Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the government is taking continuous steps to ensure uninterrupted oil and gas supply amid the ongoing tensions in West Asia, highlighting India’s strengthened energy security framework. Addressing the Lok Sabha, the Prime Minister noted that India has significantly diversified its energy import sources over the past decade. While the country earlier relied on 27 nations for crude oil, LNG, and LPG, it now sources energy from 41 countries, reducing dependency on any single region. He pointed out that a large portion of India’s imports of crude oil, gas, and fertilisers pass through the…

The United States Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, held a meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in New Delhi, focusing on critical security and geopolitical issues amid evolving global challenges. The interaction was described as “extremely fruitful,” reflecting the deepening strategic engagement between India and the United States. The discussions highlighted ongoing cooperation in areas of mutual concern, including regional security dynamics and broader geopolitical developments. The meeting comes at a time of heightened tensions in West Asia, with global attention focused on the escalating conflict involving Iran and Israel. Analysts suggest that the evolving situation has significant implications…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings to the people of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana on the occasion of Ugadi, marking the Telugu New Year with messages of hope, prosperity, and renewal. In his message shared on social media in Telugu, the Prime Minister highlighted the cultural and spiritual significance of the festival, describing it as a celebration deeply rooted in tradition while symbolising fresh beginnings and renewed energy. He expressed his wishes for happiness, success, and good health for all citizens in the coming year. Ugadi is widely celebrated across Telugu-speaking regions as a time for reflection, optimism, and…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a key conversation on Wednesday with Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of Kuwait, focusing on the rapidly evolving situation in West Asia. During the discussion, the leaders highlighted the importance of maintaining regional stability and peace amid rising geopolitical tensions. As part of the exchange, Modi extended greetings for the upcoming festival of Eid and reiterated India’s strong condemnation of recent attacks threatening Kuwait’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Prime Minister underscored that ensuring safe and free passage through the Strait of Hormuz remains a top priority, given the route’s strategic significance…

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar concluded a highly productive visit to Brussels, engaging with European Union leaders and foreign ministers to discuss the immense economic opportunities under the recently signed India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The talks focused on strengthening collaboration across trade, technology, security, and connectivity. During his visit, Jaishankar met with members of the EU Foreign Affairs Council and held discussions with senior European officials, including EU Council President Antonio Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas. He also conducted bilateral discussions with multiple EU…

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot in Brussels on Monday to discuss strengthening cooperation across several sectors, including trade, investment, semiconductors, healthcare, technology, and innovation. The meeting marked the second day of Jaishankar’s diplomatic engagements in Belgium and highlighted efforts to deepen bilateral relations between the two countries. Following the meeting, Jaishankar shared that both sides explored ways to expand collaboration in emerging industries and agreed to establish a formal Strategic Dialogue to strengthen cooperation. The proposed dialogue is expected to create a structured platform for discussions on economic partnerships, innovation, and technological development.…

The United States reported a $2.8 billion goods trade deficit with India in January, even as its overall trade gap narrowed sharply, according to data released by the US Census Bureau and the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) on March 12. The total US goods and services trade deficit fell to $54.5 billion in January, down from a revised $72.9 billion in December, representing a decline of $18.4 billion, or roughly 25 per cent, in a single month. Exports rose to $302.1 billion, an increase of $15.8 billion from December, while imports dropped to $356.6 billion, down $2.6 billion. The…

The action-packed sequel Dhurandhar 2, starring Ranveer Singh, has made history in North America by becoming the highest-grossing Hindi film in terms of premiere advance bookings. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the film has already set a record for the largest Bollywood opening in the region purely through pre-sales, even before its theatrical release. According to box office tracker Venky Box Office, Dhurandhar 2 has earned USD 0.98 million in advance premiere sales in the United States alone, across 678 locations with 1,684 shows. Around 61,491 tickets have already been sold. Including Canada, where approximately 40,000 tickets worth USD 0.44 million…

Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has lauded Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for maintaining humility and avoiding the arrogance often associated with long-term leadership. Speaking at the annual Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, Abbott praised Modi for “resisting the hubris of power” despite holding office for over a decade. Abbott described the Raisina Dialogue, founded by India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, as a premier platform for tackling global strategic and geopolitical issues. The forum, held every March since 2016, convenes a diverse group of political leaders, senior military officials, business executives, journalists, and think tank heads to deliberate…

Lieutenant General Joel B Vowell, Deputy Commanding General of the United States Army Pacific (USARPAC), held high-level meetings with India’s Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, and Vice Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Pushpendra Singh, in New Delhi to discuss strengthening defence ties between the two nations. The talks focused on regional security in the Indo-Pacific, expanding military-to-military cooperation, and improving interoperability through joint exercises and training programs. According to the Indian Army’s Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI), the discussions also explored new avenues for collaboration across multiple operational domains, reflecting the growing strategic alignment and…