Author: Akancha Mishra

Leading US-India business organisations have welcomed India’s Union Budget 2026–27, stating it reinforces strong economic growth, fiscal responsibility, and India’s position as a key US economic partner amid global uncertainty. The US-India Business Council (USIBC) and the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) highlighted that the budget strengthens bilateral commercial and strategic ties while underlining India’s commitment to resilience and global competitiveness. The councils noted that continued growth, disciplined fiscal management, and public investment send a strong signal to international investors, positioning India as one of the fastest-growing major economies and a critical partner for the United States. USIBC President Atul…

Foreign ministers from several Arab nations have arrived in India to participate in the second India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, marking a significant step in strengthening India’s engagement with the Arab world. Senior representatives from Libya, Somalia, Comoros, Palestine, Sudan and other Arab nations are attending the high-level dialogue, alongside the Secretary General of the League of Arab States. The gathering reflects the growing importance of structured political engagement between India and Arab countries across multiple sectors. The meeting aims to build on existing cooperation and expand collaboration in priority areas including economy, energy, education, media and culture. Leaders are expected…

India’s economy is projected to achieve a real GDP growth of 7.4% in FY26, according to the Economic Survey 2025-26, making the country the fastest-growing major economy for the fourth year in a row. This growth is fueled by a “double engine” of strong domestic consumption and rising investments. Private final consumption expenditure now accounts for 61.5% of GDP, reflecting robust domestic demand supported by low inflation, job creation, and increasing purchasing power. Investment activity has surged, with gross fixed capital formation reaching 30% of GDP and investment growth at 7.6% during the first half of FY26, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.…

New Delhi: India continues to lead globally in remittance inflows, reinforcing the strength of its external sector, according to the Economic Survey 2025–26 tabled in Parliament on Thursday. The Survey noted that India remained the world’s largest recipient of remittances, with inflows reaching $135.4 billion in FY25, providing vital support to external account stability. A growing share of these remittances originated from advanced economies, reflecting increased participation of skilled and professional Indian workers abroad. The Survey emphasised that enhancing manufacturing competitiveness through cost reduction is critical for strengthening India’s export performance. It added that durable external resilience and stronger currency…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament as the start of a defining chapter in India’s development journey, stating that the coming twenty five years will be critical for achieving the vision of a fully developed nation by 2047. Speaking to the media outside Parliament, he said the session holds special significance as it coincides with the transition from the first to the second quarter of the twenty first century. The Prime Minister noted that the session began with the President’s address to a joint sitting of Parliament, which, he said, reflected the confidence of…

Indian American attorney and community leader Rakhi Israni has entered the race for the US Congress, saying her campaign is driven by a desire to restore duty and decency in policymaking. Speaking about her decision, Israni said many communities feel excluded from decisions that directly affect their daily lives, particularly on issues such as affordability, healthcare, and overall quality of life. Israni announced her candidacy last week after the seat in California’s 14th Congressional District became open. The district is currently represented by Congressman Eric Swalwell, who is running for governor. She described the decision as sudden but timely, saying…

 Renowned Indian-American radiation oncologist Dr. Nori Dattatreyudu has been conferred the Padma Bhushan for his extraordinary contributions to the field of medicine. The Ministry of Home Affairs included him in the 2026 Padma Awards list announced on Republic Day. The award recognises his decades-long efforts in advancing cancer treatment and improving patient outcomes worldwide. Dr. Nori is celebrated for his pioneering work in high-dose-rate brachytherapy, a technique that allows highly targeted radiation to cancerous tissues while minimising harm to healthy cells. His innovations in remote after-loading brachytherapy have transformed treatment for cancers of the cervix, urinary system, chest, head, and…

On January 27, 2026, India and the European Union formally concluded their historic Free Trade Agreement (FTA), marking the end of an 18-year negotiation process. Hosted at Hyderabad House, the summit brought together Prime Minister Narendra Modi, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Antonio Costa. The landmark deal eliminates tariffs on 96% of traded goods, unlocking a massive market of nearly 2 billion consumers and providing a significant boost to Indian manufacturing, particularly in textiles, leather, gems, and footwear. European machinery and automobile sectors also gain access to India’s market under structured phased quotas. The…

The United States extended warm greetings to India on the occasion of its 77th Republic Day, emphasizing the enduring and productive partnership between the two nations. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated India, highlighting collaborative efforts in defence, energy, critical minerals, and emerging technologies. Secretary Rubio described the US-India relationship as a “historic bond” that yields tangible results for both nations. He noted that cooperation extends beyond bilateral engagement, reaching into regional security through the Quad, the strategic grouping of Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, which plays a pivotal role in ensuring a stable and open Indo-Pacific.…

On January 23, 2026, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva held a 45-minute telephone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss preparations for Lula’s upcoming State Visit to India from February 19-21. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening India-Brazil strategic and economic relations while also addressing global issues and multilateral cooperation. During the call, President Lula confirmed his participation in the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, scheduled from February 16-20. The summit aims to position India as a hub for global discussions on artificial intelligence, emphasizing development-oriented solutions and the perspectives of the Global South.…