Former U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed imposing reciprocal tariffs on countries like India and China, citing unfair trade practices. He claims nations, including India, impose high duties on American goods while benefiting from lower U.S. tariffs. Trump emphasized that his administration would ensure equal trade treatment if reelected. This move could impact U.S.-India trade relations, especially under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. The proposal aligns with Trump’s broader protectionist policies, aiming to boost domestic industries. However, experts warn that such tariffs could escalate trade tensions and affect global supply chains.

The Washington Post reported no evidence of a $21 million USAID-funded voter turnout program in India, contradicting Donald Trump’s claim. The report cited U.S. officials stating USAID had a $21 million contract for Bangladesh, not India. Congress used the report to attack the BJP, with spokesperson Pawan Khera mocking the ruling party. Trump previously suggested the funding was meant to influence India’s elections. The controversy, fueled by Elon Musk’s DOGE claim, remains a political flashpoint. The BJP has accused Congress of seeking foreign interference. The debate continues as no official records support Trump’s assertion.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke about the USAID funding controversy for the first time. Former US President Donald Trump claimed that $21 million was sent to India for voter turnout. He suggested the money was used to influence elections. Jaishankar called the claims “worrisome” and said the government is investigating. He stressed that if wrongdoing is found, the country should know who is responsible. Trump accused the Biden administration of trying to influence India’s elections. Jaishankar also said Prime Minister Modi’s US visit strengthened ties with Washington. The controversy has sparked debate on foreign funding in India’s elections.

In an awe-inspiring 52-day feat, Bengaluru-born Ananya Prasad became the first Indian woman to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean, placing second in the prestigious World’s Toughest Row. Covering 3,000 miles from La Gomera, Tenerife to Antigua, Ananya battled fierce storms, equipment failures, and the vast expanse of the ocean in one of the most grueling endurance challenges on the planet. As one of only a handful of women to complete this solo challenge, Ananya Prasad is a trailblazer in the world of ocean rowing. Less than 25 women have ever rowed solo across an ocean. 

A recent BBC Eye investigation has uncovered that Mumbai-based Aveo Pharmaceuticals is illicitly manufacturing and exporting unlicensed, addictive opioids to West Africa, exacerbating a significant public health crisis. The company produces pills combining tapentadol, a potent opioid, and carisoprodol, a muscle relaxant banned in Europe due to its high addictiveness. These dangerous drugs, packaged to resemble legitimate medications, have been found on the streets of Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire. Undercover footage reveals Aveo's director, Vinod Sharma, acknowledging the harmful effects of these pills, stating, "This is very harmful for their health—but nowadays, this is business." Local authorities in affected countries report widespread addiction among youth, with efforts underway to combat the illegal distribution of these substances. The Indian drug regulator has pledged immediate action against firms involved in such malpractice.     

President Donald Trump recently claimed that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) allocated $21 million to boost voter turnout in India, suggesting an attempt to influence Indian elections. However, investigations reveal this funding was designated for Bangladesh. The Indian Express reported that the $21 million grant supported Bangladesh's "Amar Vote Amar" program, later renamed the "Nagorik (Citizen) Program," aimed at promoting youth civic engagement ahead of Bangladesh's January 2024 elections. USAID records confirm no such projects have been funded in India since 2008. This discrepancy has sparked political debates in India regarding foreign interference. 

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met his Australian and French counterparts, Penny Wong and Jean-Noel Barrot, in Johannesburg during the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting. They discussed shared interests in the Indo-Pacific and ways to strengthen cooperation. Jaishankar also met EU Vice President Kaja Kallas to talk about India-EU trade, security, and the Ukraine conflict. He held talks with China’s Wang Yi on border issues and the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Other meetings included discussions with Angola, Algeria, and Ireland. Jaishankar highlighted the G20’s role in tackling global challenges like economic pressures, climate change, and food security.

India strongly rejected Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s comments on Kashmir. The external affairs ministry said a protest was lodged with Turkey’s envoy in Delhi. Erdogan, during his visit to Pakistan, called for Kashmir’s resolution through UN resolutions and dialogue. India called his remarks "unacceptable" and said Kashmir is an internal matter. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that Pakistan should focus on stopping cross-border terrorism. India also dismissed Pakistan’s call for a plebiscite in Kashmir. The government reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and no other country has the right to comment on it.

Kashyap 'Kash' Patel has been confirmed as the first Indian-origin FBI Director. The US Senate approved him in a 51-49 vote. Patel is a close ally of President Donald Trump. After his confirmation, he promised to rebuild trust in the FBI. Trump’s aide Dan Scavino congratulated him with a Bollywood-style video featuring a song from Bajirao Mastani. Patel thanked Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi for their support. Born to Gujarati parents, Patel studied law in New York and London. He has also worked in national security and intelligence. Patel says he aims to make the FBI transparent.

India has called the US funding claim for voter turnout "deeply troubling." The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it is looking into the matter. US President Donald Trump alleged that USAID gave $21 million to influence India's elections. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) revealed this funding, later saying it was canceled. Trump called it a "kickback scheme." His remarks sparked a political row in India. BJP's Amit Malviya claimed the money was used to support hidden networks. Congress' Pawan Khera questioned how such funds entered India under the Modi government. The MEA has promised further updates.