Thu Feb 13 01:34:38 UTC 2025: ## Trump and Putin to Negotiate End to Ukraine War; Modi Visits US
**New Delhi, February 13, 2025** – US President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to begin negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. The two leaders spoke by phone and pledged to work closely together to de-escalate the conflict.
Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a trip to the United States after concluding a visit to France. In France, Modi co-chaired the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit with President Emmanuel Macron and held bilateral discussions. India and France also reaffirmed their commitment to the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) project.
Domestically, the BJP in Manipur continues its struggle to select a successor to Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh. The Election Commission of India released data revealing that candidates in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections spent an average of ₹57.23 lakh on campaigning. The Congress party is demanding clarification from the government regarding alleged changes to land allocation rules near international borders, purportedly benefiting the Adani Group.
On the sporting front, India achieved a resounding 5-0 victory over Macau in their opening Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championship match.
First Piper 