Must Read News

Rubio: India a Relationship of ‘Critical Importance’ to US

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday emphasized that India represents a relationship of “critical importance” to Washington during discussions with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. The talks came amid growing strains in bilateral ties following new tariffs on Indian goods and a sharp increase in H-1B visa fees imposed by the Trump administration. According to a State Department readout, Rubio commended India’s active engagement across several se ..... Read More

India Reiterates Commitment to Commonwealth at US Meet

 India actively participated in the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers’ Meeting (CFAMM) 2025, reaffirming its commitment to the core principles and values set forth in the Commonwealth Charter. Representing India, Ministry of External Affairs Secretary West Sibi George attended the meeting held on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session on September 22, 2025. In a statement shared on X, the Ministry of External Affairs noted that George highlighted India’s dedication to upholding the fundamental tenets of ..... Read More

Jaishankar Meets Rubio Amid $100,000 H-1B Fee Row

 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 t ..... Read More

Trump’s $100,000 H-1B Fee Hits Indian American Workers

President Donald Trump has announced a major change to the H-1B visa system, introducing a $100,000 fee per petition, dramatically higher than the previous $1,500 administrative cost. The executive order, effective September 21, is expected to affect thousands of Indian American IT professionals, as well as Chinese workers, who form the majority of H-1B visa holders. The White House justified the fee by claiming the H-1B program has been misused to replace American workers with lower-paid foreign labor. Data cited by the administration shows ..... Read More

India Targets Critical Minerals with AI-Driven Exploration

 India is actively positioning itself as a global leader in clean energy and advanced manufacturing through a strategic focus on critical minerals, emphasizing sustainability, technology, and responsible mining practices. At the Indian Mining Summit 2025, Mr. Arun Misra, Chairman of the CII National Committee on Mining and CEO of Hindustan Zinc Ltd., highlighted how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and startups are revolutionizing mineral exploration. These innovations help lower exploration risks while improving success rates. India’s mining secto ..... Read More

PM Modi Launches Next-Gen GST Reforms for Citizens

As India celebrates the vibrant festival of Navratri, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended heartfelt wishes to citizens, hoping for health, prosperity, and happiness across the nation. In a letter shared on X, the Prime Minister also announced the launch of the Next Generation GST reforms starting September 22, marking the start of the nationwide ‘GST Bachat Utsav’ or ‘GST Savings Festival.’ The new GST framework simplifies taxation and directly benefits all sections of society, including farmers, women, youth, low-income groups, middle-cla ..... Read More

India Hits Back at Trump’s H-1B Hike: ‘Afraid of Talent’

India has strongly criticized the United States after President Donald Trump introduced a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applicants, a move that could significantly disrupt the flow of skilled workers to America. Officials in New Delhi described the measure as one with serious humanitarian consequences, as it would impact not just professionals but also their families who depend on these work permits. The H-1B visa, widely used by American companies to hire foreign talent in fields such as IT, engineering, and healthcare, has long been a pathway ..... Read More

Jaishankar Meets Philippines Foreign Secretary in New York

 India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held discussions with Philippines Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro in New York today, just ahead of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The meeting came shortly after Philippines President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr completed a high-profile state visit to India in August. Jaishankar shared details of the engagement on X, writing that he was pleased to connect with Lazaro at the start of the UNGA deliberations. He added that the talks built upon the momentum created duri ..... Read More

JPMorgan Urges H-1B Workers Abroad to Return Immediately

 JPMorgan Chase, the largest bank in the United States, has instructed its H-1B visa holders currently outside the country to return before September 21, following President Donald Trump’s new order that places an annual $100,000 fee on companies for each skilled foreign worker employed under the H-1B program. The directive, which came into effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on September 21, has sent ripples through the technology and banking industries, particularly Indian IT firms that are heavily dependent on these visas to deploy engineers and cons ..... Read More

Usha Vance’s Moving Message to Erika Kirk at Funeral

 Erika Kirk, widow of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, delivered an emotional tribute during his funeral on Sunday, reflecting on both grief and hope. The 36-year-old, now serving as CEO of TPUSA, spoke about the profound support she received from Second Lady Usha Vance, wife of Vice President JD Vance, following Charlie Kirk’s death. During the ceremony, Erika Kirk emphasized the enduring importance of Turning Point USA, asserting that the organization is vital for guiding young people toward truth and away from destructive paths. Sh ..... Read More

Modi Urges Indians to Boycott Foreign Products

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 promot ..... Read More

India-US Trade Talks Gain Momentum Towards Deal

India and the United States have agreed to step up efforts for the swift finalization of a bilateral trade deal, the External Affairs Ministry confirmed on Friday. This development follows months of tension triggered by punitive tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump and concerns over India’s purchases of Russian oil. This week, a US delegation led by Assistant Trade Representative Brenden Lynch met with Indian negotiators in New Delhi. The discussions, described as “positive and forward-looking” by MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal ..... Read More

Trump Hikes H-1B Fee to $100K: Impact on Indian IT

The Trump administration has announced a dramatic increase in H-1B visa application fees, raising them to $100,000 per petition effective September 21, 2025. The move aims to curb misuse of the program while giving preference to highly paid and specialized foreign professionals. This change is expected to have a significant impact on Indian IT employees and US companies heavily reliant on foreign STEM talent. The H-1B visa program allows US firms to hire foreign workers in specialized roles across IT, engineering, science, mathematics, and m ..... Read More

PM Modi Flags ‘Real Enemy’ as Tariff, H-1B Issues Loom

Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared on Saturday that India’s greatest obstacle is not any external adversary but its deep reliance on foreign nations. Addressing a gathering in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, he emphasized that dependence undermines strength, dignity, and global standing. “We have no significant enemy worldwide. Our only true enemy is dependence on others,” Modi said. “The larger our reliance, the greater our national failure. The future of 1.4 billion Indians cannot be left in foreign hands.” The Prime Minister linked his remarks to t ..... Read More

Jolly LLB 3 Wins Praise, Akshay-Arshad Duo Shines

The much-anticipated courtroom drama Jolly LLB 3, starring Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi, finally hit theaters on September 19, 2025, and the initial reactions suggest the film has struck the right chord with audiences. Social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has been buzzing since morning with enthusiastic reviews from moviegoers who were quick to call it a powerful entertainer. One user described the film as a “masterpiece,” praising Akshay Kumar for delivering one of the finest performances of his career. Arshad Warsi, reprising his ro ..... Read More

DGP Jitender Inspires Students With Indian American Success

Director General of Police (DGP) Jitender on Thursday called on students to draw inspiration from the global achievements of Indian Americans, pointing out that although they represent just 2% of the United States population, they contribute nearly 8% to the American GDP. He stressed that such milestones are a reflection of discipline, resilience, and values—qualities that Indian students must also nurture. He delivered the message during the annual Inspirational Lecture hosted by Nalanda Educational Institutions in Vengalrao Nagar. The prog ..... Read More

Indian Pharma to Post 7–9% Growth in FY26: ICRA

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 introduct ..... Read More

Rajnath Singh Praises PM Modi, 1965 War Veterans

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 mo ..... Read More

PM Modi Plants Kadamb Tree From King Charles

Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked his 75th birthday on Friday by planting a Kadamb sapling at his official residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg. The sapling was a personal gift from King Charles III of the United Kingdom and formed part of PM Modi’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative, which promotes environmental awareness and tree plantation. A video shared of the occasion showed the Prime Minister personally planting and watering the young tree. The British High Commission in New Delhi had earlier announced the gift on social media, highlighting th ..... Read More

Trump in UK: ‘Very Close’ to India, PM Modi

US President Donald Trump emphasized his personal friendship with India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his two-day state visit to the United Kingdom. Speaking alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers on Thursday, Trump described his ties with Modi as “very close.” He mentioned having called the Indian leader a day earlier to wish him on his 75th birthday, praising Modi’s “beautiful” response. Despite the warmth, Trump acknowledged that his administration had imposed sanctions on New Delhi fo ..... Read More

US China Panel Chief Calls India an ‘Essential Partner’

Indian Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Kwatra, recently held talks with John Moolenaar, Chairman of the US House Select Committee on China. The meeting underscored the growing importance of India-US relations in the face of China’s expanding global influence. According to a statement issued by the Committee, discussions covered a wide spectrum—regional security, defense cooperation under the Quad framework, trade, and ongoing efforts to relocate critical manufacturing chains from China to India. Both sides highlighted the need for str ..... Read More

India Showcases Land Warfare Skills at Zapad 2025

India has sent a 65-member military contingent to Belarus to take part in Zapad 2025, one of the largest Russian-led joint drills since the Ukraine war began in 2022. The exercises, which included controversial nuclear strike simulations, sparked concern among NATO members already uneasy about instability across Europe’s eastern border. For New Delhi, however, the focus was less on nuclear scenarios and more on displaying decades of experience in ground combat. The Indian troops participated in training that tested armored mobility, tactical ..... Read More

Trump’s Failed Diplomacy with India: A Generational Fiasco

A Promise Squandered When Trump returned to office, many in New Delhi were cautiously optimistic. Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly congratulated his “friend,” signaling continuity. India’s foreign minister declared that, unlike other countries, India was “not nervous” about Trump’s return. The U.S.–India relationship seemed poised to deepen, especially amid concerns about China’s aggression in the Indo-Pacific. But optimism soon dissolved into disillusion. Trump’s approach was transactional, short-sighted, and ultimately destructive. ..... Read More

PM Modi, Putin Discuss Bilateral Agenda, Ukraine Crisis

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 forwar ..... Read More

GST Reforms Inject $22.77 Billion Into Indian Economy

Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms have significantly strengthened the nation’s economy by injecting $22.77 billion in additional liquidity. Addressing the Outreach and Interaction Programme on Next Generation GST Reforms in Visakhapatnam, she explained that the reforms will save citizens an equivalent amount, easing their financial burden while giving the economy a much-needed boost. Sitharaman pointed out that the sweeping changes to the tax structure ..... Read More