Author: Bhakti Narayanan

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, arrived in India on Monday for a brief yet significant working visit aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The discussions come amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly concerning Iran, and increasing global scrutiny over regional security. Although the visit is scheduled to last only a few hours, officials emphasized its importance in signaling the strong mutual trust between India and the UAE. The two leaders are expected to focus on several key areas, including regional security assessments, strategies to reduce tensions, and…

India and Japan have reinforced their growing strategic partnership through high-level discussions focused on economic security, artificial intelligence, and cultural cooperation, underscoring the expanding scope of bilateral engagement between the two nations. India’s Ambassador-designate to Japan, Nagma Mallick, met Japan’s Minister of Economic Security in Tokyo to review key areas of collaboration. The discussions highlighted shared priorities in strengthening economic resilience, advancing cooperation in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, and enhancing cultural and people-to-people connections. The engagement builds on the broader momentum in India-Japan relations following the recent India-Japan Strategic Dialogue held in New Delhi. The dialogue reviewed progress…

India’s chemical sector is poised for significant expansion, with Boston Consulting Group (BCG) projecting the market to reach US$ 300 billion (Rs. 24,900 billion) by 2030. This growth is expected to be propelled by robust domestic consumption across key end-use sectors such as automobiles, construction, agriculture, and personal care, alongside supportive government policies and a steadily expanding manufacturing base. Beyond domestic demand, rising global export opportunities are set to bolster the industry as international supply chains diversify production away from traditional manufacturing hubs. This dual momentum positions India’s chemical market for sustained growth in the coming decade. BCG highlights India’s…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday underscored the need for the Global South to chart new pathways amid unprecedented global transformation, asserting that India is consistently raising the concerns of developing nations on every major international platform. Inaugurating the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) at the Samvidhan Sadan, the Prime Minister highlighted India’s growing role as a bridge between advanced economies and developing nations. He recalled India’s G20 Presidency, during which the priorities of the Global South were placed firmly at the centre of the global agenda. Emphasising inclusive innovation, PM Modi said India…

India’s expanding tunnel infrastructure is emerging as a critical driver of improved connectivity, economic growth and national resilience, reflecting a strategic shift toward smarter and more sustainable development. By overcoming challenging terrain and harsh climatic conditions, tunnel projects are addressing long-standing connectivity gaps and strengthening access to remote regions. Landmark projects such as the Atal Tunnel highlight how modern engineering is transforming mobility across mountainous landscapes. Stretching 9.02 kilometres beneath the Pir Panjal range, the tunnel provides year-round connectivity by bypassing the Rohtang Pass. Officially recognised by the World Book of Records UK as the world’s longest highway tunnel above…

Renowned Michelin-starred restaurateur Avtar Singh Walia was celebrated as a Top Restaurant Owner of the Year by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) at a gala held at the Bellagio Hotel. The award also recognized his flagship restaurant, Tamarind Tribeca, as the Top Restaurant of 2025, honoring Walia’s decades-long influence on elevating Indian cuisine on the global stage. The annual IAOTP gala, attended by international industry leaders, highlighted Walia’s visionary leadership, dedication, and transformative impact on Indian fine dining in the United States. Reflecting on the honor, Walia expressed humility and gratitude, noting that the recognition validates the growing…

Sergio Gor officially took charge as the new United States ambassador to India and special envoy for South and Central Asia during a ceremony held at the US Embassy in New Delhi. His first appearance in the role stood out for its symbolism rather than formality, as a classic soul track played while he walked toward the podium, setting an upbeat and unconventional tone for the event. The song, a well-known 1960s hit with a message of reassurance and optimism, drew applause from attendees and reflected Gor’s intention to highlight warmth and approachability at the start of his tenure. The…

India could face fresh economic challenges following the United States’ decision to impose a 25 per cent tariff on countries conducting trade with Iran, a move announced by US President Donald Trump. The development comes at a time when India is already grappling with steep tariffs on certain exports to the American market. India remains one of Iran’s top trading partners, with bilateral trade reaching approximately $1.68 billion in the 2024–25 financial year. Official data shows that India exported goods worth $1.24 billion to Iran while importing goods valued at $0.44 billion, reflecting a stable trade relationship despite longstanding international…

India’s educational institutions are expected to record a steady 11–13 per cent increase in total income over the next two fiscal years, driven by rising enrolments and fee revisions, according to a report by Crisil Ratings. The report notes that FY26 will mark the fifth consecutive year of double-digit growth for the sector, reflecting higher household spending on education amid improving income levels. While revenues are set to rise, operating margins are projected to remain stable at around 27–28 per cent, as institutions face increased expenditure on staff salaries and related operational costs. Educational institutions are also expected to step…

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday conveyed Germany’s readiness to take its relationship with India to a new strategic height, emphasizing that both countries share common interests at a time when global politics and economics are undergoing significant transformation. Speaking alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi after bilateral discussions in Ahmedabad, Merz highlighted the importance of closer cooperation between the two democracies. During his remarks, Merz referred to his visit to Mahatma Gandhi’s birthplace as deeply symbolic, stating that Gandhi’s message of becoming the change one wishes to see resonates strongly in today’s uncertain global environment. He expressed appreciation for Prime…