India Observers

  India–US Trade Ties Get a Major Boost Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a significant breakthrough for Indian exports, stating that Made in India products will now face a reduced US tariff of 18 per cent . The announcement was made through a social media post following his conversation with United States President Donald Trump, highlighting a positive step forward in India–US trade relations. The tariff reduction is part of a broader understanding between the two countries aimed at enhancing bilateral trade and strengthening economic cooperation between the world’s two largest democracies. Modi–Trump Conversation Sets the Tone Prime Minister Modi described his interaction with President Trump as “wonderful,” referring to the US President as his “dear friend.” He emphasised that when two large economies collaborate, it creates opportunities that benefit people on both sides. The Prime Minister noted that cooperation between India and the United States unlocks imme...

  India and Russia have formalised a long-term Economic Cooperation Agreement extending till 2030 , aimed at expanding trade and investment opportunities between the two nations. The pact was signed following a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin during the 23rd India–Russia Bilateral Summit. PM Modi highlighted that the agreement would help diversify economic ties, noting that India–Russia trade reached USD 68.7 billion in FY 2024–25 . He also recalled President Putin’s role in shaping the strategic partnership over the past 25 years. As part of the engagement, India announced new measures to boost tourism and mobility. Russian citizens will soon be eligible for a free 30-day e-tourist visa as well as a 30-day group tourist visa , with two agreements signed to support this initiative. Addressing the Russia–Ukraine conflict, PM Modi reiterated India’s consistent call for peace. He said India welcomes all efforts toward ...

  India is preparing to discuss a major new defence package with Russia during President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit, with key focus areas likely to include the advanced Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets and the S-500 air-defence system. These discussions signal New Delhi’s intent to bolster its long-term air-combat and missile-defence capabilities amid evolving regional threats. While India has already diversified its defence partnerships globally, Russia remains a critical supplier for high-end platforms. Any progress on Su-57 co-development or potential acquisition of the S-500 would mark a significant upgrade to India’s strategic deterrence and technological edge, underscoring the continued depth of the India–Russia defence relationship.

  Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit India on December 5–6, marking a significant phase in India-Russia defence cooperation. The agenda is expected to focus on defence-heavy discussions, including the potential delivery of Su-57 fighter jets, ongoing S-400 missile system supplies, and the possibility of co-developing the next-generation S-500 air defence system. The visit underscores the strategic partnership between the two nations amid evolving global security dynamics.

  Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated India’s largest Integrated Textile Park in Madhya Pradesh under the PM MITRA (Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel) scheme. The state-of-the-art facility aims to boost India’s textile manufacturing, create lakhs of jobs, and attract significant foreign and domestic investments. Spread across vast acres, the park will provide world-class infrastructure for spinning, weaving, dyeing, printing, and garment manufacturing—all under one roof. PM Modi highlighted that the initiative will strengthen the "Make in India" vision, reduce logistics costs, and position India as a global hub in textiles and apparel.

  . Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reaffirmed India’s close ties with Russia, telling President Vladimir Putin that the two nations “have always walked shoulder to shoulder even in the most difficult situations.” The remark came after Putin addressed Modi as his “dear friend” and invited him for a ride in his armoured Aurus limousine during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China. Modi, Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping were seen walking together, exchanging smiles and words through translators. Later, Modi posted a picture on X of himself with Putin inside the Russian leader’s official limousine. At their bilateral meeting, Putin hailed India-Russia ties as “special, friendly and trusting,” describing them as a foundation for future cooperation. Modi highlighted the importance of collaboration in sectors such as trade, fertilisers, space, security, and culture, adding that the partnership is vital for “regional and global stability.” The ...

  Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (August 29, 2025) underscored the importance of India-Japan cooperation for ensuring global peace and stability. Addressing the India-Japan Joint Economic Forum in Tokyo, PM Modi highlighted how the partnership has become a “symbol of mutual trust,” spanning sectors from metro projects to manufacturing, semiconductors, and start-ups. During his two-day visit to Japan, PM Modi held summit talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to expand bilateral ties in trade, investment, and emerging technologies. The two leaders are set to release a joint statement along with the “2035 Vision Statement” , upgrading the 2025 roadmap announced a decade ago with former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Marking 20 years of the annual India-Japan summit mechanism , this year’s meeting reflects the growing strategic and economic convergence between the two nations. Former Japanese Prime Ministers Yoshihide Suga and Fumio Kishida also called on PM ...

  Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday, exchanging views on recent developments in Ukraine. Modi reiterated India’s consistent call for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and assured continued support for initiatives aimed at restoring peace at the earliest. The two leaders also reviewed progress in India–Ukraine bilateral ties and explored avenues to strengthen cooperation in mutually beneficial sectors. Both agreed to maintain regular contact.

  Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India before the end of 2025, confirmed National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. During high-level talks with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu in Moscow, Doval said, “We were pleased to know about President Putin’s visit at the end of August.” The visit is likely to further strengthen strategic ties between the two nations amid ongoing global realignments.

  India has extended crucial financial support to the Maldives by rolling over a $50 million Treasury Bill. The announcement was made by the High Commission of India in the Maldives, confirming that the State Bank of India (SBI) will continue to hold the T-Bill on behalf of the Government of India. The rollover reflects India’s continued commitment to strengthening its economic ties with the Maldives and supporting its financial stability. This move also comes amid ongoing regional cooperation efforts and reinforces New Delhi’s "Neighbourhood First" policy. Maldivian officials have welcomed the decision, highlighting the longstanding partnership and trust between the two nations.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in talks during the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. President Xi emphasized the need to manage the border issue properly and urged both countries to consider their overall ties. The meeting, which took place upon Indian Prime Minister Modi's request, involved a candid and thorough exchange of views on bilateral relations. Tensions have strained the relationship between India and China since their military clash in the Galwan Valley in 2020. The dispute over the Aksai Chin area escalated into a significant conflict, prompting subsequent military-level discussions to resolve border disputes. Notably, this recent interaction marked their first conversation since the G20 dinner in Indonesia in November 2022, with Prime Minister Modi raising India's concerns along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and emphasizing its importance for improving India-China relations. The dialogue between President ...