Author: Bhakti Narayanan

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar interacted with members of the Indian diaspora in Luxembourg, appreciating their role in strengthening bilateral ties between India and the European nation. He lauded the community for being well integrated and making valuable contributions to Luxembourg’s society and economy. Addressing the gathering, Jaishankar said that during his meetings with Luxembourg’s leadership, including the Grand Duke, Prime Minister, and Foreign Minister, he consistently heard strong praise for the Indian community. He noted that such recognition reflects the trust and goodwill Indians have earned through their work and conduct. The External Affairs Minister highlighted the expanding India-Luxembourg…

Air India is reportedly looking for a new chief executive to succeed Campbell Wilson, according to sources familiar with the matter, as the airline continues to face scrutiny over operational and safety issues. The decision comes in the wake of the June 2025 crash, India’s deadliest aviation disaster in a decade, which claimed 260 lives. Regulators have identified several problems at the airline, including flying aircraft without completing emergency equipment checks, delayed replacement of engine components, falsified maintenance records, and inadequate crew fatigue management. These issues have intensified calls for a leadership change to restore safety and operational standards. Wilson,…

US Senator Lindsey Graham recently claimed that India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Kwatra, requested him to convey to former President Donald Trump the need to “relieve the tariff” imposed on India for its Russian oil purchases. According to Graham, this discussion took place during a meeting at India House, the ambassador’s official residence in Washington, last month. Graham, speaking alongside Trump aboard Air Force One, said the ambassador focused on India’s reduction in Russian oil imports. The Republican senator, who supports legislation proposing tariffs of up to 500 per cent on countries continuing Russian oil purchases, noted that…

Ranjit “Ricky” Singh Gill, an Indian-origin adviser associated with US President Donald Trump, has drawn attention after receiving a high-level National Security Council recognition for his alleged involvement in India-Pakistan ceasefire-related coordination earlier this year. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio presented the Distinguished Action Award to the thirty-eight-year-old official in Washington, citing his role in internal coordination and diplomatic outreach during 2025. The award has generated debate, as it comes at a time when India has firmly rejected repeated assertions by President Trump that Washington played a mediating role in ending hostilities between New Delhi and Islamabad following Operation…

 External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited a cultural exhibition in Paris titled “Ce qui se trame – woven stories between India and France,” which brought India’s rich textile traditions, craftsmanship, and creative legacy into focus. The exhibition highlighted the deep-rooted cultural exchange between India and France, reflecting centuries of artistic dialogue and mutual appreciation. Sharing his experience on social media, Jaishankar noted that the showcase celebrated India’s textile expertise and creative spirit while serving as a reminder of the enduring cultural bond shared by the two nations. The visit took place during his official tour of France and Luxembourg from…

 Two eminent scientists of Indian origin have been recognized in Canada’s latest honours list announced on Wednesday, receiving the prestigious Order of Canada. Professor Praveen K. Jain of Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, and Professor Emeritus Chandrakant Padamshi Shah of the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health were among the 80 new appointees. The awards were presented by Canada’s Governor General, Mary Simon, who highlighted the significant impact of their work on communities worldwide. Professor Jain, a specialist in Electrical and Computer Engineering, is the founder of Queen’s University’s Centre for Energy and Power Electronics Research. He was…

Global family offices are increasingly turning their attention to India as a long-term investment destination, driven by diaspora-led entrepreneurship, rapid technological innovation, and the country’s expanding role in the global economy, according to insights shared at a leading global wealth summit. India has emerged as a key focus area for wealthy investors seeking opportunities beyond traditional markets, particularly as Indian-origin entrepreneurs who built companies abroad begin channeling capital, expertise, and experience back into the country. Speaking after a recent global family office investment summit, the founder of the platform noted that what began in 2016 as a small gathering has…

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in Dhaka to represent India at the funeral of former Bangladesh Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, conveying condolences on behalf of the Government and people of India. Soon after his arrival, Jaishankar met BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and handed over a personal condolence letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The External Affairs Minister expressed deep sorrow over Khaleda Zia’s passing and acknowledged her contributions to Bangladesh’s democratic journey and India-Bangladesh relations. In a message shared on social media, Jaishankar said he conveyed heartfelt condolences and expressed confidence that Khaleda Zia’s…

 India has approved the lease of two additional US General Atomics MQ-9 unmanned aircraft for the Indian Navy, marking a key enhancement of its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, sanctioned the move, which will strengthen monitoring along India’s borders and across the Indian Ocean region. This decision comes five years after India first leased two MQ-9 aircraft in 2020, which have proven critical for persistent surveillance and real-time intelligence support for maritime and border security operations. The new aircraft are expected to further enhance maritime domain awareness in…

Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, led by Indian-American County Commissioner Neil Makhija, has unanimously approved its 2026 budget, marking the first bipartisan agreement in nearly a decade. The $1.2 billion spending plan targets key local priorities, including housing, public health, infrastructure, and workforce development, at a time when federal and state politics remain highly polarized. As Pennsylvania’s third-largest county, Montgomery is home to roughly 865,000 residents and plays a pivotal role in national elections as a swing region. The unanimous approval of the budget reflects rare cross-party collaboration and emphasizes data-driven planning tailored to the community’s pressing needs. Housing and homelessness initiatives have…