Zelenskyy-Trump Meet Live: High-stakes talks on Ukraine’s security, mineral deal, economic ties

Trump has confirmed that he and Zelenskyy will sign a U.S.-proposed minerals deal during a joint news conference in the White House’s East Room. The agreement is likely to play a key role in future economic cooperation between the two countries.

During his visit to Washington, Zelenskyy’s delegation is set to sign a major economic agreement with the U.S., designed to finance the reconstruction of Ukraine’s war-damaged infrastructure. The deal is expected to solidify long-term economic ties between the two nations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House at a crucial moment for his war-torn nation. The discussions are expected to focus on securing U.S. backing against potential future Russian aggression. Zelenskyy aims to persuade Trump to reinforce American support for Ukraine’s security.

The Pune District and Sessions Court has remanded accused Ramdas Gade to police custody till March 12. Advocate Sajid Shah, representing the accused, stated, "The accused has been sent to police custody till March 12. In defence of the accused, we have told the court that whatever happened, it happened following a consent between the two."

In June 2023, the Centre approved the development of the ₹76,200 crore all-weather deep-draft major port at Vadhavan. The project will be executed by Vadhavan Port Project Limited (VPPL)—a special purpose vehicle (SPV) formed by JNPA and the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB), holding a 74% and 26% stake, respectively.

The Supreme Court has allowed the Centre to approach it for further directions on the matter as needed.

The court noted that, as of now, only land acquisition is in progress, with physical possession expected by October 2025. Additionally, road construction is slated to begin in the same month.

“As for reclamation, a survey is scheduled to start in July 2025, and work will commence only after acquiring land near the shore,” the court observed.

The bench clarified that land acquisition would be subject to further court orders and, in light of this, declined to grant interim relief at this stage. The next hearing is set for May 6.

The Supreme Court on Friday urged the Centre to consider appointing an expert body to assess potential environmental damage due to the proposed Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra.

A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan reviewed a status report submitted by Attorney General R Venkataramani. The report stated that no substantial work on the project was scheduled in the immediate future.

Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari confirmed an avalanche between Mana and Mana Pass, where around 57 labourers working for the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) were present at the time of the incident.

"We received information of an avalanche between Mana and Mana Pass where around 57 labourers of BRO agency were working... So far, we have not received reports of any causality. Army, police, ITBP, and BRO teams have been mobilised. We are receiving continuous support from the CM and PM offices. Currently, the rescue operation is slow because we are facing difficulties in movement due to active rainfall. As soon as the weather gets better, we will fast-track the rescue operation," he said.

Following the suspension of AAP MLAs from the Delhi Assembly, AAP leader and Leader of Opposition Atishi accused the BJP of undermining democratic values.

"The BJP believes the country should be run through dictatorship rather than democracy and the Constitution. We will not accept this," Atishi said. She also questioned the heavy deployment of CRPF personnel, stating that AAP MLAs were on their way to meet the President.

"It is the President's responsibility to safeguard the Constitution and democracy, and that is why we are going to meet him," she added.

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, along with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and IT & Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, participated in the 2nd India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting. The high-level discussions focused on strengthening economic ties, advancing clean energy initiatives, and bolstering resilient supply chains.

Following the meeting, Jaishankar shared updates on key areas of collaboration, stating:

"Participated in the 2nd India - EU Trade and Technology Council meeting along with my cabinet colleagues Piyush Goyal and Ashwini Vaishnaw. Took stock of the significant progress made in digital partnership, clean & green energy initiatives and trade, investments & resilient supply chains.

Exchanged views on new opportunities in semiconductors, AI, 6G, EVs, Green Hydrogen and a mutually beneficial trade regime.

Confident that today’s discussions will translate into new economic, trade and tech linkages."

Von der Leyen emphasized the rapid growth of India-EU trade and the urgency of finalizing the much-anticipated Free Trade Agreement (FTA). “India, EU trade have tripled over the past two decades. We have tasked our teams to build on this momentum and finalise the India-EU FTA before the end of this year. We are expecting a lot from our trade negotiations and we told them they should surprise us. Now more than ever the geopolitical content asks for decisive action.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen outlined key areas of collaboration, focusing on sustainable energy, emerging technologies, and advanced communications. “India, EU agreed to launch a joint task force for green hydrogen. Have been working on building robust supply chains on semicon with India as well as on a common tech agenda. India, EU agreed deepening cooperation on AI. India, EU industrial associations have agreed to closely cooperate on 6G.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the importance of enhanced mobility for Indian youth under the EU’s new visa framework. “We welcome EU's new visa scheme cascade and it will give better mobility to India's youth. We will create a bold, ambitious India-EU roadmap for beyond 2025. This roadmap will be launched during the next India-EU summit,” he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted the deepening India-EU strategic partnership following talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the College of Commissioners.

“India-EU strategic partnership is natural; its core is trust, shared belief in democratic values,” Modi said, highlighting the strong foundation of cooperation between the two sides.

He called the high-profile EU delegation’s visit “unprecedented” and noted that several key decisions had been taken to elevate and accelerate the partnership.

“We have directed our teams to conclude a mutually beneficial bilateral FTA by end of this year,” he added, signaling a renewed push for the long-awaited trade agreement.

Mumbai Traffic Police received a WhatsApp message from a Pakistani number sent by a person introducing himself as Malik Shahbaz Humayun Raza, threatening to attack Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis. Worli Police has registered a case and started an investigation: Mumbai Police

The Supreme Court granted relief to rape convict Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh by dismissing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the multiple temporary releases—through parole and furlough—granted to him between 2022 and 2024. The Court observed that the PIL specifically concerned a furlough granted to Ram Rahim in 2023 and questioned why it was being challenged in 2025. Additionally, the Court raised concerns about the maintainability of the PIL, questioning its basis as it was filed against an individual and lacked a clear public interest.

'EU Commission's visit symbolizes how much I value our personal friendship', says Ursula von der Leyen

Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a delegation level talks with President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, in Delhi. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in attendance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds bilateral meeting with President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, in Delhi.

Supreme Court dismisses plea on New Delhi Railway Station stampede on February 15. The petitioners Anand Legal Aid Forum Trust submitted that railway administration is hiding the actual number of deaths which had been reported as 18.

Further, the petitioners told the Court that as per eyewitnesses there were around 200 deaths during the stampede.

The Court asked whether the petitioner is claiming that the State government is completely neglecting the issue and what was the proof of the alleged claim of 200 deaths.

After hearing the petitioners’ counsel briefly, the Court dismissed the plea. “Let the persons who are affected approach the court”, the Court remarked.

A fire broke out in the Salsette Building, near New Grade Insta Mill, BA Road, Byculla East, Mumbai. Fire confined to the building; MFB declared it as Level-I. No injury reported. Details awaited: BMC

In Delhi, President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen says, "A free trade agreement between the EU and India would be the largest deal of this kind anywhere in the world. I am well aware it will not be easy. But I also know that timing and determination count and that this partnership comes at the right moment for both of us. This is why we have agreed with Prime Minister Modi to push to get it done during this year. And you can count on my full commitment to make sure we can deliver..."

The EU chief is on a two-day visit to India.

In Delhi, President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen says, "I can announce that we are exploring a future Security and Defence Partnership with India in the mould of the partnerships we have with Japan and South Korea. This will help us step up our work to counter common threats, whether on cross-border terrorism, maritime security threats, cyber-attacks or the new phenomenon we see: attacks on our critical infrastructure. There is a lot that we can build on... India is working hard to diversify its military supply and to access new capabilities. And I believe we can help each other to deliver on our security objectives... Security should be a core part of our new strategic partnership with India..."

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta arrived at the Ministry of Home Affairs to attend a meeting on Friday to review the law and order situation in Delhi.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will chair the meeting.

Federation of Student Organisations – Tamil Nadu (FSO –TN) and DMK protests against the arrival of MoS Education Sukanta Majumdar over three language policy issue and funds to the state.

The Union Minister is in Chennai to attend an event at IIT Madras.

President Droupadi Murmu, Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and Jitin Prasada and Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel attended the 44th Convocation at the NID (National Institute of Design) in Ahmedabad on Thursday.

Maha Kumbh News Live: Devotees continue to offer prayers, take holy dip at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj

An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.5 on the Richter Scale hit Pakistan at 05.14 IST today. The depth of the earthquake was 10 km.