Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is expected to visit Washington shortly as India-US trade negotiations gather momentum, according to PTI sources. The development follows recent daylong discussions in New Delhi between US Chief Negotiator Brendan Lynch and India’s Rajesh Agrawal on the proposed bilateral trade agreement. The Indian Commerce Ministry described the September 16 talks as “positive and forward-looking,” noting that both sides agreed to intensify efforts for an early and mutually beneficial conclusion. The discussions lasted seven hours and were seen as an important step toward resolving tensions caused by steep US tariffs on Indian goods. In…

India has sent a 65-member military contingent to Belarus to take part in Zapad 2025, one of the largest Russian-led joint drills since the Ukraine war began in 2022. The exercises, which included controversial nuclear strike simulations, sparked concern among NATO members already uneasy about instability across Europe’s eastern border. For New Delhi, however, the focus was less on nuclear scenarios and more on displaying decades of experience in ground combat. The Indian troops participated in training that tested armored mobility, tactical maneuvers, and defensive responses against overwhelming enemy firepower. These drills offered India a platform to demonstrate battlefield proficiency…

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has set off on a two-day official trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) beginning Thursday. His primary agenda is to co-chair the 13th edition of the India-UAE High Level Task Force on Investments alongside Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA). The high-level task force will review crucial aspects of the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), matters linked to the Double Taxation Treaty, and discussions between the two central banks. Both governments are also expected to assess promising avenues for future investments in…

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni extended warm birthday wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday as he celebrated his 75th birthday. Posting on social media platform X, Meloni praised Modi as a leader of immense “strength and determination” who continues to inspire millions with his vision and leadership. “Happy 75th birthday to the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His strength, his determination, and his ability to lead millions of people are a source of inspiration. With friendship and esteem, I wish him health and energy to continue leading India toward a bright future and to further strengthen the relations…

India and the United States are set to resume trade negotiations on Tuesday, New Delhi confirmed, sparking cautious optimism for progress after weeks of tension. The development follows President Donald Trump’s decision to impose new tariffs on India over its purchase of Russian oil, a move that unsettled trade relations between the two nations. The discussions will take place in New Delhi, with Brendan Lynch, the US trade representative for South Asia, leading the American delegation. On India’s side, chief negotiator Rajesh Agarwal will oversee the dialogue. Although officials have not shared details of the agenda, the talks are being…

India has extended a warm welcome to Nepal’s newly formed interim government, led by Prime Minister Sushila Karki. The Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday that India views the political transition in its neighboring democracy as a step toward strengthening peace and stability in the Himalayan nation. In a formal statement, the ministry praised Nepal as a close neighbor and a fellow democracy, reiterating that India would continue to partner with Kathmandu on development and prosperity. The ministry noted that the two nations share long-standing cultural and economic ties, and India remains committed to supporting Nepal during this transitional…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Churachandpur in Manipur on Saturday, marking his first trip to the state since the ethnic violence of 2023. His arrival was met with warmth as children greeted him with tokens of affection, including a hand-drawn portrait and a traditional headpiece. Modi shared cheerful interactions with them, creating a light and memorable start to his visit. Addressing the crowd, Modi hailed Manipur as a “land of courage and bravery.” He expressed admiration for the spirit of its people, noting how thousands braved the heavy rain to welcome him. Sharing his experience, he said his helicopter…

During his visit to Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that the connection between India and Mauritius goes beyond partnership, describing it as a family bond. The statement came as both countries signed a series of agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation in key sectors, from healthcare and education to research and maritime security. After holding bilateral talks with Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Modi underscored the importance of maintaining a stable, open, and secure Indian Ocean. He noted that the centuries-old cultural and spiritual link between the two nations has shaped everyday life in Mauritius, likening it to the continuous…

India’s space program has made history by setting nine world records in space exploration, with several more milestones on the horizon, according to ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan. Speaking at the 52nd National Management Convention of the All-India Management Association, he emphasized that the nation is well on track to add 8–10 new records in the coming years. Narayanan outlined how India’s journey in space has been shaped by a series of landmark missions. In 2008, Chandrayaan-1 marked India’s first lunar mission, leading to the discovery of water molecules on the Moon’s surface, subsurface, and exosphere—a breakthrough later validated by NASA’s…

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced on Thursday that the first stage of a trade agreement between India and the United States should be completed by November 2025. Addressing the media in Patna, Goyal explained that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump had directed their ministers earlier this year to work toward a meaningful agreement within a clear timeframe. “In February 2025, our leaders instructed us to ensure the first tranche of the agreement is ready by November. Since March, discussions have been moving forward constructively. Progress is visible, and both governments are satisfied with…