Author: Shradhanjali Mukherjee

 External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to meet United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The meeting, scheduled for 11 AM US time (8:30 PM IST), comes at a sensitive moment as trade talks and the Trump administration’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee hike dominate discussions. This will be the third in-person meeting between Jaishankar and Rubio this year. Their last interaction took place on July 1 in Washington during the Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting, while the first came in January shortly after Rubio assumed his role.…

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again called on citizens to reduce their dependence on foreign-made products and adopt locally manufactured goods. Addressing the nation on Sunday, Modi emphasized his “Swadeshi” campaign at a time when India’s trade relationship with the United States faces severe strain. The appeal follows Washington’s decision, under President Donald Trump, to impose a steep 50% tariff on imports from India. This move has triggered widespread discontent in New Delhi, leading Modi’s supporters to actively promote the boycott of American consumer giants. Global names like McDonald’s, Pepsi, and Apple—hugely popular among India’s 1.4 billion people—have…

India’s pharmaceutical industry is projected to register revenue growth of 7–9% in FY26, according to ICRA’s latest outlook, despite persisting headwinds in the United States market. The sector’s performance will be supported by robust domestic demand and steady expansion across European markets. The domestic market is expected to grow 8–10%, backed by sales force expansion, deeper penetration into rural areas, and a pipeline of new product launches. Branded generics continue to be a key growth engine, with chronic therapies, fresh introductions, and price revisions driving momentum. The industry reported a 10.3% year-on-year revenue increase in Q1 FY26, following an 11.6%…

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership during Operation Sindoor while interacting with veterans of the 1965 Indo-Pak war. Speaking at South Block, Singh reflected on India’s historical conflicts, noting that although the nation has faced challenges with its neighbors, it has consistently shaped its own destiny. “Since independence, India hasn’t always been fortunate with its neighbors, but we never accepted these challenges as fate. Operation Sindoor is a recent example where our morale remained unbroken despite difficult circumstances. Our Prime Minister took a pledge, and victory has become a habit we continue…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm birthday greeting from Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday during a phone conversation between the two leaders. Modi, who turned 75, thanked President Putin for his wishes and acknowledged the strength of their enduring friendship, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). In its statement, the MEA noted that both leaders reviewed several issues on the bilateral agenda ahead of the upcoming 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. Prime Minister Modi also conveyed that he looks forward to hosting President Putin in India later this year. Their discussions included mutual cooperation and Modi’s reaffirmation…

US President Donald Trump has publicly praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for backing initiatives aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war. In a heartfelt post on his social media platform, Trump described Modi as a “friend” who is doing a “tremendous job” on the global stage. Trump revealed that he spoke with the Indian leader over the phone to personally wish him on his 75th birthday. Sharing details of the conversation on Truth Social, he wrote, “Just had a wonderful phone call with my friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I wished him a very Happy Birthday! He is doing a tremendous…

Mauritius Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam attended a significant spiritual event at the Sri Brahmrishi Ashram in Tirupati on Monday as part of his official visit to India. Siddhguru Sideswar Bramedswi Gurudev Swami welcomed the prime minister, lauding his humility and leadership. In response, Dr. Ramgoolam expressed the importance of his visit and highlighted his spiritual connection with the Ashram’s spiritual leader. Later in the evening, he visited the Lord Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala, where he was warmly received by TTD officials at the Padmavati Guest House. Accompanied by his wife, the prime minister participated in darshan of Lord Venkateswara,…

India extended their T20I dominance over Pakistan to 11-3 with a commanding seven-wicket win in Dubai, cruising past their rivals in the Asia Cup group stage. The contest was one-sided from the very first over, when Hardik Pandya dismissed Saim Ayub off the first legal ball, setting the tone for a ruthless Indian performance. Pakistan’s innings never found momentum against India’s superior attack. Jasprit Bumrah struck in his opening spell, dismissing Mohammad Haris, before the spinners took control. Kuldeep Yadav led the charge with 3-18, while Axar Patel’s disciplined 2-18 and Varun Chakravarthy’s tight spells ensured runs dried up. In…

Russia has expressed appreciation for India’s firm resolve to sustain and expand its wide-ranging partnership with Moscow, even as international pressure mounts. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that India’s approach reflects not only decades of historical friendship but also its desire to uphold strategic independence in global affairs. According to the ministry, this commitment demonstrates New Delhi’s prioritization of sovereignty and national interests above external influence. The statement came amid Washington’s calls for India to cut back on Russian oil imports. Despite these pressures, Russia noted that India’s choices reflect an assertive foreign policy grounded in its own…

President Donald Trump on Friday admitted that his decision to impose a 50% tariff on India for continuing to buy oil from Russia has damaged ties between Washington and New Delhi. Speaking during an interview on Fox News, Trump said, “India was their biggest customer. I put a 50% tariff on India because they’re buying oil from Russia. That’s not an easy thing to do.” The policy move, framed as part of Washington’s broader sanctions on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine, ignited backlash in India. The tariffs have fueled a rise in anti-US sentiment and heightened friction between the…