This week, India experienced a mix of diplomatic, political, and social events that sparked significant discussion. On the diplomatic front, India celebrated a major milestone with Qatar, elevating their bilateral ties to a “strategic partnership.” This development marked a positive step in India’s foreign relations. However, the week also witnessed a diplomatic issue with Nepal, stemming from the tragic suicide of 20-year-old Nepali student Prakriti Lamsal at the KIIT campus in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The incident triggered protests from Nepalese students, prompting Nepal’s Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli to step in.
The ongoing issue of Indian deportees from the United States continued to grab headlines. Three flights carrying deported Indian immigrants have arrived back in India, and many of those who returned shared their difficult experiences. They spoke about the hardships they faced, including being part of the “dunki” route, a new route to the US via Europe, replacing the traditional Latin America route. While there was hope for better treatment of deportees after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent meeting with US President Donald Trump, the situation remains dire for many of the immigrants.
In Delhi, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) made waves after weeks of suspense, announcing Rekha Gupta as the Chief Minister following their victory in the Delhi Assembly elections on February 8. She became the second woman to hold this office in the capital, after Sushma Swaraj. The party’s move signaled a new chapter in Delhi politics, garnering attention both locally and nationally.
However, the biggest story of the week was the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, where millions of devotees have been taking a dip in the Sangam over the past month. Despite the fervor of the religious event, a report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) raised concerns over high levels of fecal bacteria in the Ganga’s waters, casting doubts on the safety of the river. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath dismissed these claims, insisting the water was safe for consumption. This raised public concerns and sparked debate about the safety of taking a dip at the Mela, as millions continue to flock to the site.
Elsewhere, political issues were also in focus. A post by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) triggered controversy, as it was revealed that the US had canceled a $21 million grant intended for voter turnout efforts in India. The BJP and opposition parties quickly became embroiled in a heated debate over the potential implications of this move.
This week’s roundup highlights critical issues that are shaping India’s political and diplomatic landscape, with the ongoing events ranging from international diplomacy to domestic political maneuvering and the environmental concerns surrounding one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.
