India considers expiry safeguard in US trade talks India is reportedly preparing to seek a sunset clause in its proposed interim trade agreement with the United States, reflecting a growing global trend among trading partners to build expiry mechanisms into major economic deals. The move aligns closely with recent developments in European Union–US trade arrangements, where similar provisions have been introduced to limit long-term exposure

The UK will open a combined 1,800 annual visa places for Indian traditional chefs, classical musicians and yoga instructors when the UK–India trade agreement takes effect on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. The allocation falls under the Global Business Mobility–Service Supplier route. It is one shared cap covering all three occupations, not 1,800 places for each profession. The annual allocation is measured from January 1 through December 31.

Iran released footage of naval forces seizing two merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz, including an India-bound vessel, intensifying regional tensions and raising global shipping concerns. Iranian authorities released a dramatic video on Thursday, April 23, 2026, a day after naval forces seized two merchant vessels in the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, including one ship bound for India. The footage shows masked commandos in speedboats pursuing the vessels, boarding them, and taking control in an operation that underscores escalating tensions in the region.   The seizures occurred on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump announced an extension of a ceasefire. Iranian naval units intercepted the Panama-flagged MSC Francesca and the Liberia-flagged Epaminondas, the latter traveling from Dubai to Mundra Port in Gujarat, India. Both ships were escorted to Iranian waters, marking Tehran’s first such action since the latest conflict began. The released footage shows fast-moving boats approaching the vessels, with armed personnel boarding and conducting searches. U.S. officials attributed the operation to Iran’s “mosquito fleet,” small, agile craft associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Commandos are seen climbing ladders, sweeping through decks, and entering critical areas such as engine rooms to secure control. The Epaminondas sustained damage to its bridge after Iranian forces reportedly opened fire and used grenades during the boarding. Despite the intensity of the operation, no crew injuries were reported. The MSC Francesca, located about six miles off Iran’s coast, also came under heavy fire during the seizure. Iranian officials stated the vessels lacked proper authorization and had interfered with navigation systems, posing a threat to maritime safety in the Strait of Hormuz. Authorities warned that disruptions in the waterway would be treated as a serious violation.The incident follows a recent U.S. operation targeting an Iranian-linked vessel accused of breaching a maritime blockade. Analysts view the seizures as a potential retaliatory move, raising concerns about further escalation in one of the world’s most vital shipping corridors. The involvement of an India-bound vessel may also complicate diplomatic relations between Tehran and New Delhi as tensions continue to rise.

Comments by New Zealand lawmaker Shane Jones have sparked criticism from the Indian community and political leaders, highlighting tensions within the ruling coalition over immigration and a proposed trade agreement with India. Jones referred to the potential deal as a “butter chicken tsunami” during a radio interview, a remark that quickly drew backlash across political and community circles. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described the statement as unhelpful but stopped short of labeling it discriminatory. The proposed agreement between New Zealand and India is already facing political hurdles, as Jones’s party, New Zealand First, has voiced opposition. This stance could force the governing party to seek support from the opposition Labour Party to secure parliamentary approval. Jones defended his position by raising concerns about immigration, arguing that unrestricted inflows could impact wages, infrastructure, and public services. His remarks have reignited broader debates about immigration policy and economic priorities, especially as the country navigates its trade relationships. Community leaders expressed strong concern over the tone of the comments. Representatives from Indian associations emphasized the contributions of Indians, who form one of the largest ethnic groups in the country. They argued that such rhetoric risks undermining social cohesion and creating unnecessary divisions within a multicultural society. The controversy has also drawn reactions from political opponents. Labour leader Chris Hipkins criticized the remarks, calling for more responsible discourse from public officials. Business representatives echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that policymakers should focus on constructive dialogue rather than rhetoric that could damage bilateral ties. Jones later acknowledged that colleagues had advised him to moderate his language, though he maintained that his comments were intended to emphasize concerns. As debate continues, the episode underscores the challenges facing New Zealand’s leadership in balancing trade ambitions, immigration policy, and maintaining unity within a diverse population.

The Government of India on Saturday said it is closely examining recent developments in the United States after the US Supreme Court struck down former President Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs. The Commerce Ministry stated that officials are assessing the implications of both the court ruling and subsequent announcements made by the US administration. In its first formal reaction, the ministry confirmed it had taken note of the Supreme Court’s judgment delivered on Frida

United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has accused European nations of indirectly financing Russia’s war in Ukraine by purchasing refined oil products originating from Russian crude processed in India. His remarks come amid ongoing geopolitical tensions over energy trade and sanctions linked to the conflict in Eastern Europe. In an interview aired on Sunday, Bessent alleged that while European leaders publicly condemn Russia’s actions in Ukraine, their trade practices ar

US President Donald Trump indicated that his administration is prepared to examine new tariffs on a range of agricultural imports, including Canadian fertiliser and Indian rice, after American farmers raised concerns that low-priced foreign goods were eroding their competitiveness. The comments came during a roundtable discussion at the White House, where the President unveiled a $12 billion support package intended to cushion farmers from mounting price pressures and market volatility. Througho

United States President Donald Trump launched a fresh attack on India’s trade policies, describing India–US trade ties as a “one-sided disaster.” His comments came on September 1, against the backdrop of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Tianjin, China, where Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping were seen engaging with each other on the sidelines. Trump’s remarks highlighted his conti

The Department of Posts in India announced on Saturday that it is temporarily suspending all types of postal consignments destined for the United States, citing new American duty regulations and heightened trade tensions. This decision follows President Donald Trump’s imposition of a 50 percent tariff on Indian goods, along with an additional 25 percent penalty tied to India’s purchase of Russian oil, which has already created friction in bilateral

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has strongly defended President Donald Trump’s recent decision to impose 25 percent tariffs on Indian goods, emphasizing that India’s continued purchase of Russian oil is a significant point of irritation in its relationship with Washington. The move, announced earlier this week, has been described by the administration as a direct penalty aimed at discouraging India from supporting Moscow’s energy sector, which is seen as fueling Russia&rsq

President Donald Trump has announced a 25% tariff on imports from India, set to take effect beginning August 1. This new policy move, which reflects a strong stance on economic nationalism and geopolitical alignment, is aimed at addressing what the President describes as persistent unfair trade practices by India and its continued strategic relationship with Russia. Though President Trump referred to India as a “friend,” he did not shy away from sharply criticizing the

India will continue to rationalize import duties and streamline its customs tariff structure, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated during a post-Budget press conference in Mumbai. She emphasized that anti-dumping duties are periodically reviewed to ensure a fair and investor-friendly trade environment. The government’s tariff policy reforms aim to make India an attractive investment hub while ensuring global competitiveness.Addressing concerns about imported inflation amid global

India's trade deficit saw a notable increase in August, reaching $29.65 billion, up from $23.5 billion in July. This expansion was primarily driven by a sharp rise in gold imports, which totaled $10 billion—an astonishing 103.7% increase compared to the previous year. The surge in gold imports is linked to a reduction in customs duties, now set at 6%, which spurred consumers to stock up ahead of the festive season. Madhavi Arora, lead economist at Emkay, noted that while t