February 13, 2026 – India Headlines

Story gist: Italy achieved a historic result in the T20 World Cup. Co-hosts recorded their second wins.

Bias summary: Left- and right-leaning outlets omitted the story entirely, leaving no coverage from those perspectives. Center outlet ICC framed it neutrally with emphasis on Italy’s milestone and co-hosts’ successes, using terms like ‘make history’ and ‘script wins’ in a celebratory but factual tone focused on sporting achievements without political context.

Story gist: India’s Ministry of External Affairs refused to deny U.S. claims regarding India’s imports of Russian oil. A Trump aide addressed how the U.S. would track such purchases, while India stated it imports from the cheapest, best-quality non-sanctioned sources.

Bias summary: Left-leaning TheWire.in frames the story critically, questioning if Modi’s government is turning India from ‘Vishwaguru’ to U.S. ‘vassal,’ emphasizing sovereignty loss. Center India Today reports neutrally on U.S. tracking via Trump aide’s response, focusing on mechanics. Right-leaning News On AIR portrays India assertively sourcing cheapest non-sanctioned oil, stressing economic pragmatism and independence.

Story gist: U.S. President Donald Trump met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for three hours. Trump stated no definitive deal was reached and Iran nuclear talks will continue.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets like Al Jazeera highlight Iranian official Larijani’s accusation that Israel seeks to sabotage U.S. negotiations, emphasizing anti-Israel claims. Center outlets like BBC neutrally focus on Trump’s directive to Netanyahu that Iran nuclear talks must proceed. Right-leaning coverage is absent, omitting pro-Trump or pro-Israel framings that might stress negotiation strength or Israeli security concerns.

Story gist: India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated there is no reduction in states’ share of tax devolution. Fund releases to states are now tied to performance delivery.

Bias summary: Left-leaning The Hindu reports neutrally on the Finance Minister’s assurance of no reduction in states’ tax share, emphasizing direct reassurance. Center Times of India balances by noting no cuts but highlighting fund releases tied to ‘delivery,’ adding conditional nuance. Right-leaning PM India frames positively via PM’s praise of the budget’s role in national economic transformation, omitting state-specific details for broader optimism.

Story gist: Republicans introduced the PAUSE Act to end the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program and reshape the H-1B visa program in the US.

Bias summary: Left-leaning NDTV frames it alarmingly as the ‘Exile Act,’ a Republican bill that ‘can end’ H-1B visas, emphasizing threat to programs. Center outlet Financial Express uses neutral title matching policy aims without partisan labels. Right-leaning coverage absent, omitting potential support for immigration restrictions or domestic worker protections.