Author: Nupur Rohila

A prominent US congressional subcommittee is set to hold a public hearing next week to evaluate how the India–US strategic partnership is evolving, particularly in defense, economic cooperation, and diplomatic engagement. Lawmakers aim to understand how the relationship is shaping regional stability and long-term Indo-Pacific policy. The session, titled “The US–India Strategic Partnership: Securing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” is scheduled for December 10, according to an official notice issued by the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on South and Central Asia. The panel will be led by Congressman Bill Huizenga of Michigan, who chairs the subcommittee. Members will hear…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Friday that India and Russia are poised to reach their bilateral trade goal of $100 billion well ahead of the originally planned 2030 timeline. Speaking at the India–Russia Business Forum in New Delhi, Modi recalled the commitment he and Russian President Vladimir Putin made last year to scale up trade. After renewed discussions during their latest meeting, Modi said he is confident the milestone will be met sooner than expected. He added that both countries are actively working to lower tariff and non-tariff barriers to further accelerate growth in trade and investment. President Putin,…

Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) has honored the achievement of its distinguished alumnus and Professor of Eminence, Jaspreet Singh, who has been chosen to serve on the Transition Advisory Council for the incoming administration in the state of New Jersey. Singh, a prominent US-based attorney, becomes the only Sikh and the first Punjabi immigrant to hold a position within the newly formed advisory group. The Transition Advisory Council was established by New Jersey Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill to help shape policy direction, administrative priorities, and governance frameworks before she officially assumes office. Singh, who moved to the United States several decades…

In a historic milestone for one of the largest Indian American communities in the United States, Mamta Singh has been elected to the Jersey City Council At-Large, becoming the first Indian American ever to win public office in the city. Her victory marks a moment of long-awaited representation for the diaspora that has shaped the city’s cultural and economic life for decades. Singh’s win coincided with a night of political transformation in Jersey City, as reform-oriented Councilmember James Solomon secured a decisive victory in the mayoral runoff. While Solomon’s mandate reflects a shift in local governance, Singh’s breakthrough emerged as…

A new analysis from the Begin–Sadat Centre for Strategic Studies highlights a major reorientation in India’s national security doctrine, arguing that the country has effectively begun treating large-scale terrorism as an act of war. According to the report, this shift has opened the door to deeper strategic coordination with Israel, particularly in areas related to deterrence, counterterrorism and advanced military technology. The study notes that India’s readiness to impose costs on terrorist networks and their state backers—without waiting for international endorsement—marks the emergence of a new strategic playbook. Analysts John Spencer and Lauren Dagan Amoss argue that India’s approach now…

India produced a commanding batting display in Raipur as centuries from Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad, along with an unbeaten 66 from skipper KL Rahul, powered the hosts to a formidable 358/5 in the second ODI against South Africa at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium. Gaikwad played with remarkable fluency against spin, converting a steady start into his maiden ODI hundred. After reaching a fifty off 52 balls, he accelerated sharply to bring up his century in 77 deliveries, ultimately scoring 105 from 83 balls. At the other end, Kohli continued his excellent form by compiling 102 off…

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that the United States has dramatically changed how it positions itself on the global stage, marking a major shift in Washington’s foreign policy playbook. Receiving an Honorary Doctorate from IIM-Calcutta on November 29, he noted that the US is now approaching countries individually rather than relying on the multilateral structures it once championed. This move, he said, represents “entirely new terms of engagement” that are prompting nations worldwide to reassess how they protect their strategic interests. Jaishankar explained that this altered diplomatic environment is increasingly shaped by politics overshadowing economics. According to him, the…

Arts India US has announced the 2026 cohort of Lotus Fellows, a premier initiative supporting Indian American artists in classical performing arts across the United States. Designed as a year-long program, it provides mentorship, professional development workshops, and performance opportunities aimed at increasing the visibility and impact of Indian classical arts within the US cultural landscape. This year’s fellows were recognized for their exceptional creativity and commitment to connecting traditional art forms with contemporary audiences. The 2026 Lotus Fellows include Antara Bhattacharya (sitar), Ariaki Dandawate (Kathak), Harini Nilakantha (Bharatanatyam), Karthik Iyer (Carnatic violin), Karun Salvady (mridangam), Neha Venkatesh (Bharatanatyam), Shalini…

Private equity and venture capital funding held steady through October 2025, posting a strong month despite slower deal activity. Total PE-VC investments climbed to about $5.3 million across 102 transactions, marking a 9% year-on-year increase even as the overall number of deals moderated. Pure investment inflows reached their highest level in more than a year at nearly $5 million, supported by revived interest in public-market opportunities and a renewed push toward early-stage investing. One of the most significant trends during the month was a dramatic surge in private investment in public equity, with PIPE commitments soaring almost tenfold to roughly…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended his condolences to the people of Sri Lanka as the island nation grapples with the destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah. Offering solidarity during the crisis, Modi announced that India has dispatched essential relief supplies and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) support through Operation Sagar Bandhu. In a message shared on X, Modi expressed deep sorrow for the lives lost and urged strength for families affected by the cyclone’s fury. He emphasized that India, guided by the “Neighbourhood First” policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, stands firmly with Sri Lanka during this difficult moment. Modi…