Author: Bhakti Narayanan

Several professionals of Indian heritage have taken on significant diplomatic and international economic responsibilities in 2026, building careers that span government, humanitarian work, diplomacy and global business. Among them are Tammy Sandhu, Aly-Khan Rajani and Varun Chandra, whose new assignments have placed them in important roles involving the Vatican, Brazil and the United States. Sandhu’s diplomatic career has taken her through multiple international postings. Before becoming Britain’s ambassador to the Holy See, she served as deputy head of mission in Chennai and held roles at the UK Representation to the European Union in Brussels. Her overseas assignments also included Iraq,…

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar raised India’s concerns about new US legislation targeting countries that purchase Russian oil and gas during his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York on September 23. The discussion took place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly’s high-level week, where senior officials from around the world gathered for diplomatic engagements. Jaishankar said after the meeting that he had reiterated India’s interests and concerns regarding the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, commonly referred to as SRIA. The legislation gives the United States authority to…

India has emerged with the strongest growth outlook among the economies covered in the World Economic Forum’s September 2026 Chief Economists’ Outlook, with expectations supported by resilient domestic demand. According to the report, 98 per cent of surveyed chief economists expect India to record moderate or stronger growth over the next 12 months. Among them, 74 per cent anticipate strong or very strong growth, up from 52 per cent in the previous survey conducted in May. The WEF said India’s growth prospects continue to benefit from resilient domestic demand, although higher energy prices remain a concern for the economic outlook.…

Timor-Leste President José Manuel Ramos-Horta has renewed his support for India’s bid to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, citing the country’s size, democratic record, civilisation and growing global role. Ramos-Horta said India’s exclusion from permanent membership was difficult to justify and noted the country’s contribution to developing nations. He also highlighted India’s progress in science, technology, medicine and information technology. The Timor-Leste president called for stronger cooperation between the two countries in areas including health care, food security, agriculture and education. He noted that Timorese students study in India, while Indian medical students and teachers…

US President Donald Trump has reaffirmed Washington’s support for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), describing the ambitious infrastructure initiative as a potential alternative for transporting energy and commercial goods across the region. Trump made the remarks during a multilateral meeting with leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. His comments placed the India-backed corridor within a broader US strategy focused on regional security, energy diversification and protecting international trade routes. Addressing concerns over Iran’s activities, Trump said attacks affecting commercial shipping and neighboring countries demonstrated the need to redirect Middle East…

India is seeking to expand its engagement with Caribbean nations by prioritizing economic cooperation, digital connectivity and mobility partnerships, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said during the India-CARICOM Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New York on Wednesday. The discussion took place alongside the high-level session of the United Nations General Assembly, bringing India together with representatives of the Caribbean Community, or CARICOM. Jaishankar highlighted the historical connections between India and Caribbean countries, noting that both regions share common development concerns and opportunities for collaboration. In a post on X, the minister said India had emphasized the importance of advancing cooperation across…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a virtual interaction with participants of the Seva Sankalp Yatra, acknowledging their ongoing journey between Vadnagar and Varanasi and emphasizing the role of grassroots engagement in nation-building. The motorcycle-based initiative brings together youth and volunteers who are travelling across towns, districts, talukas and villages while conducting service activities and engaging with local communities. The journey is being undertaken in 10 groups between Vadnagar and Varanasi from September 17 to October 7. During the interaction, Modi spoke about the practical challenges associated with long-distance yatras, including changing weather, locations and logistical requirements. Referring to…

Indonesia has renewed a key agreement governing the use of four of the country’s renowned historic temples for religious activities, strengthening opportunities for Hindu and Buddhist communities to conduct worship and pilgrimage at the sacred sites. The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism, along with other government ministries, agencies, and local administrations, updated and renewed the Memorandum of Understanding covering Prambanan, Borobudur, Mendut, and Pawon Temples. The agreement applies to Hindu and Buddhist communities in Indonesia as well as devotees visiting from other parts of the world. Under the renewed framework, Prambanan Temple will continue to serve as a designated place of…

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon has said that India’s economy could nearly triple in size over the next decade, while highlighting the bank’s plans to significantly expand its operations and business coverage in the country. Dimon said JPMorgan expects to increase its research coverage of Indian companies, with plans to cover around 2,000 companies. The bank currently tracks nearly 200 Indian companies through its research operations. JPMorgan has also expanded its workforce in India considerably since Dimon first visited the country in 2005. The bank now employs around 60,000 professionals in India across areas including technology and investment banking. Dimon…

Members of the US Congress from both political parties have called for continued cooperation between India and the United States in areas including security, trade and global stability. Their comments came during an exhibition on the human cost of terrorism organized by the Indian Embassy at Capitol Hill. The event brought lawmakers together to discuss terrorism and the broader strategic relationship between the two countries. The exhibition drew participation from members of Congress representing both parties, highlighting the congressional interest in counterterrorism cooperation. According to reports, the event also brought together representatives from key congressional committees, US government officials, members…