Author: Bhakti Narayanan

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held discussions with European Union Trade and Economic Security Commissioner Maros Sefcovic in Brussels, marking another significant step toward concluding a mutually beneficial India-EU Free Trade Agreement. The meeting reflects the growing momentum behind negotiations as both sides work to resolve outstanding issues and move closer to a comprehensive deal. According to Goyal, the dialogue covered several critical components of the proposed agreement. He reiterated India’s commitment to a rules-based global trading system and emphasized the need for a modern economic partnership that protects the interests of farmers and micro, small, and medium enterprises…

India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, met US House Speaker Mike Johnson on Capitol Hill to discuss the India-US bilateral relationship, counterterrorism cooperation, and key areas of partnership. Kwatra said he was honoured to meet Speaker Johnson and expressed deep appreciation for his support in strengthening India-US ties. He thanked the Speaker for the United States’ solidarity with India’s counterterrorism efforts following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in April 2025. During the meeting, the ambassador briefed the Speaker on the expanding scope of India-US cooperation, including defence and security, oil and gas trade, and technology partnerships. He…

Mahesh Samdani, a New York-based managing director at JPMorgan Chase, has transformed a personal tribute into a long-term educational initiative at his alma mater, BITS Pilani. Along with his wife, Purva Ladha, Samdani has committed $1 million to establish a permanent scholarship endowment aimed at supporting female students who demonstrate both academic excellence and financial need. The fund, named the Kaushaliya Devi Samdani Scholarship Endowment, honors the memory of Samdani’s mother. Designed as a merit-cum-need program, the initiative seeks to ensure that capable young women are not denied access to quality higher education due to economic limitations. The scholarships will…

US President Donald Trump revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally approached him to discuss India’s pending defence purchases and trade issues, including the long-delayed delivery of Apache helicopters. Speaking at the House GOP Member Retreat, Trump recounted Modi’s visit, saying, “Sir, may I see you please? Yes!” and emphasized the strong rapport he shares with the Indian leader. Trump noted that while he maintains a good personal relationship with Modi, the Indian Prime Minister expressed dissatisfaction over tariffs. India has faced higher US levies, partly due to its reduced oil imports from Russia, which Trump confirmed had dropped “very…

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…