Author: Bhakti Narayanan

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has stated that the first phase of the proposed bilateral trade agreement between India and the United States is close to completion. He noted that ongoing discussions are focused on finalising the remaining technical details and establishing a framework that would allow India improved and preferential access to the US market compared to other competing nations. Goyal made these remarks on the sidelines of the India Korea Business Forum in New Delhi, ahead of the resumption of trade negotiations in Washington DC. He confirmed that Indian and US officials will continue discussions on the…

In a major policy move aimed at addressing New York City’s financial and housing pressures, Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul have introduced two key initiatives focused on revenue generation from luxury real estate and cost relief for affordable housing. The proposals together aim to tackle widening inequality and rising living costs in one of the world’s most expensive cities. The central fiscal measure is a proposed pied-à-terre tax designed to generate approximately US$ 500 million annually. The tax would apply to luxury secondary residences valued above US$ 5 million when owned by individuals whose primary residence is outside…

Japan’s proposed ‘New Delhi Desk’ underscores the growing recognition of India’s strategic and economic importance in the Indo-Pacific, as Tokyo looks to deepen engagement and facilitate greater investment by Japanese firms. The initiative is expected to serve as a dedicated platform to address regulatory challenges and strengthen business collaboration. According to the report, the new office will function as an information and coordination hub, helping Japanese companies navigate India’s complex regulatory landscape. It will also act as a channel to convey industry concerns directly to Indian authorities, enabling smoother business operations and improved policy responsiveness. The move reflects a broader…

India has initiated its leadership under the BRICS framework for 2026 by hosting the first Health Working Group meeting, bringing together senior health officials from nine member countries to strengthen collaboration on global health priorities. The virtual session was chaired by Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava and included participation from nations across four continents, reflecting the expanded scope of the BRICS grouping. The discussions focused on a wide range of public health challenges, including tuberculosis research, digital healthcare systems, and mental wellness. India has structured its presidency around a theme centered on resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability, aligning with…

The United States Embassy in India shared a message from US President Donald Trump, congratulating Taranjit Singh Sandhu on his appointment as the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. In his post on Truth Social, Trump acknowledged Sandhu’s extensive diplomatic experience and his role in strengthening ties between India and the United States. He also expressed optimism about Sandhu’s leadership and his ability to guide Delhi’s development while continuing to promote international engagement. Trump emphasized Sandhu’s tenure as India’s Ambassador to the United States, noting that his contributions significantly advanced bilateral relations. He described Sandhu as a dedicated diplomat who consistently worked…

India’s trade surplus with the United States saw a noticeable decline in the financial year 2025–26, largely due to slower export growth and a sharp rise in imports. The shift comes amid tariff measures introduced by US President Donald Trump, which have affected the pace of Indian exports. According to official data released by the commerce ministry, India’s exports to the United States reached $87.31 billion during the year, showing only a slight increase compared to $86.51 billion in the previous financial cycle. In contrast, imports from the US grew significantly, climbing to $52.90 billion from $45.63 billion. This imbalance…

India’s automobile industry achieved its highest-ever annual sales across all major vehicle categories in the financial year 2025–26, marking a strong recovery and expansion phase for the sector. The surge in demand was supported by recent policy measures such as GST 2.0 reforms, multiple reductions in repo rates, and revised income tax slabs, all of which improved affordability and boosted consumer confidence. According to data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, passenger vehicle sales increased by 8% to reach 4.64 million units during the year. Commercial vehicles recorded a growth of 12.6%, totaling 1.08 million units, while three-wheelers expanded…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with US President Donald Trump, during which the two leaders discussed key global security concerns, with a special focus on developments in West Asia. A central point of their dialogue was the need to ensure that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, secure, and stable, given its critical role in global energy and trade movement. The leaders also reviewed ongoing progress in bilateral relations between India and the United States. They expressed satisfaction over the steady expansion of cooperation across multiple sectors, including strategic, economic, and technological areas. Both sides reaffirmed their…

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Manfred Weber in New Delhi, highlighting the positive momentum in India–European Union relations and reaffirming commitment to deeper cooperation. Both leaders welcomed the growing convergence between India and the European Union, emphasizing the importance of sustaining this upward trajectory in bilateral ties. The discussions reflected a shared vision of strengthening strategic and economic engagement. A key focus of the meeting was the early ratification of the India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is expected to significantly boost trade and investment flows between the two sides. The agreement is being viewed as a major…

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is likely to visit India next month following a constructive and productive meeting with India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in Washington. The discussions reflected the ongoing strengthening of bilateral ties between India and the United States, with both sides focusing on expanding cooperation in key strategic sectors such as defense, trade, and critical technologies. According to US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, the talks emphasized shared priorities including critical minerals, defense collaboration, and multilateral engagement through the Quad framework, highlighting the growing depth of the partnership. The meeting between Rubio and Misri took place…