Author: Akancha Mishra

In a rare show of unity, lawmakers from both the Republican and Democratic parties have come together to reaffirm their commitment to strengthening the India–US relationship. This bipartisan support comes just months after the Trump administration rolled out policies that many believe undermined Indian interests. Over the past 10 days, at least six bipartisan letters and resolutions have been introduced, addressing various concerns ranging from visa restrictions to rising anti-Hindu sentiment. Collectively, they reflect a strong push from both sides of the aisle to defend the interests of the Indian American community and ensure accountability from the administration. One such…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has confirmed that he will not travel to Kuala Lumpur for the 47th ASEAN Summit later this month, opting instead to participate virtually. The announcement came following his cordial conversation with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Taking to X, Modi shared, “Had a warm exchange with my friend, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia. Congratulated him on Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship and extended best wishes for the success of the upcoming summits.” He further expressed his eagerness to join the ASEAN-India Summit virtually, emphasizing the continued strengthening of the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Confirming the update, Prime…

 Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal highlighted key achievements of his ministry over the past fortnight, including the launch of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), as well as his discussions with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Mumbai aimed at enhancing bilateral trade and investment. The TEPA, which has officially come into force, sets a shared target of mobilizing $100 million in investments and generating one million direct jobs in India over the next 15 years. The four-nation EFTA bloc, consisting of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, has…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm birthday greetings to his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, wishing him good health, happiness, and continued success in the years ahead. The message, shared by Modi on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, also reflected the strong diplomatic relationship between India and Israel, emphasizing the shared vision for peace, stability, and progress in the region. In his post, PM Modi conveyed, “Heartiest birthday wishes to my friend, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. May you be blessed with good health and success. May the India-Israel strategic partnership continue to flourish and reach greater heights.” The exchange highlighted the…

US President Donald Trump extended warm Diwali greetings to Americans on October 20, 2025, emphasizing the festival’s enduring symbolism of light overcoming darkness. In a message posted on the White House website, Trump described Diwali as a time for reflection, family bonding, and rejuvenation, underscoring its importance in promoting hope, harmony, and community spirit. “Today, I send my best wishes to every American celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Lights. For many, this festival serves as a timeless reminder that light always triumphs over darkness,” Trump stated. He further highlighted that Diwali provides an opportunity for friends and families to unite,…

The University of North Carolina (UNC) Charlotte celebrated the remarkable achievements of Sejal Foxx ’08 Ph.D., honoring her with the 2025 ACE Milestone Award during Niner Nation Week. The recognition, presented at an appreciation luncheon on October 13 in the Popp Martin Student Union, highlights Foxx’s exceptional contributions as an alumnus and faculty member. Dr. Foxx serves as professor and chair of the Department of Counseling within the Cato College of Education and is the visionary founder and director of the Urban School Counseling Collaborative, a dynamic initiative supporting doctoral students and school counselor educators. Her leadership has established the…

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Brazil’s Vice President Geraldo Alckmin in New Delhi on Friday to discuss ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in trade, energy, and connectivity. In a post on X, Jaishankar highlighted discussions on expanding partnerships in investment, health, and technology, emphasizing the growing potential between the two nations. Following the meeting, Brazil’s Vice President’s office noted that both leaders were optimistic about deepening trade and economic ties. Key topics included strengthening energy collaboration, advancing partnerships in pharmaceuticals and defence, boosting research investments, improving connectivity, and fostering cooperation in emerging sectors such as Artificial Intelligence and…

Former Foreign Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Vardhan Shringla stated on Thursday that Russia continues to be India’s largest supplier of advanced military technology. Speaking at an event on India-Russia Strategic Partnerships in New Delhi, Shringla highlighted that bilateral defense collaboration has evolved from simple imports to joint development, co-production, and meaningful technology transfers, reflecting India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Shringla praised the enduring strength of India-Russia relations, emphasizing their resilience amid global upheavals, shifting geopolitical dynamics, and even pandemics that disrupted borders. He noted that decades of trust, mutual respect, and strategic patience form the foundation of this…

Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin has arrived in India for a two-day official visit beginning Wednesday, aimed at reviewing trade and investment ties while reinforcing the long-standing Strategic Partnership between the two nations. The visit marks a significant step toward achieving the ambitious bilateral trade target of $20 billion over the next five years. Alckmin, who also serves as Brazil’s Minister of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services, is leading a high-profile delegation that includes cabinet ministers, senior officials, and business leaders. On Thursday, he will co-chair the inaugural Trade Ministerial Review Meeting with India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.…