Author: Akancha Mishra

 The United States has reiterated India’s importance as a strategic potential partner in safeguarding supply chains and advancing technology, despite New Delhi’s absence from the first Pax Silica Summit, a US-led effort aimed at securing the global semiconductor and silicon network. Addressing speculation linking India’s non-participation to political tensions, Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg clarified that such assumptions were misplaced. He emphasized that discussions on trade agreements and supply chain security are distinct and parallel tracks, and Washington does not view them as interconnected. Helberg underlined that India remains a valued prospective partner for initiatives related…

The US Embassy in India on Wednesday announced the arrival of the final batch of Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters for the Indian Army, describing it as a fulfillment of commitments under the US-India defense partnership. The deliveries, which had been repeatedly delayed, mark a significant milestone in the ongoing military collaboration between the two countries. In a statement on X, the US Embassy emphasized that the deliveries advance the joint statement issued by the US President and India’s Prime Minister, reinforcing the Major Defense Partnership. “The arrival of the latest Apache helicopters demonstrates the reliable and expanding US-India defense…

Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita on Thursday met Fiji’s Minister of Health and Medical Services, Ratu Atonio Rabici Lalabalavu, in New Delhi to review ongoing health and medical cooperation between the two countries. Following the meeting, Margherita said the discussions focused on strengthening healthcare collaboration, which remains a key pillar of the India–Fiji bilateral partnership. The engagement comes amid sustained diplomatic outreach between the two nations. Earlier this week, India’s High Commissioner to Fiji, Suneet Mehta, held talks with Fiji’s Minister for Immigration, Viliame B. Naupoto, covering skilled mobility, people-to-people ties and broader cooperation. Mehta also…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was warmly welcomed by the Indian community in Oman on Wednesday, as hundreds gathered in Muscat waving Indian flags and chanting patriotic slogans. The Indian diaspora assembled at the hotel, where the Prime Minister personally greeted and interacted with attendees and observed cultural performances arranged to celebrate his visit. Arriving in Muscat earlier in the day, marking the final leg of his three-nation tour, PM Modi was received at the airport by Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, and honored with a ceremonial Guard of Honour. In a social…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday drew a powerful civilisational parallel between India and Ethiopia, noting that both nations revere their land as a mother, as reflected in India’s national song Vande Mataram and Ethiopia’s national anthem, March Forward, Dear Mother Ethiopia. Addressing a Joint Session of Ethiopia’s Parliament in Addis Ababa, the Prime Minister said that this shared symbolism highlights the deep emotional and cultural connection both societies have with their motherland. He linked this sentiment to India’s guiding philosophy of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayaas,” emphasising collective growth, trust and shared responsibility. PM Modi said…

Murali Haran, a distinguished statistics professor at Penn State’s Eberly College of Science, has been appointed editor-in-chief of the Journal of Agricultural, Biological and Environmental Statistics (JABES) for a three-year term starting in 2026. JABES is jointly published by the American Statistical Association—the world’s largest professional organization for statisticians—and the International Biometric Society, which promotes statistical and mathematical research in the biosciences. JABES focuses on introducing innovative statistical approaches to tackle complex challenges in agriculture, biology, and environmental science. The journal maintains a truly global reach, both in authorship and readership, with past editors-in-chief representing five continents. Haran expressed his…

India witnessed its fastest export growth in over three years in November, with shipments rising 19.4% year-on-year to $38.1 billion, powered by strong demand from the US and China. At the same time, imports declined 2% to $62.7 billion, narrowing the trade deficit to $24.6 billion—the lowest since June. Exports to the US surged 22.6% to $7 billion despite the imposition of 50% additional tariffs, while exports to China skyrocketed 90% to $2.2 billion, making China India’s third-largest export destination for the month, surpassing the Netherlands in November, though the European nation retained a marginal lead over April–November. Commerce Secretary…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jordan has given fresh momentum to India-Jordan relations with the signing of five key Memoranda of Understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors. The agreements cover renewable energy, water resource management, cultural exchange, digital solutions and heritage cooperation through twinning between Petra and Ellora. During high-level talks with King Abdullah II, Prime Minister Modi reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral engagement, including trade and investment, defence and security, renewable energy, fertilisers and agriculture, digital technologies, critical minerals, healthcare, education, tourism and people-to-people ties. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in areas…

 Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi called on Indian Americans to actively confront growing prejudice and bigotry by speaking up, building coalitions, and deepening political engagement. Speaking at the India Abroad® Dialogue in Chicago, he warned that silence could leave the community vulnerable as anti-Indian sentiment rises and political violence escalates. Krishnamoorthi shared personal experiences with hate speech, including a Florida official’s call for his deportation, which he countered with composure and defiance. He outlined three key strategies for the community: first, to speak up against bigotry and prejudice; second, to show solidarity by defending others facing discrimination; and third, to ensure active…

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to co-chair the 16th India-UAE Joint Commission and the 5th India-UAE Strategic Dialogue in Abu Dhabi alongside UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The high-level engagement follows Jaishankar’s participation in the Sir Bani Yas Forum, reflecting the growing strategic depth of ties between the two nations. Following his engagements in the United Arab Emirates, Jaishankar will travel to Israel for bilateral consultations with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. The visit underscores India’s sustained diplomatic engagement in West Asia amid evolving regional dynamics. Ahead of his visit,…