The United States considers India its most essential international partner, US ambassador-designate Sergio Gor said on Monday, as Washington and New Delhi prepare to restart a new round of trade negotiations beginning Tuesday, January 12. Speaking at the US Embassy in New Delhi, Gor underlined the depth of the bilateral relationship and expressed confidence that both sides could overcome existing challenges to advance cooperation across multiple sectors. Gor, who also serves as Spec

The proposed India–US trade deal failed to materialise because Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not personally call US President Donald Trump, according to claims made by US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Speaking on a podcast, Lutnick said the final step required to close the agreement was direct communication between the two leaders, which did not happen, leading to the collapse of the negotiations. Lutnick stated that the framework of the deal had been completed and was rea

US President Donald Trump on Sunday, January 4, claimed that India has significantly reduced its purchases of Russian oil following the imposition of steep tariffs on Indian goods by Washington. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump said his administration’s decision to levy a 50 percent tariff had prompted a response from New Delhi, while also warning that the United States could escalate trade penalties further if necessary. Trump asserted that India’s leadership acted in respo

Gold prices are hovering near record highs across both global and domestic markets, supported by a rare convergence of powerful macroeconomic and geopolitical factors. Investors tracking precious metals are increasingly questioning whether the rally still has momentum left or if prices are nearing exhaustion after a sharp multi-year run. Market experts say the surge in gold prices is not being driven by a single trigger. Instead, a combination of safe-haven demand, aggressive centra

Former Indian Premier League chairman Lalit Modi has issued a public apology after facing widespread criticism over a viral video showing him celebrating with fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya in London. The video, which quickly spread across social media platforms, showed the two men referring to themselv

Gold prices have surged to a new all-time high as 2025 approaches its final days, marking one of the strongest rallies ever seen in the precious metals market. Spot gold climbed to a record level above $4,500 per ounce in early Asian trade, extending a remarkable year-long run that has delivered gains of more than 70 percent so far this year. Silver and platinum have also joined the rally, underlining that the momentum is not limited to gold alone but reflects broader strength across precious

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has publicly criticised the recently concluded India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, describing it as a low-quality deal that undermines New Zealand’s economic and labour interests. His remarks come just days after India and New Zealand announced the successful conclusion of FTA negotiations, which both governments claim could significantly boost bil

Former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi has said that the Narendra Modi government is dismantling the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act to make way for the newly approved G RAM G law. She argues that the transition marks a major shift from a rights-based employment guarantee to a discretionary programme that could weaken rural incomes and job security. According to her, the change may affect millions who rely on the scheme for seasonal work, wages and protection against distre

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been awarded the Order of Oman, the Sultanate’s highest civilian honour, by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik in recognition of his contribution to strengthening India-Oman relations. The award was presented during PM Modi’s ongoing visit to Muscat, the final stop of his three-nation tour that included Jordan and Ethiopia. This recognition adds to his record of over 28 prestigious civilian honours from nations around the world, including recent distinctions such as

U.S. crude oil prices fell to their lowest level since May on Tuesday, deepening a prolonged downturn that has put the market on track for its weakest annual performance in seven years. The decline reflects growing concerns over a looming supply surplus and shifting expectations around geopolitical risks, particularly the possibility of a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia. West Texas Intermediate crude briefly dropped to $55.69 per barrel, while global benchmark Brent crude

US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a phone conversation on Thursday, December 11, as confirmed by US Ambassador Sergio Gor. During the discussion, Prime Minister Modi expressed his support for President Trump’s ongoing efforts to help bring peace to Ukraine. The call comes at a time when both nations are navigating trade tensions following the United States’ decision earlier this year to impose a 50% tariff on select Indian goods. According to

Belgium’s Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal filed by fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi, marking a critical step forward in India’s long-running efforts to secure his extradition in connection with the Punjab National Bank fraud. The ruling, delivered on Tuesday by the Court of Cassation, upheld the earlier order of the Antwerp Court of Appeal, which had declared India’s extradition request lawful and enforceable. With this decision, Choksi’s attempt to overturn one of the final le

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a special discussion on Vande Mataram in the Lok Sabha, launched a sharp attack on Congress and former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. He said that the Congress leadership, instead of defending the national song, supported a view that led to its fragmentation, calling it a "tukde tukde" moment in Indian history. Modi stated that Jawaharlal Nehru believed Vande Mataram could provoke Muslims, a stance reportedly influenced by Mohammed Ali Jinnah and the Mus

Russian President Vladimir Putin lands in Delhi this evening for a crucial two-day state visit, his first trip to India since the Ukraine war and the first since 2021. The visit comes at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as both nations celebrate 25 years of the India-Russia strategic partnership along with the 23rd bilateral summit. The leaders last met during the SCO Summit in Tianjin on September 1, and this visit is expected to see multiple agreements aimed at strengthening l

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday that the recent dip in India’s imports of Russian oil is expected to be short-lived, adding that Moscow plans to increase the volume of supplies to New Delhi in the coming months. He stated that Russia understands the external pressures faced by India, particularly in light of tariffs and policy constraints linked to its continued purchase of Russian crude. According to Peskov, Moscow views India’s approach toward its energy partnerships as

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to travel to India on December 4 and 5 for the 23rd Annual Summit, marking his first visit since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and India’s Operation Sindoor. The meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Putin is expected to place significant emphasis on strengthening defence cooperation, including discussions on a potential new S-400 air defence system contract. The visit comes at a critical time, as both countries reassess the

Reports claiming that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cancelled or delayed his upcoming India visit due to security concerns after the recent Delhi blast have triggered widespread discussion. However, senior government sources have now clarified that such claims are misleading and factually incorrect. The meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Netanyahu, initially expected later this year, is unlikely to take place in 2025, but officials emphasize that the decision has no

The G20 Leaders’ Summit 2025 opened in South Africa on Friday, marking a significant moment for the international forum as it convenes on the African continent for the first time. Hosted in Johannesburg, the three-day gathering carries the theme “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability,” reflecting South Africa’s priorities of promoting collaborative global action in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment. This year’s summit places particular emphasis on strength

Russia has reportedly proposed a wide-ranging technology transfer package for its fifth-generation Su-57 stealth fighter jet, signalling that defence cooperation may take centre stage when President Vladimir Putin visits India next month. The offer comes as New Delhi continues to balance long-standing strategic ties with Moscow while facing Western scrutiny over its neutral stance on the conflict in Ukraine. The proposal, according to officials familiar with the matter, could strengthen India