India

Express Tribune | English | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

The Ministry of Water Resources informed Pakistan's National Assembly that India unilaterally suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty in April 2025 following a militant attack in held Kashmir. This suspension has led to a significant reduction in water flow in the Chenab River, threatening approximately 1.45 million acres of agricultural land under the Upper Chenab Canal and an additional 3.19 million acres under the Chenab Canal. The lowered water availability is expected to severely impact agriculture and livelihoods dependent on these river systems.

India has not responded to concerns raised by Pakistan and United Nations experts regarding this suspension, despite a December 16, 2026 deadline set by the UN for India to explain its actions. A UN report released in December 2025 warned that any disruption of the treaty might severely affect millions of people in Pakistan who rely on the Indus River system for drinking water, agriculture, and food security.

Hydrological data from December 2025 revealed an extraordinary reduction in the Chenab River flow, with measurements dropping well below historical minimums. Satellite imagery showed significant changes in reservoir surface area at Baglihar during this period, indicating alterations in water storage or flow. Pakistan formally sought explanations from India over this unusual water reduction, highlighting growing tensions over water-sharing and resource management under the treaty.

Hindu Business Line | English | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | UndeterminedBizdev-Partnering

Indian space-tech start-ups are increasingly securing international customers, marking a shift from a domestic-focused ecosystem to one driven by global demand. Enhanced credibility through ISRO, improved cost competitiveness, and established flight heritage are helping these companies expand into markets such as the US, Europe, Japan, Singapore, and Australia. Manastu Space now earns about 40% of its revenue from overseas, targeting government defence orders via direct and potential OEM partnerships.

Dhruva Space, although currently dependent mostly on the domestic market, anticipates rapid international growth, with customers in France, Austria, Australia, and the Middle East. Its exports, including space-grade solar panels and ground station services, may rise to 40% of its order backlog in the near future. These export opportunities not only boost sales but also diversify risk and improve the quality of order books. Investors note that firms serving both domestic and international clients, such as Pixxel, enjoy higher valuation premiums due to market and technical risk reduction.

Digantara Industries is gaining international recognition as a credible global supplier, especially in defence and intelligence sectors requiring sovereign technologies. The company is expanding its global footprint with a US presence and plans for a European entity by 2026 to support both classified and commercial programs, while maintaining core engineering in India. PierSight is experiencing growing overseas demand driven by its unique SAR+AIS-based ocean surveillance solutions, with the fastest growth in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The firm expects exports to surpass domestic revenue as global demand for persistent maritime monitoring increases.

The Hindu | English | News | Jan. 23, 2026 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

India has withdrawn the dependents and family members of its officials from its missions in Bangladesh due to a deteriorating security situation. Indian diplomatic posts have faced sustained threats of mob attacks over the past few months, prompting the declaration of Dhaka as a “non-family” station as a precautionary measure ahead of Bangladesh’s February 12 election. Despite these steps, Indian officials stated that diplomatic and consular operations will continue unaffected.

Indian missions in Bangladesh have been targeted in recent months, including over two dozen protests near the Indian High Commission in Dhaka and a stone-pelting incident at the Assistant High Commission in Chittagong on December 18, 2025. The situation worsened following the murder of Sharif Osman Hadi, a radical Islamist youth leader, on December 12. Allegations that his killers fled to India fueled threats and protests against Indian missions in Bangladesh, with retaliatory demonstrations occurring outside the Bangladesh High Commission in India.

India has responded by maintaining heightened police security near the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and tracking developments in Bangladesh closely. Tensions are expected to rise further as the banned Awami League, led by ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has resumed activities from Indian territory, including recent and upcoming media engagements in New Delhi by its leaders.