India and the United States continue to engage regularly on negotiations for a proposed bilateral trade agreement, with both countries maintaining their commitment to the framework reached earlier this year. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal said on August 13 that discussions between the two sides remain active despite new developments involving tariffs and trade-related measures.

Agarwal told reporters that India and the US are working toward completing the framework agreed upon in February. He emphasized that communication between officials from both countries remains frequent as they work to advance the proposed agreement.

The negotiations had gained momentum earlier this year, with both sides making progress on the first phase of the trade framework. However, subsequent developments in US trade policy have introduced additional uncertainty into the process.

Indian exports are currently facing an additional 10% duty under a US Section 301 investigation concerning allegations related to forced labor. The measure has added another issue to the broader trade discussions between New Delhi and Washington.

Another potential challenge has emerged from proposed US legislation concerning countries that purchase Russian oil. The US Senate has passed a sanctions measure that could give President Donald Trump authority to impose tariffs of as much as 100% on goods from major buyers of Russian crude, including India.

Western nations have argued that purchases of Russian oil contribute to Moscow’s ability to finance its ongoing war against Ukraine. India, however, has continued to purchase Russian crude as part of its broader strategy to maintain affordable and diversified energy supplies.

Russian oil accounted for more than half of India’s total crude imports during July, underscoring the importance of the issue to the country’s energy strategy. When asked about the proposed US sanctions, Agarwal described the measure as part of the American legislative process and declined to provide further comments.

India remains heavily dependent on overseas energy supplies, importing more than 85% of its crude oil requirements. As geopolitical tensions have disrupted international energy markets, the country has expanded the number of sources from which it purchases crude.

India now imports oil from 41 countries, compared with 27 previously. The expansion followed disruptions linked to the Iran conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which highlighted the risks associated with concentrated energy supply routes.

The country has also widened its liquefied natural gas supply network from six countries to 15. The United States has emerged as an increasingly important LNG supplier, supporting India’s broader efforts to strengthen energy security while navigating changing global trade and geopolitical conditions.

The post India, US Continue Talks on Bilateral Trade Agreement first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

India should pursue a broad package of economic reforms rather than selecting one measure over another, according to Ajay Garg, Chairman and Managing Director of investment bank Equirus. He argues that the country has reached a stage where multiple reforms need to move forward simultaneously to accelerate economic growth.

Garg made the comments while discussing a new Equirus roadmap outlining 20 reforms that could potentially help India expand its economy to approximately $20 trillion by 2036. He said that without such reforms, India could still reach that milestone, but the target may not be achieved until around 2047.

The proposal comes as India’s economy has grown substantially over the past decade, although per-capita income remains considerably lower than that of many developed economies. Garg believes this combination of a large overall economy and relatively low income per person creates significant room for further expansion.

He emphasized that the $20 trillion projection does not depend entirely on a major appreciation of the Indian rupee. Even if the currency does not strengthen as anticipated, he said the timeline could shift by several years without undermining the broader growth potential.

A major component of the roadmap involves developing India’s corporate bond market. Garg believes debt instruments should receive policy treatment comparable to listed equities rather than being viewed primarily as alternatives to bank deposits. He argued that a deeper bond market could provide businesses with additional financing options while giving investors greater access to stable, income-generating assets.

Garg also sees services as the primary engine of India’s next phase of growth. He identified financial markets, Global Capability Centers, tourism and education as areas that could benefit substantially from regulatory and structural reforms.

According to his outlook, agriculture’s contribution to the overall economy is likely to decline as India becomes wealthier, while manufacturing could expand without dramatically increasing its share of GDP. Services, in his view, will account for much of the additional economic activity.

Another proposal involves listing Indian Railways. Garg stressed that such a move would not necessarily amount to privatization, with the government potentially retaining ownership while allowing the organization to access capital markets.

He suggested that state-owned enterprises could also be consolidated under a holding structure inspired by models such as Singapore’s Temasek. Such an arrangement could allow the government to manage public assets more independently while potentially freeing capital for investment in social infrastructure.

Equirus released its reform roadmap around India’s Independence Day, presenting the proposals as ideas for wider public discussion. The overall vision is centered on accelerating investment, strengthening financial markets and expanding services to help India achieve faster and more sustainable economic growth.

The post Equirus Chairman Outlines 20 Reforms to Drive India’s Growth first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are expected to work directly toward resolving differences between Washington and New Delhi over India’s purchases of Russian oil and potential US tariffs, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Navarro pointed to the close working relationship between Trump and Modi when asked whether proposed tariff measures could add pressure to bilateral relations. He indicated that the two leaders would handle the matter through their direct engagement rather than having officials intervene publicly.

The comments came amid discussions surrounding legislation linked to the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. The measure authorizes potential tariffs of up to 100% on imports from major purchasers of Russian energy and countries accused of helping evade sanctions. India is not automatically designated as a tariff target under the legislation.

Navarro also revisited his criticism of India’s energy relationship with Russia. He argued that Indian purchases of Russian crude expanded significantly after Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine. He also alleged that some products connected to Russian oil were subsequently sold by India, claiming that such activity contributed to Russia’s ability to finance the conflict. Navarro did not provide figures to substantiate the claims during his remarks.

He later said the issue had been resolved but did not clarify what specific development or agreement he was referring to.

The comments come while India and the United States continue negotiations aimed at improving their trade relationship. Tariffs remain one of the major issues under discussion as both sides seek to reach an arrangement that can address their respective economic concerns.

Navarro also defended the Trump administration’s broader use of tariffs, arguing that the policy is encouraging international companies to establish manufacturing operations in the United States to avoid additional import costs. He said the approach was also contributing to increased investment by American businesses.

Acknowledging continued concerns over inflation and financial pressures facing US households, Navarro argued that the administration’s tax, trade and deregulation policies were beginning to support activity in sectors such as manufacturing and construction.

The Senate recently approved the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by an 86-11 vote. While the legislation permits tariffs as high as 100% against certain countries purchasing Russian oil and gas, India has not been automatically placed on the list of countries facing such penalties.

The latest remarks highlight the continuing importance of direct engagement between Trump and Modi as Washington and New Delhi work through trade, energy and broader strategic differences.

The post Trump, Modi Expected to Resolve India-US Tariff Dispute first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

Mahamahopadhyaya Dr. Bhadreshdas Swami, a prominent Sanskrit scholar and philosopher associated with BAPS, has been awarded the title “Vedantavidya-Vishwaguru” by Central Sanskrit University in recognition of his contributions to Vedanta, Sanskrit learning and India’s traditional intellectual heritage.

The honor was presented on August 9 at BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi during a gathering attended by scholars, academics and religious leaders. Among those present were Sri Sri Vishwaprasanna Theertha Swamiji of Pejavara Adhokshaja Matha in Udupi, Central Sanskrit University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Srinivasa Varkhedi and Shree Somnath Sanskrit University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sukanta Kumar Senapati.

The university recognized Dr. Bhadreshdas Swami for his work in developing the classical presentation of the Akshar-Purushottam Darshan within the Sanskrit Prasthanatrayi tradition. Prof. V. Narayanan formally presented the citation describing his scholarly contributions during the ceremony.

Dr. Bhadreshdas Swami dedicated the recognition to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and his spiritual mentors, Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj.

His academic career spans Sanskrit literature, philosophy and the study of Indian intellectual traditions. He holds M.A., Ph.D. and D.Litt. qualifications and has also received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from IIT Kharagpur.

Among his best-known works is the Swaminarayan Bhashyam, a collection of Sanskrit commentaries examining the Prasthanatrayi, which consists of the Upanishads, Brahma Sutras and Bhagavad Gita. He is also the author of Swaminarayana Siddhanta Sudha, a Sanskrit philosophical work explaining the Akshar-Purushottam Darshan associated with Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

Dr. Bhadreshdas Swami currently leads the BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute in New Delhi. He also serves as a Distinguished Professor at IIT Kharagpur and a Distinguished Visiting Professor at IIT Roorkee, where he continues to support research and education in Sanskrit and Indian philosophy.

His body of work has earned numerous national and international distinctions. These include the Sahitya Akademi Award, Saraswati Samman, Lifetime Achievement Award from the Indian Council of Philosophical Research and the Vedant Martand Sanman from Silpakorn University in Thailand.

He has additionally received recognition from several Indian universities and academic institutions, including Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, the University of Mysore and Shree Somnath Sanskrit University.

The latest honor adds to his long list of academic distinctions and underscores the continuing recognition of Sanskrit scholarship and Indian philosophical traditions within contemporary academic institutions.

The post BAPS Scholar Honored With Prestigious Vedanta Title first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

India’s Government e Marketplace (GeM) is preparing for its next phase of growth with a stronger focus on artificial intelligence, wider participation and more efficient public procurement. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal outlined the platform’s priorities as GeM marked its 10th anniversary at an event held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

Goyal called for GeM to become more user-friendly and increasingly powered by AI, with the objective of making government purchasing more efficient, competitive, transparent and cost-effective. He said the platform’s second decade should build on its progress while making procurement more accessible to businesses and government organizations across the country.

The minister identified five key areas for GeM’s future development. These include improving last-mile access, expanding the use of AI, bringing more state governments and public sector enterprises onto the platform, strengthening access to credit and sustainable procurement, and increasing engagement with universities.

Since its launch on August 9, 2016, GeM has developed into a major digital marketplace for public procurement in India. The platform connects government buyers with businesses and has expanded considerably in both participation and transaction volume over the past decade.

GeM currently has more than 2.5 million sellers and over 137,000 buyer organizations. Collectively, these participants have completed procurement exceeding $222.22 billion through more than 37.8 million orders, highlighting the platform’s growing role in government purchasing.

Micro and small enterprises have emerged as major participants on GeM. More than 1.228 million MSE sellers are registered on the platform and have fulfilled orders worth over $100 billion. These businesses account for approximately 45.6% of GeM’s cumulative gross merchandise value, demonstrating the platform’s contribution to expanding market opportunities for smaller companies.

Women-led businesses have also established a substantial presence. More than 224,000 women-led MSEs have completed over 5 million orders with a combined value exceeding $11.11 billion.

Startups are another important part of GeM’s expanding ecosystem. A total of 42,242 startups have obtained government orders worth more than $7.29 billion through the platform.

As GeM enters its second decade, the government’s focus is shifting toward deeper technology integration and broader participation. The emphasis on AI, financing, sustainability and inclusion is expected to shape the platform’s next stage while supporting a more accessible and competitive public procurement ecosystem.

The post GeM Enters Second Decade With AI-Driven Growth first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

Indian Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan began a four-day visit to Mauritius on Monday, with the trip aimed at strengthening India’s long-standing maritime and defense partnership with the strategically important island nation in the Indian Ocean.

During his visit, Admiral Swaminathan is expected to meet senior Mauritian government leaders to discuss issues of shared importance. Key areas on the agenda include maritime security, defense cooperation, military collaboration and capacity building, according to the Indian Navy.

The Navy described Mauritius as an important partner for India in the Indian Ocean Region and said the visit reflects New Delhi’s continued efforts to expand bilateral maritime cooperation. The engagement is also intended to build on the trust and mutual understanding that have developed between the two countries over the years.

India and Mauritius maintain close cooperation at sea, with the Indian Navy and Mauritius National Coast Guard regularly participating in activities designed to improve maritime capabilities. These include professional training programs, coordinated monitoring of Mauritius’ Exclusive Economic Zone, naval port visits and hydrographic surveys.

Mauritius has also taken part in several major Indian Navy initiatives that bring together maritime partners from across the region and beyond. Its participation in the MILAN multinational naval exercise, International Fleet Review and Goa Maritime Conclave reflects the country’s active role in India’s broader maritime engagement efforts.

The partnership also aligns with India’s MAHASAGAR vision, which stands for “Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the framework during his visit to Mauritius in March 2025 as part of India’s broader approach to strengthening cooperation with countries across the Global South.

The Indian Navy said Admiral Swaminathan’s visit, his first to Mauritius since taking charge as Chief of the Naval Staff, highlights the importance India places on its relationship with Mauritius. The two nations share common interests in maintaining maritime security, promoting regional cooperation and supporting stability across the Indian Ocean.

The visit is therefore expected to provide an opportunity for both sides to review existing cooperation and explore new areas for deeper defense and maritime engagement.

The post Navy Chief Begins Mauritius Visit to Deepen Maritime Ties first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA)-New England is preparing for a grand India Day celebration in Massachusetts, bringing together the Indian American community to honor India’s independence, cultural heritage, and contributions to the United States.

The event will feature Raghuram Sastry, the first Consul General of India in Boston, as the Chief Guest. Organizers described his presence as a significant milestone that reflects the strengthening relationship between India and the United States while recognizing the growing influence and achievements of the Indian American community across New England.

FIA-New England Executive Director Deepak Rathore stated that this year’s parade and celebration will be the organization’s biggest and most vibrant edition so far. The event will showcase shared values such as freedom, democracy, cultural diversity, and the strong partnership between India and the US.

The organizers also expressed appreciation to Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey for continuing the tradition of recognizing August 15 as “India Day” in the state. The proclamation, issued for the fifth consecutive year, acknowledges the important role played by Indian Americans in contributing to Massachusetts’ social, cultural, and economic growth.

FIA-New England leaders highlighted that the annual India Day recognition has become a meaningful tradition for the community. The observance celebrates Indian heritage while also strengthening connections between diverse communities throughout the state.

The festivities will begin with a flag-hoisting ceremony, followed by a variety of cultural programs showcasing India’s rich traditions. Attendees will experience performances by popular dance and music groups representing different regions of India.

The celebration will also include exhibitions featuring community organizations, nonprofit groups, and local initiatives. A special vendor marketplace will provide visitors with opportunities to explore Indian products, businesses, and services.

A major attraction of the event will be the “Festival of Indian Cuisine,” offering a wide selection of authentic Indian dishes that represent the country’s diverse culinary traditions.

The India Day celebration is expected to bring together thousands of community members, families, and visitors in a vibrant display of Indian culture and heritage. Through cultural exchange and community engagement, FIA-New England aims to further strengthen the bond between Indian Americans and the broader American society while celebrating the enduring friendship between India and the United States.

The post Indian-American Community to Celebrate I-Day in Boston first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

India and the United States have taken another step toward strengthening their partnership in combating illegal drug activities and preventing the misuse of chemical substances. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) hosted the India-US Counter Narcotics Working Group (CNWG) Pillar I Working Group Meeting on August 6, 2026, in a hybrid format to improve cooperation between both countries in tackling narcotics trafficking and the unlawful diversion of precursor chemicals.

The meeting brought together senior officials from multiple Indian and American agencies involved in drug control and enforcement. Representatives from India included officials from the NCB, Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Ministry of External Affairs, Department of Revenue, and Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals. The US delegation featured members from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), LEGAT, and the US Department of State.

During the discussions, both sides focused on improving operational coordination, strengthening regulatory frameworks, preventing the illegal movement of precursor chemicals, and enhancing institutional capabilities. India highlighted its existing systems for monitoring precursor substances and shared updates on ongoing measures designed to improve enforcement and oversight.

The latest discussions build on previous engagements held during the 69th Session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs in Vienna in March 2026. At that meeting, officials from both nations explored ways to exchange actionable intelligence and develop faster information-sharing mechanisms. These efforts are aimed at supporting joint investigations and disrupting international drug networks operating across borders.

India has continued expanding its global partnerships in narcotics control. The government recently informed Parliament that the NCB has established bilateral agreements with 27 countries and signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with 19 nations to strengthen international cooperation against drug-related crimes.

India also conducts regular high-level discussions on narcotics issues with several countries, including Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Singapore, and the United States. These dialogues help improve coordination among law enforcement agencies and address evolving challenges linked to drug trafficking.

As part of its long-term strategy, the government introduced the Vision Document on Narcotics Control (2026-2029), which outlines a three-year roadmap with specific targets and priorities. The initiative follows a “Whole-of-Government” and “Whole-of-Society” approach to reduce drug abuse and strengthen prevention efforts.

The NCB has also established a four-level Narco-Coordination Center (NCORD) framework to improve collaboration between central and state agencies. The mechanism aims to create stronger coordination among stakeholders involved in preventing drug trafficking and protecting communities from narcotics-related threats.

The post India, US Strengthen Anti-Drug Cooperation Efforts first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

Indian-American computer scientist and software engineer Sanjay Ghemawat has concluded an influential career at Google after nearly 27 years, marking the beginning of a new chapter as co-founder of Discovery Loop, a company focused on accelerating scientific and engineering breakthroughs through artificial intelligence.

Ghemawat, who joined Google in 1999, has been one of the architects behind several technologies that transformed how large-scale computing and internet services operate. Although he remained largely behind the scenes throughout his career, his contributions became the foundation for many of Google’s most important infrastructure systems and influenced the broader technology industry.

Born in West Lafayette, Indiana, to an Indian-origin family, Ghemawat earned a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University before completing his doctoral studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1995. Before joining Google, he worked at Digital Equipment Corporation’s Systems Research Center, where he first collaborated with fellow computer scientist Jeff Dean, who would later become one of his closest professional collaborators.

During their years at Google, Ghemawat and Dean contributed to the development of groundbreaking technologies, including the Google File System, MapReduce, Bigtable, and Spanner. These innovations laid the foundation for modern distributed computing and influenced widely adopted open-source technologies such as Hadoop, HBase, and Apache Cassandra. Their work enabled organizations to efficiently process and manage enormous amounts of data across large computing environments.

Ghemawat’s contributions have earned widespread recognition within the engineering and computing communities. He was elected to the US National Academy of Engineering in 2009 and received the ACM Prize in Computing in 2012 for his achievements in computer science. Before leaving Google, he served as a Senior Fellow within the company’s Systems Infrastructure Group.

His new venture, Discovery Loop, has been launched alongside Jeff Dean, Oriol Vinyals, and Quoc Le. Organized as a Public Benefit Corporation, the company aims to automate complex scientific, engineering, and machine learning experiments using advanced AI technologies, helping researchers accelerate discovery and innovation.

Discovery Loop has already secured financial backing and a strategic cloud computing partnership from Alphabet, Google’s parent company. The startup has also attracted support from several leading venture capital firms, positioning it to pursue ambitious research and technology development in the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence landscape.

The post Google Veteran Sanjay Ghemawat Begins New AI Venture first appeared on Global Indian News Network.

The legendary television franchise Baywatch is making its return to audiences in India through Prime Video as part of a wide-ranging international licensing agreement between Fremantle and the streaming platform. The deal extends beyond India to several global markets, allowing viewers to enjoy both the upcoming reboot and the original series that helped make Baywatch a worldwide phenomenon.

Under the agreement, audiences in India, Canada, Latin America, and multiple European countries will have access to the new 12-episode season when it launches in 2027. In addition to the reboot, subscribers will also be able to stream the complete collection of the original Baywatch series, including its spin-off, Baywatch Hawaii, giving longtime fans the opportunity to revisit the franchise from the beginning.

The reboot is being produced by Fremantle in collaboration with Fox Entertainment and is scheduled to premiere in the United States in January 2027. In the United Kingdom, the series will be available through Sky after the broadcaster secured local distribution rights.

The updated series introduces a fresh team of lifeguards who patrol one of the world’s most recognizable beaches while balancing high-risk rescue missions with personal relationships and workplace challenges. Actor Stephen Amell leads the cast alongside Jessica Belkin, Shay Mitchell, Thaddeus LaGrone, Noah Beck, Brooks Nader, David Chokachi, and Livvy Dunne.

Fans of the original show can also look forward to appearances from former cast members Erika Eleniak, Michael Bergin, and Kelly Packard, who will return in guest roles, connecting the reboot with the franchise’s legacy.

Fremantle executives described the agreement as an important milestone for one of television’s most recognizable brands. The company believes the partnership with Prime Video will introduce Baywatch to a new generation of viewers while giving longtime fans easy access to the classic episodes that made the series a global cultural icon.

The international rollout reflects continued confidence in the franchise’s enduring popularity and its ability to attract audiences across multiple regions. While Fremantle will oversee international distribution, Fox Entertainment Global will manage domestic rights within the United States. With the reboot scheduled for release in 2027, viewers in India can expect a blend of nostalgia and fresh storytelling when Baywatch arrives on Prime Video.

The post ‘Baywatch’ to Stream on Prime Video in India first appeared on Global Indian News Network.