Author: Akancha Mishra

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has strongly endorsed the newly announced US–India trade agreement, describing it as a major economic and strategic win for both countries. Speaking after discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, Jaishankar said the pact would create millions of dollars in economic value, generate new employment, and accelerate innovation across key industries. He emphasised that the deal would further strengthen India’s “Make in India” initiative by encouraging greater investment, manufacturing activity, and collaboration in trusted technologies. The minister, who arrived in New York for a three-day official visit to attend the…

India has taken a significant step in strengthening spiritual and cultural ties with Sri Lanka as the sacred Devnimori relics of Lord Buddha embark on their first-ever international exposition. The initiative reflects India’s growing emphasis on Buddhist diplomacy and its role as a custodian of shared civilisational heritage. The revered relics will be enshrined at Colombo’s Gangaramaya Temple, offering devotees, monks and international pilgrims a rare opportunity for public veneration. The exposition is expected to draw large numbers, highlighting the enduring spiritual bonds that connect India with the Buddhist world. The outreach follows India’s broader efforts to deepen cultural engagement…

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…