Author: Malavika Subramanyan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reaffirming India’s consistent position that it will make “every possible contribution” toward the early and peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The exchange came ahead of a scheduled summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin aimed at addressing the war. Posting about the discussion on X, PM Modi said he was “glad to speak” with President Zelenskyy, hearing his perspective on recent developments. He reiterated India’s commitment to peace and expressed interest in further strengthening bilateral ties with Ukraine. President Zelenskyy,…

India and Oman have successfully concluded negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), a major step forward in enhancing bilateral trade and economic cooperation. Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada confirmed the conclusion of talks in a written response to the Rajya Sabha, following a question from Congress member Hebi Mather Hisham regarding India’s trade agreements. However, the minister did not specify a date for the signing ceremony. India and Oman share centuries-old ties rooted in mutual trust, respect, and cultural connections. Diplomatic relations, formally established in 1955, were elevated to a strategic partnership in 2008.…

In a move sending shockwaves through trade corridors, former US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order slapping an additional 25% tariff on Indian exports, bringing the total import duty to a stiff 50%. The rationale? India’s ongoing purchase of crude oil from Russia, which Trump claims undermines US efforts to isolate Moscow. This executive order, titled “Addressing Threats to the US by the Government of the Russian Federation,” targets Indian goods specifically, although it notably spares China — the world’s largest importer of Russian crude. According to experts, this move could cripple sectors like textiles, leather, shrimp,…

In a significant gesture highlighting growing cultural ties between India and Australia, Sushil Kumar, the Consul General of India in Melbourne, recently recognized Peter Friedlander, a respected former professor at the Australian National University, for his notable contribution to the Hindi language in Australia. Friedlander was awarded a cash prize for an article he contributed to Gagananchal Visheshank, a quarterly magazine published by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). During the meeting, Kumar applauded Friedlander’s commitment to expanding the reach of Hindi beyond traditional borders. As a token of appreciation, Friedlander presented Kumar with a copy of The Songs…

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra expressed confidence that the recent tariff hikes imposed by the United States would not significantly disrupt India’s economic stability. Addressing the media following the RBI’s latest monetary policy review, Malhotra emphasized that unless India introduces retaliatory tariffs, the effects of the US actions would be minimal. “We don’t anticipate any major economic fallout unless countermeasures come into play, which seems unlikely,” he noted. Malhotra added that diplomatic dialogue could lead to a peaceful resolution of current trade tensions between New Delhi and Washington. The RBI had already adjusted its GDP growth outlook…

In a historic celebration of spiritual devotion and cultural pride, North America’s tallest idol of Lord Ram, standing 51 feet tall, was unveiled at the Hindu Heritage Center in Mississauga, a key city in the Greater Toronto Area. Thousands of devotees gathered on Sunday to witness the grand ceremony, which was attended by prominent Canadian federal ministers, political leaders, and dignitaries. Among those present were Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu, Minister for Women and Gender Equality Rechie Valdez, President of the Treasury Board Shafqat Ali, and Andrew Scheer, interim leader of the opposition in the House of Commons. Sidhu,…

During a public address in Uttar Pradesh on August 3, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a strong message of economic self-reliance, emphasizing support for the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The statement came in response to a 25% tariff on Indian goods recently announced by US President Donald Trump, alongside growing pressure on India to curb its oil imports from Russia. “We must adopt a single rule while buying—choose only what is made with the hard work of Indian hands,” Modi asserted, rallying citizens toward indigenous production amidst increasing global volatility. Trump’s rhetoric has sharpened in recent days, accusing India of…

Despite the imposition of a 25% tariff on Indian exports by US President Donald Trump, India has confirmed that trade negotiations between the two countries remain active. An Indian government official familiar with the matter stated on Friday that New Delhi is still in discussions with Washington, aiming to resolve key trade issues and maintain the momentum of bilateral ties. The new import duties announced by Trump affect multiple nations, with tariffs including 35% on Canadian products, 50% on imports from Brazil, 20% on Taiwanese goods, and 39% on Swiss exports. These tariffs were enacted through a presidential executive order…

Canada has officially appointed Jeff David as the new Consul General in Mumbai, marking a pivotal moment in mending fractured ties with India. The announcement, made by Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, signals Ottawa’s intent to turn the page after a prolonged diplomatic rift. Jeff David replaces Diedrah Kelly, and his appointment is the first major diplomatic gesture since 2023, when relations between the two countries sharply deteriorated. The reset comes on the heels of a high-profile meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney at the G7 Summit in June. During the meeting, both…

In a strong move targeting India’s trade practices, US President Donald Trump has announced a 25% tariff along with an additional penalty on Indian imports starting August 1. Labeling India’s trade environment as heavily restricted, Trump stated that the country maintains “the highest tariffs in the world” and imposes “obnoxious non-monetary barriers” that have long hindered equitable trade with the United States. Reacting to Trump’s social media declaration, India’s Ministry of Commerce & Industry issued a calm yet firm statement. The government affirmed it had taken note of the development and is reviewing the potential implications. India reiterated its commitment…