Author: Akancha Mishra

Washington’s criticism of New Delhi’s energy choices has intensified, with White House trade adviser Peter Navarro warning that India’s continued purchases of Russian crude directly finance Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine. Writing in the Financial Times, Navarro argued that India’s position undermines its credibility as a US strategic partner, cautioning that New Delhi “is now cozying up to both Russia and China.” According to NDTV, Navarro stressed that India cannot expect to be treated as a reliable ally of Washington while simultaneously expanding ties with two countries that are increasingly at odds with US interests. “If India wants to be…

On August 15, 2025, the United States extended its congratulations to India on the occasion of the country’s 79th Independence Day, praising the depth and significance of the bilateral relationship. In an official statement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the “historic relationship” between the world’s largest democracy and the world’s oldest democracy remains “consequential and far-reaching.” India’s Independence Day commemorates the end of over two centuries of British colonial rule in 1947, a moment celebrated annually with national pride and patriotic fervor. This year, the milestone was marked with ceremonies, cultural events, and official addresses across the…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will preside over India’s 79th Independence Day celebrations on August 15, leading the nation from Delhi’s historic Red Fort. The event will carry the theme of ‘Naya Bharat,’ symbolizing India’s path toward a prosperous, secure, and bold future, aligning with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. On arrival, PM Modi will be received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding (Delhi Area), will escort him to the Saluting Base. There, a combined Inter-Services and Delhi Police Guard, comprising 96…

India has overtaken China to become the leading supplier of smartphones to the United States, marking a major milestone for the country’s manufacturing sector. This surge has been fueled by the government’s Make in India initiative, Apple’s strategic relocation of operations, and the US importers’ decision to stock up on inventory ahead of potential tariff hikes. The shift comes as US tariffs on Indian goods prompted vendors to accelerate imports and adjust sourcing strategies. Since 2017, targeted government support through the Make in India program and integration into global value chains via the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme have significantly strengthened…

The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved four new semiconductor projects under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) framework, marking a significant boost to the nation’s semiconductor ecosystem. This decision adds to six previously approved projects currently progressing at various stages. The new approvals include the country’s first commercial compound semiconductor fabrication facility and an advanced glass-based substrate packaging unit. These projects are expected to support India’s expanding chip design capabilities, which are currently aided by government-backed design infrastructure across 278 academic institutions and 72 startups. Given the rising demand for semiconductors in sectors such as telecommunications,…

The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission, the most expensive Earth observation satellite to date, is set to unfold its 12-meter-wide radar antenna in space this week. This groundbreaking project carries a strong Ahmedabad connection—scientists from ISRO’s Space Applications Centre (SAC) designed and built the S-band radar on board. Paired with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory-developed L-band radar, NISAR becomes the first satellite in the world to feature SweepSAR technology, capable of detecting the tiniest changes on Earth, from polar ice shifts to tectonic activity and forest biomass variations. Nilesh Desai, Director of SAC-ISRO, described NISAR as a historic achievement in…

Reshma Kewalramani, born in Mumbai and now leading Vertex Pharmaceuticals, has been honored by Fortune magazine as one of the 100 Most Powerful People in Business. Making her debut on the prestigious list, she secured the 62nd position, standing among a select group of global leaders shaping the future of industries. Kewalramani holds the distinction of being the first woman to head a major biotechnology company in the United States. Trained as a physician, she transitioned from her role as Chief Medical Officer, which she held from 2017, to become CEO in April 2020. Fortune praised her for bringing a…

A report in The New York Times has spotlighted how Washington’s tone toward India’s Russian oil imports has shifted dramatically under President Donald Trump. Once seen as a strategic benefit for both nations—and the global economy—these purchases are now at the center of a trade standoff. Following the start of the Ukraine war in 2022, India sharply increased imports of discounted Russian crude after European nations halted energy trade with Moscow. The NYT noted that this arrangement quietly benefited all parties: the Biden administration avoided destabilizing global oil markets, Europe indirectly secured refined fuels from India, and Indian refiners turned…

India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, held high-level talks in Moscow with Russia’s Secretary of the Security Council, Sergei Shoigu, aimed at reinforcing the long-standing “special and privileged” strategic partnership between the two nations. The discussions, which took place on August 7, revolved around deepening bilateral cooperation, enhancing collaboration in multilateral forums, and addressing pressing international security challenges. Both sides emphasized the importance of joint initiatives in the lead-up to the annual India-Russia bilateral summit, expected to be held by the end of this year. According to a statement from the Russian Embassy in India, the meeting underscored the commitment…

In what appears to be a geopolitical warning to both China and Russia, former US President Donald Trump has justified his recent imposition of secondary tariffs on India. At a White House event on Wednesday, Trump clarified that India wasn’t being deliberately targeted, but rather used as a demonstration of the United States’ resolve in curbing energy ties with Moscow. The secondary sanctions, announced just eight hours prior to Trump’s remarks, include punitive tariffs on Indian imports, officially taking effect on August 27. These new tariffs come in addition to the 50% duties already announced on Indian goods. Trump hinted…