Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

Indian-American medical professional Dr Anil Kumar has formally entered the race for the US House of Representatives as an independent candidate from Michigan’s 11th Congressional District, arguing that systemic shortcomings in healthcare, gaps in education, and limited political influence for Indian Americans require urgent attention. His decision follows the departure of Democratic Representative Haley Stevens, who is now contesting for the US Senate, leaving the seat open for new contenders. Speaking in a detailed interview, Kumar emphasized that open congressional seats present a rare window for political newcomers to bring fresh perspectives. He noted that the district is home to…

A prominent Indian-American maritime executive has been recognized for his outstanding leadership in the global shipping industry through a prestigious international award jointly presented by a United Nations agency and Bahrain’s leading business chamber. Dr. SV Anchan, Chairman of Safesea Group, received the ACE Global Bridges 2026 Global Maritime Personality for Performance & Leadership Award, conferred by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Washington-based ACE Health Foundation. The award ceremony took place at a special event hosted in Bahrain on February 8. Speaking at the event, Dr. Anchan expressed deep…

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a high-level meeting with Seychelles President Dr. Patrick Herminie on Monday, as the island nation’s leader continues his inaugural state visit to India. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations and promote collaboration across critical sectors such as maritime security and economic development. Highlighting the strategic significance of the meeting on X, EAM Jaishankar noted that as maritime neighbors, India values Seychelles’ support in advancing the #VisionMAHASAGAR initiative, which focuses on regional prosperity and security. He expressed confidence that President Herminie’s scheduled engagements with Prime Minister Narendra Modi would pave the way for enhanced…

India and the United States are set to formalize a comprehensive trade agreement in March, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral economic ties, Trade Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed on Thursday. Following the signing, New Delhi will reduce tariffs on U.S. imports, while Washington will lower duties on Indian goods from 50% to 18%. According to Goyal, the two governments plan to issue a joint statement within four to five days, signaling the official adoption of the deal. Under the agreement, India will commit to purchasing approximately $500 billion worth of U.S. products over the next five years. This includes $70–80 billion…

Poland’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Wladyslaw Bartoszewski, has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “very charismatic” and “phenomenal leader,” stating that India is fortunate to have such leadership during a period of rapid transformation and global engagement. Highlighting Prime Minister Modi’s repeated electoral victories, Bartoszewski said they reflect strong public trust and confidence in his leadership. He noted that India has undergone a dramatic transformation under Modi’s ambitious vision, emerging as one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies. According to Bartoszewski, Prime Minister Modi’s leadership has played a decisive role in reshaping India’s global standing. He said…

Michael Kratsios, Assistant to US President Donald Trump and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, will lead the US delegation to India’s AI Impact Summit later this month. Kratsios highlighted America’s leadership in AI innovation and emphasized the importance of sharing expertise with global partners. The delegation will include key officials such as Undersecretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg, Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade William Kimmitt, and Undersecretary of Commerce for Industry and Security Jeffrey Kessler. Together, they will join the US Ambassador to India to represent Team USA at the summit,…

Australia’s High Commissioner to India, Philip Green, said the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement between India and Australia is already delivering huge results, reinforcing the strength of bilateral business and strategic ties. Highlighting the shared vision of both countries, Green said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remain firmly aligned on ensuring a stable, free and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. He underlined that this shared outlook is a key driver of the rapidly expanding partnership between New Delhi and Canberra. Green praised the Indian community in Australia for playing a vital role in strengthening people-to-people connections and…

Former US Marine intelligence officer Grant Newsham has highlighted the significant role played by Sergio Gor, the newly appointed US Ambassador to India, in bolstering bilateral relations. Speaking a day after India and the US finalised a trade agreement, Newsham emphasised that Gor’s influence with former President Trump and his choice to serve in India underscores the strategic importance Washington places on the partnership. Newsham noted that very few ambassadors have the ability to directly communicate with the US President, and Gor’s selection reflects both his personal preference for India and his high standing within the administration. This appointment, according…

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal told Parliament that the recently concluded India–United States trade agreement has been structured in a way that fully safeguards the interests of Indian farmers. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, he stressed that agriculture and dairy products have been deliberately kept outside the scope of the pact, ensuring that sensitive rural sectors remain unaffected by external competition. Goyal emphasised that while the government has been careful about protecting farming and food-related concerns, it has also used the agreement to unlock broader economic benefits. According to him, the deal is expected to create fresh prospects for…

India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman publicly welcomed the newly concluded trade agreement between India and the United States, describing it as a major positive development for citizens of both nations. In a statement posted on social media, she highlighted that Indian-made goods would now benefit from a significantly reduced tariff rate of 18 per cent when entering the US market. Sitharaman credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump for their leadership in finalising the deal, stressing that the partnership between the world’s two largest democracies would create meaningful economic gains for their people. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw…