocide and expulsion. It seems some of PM Modi’s strategic advisors have gone bonkers with anti-Muslim preoccupation and very weak Rohingya terrorism stories. Because of them, soon India might find herself on the wrong side of geopolitics and history. Bangladesh did a balancing act between concerns of India and interest of China by postponing China’s proposal for a Sri Lanka and Pakistan like the development of a deep sea port in Sonadia of Chittagong. Now, it’s a payback time for India and an opportunity for it to befriend Bangladesh for the long term by strongly being by the latter’s side in this crisis. If India is strongly by the side of Bangladesh now, much of the remaining Indo-Bangla mistrust in the relationship will be gone, and Bangladeshi people, as well as the political forces, will appreciate the value of India’s friendship immensely. It will bring a defining shift in Bangladesh-India relation for a very long term. The question is whether PM Modi is ready for an in-depth strategic re-assessment and would his policy strategists allow him to do that?

Rohingya: Why India should side with Bangladesh and not Myanmar

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