Author: Malavika Subramanyan

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), one of the leading organizations dedicated to international policy research and analysis, has announced the appointment of Sadanand Dhume as a senior fellow specializing in India, Pakistan, and broader South Asian affairs. He will join the institution’s David Rockefeller Studies Program, a division known for producing in-depth research on major global political and economic issues. In his new position, Dhume will focus on examining the political economy, governance trends, and foreign policy developments shaping South Asia. His research is expected to provide valuable insights into a region that continues to play an increasingly significant…

India is preparing to fast-track its global trade integration strategy, with plans to operationalize nine free trade agreements (FTAs) signed over the past three years within the next 10 months. In addition, the government is aiming to conclude three to four more major trade pacts over the coming year, signaling a strong push toward deeper economic engagement with international partners. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the country’s trade strategy is designed to strengthen India’s position as a global manufacturing and investment destination. He noted that at least two to three significant FTAs are expected to come into…

India’s MY Bharat platform, operated under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, has achieved global recognition by entering the Guinness World Records for the highest number of participants taking part in an online quiz within a single week. The initiative recorded participation from approximately 0.39 million users, marking a major achievement in large-scale digital youth engagement. The record was officially presented during a ceremony held at Shram Shakti Bhawan in New Delhi. The Guinness World Records adjudicator Rishinath awarded the certificate to MY Bharat representatives in the presence of Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, highlighting India’s growing focus on technology-driven…

India has reiterated that all boundary-related issues with Nepal must be addressed through bilateral mechanisms, firmly stating that there is no role for any third party in matters concerning the two neighboring countries. The response came after remarks by Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah regarding unresolved border issues between India and Nepal. Addressing the matter, India’s Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that the two countries have established frameworks and channels to manage and resolve boundary concerns through direct engagement. According to the government, nearly 98 percent of the India-Nepal boundary has already been demarcated, with only a few segments remaining…

India and Germany continued to strengthen their growing partnership through a series of high-level discussions centered on technology, innovation, business collaboration, and strategic cooperation. During a visit to New Delhi, Thuringia Minister-President Mario Voigt met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to explore new opportunities that could further enhance economic and technological engagement between the two nations. Jaishankar welcomed Voigt and his delegation, highlighting the German leader’s support for stronger India-Germany and India-European Union relations. The discussions focused on expanding business opportunities and fostering partnerships in advanced technologies, reflecting the increasing importance of innovation-driven cooperation between the two countries. The…

India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held a series of high-level meetings with leading business figures in the United States, focusing on expanding investment opportunities and strengthening economic cooperation between India and global markets. The visit came shortly after his Canada trip and forms part of India’s broader effort to deepen international trade and investment ties. During his engagements, Goyal met Michael Miebach, the Chief Executive Officer of Mastercard. Their discussions focused on expanding cooperation in digital commerce, cybersecurity, and advanced payment technologies. He highlighted India’s fast-growing digital economy, supported by strong digital public infrastructure, and positioned the country…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to chair a meeting of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Chief Ministers’ Council in New Delhi on June 10, marking an important gathering as the BJP-led government completes 12 years at the Centre. The meeting is expected to bring together Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers from NDA-governed states, along with senior leaders from alliance parties. According to sources, the session will focus on reviewing the achievements and governance initiatives undertaken by the Modi government over the past decade. Leaders are also expected to discuss strategies aimed at strengthening public outreach and increasing awareness…

India and Canada are showing fresh momentum in rebuilding their economic relationship, with Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal urging companies from both nations to expand commercial cooperation during a major business event held in Toronto. Speaking at the Ministerial Plenary Session titled “From Political Reset to Commercial Delivery,” Goyal appeared alongside Canadian Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu and highlighted the strong economic compatibility shared by the two countries. He said India and Canada have significant potential to deepen their partnership and unlock new opportunities for growth across several industries. Goyal pointed out that India had sent its…

Israel’s Ambassador to India Reuven Azar has described the India-Israel relationship as a “special and unique partnership,” outlining six key values that he said form the foundation of the growing bilateral ties between the two nations. In a video message shared on social media, Azar said both countries are bound by shared experiences of civilisational resilience and national revival. He noted that despite historical challenges and external threats, both India and Israel have preserved their identities and continue to strengthen their national and cultural foundations. The envoy identified counter-terrorism cooperation as the second major pillar of the relationship. He said…

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar conducted the computerised draw for the selection of pilgrims for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026, marking the formal commencement of preparations for one of the most significant spiritual pilgrimages for devotees across India. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, a total of 1,000 pilgrims have been selected through a fully computerised, fair, random, and gender-balanced selection process. The annual pilgrimage is scheduled to begin in June and conclude in August, with pilgrims travelling in 20 batches consisting of 50 yatris each. The selected pilgrims will undertake the sacred journey through the Lipulekh Pass in…