russian delegation

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has denied any cooperation agreement with Russian Athletics, stating no Russian athletes will compete in India while World Athletics sanctions remain. This clarification follows Russian Athletics' announcement of an agreement, which had raised concerns within the global athletics community. AFI emphasized that any discussions were informal and no formal pact was signed.

India's Athletics Federation has signed a cooperation deal with Russia, potentially allowing Russian athletes to compete in domestic Indian meets. This comes despite global bans on Russian athletes due to the Ukraine conflict. The agreement also includes joint training and coaching exchanges, aligning with India's neutral foreign policy stance.

A Russian-linked superyacht, Nord, owned by sanctioned billionaire Alexey Mordashov, has successfully sailed through the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic waterway remains a flashpoint amid ongoing tensions, with maritime traffic significantly reduced. The yacht's passage highlights its defiance of sanctions and the complex geopolitical landscape.

Under the proposed interim trade deal, the US has lowered tariffs on India from 50% to 18%. In August last year, Trump had imposed a 25% reciprocal tariff on India and an additional 25% penal tariff for India’s crude oil purchases from Russia.

The White House denied formally requesting a ceasefire extension with Iran, despite ongoing diplomatic engagements. While cautiously optimistic about a deal, the US has made its "red lines" clear. Meanwhile, Pakistan's army chief visited Tehran with a potential new framework for talks, following previous negotiations that stalled over key issues like Iran's nuclear program.

A russian delegation, led by natural resources minister Alexander Kozlov, is visiting Pyongyang to discuss cooperation in trade, economy, science, and technology, according to North Korea's state media. This visit comes after the US expressed concern over the growing ties between North Korea and Russia. South Korea has accused North Korea of providing artillery rounds to Russia in exchange for military satellite technology advice. The two countries have been increasing cooperation since Kim Jong Un's summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in September.

For the first time in more than a decade, Russia’s national anthem will be played at the Winter Paralympics after para alpine skier Varvara Voronchikhina won a gold medal at the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Milan-Cortina on Monday. The 23-year-old skier finished first in the women’s super-G standing event, marking a historic moment for Russian sport at the Paralympic Games.

Megastar Chiranjeevi extends a warm welcome to Russian delegates, igniting hopes for collaboration between the Telugu film industry and Russia's creative realm. The meeting explores avenues for partnerships and film shoots in both nations, showcasing the growing global interest in Indian cinema. Chiranjeevi's involvement hints to a potential cross-cultural collaborations.

No passes: Delegates from Russia lose access

A russian delegation paid a visit to the Kudankulam nuclear power plant on Wednesday to inspect the development of the unit three and four.

A russian delegation made its first visit to Syria since the fall of former President Bashar Assad, with plans to meet Syria's interim leader and foreign minister. Meanwhile, a Palestinian Authority delegation visited Damascus, addressing Syrian-Palestinian refugee matters. Russia maintains its military presence but canceled a port management contract, signaling shifting dynamics post-Assad.

The Milan–Cortina Winter Paralympics opened in Italy on Friday but were overshadowed by controversy after Russian athletes marched under their national flag for the first time since 2014. The move drew boos and led several countries, including Ukraine and Poland, to boycott the ceremony. Over 600 athletes will compete in six sports until March 15. Officials emphasised peace, inclusion and solidarity.