Author: Deepika chandrasekar

Senior US Cabinet officials have welcomed the newly announced trade agreement with India, highlighting its potential to deliver tangible gains for farmers, energy producers and the broader American economy. The agreement is being positioned as a reset in bilateral trade relations following months of friction over tariffs and energy policy. The US Agriculture Secretary said the deal would significantly expand American farm exports to India’s vast and growing consumer market, improving prices for producers and supporting rural incomes. India’s population growth and rising demand were described as key factors that make the country a critical long-term market for US agricultural…

A senior official from India’s Ministry of External Affairs held discussions with Norway’s trade ministry leadership in Oslo on Monday, focusing on expanding economic collaboration and encouraging investment in environmentally sustainable and ocean-based industries. Sibi George, Secretary (West) at India’s Ministry of External Affairs, met with Ragnhild Sjoner Syrstad, State Secretary at Norway’s Ministry of Trade and Industry. According to India’s MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, the two sides explored ways to deepen economic engagement following the implementation of the India-European Free Trade Association Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (India-EFTA-TEPA), while also identifying opportunities in green and blue technology sectors. The…

US-based economists and business leaders have welcomed India’s latest Union Budget, describing it as a reinforcement of the country’s strong growth trajectory and a positive signal for global trade and investment. Observers also suggested that more ambitious measures could further boost India’s manufacturing competitiveness. Steve Hanke, applied economics professor at Johns Hopkins University, noted that India’s impressive economic performance under Prime Minister Narendra Modi was expected. He referenced International Monetary Fund projections estimating India’s annual real GDP growth at approximately 6.45% between 2025 and 2030, the fastest among major economies. Hanke linked this outlook to India’s trade and growth-focused policies,…

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal described the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement as a historic milestone, drawing a sharp contrast with the approach followed during the UPA era, when trade agreements were rushed and India often conceded more than it gained. Goyal said the India-EU FTA reflects a decisive shift in India’s trade strategy, one that prioritises national interest while expanding global market access. He noted that the agreement is designed to strengthen key sectors of the economy and ensure that its benefits reach every region and citizen. Highlighting the policy transformation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the…

The United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) will hold its first public hearing of 2026 in February, with a special emphasis on India. The bipartisan congressional body plans to examine the evolving strategic partnership between the United States and India, as well as the implications of India’s relationship with China on regional security and economic interests. The hearing is scheduled for February 17. The session will cover geopolitical and defence-related issues, including India-China border tensions, maritime access in the Indian Ocean, and India’s role as a strategic power in the Indo-Pacific. It will also explore economic and technological…

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor in New Delhi on Thursday to discuss multiple aspects of the India-US bilateral relationship. The meeting underscored the two countries’ commitment to strengthening strategic, defence, and economic ties. EAM Jaishankar welcomed Ambassador Gor and expressed confidence in his role in further enhancing the partnership between the two nations. Ambassador Gor highlighted the significance of the 10-year defence pact signed in 2025, calling it a milestone that will deepen military collaboration. He noted that joint exercises are set to continue and additional defence sales are underway, reinforcing the robust…

Indian authorities have announced the launch of a new Indian Consular Application Centre in Seattle, a move aimed at improving access to essential consular services for the Indian community across the Pacific Northwest. The new facility has been set up at a central downtown location and operates alongside the Indian Consulate in Seattle, creating a single point of contact for applicants. Officials said the decision to co-locate the application center with the Consulate is intended to simplify procedures and reduce the need for applicants to visit multiple offices. The initiative is expected to benefit Indian nationals as well as other…

India and the European Union have finalized the long-awaited India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations between two of the world’s largest economies. The announcement was made during the 16th India-EU Summit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, highlighting the strategic and economic partnership between the nations. The FTA positions India, the world’s fourth-largest economy, and the EU, the second-largest economy, as trusted global trade partners, collectively accounting for 25% of global GDP and nearly one-third of worldwide trade. A cornerstone of the agreement is the preferential market…

US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, expressed his delight on the occasion of India’s 77th Republic Day, extending greetings and emphasizing the historic significance of the celebration. Speaking through his official X account, Gor noted that attending the parade for the first time was an honour and highlighted the symbolic impact of US-made fighter jets soaring over Indian skies as a reflection of the growing strategic partnership between the two nations. The Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed an impressive fleet of around 20 fighter aircraft for the Republic Day parade, including Rafales, Su-30s, Mirage 2000 jets, and the Netra Airborne…

On January 26, Indian diplomatic missions across the world commemorated the 77th Republic Day with grand celebrations, reflecting India’s rich cultural heritage and the democratic principles enshrined in its Constitution. The day, which marks the formal adoption of the Constitution in 1950, was observed with flag hoisting, patriotic performances, and the reading of President Droupadi Murmu’s address to the nation. In Wellington, New Zealand, High Commissioner Neeta Bhushan led the celebrations by unfurling the national flag and singing the National Anthem, followed by the reading of President Murmu’s Republic Day message. The event featured vibrant cultural performances, including a dance…