On April 3, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for Bangkok, Thailand, to participate in the 6th BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Summit, scheduled for April 3-4. The summit brings together Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand to strengthen regional trade, security, connectivity, and climate action. Modi is expected to engage in bilateral talks with leaders to boost economic and strategic partnerships. Key discussions will focus on counter-terrorism, disaster management, digital connectivity, and trade facilitation, highlighting India’s commitment to regional integration and economic growth in the BIMSTEC region. (PC: X@PMOIndia)  

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman praised India’s rapid AI growth. In a post on X, he said India is "outpacing the world" in AI adoption. He called India OpenAI’s second-largest market and said the company tripled its users there in the last year. Altman also noted India's progress in AI technology, including chips and models. He said the cost of AI development is still high but will drop 10 times in a year. Earlier, he doubted India’s AI potential, but now he sees it as a leader. Altman believes India should play a big role in the AI revolution. (PC: AFP)

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has uncovered alleged violations in foreign funding linked to George Soros’s Soros Economic Development Fund (SEDF). Between 2020 and 2024, SEDF funneled ₹25 crore into Indian firms Rootbridge Services, Rootbridge Academy, and ASAR Social Impact Advisors under FDI and service fees, allegedly bypassing FCRA norms. RSPL received ₹18.64 crore via inflated CCPS valuations. Additionally, Mauritius-based Aspada Investment Company reportedly routed ₹300 crore into 12 Indian entities. The ED is investigating potential financial irregularities and regulatory breaches, scrutinizing whether these funds were used for activities violating Indian laws. (PC: India Today)

On the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Indian and Chinese leaders exchanged congratulatory messages, emphasizing the need for strengthened ties despite ongoing border tensions. Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed a "Dragon-Elephant tango" to symbolize peaceful coexistence and expressed willingness to enhance communication on global and regional issues. Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong reiterated China’s readiness to import more Indian goods and strengthen trade partnerships. These gestures come as both nations navigate a complex relationship post-2020 Galwan clashes, signaling potential diplomatic recalibration while border disputes and strategic concerns remain key challenges in bilateral engagement. (PC: Reuters)  

On April 2, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump introduced sweeping reciprocal tariffs targeting all countries, creating global market uncertainty. The tariffs are part of Trump's "Liberation Day," intended to reduce reliance on foreign goods. Countries like India, which imposes a 100% tariff on U.S. agricultural products, are preparing for economic impact, with India and the U.S. planning trade talks. The move led to market drops, particularly in India’s stock indices. Global leaders, including the EU, China, and Japan, have vowed retaliatory actions if necessary, with the tariffs taking immediate effect.( PC: NDTV)

Over 10,000 Indian nationals are imprisoned abroad, with the highest number in Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) revealed. Despite transfer treaties with multiple countries, only 8 Indian prisoners have been repatriated in the last 3 years. Gulf nations account for a significant portion of these detentions, mainly due to labor disputes, visa violations, and criminal charges. MEA officials stated that diplomatic efforts continue for early release and repatriation. Families of detainees have urged the Indian government to expedite negotiations for their return. (PC: The Indian Express)

Bangladesh's Muhammad Yunus sparked outrage by suggesting China expand its influence in India's northeastern states, calling Bangladesh the "only guardian of the ocean" for the region. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma condemned Yunus's remarks, labeling them provocative and unacceptable. Tipra Motha chief Pradyot Manikya demanded a more aggressive stance from India, even suggesting a split with Bangladesh. Congress leader Pawan Khera also criticized the government's failure to secure the Northeast against growing Chinese influence. Yunus's comments signal Bangladesh's shift toward China amid strained ties with India, raising security concerns. (PC: AFP)

On the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for a "dragon-elephant tango" to enhance India-China relations. Xi emphasized peaceful coexistence, mutual trust, and cooperation. In a message to President Droupadi Murmu, he urged strengthening bilateral ties and promoting global stability. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese Premier Li Qiang also exchanged greetings. Meanwhile, border de-escalation in eastern Ladakh continues as per schedule. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently discussed security and geopolitical concerns. Both nations seek to reset ties after the 2020 standoff. (PC: India Today)

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has expressed concern over recent developments in Bangladesh, particularly regarding the safety of Hindus and the potential resurgence of Northeast insurgent groups finding refuge there. He highlighted that during Sheikh Hasina's tenure, insurgent groups were expelled from Bangladesh, contributing to regional stability. Sarma emphasized the need for continued vigilance to prevent Bangladesh from becoming a safe haven for insurgents again. He also noted that certain districts in Assam have experienced demographic shifts, with some areas resembling "mini Bangladesh," underscoring the importance of maintaining security and communal harmony in the region. (PC: News 18 & X)

Security forces have launched a search and destroy operation in Kathua's Panjtirthi area following intelligence on terrorist movements. The Indian Army's Rising Star Corps, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and CRPF are collaborating in this effort. Suspicious activity near the Panjtirthi temple led to an exchange of fire on Monday night, prompting intensified operations on Tuesday morning. Officials suspect three Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists are trapped in the vicinity. This development follows a recent encounter in Kathua where two terrorists and four policemen were killed. Deputy Inspector General Shiv Kumar Sharma emphasized the commitment to neutralize all remaining threats and urged locals to report any suspicious activities. (PC: Hindustan Times)