On February 17, 2026, Tarique Rahman was sworn in as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, marking a significant political shift in the region. The ceremony took place at 10 a.m., where the new members of Parliament also took their oaths. The Constitution Reform Commission played a pivotal role in the proceedings.
In India, on February 4, the President’s Rule in Manipur was lifted, leading to the appointment of Yumnam Khemchand Singh as the new Chief Minister. His deputies, Losii Dikho and Nemcha Kipgen, represent the Naga and Kuki-Zo communities, respectively, highlighting the diverse political landscape.
Meanwhile, the AI Impact Summit commenced on February 16, drawing massive crowds as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the event. This summit, a flagship event for India, aims to showcase technological advancements and foster international collaboration.
In economic news, India’s trade deficit widened to $34.68 billion in January, influenced by increased gold and silver imports. This economic challenge precedes expected relief from U.S. tariff reductions.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, February 17th, 2026
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