Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

India and Saudi Arabia are expected to take their longstanding strategic partnership to a higher level in the coming years, according to Ambassador-designate Vipul, who is preparing to take charge of India’s diplomatic mission in Riyadh. Speaking ahead of his new assignment, Vipul described the relationship between the two countries as historic, distinctive and strategically important. He said the interests of New Delhi and Riyadh increasingly align across several areas, creating opportunities for closer cooperation as both countries navigate a changing regional environment. Vipul said he was honored by the Indian government’s decision to appoint him to the Saudi Arabia…

Michigan Technological University has appointed Manish Srivastava as associate dean of its College of Business, adding an experienced academic leader to the college’s senior administration. Srivastava assumed the position on July 1 and will work closely with Dean Sri Beldona on initiatives aimed at advancing the college’s academic programs and long-term development. A professor of strategic management and innovation, Srivastava also holds the David and Marilyn Bernard Endowed Professorship in Business. His nearly two decades at Michigan Tech have included teaching, research and leadership responsibilities, giving him extensive familiarity with the university and its College of Business. As associate dean,…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomatic engagement in Washington received favorable attention from sections of Indian social media, according to a recently released US Embassy assessment. The document highlighted positive reactions to his discussions with President Donald Trump, defense cooperation efforts and meetings with prominent figures during his February 2025 visit. The internal assessment, dated February 18, 2025, examined conversations on X surrounding Modi’s trip to the United States. The US State Department released the document in July under the Freedom of Information Act. It is classified as “unclassified,” while the identities of officials involved in preparing the analysis have been…

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor held discussions with industry leaders and government representatives to further strengthen cooperation between India and the United States across key sectors, including advanced manufacturing, aerospace, technology, space exploration, and environmental innovation. During his meetings, Gor highlighted the importance of expanding strategic partnerships between the two nations. He met executives from Rolls-Royce to discuss the company’s efforts in supporting India-US collaboration in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and technological innovation. Sharing details of the interaction, Gor said the partnership between both countries is helping build a more secure and prosperous future through cooperation in areas such as…

Indian American executive Parul Butala has been promoted to president of AMERCO Real Estate Co. (AREC), the real estate division of U-Haul Holding Co. The appointment was announced following the company’s decision on July 17, marking a significant career milestone for Butala after more than three decades with the organization. Butala joined the U-Haul team in 1994 and built her career through various roles within the company’s real estate and development operations. She began as a staff architect with the AREC construction group, where she gained extensive experience in property development and planning. She briefly worked with U-Haul’s Risk Management…

Indian American comedian and screenwriter Zarna Garg has reached a major milestone in her career after becoming the face of a national advertising campaign in the United States. The achievement left the popular comedian emotional as she reflected on her long journey filled with challenges, setbacks, and determination. Known for her humorous take on family life, motherhood, and the experience of balancing two cultures, Garg has built a strong following among audiences in the US and the Indian diaspora. Her success story has become an inspiration for many immigrants and women who continue pursuing their dreams despite obstacles. In an…

India and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding defence cooperation as both countries continue to strengthen their strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific region. The latest discussions took place during a meeting between India’s Ambassador to Japan Nagma Mallick and Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi in Tokyo on August 7, 2026. During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on new opportunities to further advance defence collaboration between India and Japan. Japanese officials emphasized that the partnership plays an important role not only for the security interests of both countries but also for maintaining peace and stability across the wider…

India and Fiji have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation through a series of high-level meetings focused on sustainable development, housing, agriculture, and education. The discussions reflect both nations’ shared interest in strengthening long-term partnerships across multiple sectors. India’s High Commissioner to Fiji, Suneet Mehta, met Fiji’s Minister for Housing and Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa, to explore opportunities for greater collaboration in affordable housing, sustainable urban planning, waste management, and local governance. The talks centered on identifying practical areas where both countries can work together to improve urban infrastructure and support inclusive development initiatives. According to the Indian High…

Indian-American candidate Ravin Sheth is preparing for his first congressional campaign, setting up a high-profile contest against veteran lawmaker Pramila Jayapal in Washington state’s congressional district. The November election will feature two candidates of Indian heritage competing for the same seat, drawing attention from both political observers and the Indian-American community. Sheth, 40, was born and raised in Ahmedabad before relocating to the United States in 2008 to pursue higher education in computer and electrical engineering. His academic journey eventually led him to public service, where he enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 2011 and worked as an aircraft…

India’s private space industry has reached a significant milestone after Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched Vikram-1, becoming the first privately developed Indian rocket to place payloads into orbit. The mission, which lifted off from Sriharikota on July 18, carried four payloads into a 450-kilometer orbit, marking a landmark achievement for the country’s growing commercial space sector. The successful launch represents more than a technological breakthrough. It validates years of investment in India’s emerging spacetech ecosystem, demonstrating that private companies can move beyond concepts and prototypes to deliver complex space missions. The achievement has strengthened confidence among investors who have increasingly backed…