The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), comprising India, the United States, Japan, and Australia, has reaffirmed its commitment to a free, open, and resilient Indo-Pacific through a series of concrete initiatives announced during the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in New Delhi on May 26. The gathering, attended by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, and Australian Foreign Minister P

The Union Government has formally set up a High-Level Committee on Demographic Change to undertake a comprehensive scientific assessment of demographic shifts occurring across the country. The panel will focus particularly on changes driven by illegal immigration and other abnormal factors. This development follows an announcement made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day address on August 15, 2025. Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed the constitution o

In a major development for India’s defence modernisation, the government has finalised a Letter of Request (LoR) for the acquisition of 114 Dassault Rafale multirole fighter jets for the Indian Air Force. This proposed acquisition represents one of the largest defence deals in India’s history and reflects a determined push towards enhancing aerial capabilities while promoting domestic manufacturing. The LoR is expected to be formally sent to the French government in the comin

The India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) has introduced a new ‘Investors Support’ portal aimed at facilitating smoother engagement for both domestic and international investors in the country’s semiconductor sector. This initiative reflects the government’s continued focus on building a robust and investor-friendly environment for advanced electronics manufacturing. The portal, available at https://www.ism.gov.in/investment, functions as a comprehensive single-window digital pla

In a notable development strengthening bilateral ties, India and the United States signed a comprehensive framework agreement on critical minerals and rare earths during the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio formalised the pact, which aims to build resilient and diversified supply chains for these essential resources. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (left), and External Affairs Min

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted India's steadfast position as a well-recognized and trusted nation on the international stage, even as conflicts in West Asia continue to create disruptions in global supply chains and energy markets. Speaking at the NXT Conclave in New Delhi, the Prime Minister underlined the country's ability to navigate complex geopolitical situations while maintaining steady progress toward its developmental goals. PM Modi emphasized that the g

India has successfully hosted the India AI Impact Summit 2026, a landmark international gathering that marks the first time a major global Artificial Intelligence summit has been held in the Global South. Organized at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from February 16 to 21, 2026, the event brought together leaders, innovators, and experts from over 100 countries to shift the focus of AI discussions from high-level dialogue to tangible, real-world impact. United Nations Secretary-

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has completed his first official four-day visit to India, a multifaceted diplomatic engagement that underscored the enduring strength and strategic importance of the bilateral partnership between the world’s two largest democracies. The visit, which spanned Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur, and New Delhi, combined high-level policy discussions with cultural appreciation, reflecting the depth of people-to-people ties. Rubio held extensive talks with Prim

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has highlighted the profound significance of the India-Japan relationship, describing it as one that extends far beyond bilateral cooperation. During his meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi in New Delhi, Jaishankar emphasised that the Special Strategic and Global Partnership holds larger implications, importance, and impact on regional and global affairs. The two ministers engaged in comprehensive discussions on

During his maiden visit to India, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has underscored the growing strategic convergence between the United States and India, particularly in the realm of defence manufacturing. In an exclusive interview, Rubio described joint defence production as “ideal” for both countries, signalling a strong commitment to elevating bilateral ties beyond traditional buyer-seller arrangements. Rubio, who arrived in India on May 23, 2026, for a four-day official

The Indian government is preparing to extend and enhance financial support for electric two-wheelers as part of the PM E-Drive scheme. This decision reflects a continued commitment to promoting clean mobility, reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports, and supporting the growth of the domestic electric vehicle industry. India plans fresh subsidy push for electric two-wheelers as PM E-Drive nears end. File/AFP | Firstpost Current Status of the PM E-Drive Scheme Launched in Oc

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has issued detailed directives to ensure the smooth and peaceful celebration of Eid al-Adha, also known as Bakrid, which is scheduled to be observed on May 28, 2026. In a high-level law and order review meeting held on Sunday, the Chief Minister emphasized the need for strict adherence to rules that prioritize public order, cleanliness, and communal harmony across the state. The instructions aim to facilitate traditional religious

In the face of escalating global crude oil prices triggered by the Iran conflict and the prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, India has demonstrated remarkable restraint in adjusting retail petrol and diesel prices. While many major economies have witnessed sharp surges, India’s increases remain among the most modest, helping to cushion the impact on consumers even as the country imports around 85% of its crude oil requirements. The fuel price hikes follow an unendin

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal arrived in Canada today, heading the largest-ever Indian business delegation sent to the North American nation. Comprising around 150 senior industry leaders, this high-powered visit aims to accelerate negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and significantly deepen bilateral trade and investment ties. The three-day mission, running from May 25 to 27, builds on the positive momentum established d

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has provided a clear assurance to India’s tribal communities that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will not apply to them, with their distinctive customs, traditions, and rights set to be fully safeguarded. Speaking at the Janjati Sanskritik Samagam held at the Red Fort grounds on May 24, 2026, Shah addressed a large gathering of over 1.5 lakh participants from more than 550 tribal organisations. The event commemorated the 150th birth anniversary of

The Assam government has introduced a significant Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in the state assembly, marking a major development in the state's legal landscape. Tabled on Monday, the bill seeks to establish common rules governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, and live-in relationships, while carefully exempting tribal communities to respect their unique cultural traditions. This initiative positions Assam as the third state after Uttarakhand and Gujarat to pursu

As the Narendra Modi-led NDA government completes 12 years in office, the ruling alliance has launched a comprehensive nationwide outreach programme. Union ministers, chief ministers, MPs, and senior BJP leaders will connect with citizens across the country through public meetings, press conferences, beneficiary interactions, and digital campaigns. The initiative aims to highlight 22 significant achievements spanning welfare, infrastructure, economic growth, national security

In a display of operational preparedness, India’s Strategic Forces Command successfully conducted a test launch of the nuclear-capable Agni-1 short-range ballistic missile from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the missile performed flawlessly, meeting all technical and operational parameters during the flight. This routine exercise forms part of regular training drills aimed at ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of

In a significant diplomatic advancement, India and Cyprus have elevated their longstanding bilateral relationship to the level of a Strategic Partnership. This landmark decision was announced during the state visit of Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides to India from May 20 to 23, 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the Cypriot leader at Hyderabad House for extensive discussions that covered a wide spectrum of mutual interests, reflecting the deepening trust and shar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over an extensive meeting of the Union Council of Ministers on May 21, lasting nearly four-and-a-half hours. This first such gathering of the year brought together senior ministers to discuss pressing national priorities, with particular attention to energy security amid the ongoing tensions in West Asia and the long-term goal of building a developed India by 2047. The meeting, held shortly after the Prime Minister’s return from a five-na