Author: Senjuti Bhattacharya

Indian Navy’s sail training vessel INS Sudarshini has successfully completed its historic journey across the United States as part of the country’s Semiquincentennial celebrations, marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. The voyage showcased India’s centuries-old maritime traditions while highlighting the growing strategic and defence partnership between New Delhi and Washington. The Embassy of India in the United States described the deployment as a significant milestone in bilateral relations. The ship’s participation covered four major East Coast ports, including Norfolk, Baltimore, New York and Boston, where it became a symbol of India’s naval heritage and maritime excellence. The voyage was…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed the implementation of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement and Social Security Pact, describing the agreements as an important step toward strengthening economic and strategic ties between the two nations. The trade deal is expected to open new opportunities for Indian businesses by providing improved access to the United Kingdom market and supporting a wider range of industries. Under the agreement, a majority of Indian goods will receive duty-free access in the UK, creating favorable conditions for exporters and helping Indian products become more competitive internationally. The agreement is expected to benefit key sectors, including…

Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar has described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a highly charismatic leader, saying India’s remarkable transformation over the past decade deserves greater recognition in the United States. Speaking in an exclusive interview with IANS, the Michigan Democrat emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between the world’s two largest democracies while highlighting India’s growing global influence. Thanedar praised the relationship between Prime Minister Modi and US President Donald Trump, noting that the Indian leader has built positive relationships with leaders across the world. Reflecting on Modi’s previous visits to the United States, he recalled the enthusiastic public response…

The United States is intensifying efforts to increase exports of Kentucky bourbon to India as part of a broader strategy to secure improved market access for American agricultural and manufactured goods. The proposal surfaced during a joint congressional hearing focused on commercial diplomacy and international trade cooperation between the State Department and the Commerce Department. During the hearing, Republican Congressman Andy Barr of Kentucky encouraged the Commerce Department to support greater sales of American bourbon in India, one of the world’s largest consumers of whiskey. Barr noted that he had recently discussed the issue with US Ambassador to India Sergio…

Representatives from leading Hindu American organizations took part in a dialogue organized by the White House Faith Office, joining religious leaders from across the United States to discuss issues affecting faith communities and strengthen interfaith engagement. The meeting brought together delegates from multiple religious backgrounds to exchange views on topics such as religious freedom, community partnerships, and the role of faith organizations in public life. Hindu Americans were represented by Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS USA) and BAPS Public Affairs, both of which described the gathering as an important opportunity to contribute to national discussions. In a statement following the event,…

India and Australia have taken a significant step toward protecting traditional knowledge by signing a new agreement that enhances cooperation in intellectual property rights and strengthens the patent examination process. The partnership is designed to help safeguard India’s centuries-old knowledge systems from being incorrectly patented while encouraging greater transparency in global innovation. As part of the agreement, Australia’s patent office will gain access to India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), a comprehensive digital repository that documents the country’s rich heritage of traditional practices. The database contains verified information on systems such as Ayurveda, Yoga, Siddha, Unani, and several other indigenous…

As the United States marked 250 years of independence on July 4, 2026, one Indian American has dedicated his life to preserving a crucial chapter of the nation’s history. Rishi Sharma, an Indian-origin resident of the US, has spent more than a decade recording the personal experiences of World War II combat veterans to ensure their stories are remembered for generations. At just 18 years old, shortly after graduating from high school, Sharma began his mission by interviewing veterans in his Southern California neighborhood. Over the years, his project expanded into a nationwide effort, taking him across all 50 US…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has added another prestigious international recognition to his list of achievements after Indonesia awarded him the country’s highest civilian honour, the Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia. The award acknowledges his efforts in strengthening the long-standing friendship and strategic partnership between India and Indonesia. With this latest recognition, Prime Minister Modi’s total number of international honours has reached 35, making it the highest tally received by any Indian Prime Minister. These awards have come from nations across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas, highlighting his diplomatic engagement and global outreach efforts since 2016. The Bintang…

The Indian Diaspora Center at the Dr. Thomas Abraham Library organized its 2026 Annual Symposium on June 28 at the Kerala Center in Elmont, New York. The event was presented in collaboration with the Manhattan chapter of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) and the Indian American Kerala Cultural and Civic Center. This year’s theme, “Indian Television – Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” explored the remarkable transformation of Indian broadcasting while bringing together renowned television professionals, journalists, and members of the Indian American community. The discussion featured former Doordarshan news anchors Sheila Chaman and Ramu Damodaran, former Indian…