Author: Shradhanjali Mukherjee

India has presented a strong defense of its labor protection framework before the United States Trade Representative (USTR), arguing that the country already has comprehensive laws, regulatory institutions, and corporate compliance mechanisms to prevent forced labor. The statement was made during a public hearing on July 8 regarding Washington’s proposed Section 301 tariff action. Representatives from India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, the Confederation of Indian Industry, and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry told the USTR that India’s approach combines constitutional guarantees, labor regulations, enforcement systems, and…

Indian American engineer and academic Arvind Raman has officially assumed office as the 18th director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), taking charge of one of the United States’ leading scientific agencies. Sworn in on June 30 following his Senate confirmation on May 18, Raman will also serve as the undersecretary of commerce for standards and technology. His appointment places him at the forefront of efforts to strengthen the nation’s scientific research, technology development, and industrial competitiveness. NIST plays a critical role in creating standards and advancing research that support innovation across multiple sectors of the US…

India should avoid rushing into a trade agreement with the United States and instead focus on a calculated, long-term strategy that strengthens its negotiating position, according to a new report released by SBI Research on Friday. The report argues that maintaining constructive dialogue while resisting pressure for immediate concessions could ultimately help India secure a more favorable trade deal. The report recommends that India keep diplomatic engagement positive, avoid public disputes, and make only limited commitments that can be adjusted if necessary. Rather than reacting quickly to the US administration’s opening demands, India should wait until Washington faces the economic…

India’s automotive components industry is expected to maintain its growth momentum in the upcoming fiscal year, with projections indicating an expansion of 8-10% in FY27. According to the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA), the sector’s growth will be supported by strong domestic demand, increasing exports, and continued investments in technology and manufacturing capabilities. The industry recorded a turnover of ₹7.60 lakh crore, equivalent to approximately $85.9 billion, marking a 12.7% increase in rupee terms compared with the previous fiscal year. Rising demand from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), growth in replacement markets, and higher export orders contributed significantly to the sector’s…

US Congressman Tom Suozzi has been appointed as the Democratic Vice-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, taking on a prominent role in shaping legislative engagement between the United States and India. The announcement was made by Caucus Chairman Ro Khanna, who highlighted Suozzi’s consistent involvement with Indian American communities and his efforts to strengthen bilateral ties over the years. Suozzi has been a long-standing member of the caucus and has actively participated in initiatives aimed at deepening cooperation between Washington and New Delhi. His elevation to the leadership position reflects his continued commitment to fostering…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a three-country diplomatic tour on Monday, visiting Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand with the aim of strengthening India’s strategic partnerships and expanding cooperation across the Indo-Pacific. The visit is expected to reinforce India’s Act East Policy and MAHASAGAR Vision while promoting a free, open, and inclusive regional order. Through a series of high-level meetings, Modi will focus on enhancing collaboration in trade, defense, technology, education, and cultural exchanges. The first stop on the itinerary is Indonesia, where Modi is visiting from July 6 to July 8 at the invitation of President Prabowo Subianto. The trip…

Micron Technology Chief Executive Officer Sanjay Mehrotra has announced a major financial initiative aligned with the United States’ 250th Independence anniversary. The India-born, Indian American tech leader revealed that the company will invest $250 million into Trump Accounts, marking one of the largest corporate commitments of its kind focused on supporting American children. Mehrotra said the initiative is designed to expand opportunity from an early age and strengthen long-term financial security for future generations. As part of the program, Micron will match contributions of up to $1,000 for each child of its US employees. Additionally, the company will provide a…

  The United States has removed four Indian companies from its sanctions list, reversing earlier restrictions imposed over allegations that they supplied advanced and dual-use technology linked to Russia’s military-industrial sector. The decision was confirmed through an update by the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which maintains the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) List. The companies removed from the sanctions list include Hyderabad-based RRG Engineering Technologies PrivateLimited and Lokesh Machines Limited, Ahmedabad-based Galaxy Bearings Ltd, and New Delhi-based Shaurya Aeronautics Private Limited. These firms had previously been accused of involvement in transactions…

The Madras High Court has ruled that an American citizen who has embraced Hinduism cannot be denied entry into Hindu temples or the rights available to Hindu devotees solely because of her foreign nationality or non-Hindu name. The Court observed that under Hindu law, a person’s religious identity is determined by faith, beliefs, and conduct rather than citizenship, birth, or personal name. Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy delivered the ruling while allowing a petition filed by Laura Frances Iyengar, who challenged an order issued by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department. The department had described her as an “American…

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has indicated that preparations are underway for President Donald Trump’s visit to India, which is expected to take place in the early part of next year. He also confirmed that the Trump administration is working closely with Indian counterparts as both nations move closer to finalizing a long-awaited bilateral trade agreement. Rubio said he personally plans to visit India before the end of this year in order to help coordinate and set the groundwork for the presidential trip. He expressed optimism about the timeline, noting that discussions are actively focused on ensuring the visit…