New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a two-day visit to Israel starting Wednesday, aiming to deepen bilateral defense and trade cooperation amidst ongoing tensions in West Asia, including the deteriorating relations between the United States and Iran.

The Prime Minister's itinerary includes an address to the Israeli parliament, comprehensive talks with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, and a meeting with President Isaac Herzog. As per agency report, boosting overall defense and security cooperation will be a major topic of discussion during the delegation-level talks between the two Prime Ministers on Thursday. Additionally, Netanyahu will host a private dinner for Modi on Wednesday night.

This marks Modi's second visit to Israel in nine years. His first visit in July 2017 elevated India-Israel relations to the level of a strategic partnership, which was further cemented when Netanyahu visited India in January 2018. The two nations share a robust strategic partnership with strong cooperation in areas such as science and technology, innovation, defense and security, trade and investment, agriculture, water, and people-to-people ties.

During their discussions, the two Prime Ministers are also likely to address the current situation in West Asia, including Gaza. Since the beginning of the Israel-Iran conflict in June last year, Modi and Netanyahu have spoken twice on the phone. On October 9, Modi called Netanyahu to congratulate him on the progress achieved under President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan.

Over the past few years, India-Israel relations have witnessed positive transformations across several sectors, including defense, scientific research, cyber security, and innovation. Defense cooperation has emerged as a key pillar of this partnership, with Israel supplying various military platforms and weapon systems to India. A significant agreement on defense cooperation was signed during the Indian Defense Secretary's visit to Israel in November last year. While India is considering the development of an indigenous air defense system called Sudarshan Chakra, New Delhi is exploring the possibility of incorporating elements of Israel's Iron Dome air defense system, which can intercept and destroy missiles and artillery shells. Meanwhile, trade and investment relations between the two countries continue to make steady progress.

New Delhi, December 10 United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has stated that the proposals received from India regarding the proposed trade agreement are the best ever. This statement comes at a time when two-day negotiations between the two nations have commenced here.

Speaking at a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing in Washington on Tuesday, Greer acknowledged that there is resistance in India regarding certain row crops and other meat products. In the United States, the category of row crops includes corn, soybean, wheat, and cotton. As per agency report, Greer noted that while this has been a difficult issue, the attitude shown has been quite positive. He observed that the proposals being offered are better than those received from any country so far, leading him to believe that India could be a practical alternative market for the US.

These observations are considered significant as both sides are attempting to finalize the first phase of the proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement. An American delegation is currently in India for these trade negotiations. The two-day talks which began here aim to finalize a mutually beneficial trade agreement. On the first day of negotiations, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal met with Deputy United States Trade Representative Rick Switzer.

The Commerce Department stated in a social media post that both sides deliberated on matters related to India-US trade and economic relations, which included discussions on a mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement. These talks are scheduled to conclude on December 11. The dialogue holds importance given that the Donald Trump administration had imposed a heavy tariff of 50 percent on Indian products entering American markets since August.

Following the imposition of tariffs, negotiations regarding the bilateral trade agreement had derailed. Although the dialogue resumed following initiatives by top leadership, the initial phase of the agreement has not yet been finalized. Indian industry and exporters are eagerly awaiting the outcome of these talks and the announcement of any agreement, as high import duties are adversely affecting their exports to the United States.

New Delhi, 04 December: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that he presented a copy of the Bhagavad Gita in the Russian language to Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit to India.

As per agency report, the Prime Minister shared that the teachings of the Gita continue to inspire millions of people across the world. The gesture was made during a dinner hosted for President Putin at the Prime Minister’s residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg.

https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1996791969503498468

President Putin arrived in New Delhi earlier in the day for a two-day visit, during which the two leaders engaged in discussions and participated in official engagements.

New Delhi, December 3. The agenda for the upcoming talks between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Andrei Belousov on Thursday will include the procurement of the S-400 missile system, the upgrade of Sukhoi-30 fighter jets, and India's interest in purchasing other critical military hardware from Russia. Top military officials have indicated that the overall focus will be on further expanding the already close defence and security ties between the two nations.

The discussions are expected to pay special attention to ensuring the early supply of military equipment from Russia to India. As per agency report, Belousov will be part of the delegation accompanying Russian President Vladimir Putin on his visit to India. This dialogue between Rajnath Singh and Andrei Belousov is scheduled to take place one day prior to the summit meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Putin. During the meeting with Belousov, the Indian side is likely to emphasize the supply of military hardware within stipulated timeframes.

There has been a long-standing grievance from the armed forces that the supply of critical spare parts and equipment from Russia takes a considerable amount of time, which subsequently affects the maintenance of military systems purchased from that country. It is believed that India is considering purchasing additional batches of surface-to-air S-400 missile systems from Russia, as these weapons proved to be extremely effective during Operation Sindoor. An official stated that this issue could be discussed during the defence talks.

In October 2018, India signed a five billion US dollar agreement with Russia to purchase five units of the S-400 air defence missile system, despite warnings from the United States that proceeding with the contract could invite American sanctions under the provisions of the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act. Three squadrons have already been supplied, and the S-400 systems played a significant role during Operation Sindoor. India may also consider purchasing the S-500 missile system from Russia.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Tuesday that the possibility of supplying Su-57 fighter jets by Russia to India could be discussed. India is currently in the process of procuring a batch of fifth-generation fighter aircraft, with Dassault Aviation's Rafale, Lockheed Martin's F-21, Boeing's F/A-18, and the Eurofighter Typhoon being the main contenders. The Modi-Putin summit is also likely to review the overall defence relations between India and Russia.

An annual summit is held between the Prime Minister of India and the Russian President to review the entire spectrum of relations between the two countries. So far, 22 annual summits have taken place alternately in India and Russia. The Russian President last visited New Delhi in 2021, while Prime Minister Modi visited Moscow for the annual summit in July last year.

Washington/New Delhi, September 10 – After weeks of strain in bilateral ties, relations between the United States and India appear to be on the mend, with both sides signaling readiness to resume trade talks.

US President Donald Trump announced that negotiations aimed at removing trade barriers would be revived and expressed his desire to speak with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the coming weeks. In response, Modi reaffirmed that India and the US are “natural partners” and emphasized that the renewed dialogue would elevate cooperation between the two nations to greater heights.

As per agency report, Trump posted that he was pleased about the reopening of trade discussions and looked forward to reaching positive outcomes for both countries. He added that he was eager to hold talks with Modi, whom he described as a “very good friend,” expressing confidence that a mutually beneficial agreement would not be difficult to achieve. Modi replied by stressing that India and the US share deep friendship and limitless potential as partners. He said the upcoming negotiations would highlight new opportunities and pave the way for a brighter future for citizens of both countries.

The conciliatory tone marks a shift from recent weeks, when ties soured after Trump announced an increase in tariffs on Indian imports, raising them to 50 percent in response to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. That move, which doubled the existing 25 percent tariff, had heightened uncertainty over trade relations.

However, Trump’s recent remarks, coupled with Modi’s positive response, indicate a clear intent on both sides to ease tensions and strengthen cooperation. Trump has also recently described Modi as a “great prime minister” and underlined the “special relationship” between the two nations, while Modi publicly acknowledged Trump’s sentiments and reiterated his commitment to advancing bilateral ties.

Experts believe that if these talks lead to concrete outcomes, they could inject new momentum into US-India relations and further reinforce their global strategic partnership.

Tianjin, September 1 – In a rare and symbolic gesture, Russian President Vladimir Putin offered Prime Minister Narendra Modi a ride in his Aurus limousine on Monday as the two leaders traveled together to the venue of their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. According to Russia’s national radio station Vesti FM, the two leaders continued their discussions inside the car while on their way to the hotel, where they were scheduled to meet with their respective delegations.

Upon arrival at the hotel, instead of immediately joining their teams, Modi and Putin remained inside the limousine and spoke privately for nearly 50 minutes. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov later confirmed that the leaders held a face-to-face conversation in the car lasting close to an hour. Modi also shared a photograph of himself with the Russian President from inside the limousine on social media, describing their exchanges as always meaningful.

As per agency report, observers in Moscow suggested that this could have been one of the most significant private conversations between the two leaders, possibly touching upon issues not disclosed to others. During their bilateral dialogue, Modi reiterated to Putin that bringing the Ukraine conflict to an end at the earliest is a call of humanity and emphasized the need to find pathways to lasting peace in the region.

Modi also mentioned that India looks forward to welcoming Putin in December for the annual summit talks, underlining the importance of continued engagement between New Delhi and Moscow. The limousine ride and extended conversation highlighted the personal rapport between the two leaders amid ongoing global challenges.

Tianjin (China), August 31 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Chinese President Xi Jinping that India is committed to advancing its relations with China based on mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity. The two leaders held comprehensive talks on recalibrating bilateral relations on the sidelines of the annual Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin. Modi began his televised remarks by highlighting that the welfare of 2.8 billion people is linked to cooperation between India and China.

The meeting came against the backdrop of global trade turbulence caused by tariff policies under the administration of US President Donald Trump. Modi arrived in Tianjin on Saturday evening from Japan, marking his first visit to China since the eastern Ladakh border standoff that began in May 2020. The last engagement between Modi and Xi was in October last year in Kazan, Russia, just days after both countries reached an agreement to end the Ladakh standoff.

As per agency report, Modi noted that the disengagement process completed last year has brought peace and stability along the border, with direct flights between the two countries now resuming. He also referred to the restart of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and recalled the understanding reached between special representatives on border management. Modi stressed India’s commitment to deepening cooperation with China through trust and sensitivity.

During the meeting, Modi congratulated Xi on China’s successful presidency of the SCO. However, details of the specific discussions between the two leaders have not yet been disclosed. Ahead of his Tianjin visit, Modi emphasized the importance of India and China working together to stabilize the global economic order.

In an interview with Japan’s daily newspaper, The Yomiuri Shimbun, published on Friday, Modi had said that stable and cordial India-China relations could have a positive impact on regional and global peace and prosperity. He further stated that given the prevailing uncertainties in the world economy, it is crucial for the two major economies to cooperate in restoring stability.

Modi’s visit to China comes less than two weeks after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s trip to India, where he held extensive talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Following those discussions, both sides announced steps to build “stable, cooperative and forward-looking” relations, which included maintaining peace along the disputed border, reopening cross-border trade, and resuming direct flight services at the earliest.

Kyiv, August 26 – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for extending greetings on Ukraine’s Independence Day. He also underlined Kyiv’s confidence in India’s role in efforts to end the ongoing conflict with Russia.

In a social media post, Zelensky acknowledged India’s commitment to “peace and dialogue” and said that New Delhi’s contribution could play a vital role in achieving a dignified and lasting resolution to the war. He noted that each diplomatic step taken to strengthen dialogue not only improves security in Europe but also has wider implications for the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

As per agency report, Prime Minister Modi on August 16 had wished the people of Ukraine a future filled with peace and progress, while also thanking Zelensky for his Independence Day greetings to India a day earlier. Zelensky, in his message on August 15, had expressed hope that India would contribute to ongoing international efforts aimed at ending the war between Russia and Ukraine.

The exchange of messages underscores the growing importance of India’s diplomatic positioning as a nation balancing relations with both Russia and the West, while continuing to advocate for peace and stability in global conflicts.

Beijing/New Delhi, July 15 – In a significant diplomatic development, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing during his ongoing visit to China. This marks Jaishankar’s first visit to the country since the tense military standoff between India and China in 2020.

As per agency report, the meeting between the two leaders was focused on advancing the bilateral relationship between the neighboring Asian giants. Jaishankar conveyed greetings from President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Xi Jinping. Sharing details of the meeting on social media, Jaishankar said he briefed the Chinese President on recent progress in India-China relations and emphasized the importance of leadership guidance in managing and improving bilateral ties.

In addition to his meeting with President Xi, Jaishankar also held discussions with his counterparts from other Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states. Prior to his engagement with Xi, he met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, during which he stressed the need for open and constructive exchanges between the two nations, especially as neighboring countries and major global economies.

Jaishankar expressed optimism about his visit, stating that he hoped the talks would proceed positively. The minister is also scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his stay in Beijing.

This high-level engagement follows a gradual thaw in India-China relations since 2024. Notably, during the Kazan Summit last year, Prime Minister Modi and President Xi held a face-to-face meeting, which paved the way for both countries to begin withdrawing troops from the contentious regions of Depsang and Demchok. These areas had been flashpoints for military confrontations since the 2020 standoff in eastern Ladakh.

Before arriving in China, Jaishankar had visited Singapore as part of his overseas tour. His current visit to Beijing is being closely watched for signs of further de-escalation and normalization of ties between the two regional powers.

Washington/New Delhi, July 7 – In a temporary reprieve amid escalating trade negotiations with multiple countries, including India, the United States has postponed the implementation of country-specific tariffs announced by President Donald Trump. Originally scheduled to take effect on July 9, the new tariff measures will now be enforced from August 1.

The announcement was made by U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Sunday, who confirmed that President Trump is still finalizing the rates and terms of trade with several partner nations. Speaking to the media, Trump expressed confidence that most trade arrangements or commitments through formal communication would be completed by July 9.

As per agency report, Trump also stated that formal tariff notification letters would begin to be issued starting Monday. He emphasized that instead of negotiating over 15 different issues, it is far easier to send out notices, reiterating that any country wishing to trade with the United States would need to comply with the new payment structure.

Back in April, President Trump had announced a baseline tariff of 10 percent on the majority of U.S. trading partners, with provisions to raise it up to 50 percent based on further developments. Since then, the U.S. has successfully concluded trade agreements with the United Kingdom and Vietnam, and more such agreements are reportedly in progress.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant told CNN that the President plans to send formal letters to some trading partners, warning them that failure to move forward in talks would result in a reversion to the tariff levels announced on April 2. He added that a wave of trade agreements could be finalized soon.

On the Indian side, a high-level delegation led by chief negotiator Rajesh Agarwal returned from Washington without reaching a final consensus on critical issues such as the trade of agricultural and dairy products—sectors where the U.S. continues to press for greater market access.

Meanwhile, Trump has also announced an additional 10 percent tariff on countries aligning themselves with BRICS nations’ policies perceived as anti-American, signaling a tougher stance on geopolitical alliances that challenge U.S. trade interests.

New Delhi, June 25 – India marked a significant milestone in its space journey as Indian Air Force Group Captain and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla was launched to the International Space Station as part of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission. The launch took place from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, with Shukla and three other astronauts setting off on a private space expedition organized by Axiom Space.

As per agency report, the launch was executed successfully, and shortly after liftoff, the American space agency NASA confirmed the mission's progress via social media. The mission lifted off at 2:31 a.m. Eastern Time on June 25, which corresponds to 12:01 p.m. Indian Standard Time. The Axiom-4 crew is scheduled to spend approximately 14 days aboard the orbiting laboratory.

SpaceX, which facilitated the launch using its Falcon 9 rocket, confirmed that the Dragon spacecraft separated successfully from the rocket’s second stage. NASA also acknowledged the spacecraft’s separation, indicating that the crew was now independently en route to the space station aboard the Dragon capsule, bringing them one step closer to their destination.

During this 14-day mission, Shubhanshu Shukla will conduct advanced food and nutrition-related experiments, developed under a joint collaboration between India's Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and NASA. These scientific experiments are expected to contribute valuable data toward future long-duration space missions.

Back in India, the moment was deeply emotional for Shukla’s family. His parents, watching the live broadcast of the launch from their home in Lucknow, were seen celebrating the occasion. His mother was moved to tears as she witnessed her son’s ascent into space, a proud moment for the family and the country alike.

New Delhi, 22 June – Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday, expressing deep concern over the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel and appealing for immediate de-escalation through dialogue and diplomacy. The call came just hours after the United States launched airstrikes on Iran’s key nuclear facilities located in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, signaling a dramatic escalation in the region’s volatility.

As per agency report, the airstrikes by American B-2 bombers marked a significant turn in the Israel-Iran conflict, drawing the US directly into the confrontation. In a statement following the strikes, US President Donald Trump declared that Iran’s principal nuclear sites had been completely destroyed, sparking fears of a broader regional conflict.

Prime Minister Modi, in a social media post, stated that the current situation was discussed in detail during his call with President Pezeshkian. He reiterated India's deep concern over the growing tension and emphasized that peace, stability, and security in the region could only be restored through diplomatic engagement and constructive dialogue.

The developments have prompted global reactions, with several major countries and international groups calling for restraint. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the US attacks, labeling them a serious violation of the UN Charter, international law, and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. He characterized the strikes as deeply unjust and warned of long-term consequences. In a statement, Araghchi said Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty and urged United Nations members to be alarmed by what he described as dangerous, illegal, and criminal actions by the United States.

The European Union also voiced concern, urging all involved parties to return to negotiations. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, appealed for calm and emphasized the need to prevent further escalation. The foreign ministers of EU member states are scheduled to meet on Monday to assess the evolving situation.

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom and several other countries have echoed similar calls for peace and dialogue. However, China and Russia have yet to issue official statements on the US airstrikes and the resulting geopolitical ramifications. The situation remains tense as the international community watches closely for the next developments in this rapidly unfolding crisis.