Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

In a landmark announcement, Google CEO Sundar Pichai revealed plans for the company’s first-ever Artificial Intelligence (AI) hub in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The tech giant will invest $15 billion over the next five years to build what will become Google’s largest AI hub outside the United States, marking a major step toward strengthening India’s digital and technological ecosystem. Pichai shared details of the initiative after discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing that the project aligns with India’s growing digital economy and its vision for AI-driven innovation. “Great to speak with India’s Prime Minister to share our plans for the…

 A delegation of Indian officials, led by Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal, is set to visit Washington this week to continue negotiations on a proposed bilateral trade deal, signaling renewed momentum in discussions with the Trump administration. Officials have indicated that both sides aim to finalize key aspects of the deal within the coming weeks. The announcement follows a recent visit by US ambassador-designate Sergio Gor to India, during which he met Prime Minister Modi and held talks with Agarwal. Gor shared on social media that he discussed strengthening economic ties and encouraging increased investment by Indian companies in the United…

A new chapter in India–US diplomacy appears to be unfolding as US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor met key Indian officials in New Delhi over the weekend. The series of meetings, including one with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, signaled a push to rebuild economic and strategic cooperation between the two nations after months of strained ties over tariffs and visa rules. During his discussions with Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal, Gor focused on enhancing bilateral trade and increasing investment between both countries. The US Embassy noted that the conversation centered around expanding opportunities in strategic sectors and facilitating stronger business engagement. “We discussed…

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paused a crucial security cabinet meeting to take a call from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as discussions were underway on a ceasefire and hostage release agreement negotiated under US President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza Peace Plan, according to The Times of Israel. During their conversation, Prime Minister Modi extended his congratulations to Netanyahu on the progress achieved through the peace initiative and the breakthrough agreement to free all hostages. Netanyahu’s office confirmed that Modi applauded the diplomatic strides made under Trump’s mediation efforts. Following the conversation, PM Modi shared an update on X (formerly…

 As the Trump administration continues efforts to reduce US dependence on foreign pharmaceutical production, it has decided, at least temporarily, not to impose tariffs on generic drugs, according to a Wall Street Journal report. This move follows months of internal debate and pressure from within Trump’s team, amid broader discussions about national security and the integrity of pharmaceutical supply chains. The decision comes as a major relief to Indian pharmaceutical firms, which provide nearly half of all generic prescriptions in the United States. Earlier proposals had threatened tariffs on a wide range of imported medications, including brand-name and generic drugs.…

The US Senate officially confirmed S Paul Kapur, an Indian-American academic, as Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, taking over from Donald Lu. His approval came on October 7, even amid the ongoing federal government shutdown. The White House verified the appointment, noting Kapur, based in California, will now oversee America’s diplomatic relations with countries including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. Kapur was one of 107 nominees confirmed in the Senate vote and will play a pivotal role in shaping US policy in the region. Born in New Delhi to an Indian father and American mother,…

On October 7, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi phoned Russian President Vladimir Putin to extend birthday wishes on his 73rd birthday. During the conversation, PM Modi conveyed his best wishes for the Russian leader’s health and success, while the two also reviewed the agenda for their upcoming 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” that has historically defined relations between the two nations. PM Modi expressed his anticipation in welcoming President Putin to India for the summit. Earlier, on October 2, President Putin had encouraged his government to address trade…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to welcome his British counterpart, Sir Keir Starmer, on October 8–9, 2025, during the UK leader’s first official visit to India. The two-day visit signifies a major step in advancing the India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with both leaders scheduled to participate in landmark events in Mumbai, including infrastructure inaugurations and the 6th Global Fintech Fest (GFF) at the Jio World Centre. PM Modi will begin his engagements in Navi Mumbai around 3 p.m., where he will tour and inaugurate the much-anticipated Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). Built under a Public-Private Partnership model at an…

Billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates has praised India as a global leader in innovation at a time when the country’s pioneering solutions hold the promise of saving and improving millions of lives across the Global South, according to a new report. The report, published in India Narrative, highlighted that these solutions are not only transformative but also scalable and cost-effective, especially in the fields of technology and healthcare, making them capable of reaching vast populations in need. Speaking at an event in Seattle, United States, Gates, the Microsoft co-founder, underscored India’s achievements in driving innovation and noted that the country’s solutions…

Sridhar Vembu, the visionary founder of Zoho Corporation and the Indian messaging app Arattai, has created a global technology empire from rural Tamil Nadu, all while embracing a modest lifestyle. With an estimated net worth of $5.85 billion as of 2025, Vembu embodies a unique model of Indian entrepreneurship rooted in simplicity and innovation. Born in 1968 in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, Vembu completed his B.Tech in Electrical Engineering from IIT Madras in 1989 before earning a PhD from Princeton University in 1994. While initially working as an engineer at Qualcomm in the United States, he chose to return to India,…