In a landmark development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leaders of the five Nordic countries elevated their multifaceted relationship to a Green Technology and Innovation Strategic Partnership during the 3rd India-Nordic Summit held here today. Hosted by Norway, the summit brought together Prime Minister Modi with his counterparts from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland, signalling a new era of collaboration focused on sustainability, technological advancem

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Norway’s highest civilian honour, the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit, by His Majesty King Harald V in a special ceremony at the Royal Palace in Oslo. This prestigious award, the highest grade within the order established in 1985, recognises exceptional contributions to strengthening bilateral relations and advancing international cooperation. It marks the 32nd global honour received by the Prime Minister, refl

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is on the verge of announcing one of the largest surplus transfers to the Union government, offering significant fiscal support during a period of heightened global economic challenges. With the RBI’s Central Board scheduled to meet on May 22, 2026, expectations are high for a payout that could surpass last year’s record figure, providing the Centre with much-needed flexibility to manage expenditures and maintain fiscal stability. This anticipa

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi participates in the third India-Nordic Summit in Oslo on May 19, 2026, the relationship between India and the Nordic countries—Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden—is undergoing a significant transformation. Once centred primarily on technical cooperation, climate action, and innovation, the partnership is now acquiring deeper strategic, economic, and geopolitical dimensions. This summit, hosted by Norway, marks the first visit by an I

In a significant step towards enhancing strategic connectivity and infrastructure resilience, the West Bengal government has granted in-principle approval for the transfer of seven crucial stretches of national highways to central agencies. This decision is poised to accelerate development in the sensitive Siliguri Corridor, widely known as the “Chicken’s Neck,” a vital lifeline linking mainland India with its northeastern states. The highways, previously under the state Publ

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has emphasised the importance of maintaining smooth public movement and traffic flow by discouraging the practice of offering namaz on roads and intersections. Speaking at the Amar Ujala Samvad programme in Lucknow on May 18, the Chief Minister clarified that prayers would continue without hindrance, but they must not obstruct public spaces or inconvenience citizens. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath (Image via PTI) | OpIndia Chief

India has voiced deep concern over the drone strike that targeted the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the United Arab Emirates, terming the incident a serious threat to regional stability. The Ministry of External Affairs described the attack as unacceptable and urged all parties to exercise restraint while returning to the path of dialogue and diplomacy. This measured response reflects India’s longstanding commitment to nuclear safety and peace in West Asia, a region vital to

India has strongly defended its record on minority rights, media freedom, and democratic governance during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to the Netherlands. Senior diplomat Sibi George, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, described questions on these issues as arising from a limited understanding of India’s unique civilisational journey and its vibrant democratic framework. The remarks came during a media interaction in The Hague, where Georg

In a landmark development for India’s defence technology sector, Bengaluru-based Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace (FWDA) has announced the manufacturing of its flagship Kaal Bhairava — India’s first indigenous AI-powered Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) autonomous combat aircraft — in Europe. The production will take place in Portugal through a strategic partnership with Portuguese technology firm SKETCHPIXEL LDA. This initiative marks the first time an Indian-designed

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Oslo today, beginning a significant two-day official visit to Norway. This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 43 years, since Indira Gandhi’s trip in 1983. As the fourth leg of his five-nation European tour that includes the UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, and Italy, the visit highlights India’s growing engagement with Northern Europe through enhanced trade, technology, clean energy, and strategic cooperation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Oslo on May 18, 2026, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Norway in 43 years. The last such visit was by Indira Gandhi in June 1983. This two-day official engagement, part of a broader five-nation European tour, includes bilateral discussions with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, a meeting with King Harald V and Queen Sonja, and India’s participation in the 3rd India-Nordic Summit on May 19. The visit comes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Sweden’s highest civilian honour for a foreign head of government — the Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross — during his official visit to Gothenburg on May 17, 2026. This prestigious recognition marks his 31st international honour and highlights the growing warmth and strategic depth in bilateral relations between India and Sweden. Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden presented the award

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to the Netherlands on May 16-17, 2026, has ushered in a new era of cooperation between the two nations. During the visit, India and the Netherlands formally elevated their longstanding relationship to a full Strategic Partnership, adopting an ambitious Roadmap for India-Netherlands Strategic Partnership (2026-2030). This comprehensive framework aims to deepen collaboration across trade and investment, critical and emerging technolo

In a significant step towards administrative accountability, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the suspension of three senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers in connection with the initial handling of the 2024 RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape and murder case. A departmental inquiry has also been ordered against them. The officers suspended are former Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal, former Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Abhishe

As India takes over the BRICS chairmanship for 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has outlined a forward-looking vision for the grouping. He emphasised strengthening multilateralism, promoting sustainable development, enhancing economic resilience, and building a more inclusive world order that better reflects the aspirations of emerging economies and the Global South. The two-day BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting, held in New Delhi on May 14-15, marked a significant early ste

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s brief visit to Abu Dhabi on Friday has resulted in several important agreements between India and the United Arab Emirates. These pacts focus on energy security, defence cooperation, and economic collaboration at a time when global energy markets face uncertainty due to developments in West Asia. The agreements are expected to support India’s long-term requirements for stable fuel supplies and strategic reserves. The visit, which lasted a few ho

In a significant development for India’s seafood sector, the European Union has reinstated the country in its revised draft list of approved third countries for aquaculture product exports. This move guarantees uninterrupted access to the EU market beyond September 2026, following India’s successful alignment with the bloc’s stringent antimicrobial regulations. The European Commission published the revised draft on May 12, 2026, reflecting the progress made by Indian authorit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reaffirmed India’s steadfast commitment to peace and stability in West Asia during his high-level meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The discussions, held shortly after Modiji’s arrival in Abu Dhabi, underscored the deep strategic partnership between the two nations amid ongoing regional tensions. This visit marks the first leg of Modiji’s five-nation tour from May 15 to 20, which also includes the Netherlands, Swed

Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced a five-nation tour on May 15, 2026, beginning with a concise yet highly significant four-hour visit to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. This stopover, en route to the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy, underscores the priority placed on strengthening bilateral ties with a key partner amid rising global energy uncertainties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit comes at a time of heightened volatility in global energy markets a

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced a significant reform in the conduct of India's premier medical entrance examination. The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET-UG) will transition to a fully Computer-Based Test (CBT) format starting from the 2027 academic session. This shift aims to enhance security, transparency, and efficiency while addressing long-standing concerns related to examination malpractices. The decision comes in the back