Author: Shradhanjali Mukherjee

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to participate in Israel’s Independence Day celebrations by lighting a torch alongside Indian pilot Smit Machchhar. The invitation highlights the close diplomatic relationship between India and Israel and recognises the pilot’s courage during an onboard emergency. In a post on X, Netanyahu said he had spoken with Modi and invited him to take part in the ceremony. He also noted that the Indian prime minister appreciated the strong and longstanding ties between the two countries. According to Netanyahu, Modi thanked him for the invitation and emphasised the cooperation…

India and the United States are approaching the final stage of negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said during the NDTV World Summit in New Delhi. Speaking on Thursday, he noted that officials from both countries had indicated progress, although some outstanding issues still required resolution before the agreement could be finalized. Jaishankar cautioned that negotiations were not complete until a formal agreement was signed. He said negotiating teams were working through the remaining challenges but declined to disclose specific details. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, and President Donald…

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Reliance Industries’ Jamnagar facilities in Gujarat on Wednesday, highlighting growing energy and investment ties between India and the United States. The complex houses the world’s largest single-site oil refinery and serves as a major hub for Reliance’s energy and advanced manufacturing operations. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, who accompanied Rubio during the visit, highlighted the significant increase in India’s imports of American liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). In a post on X, Gor said the US share of India’s LPG imports had risen from less than 10 per cent to 67 per cent…

US President Donald Trump has indicated that India and the United States are moving closer to a bilateral trade agreement, saying the two countries are likely to reach a deal that could differ significantly from previous trade arrangements. Speaking to reporters during an Oval Office interaction alongside Vice President JD Vance, Trump said India was keen to conclude negotiations with Washington. Responding to a question about the prospects of an agreement, he remarked, “They want to make a deal. We’re going to make a deal pretty close.” Trump added that the proposed arrangement would be “a much different kind of…

Relations between Canada and India are improving at a rapid pace, with negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) reportedly nearing completion. The proposed trade deal is expected to strengthen bilateral economic ties, expand market access and create new opportunities for businesses in both countries. According to an article published by the Business Council of Canada, the progress in negotiations has raised expectations that the two countries could conclude the agreement during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s anticipated visit to Canada in December. The agreement would mark a significant milestone in bilateral relations, although business leaders view it as the…

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday, October 20, as Washington and New Delhi continue efforts to strengthen their economic and diplomatic partnership. The visit marks Rubio’s second trip to India and includes high-level discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, with trade cooperation, regional stability, and energy security expected to feature prominently on the agenda. Rubio arrived alongside US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor and Jeanette Dousdebes Rubio. His schedule combines diplomatic engagements with a symbolic tribute to victims of terrorism, underscoring the importance of security cooperation in the relationship between the two countries. One…

India’s export sector recorded broad-based growth during the first half of fiscal year 2027, with shipments to Africa and several Asian markets registering notable gains. Figures released by the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) on October 19, 2026, indicate that the country is expanding its international trade presence while reducing its reliance on a limited number of export destinations. Africa emerged as a significant contributor to this expansion. Indian merchandise exports to the continent climbed 47% to $26.19 billion during April-August FY27, compared with $17.83 billion in the corresponding period a year earlier. Africa’s share of India’s total exports consequently…

Amish Shah, an Indian American emergency medicine physician and former Arizona state legislator, is seeking election to the US House of Representatives from Arizona’s 1st Congressional District in the 2026 midterm elections. Running as a Democrat, Shah faces Republican candidate Jay Feely and Libertarian Monica Alponte in the November 3 contest. Shah’s campaign has identified the district as a major opportunity for Democrats to gain a seat in Congress. With a background spanning medicine, public health and state politics, he is presenting himself as a candidate focused on healthcare affordability, economic pressures on families and access to essential services. Born…

AIM for Seva raised more than $500,000 through its annual donor appreciation event, Ramam Bhaje, held October 3 at the Heritage Theatre in Campbell, California. The gathering attracted more than 600 attendees for an evening of devotional music, cultural performances and fundraising aimed at expanding educational opportunities for underserved children in rural India. The program featured acclaimed vocalist Kumari Sooryagayathri and a musical ensemble performing traditional devotional songs, including compositions by the organization’s founder, Pujya Swami Dayananda Saraswati. Visual presentations inspired by the Ramayana accompanied the music, highlighting the values associated with Lord Rama and the traditions of Sanatana Dharma.…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated five major development projects worth approximately ₹3,350 crore in Ladakh, describing the occasion as a historic milestone in the region’s development. The projects focus on improving connectivity, electricity supply, water availability and tourism infrastructure. Addressing people through video conferencing, Modi congratulated the residents of Ladakh, engineers and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for their contributions to the region’s progress. A key highlight was the inauguration of the new terminal at Leh airport, constructed at a cost of ₹650 crore. According to the Prime Minister, the terminal will increase annual passenger handling capacity from…