External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar criticised the West for its "double standards" on democracy at the Munich Security Conference. He said, "The West treated democracy as a Western characteristic and was busy encouraging non-democratic forces in the Global South." Urging Western nations to respect diverse democratic models, he added, "If you want democracy to prevail, embrace successful models outside the West." Jaishankar also defended India's Russian oil purchases, arguing, "If I am smart enough to have multiple options, you should be admiring me." He emphasized that democracy in India ensures food for millions, countering Western skepticism.

US military plane carrying 119 Indian deportees landed at Amritsar airport on Saturday at 11:40 pm. This is the second batch of deportees, following 104 Indians sent back on February 5. A third plane with 157 deportees is expected on Sunday. Most deportees are from Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat. They were restrained during the flight, sparking political debate in India. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar assured talks with the US on humane treatment. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann criticised the Centre for turning Amritsar into a “deport centre.” Many deportees had tried to enter the US for a better life.

Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visited the Taj Mahal on Saturday with his wife, Akshata Murty, mother-in-law, Sudha Murty, and daughters, Krishna and Anoushka. He praised the monument, calling it a "breathtaking visit" and an "unforgettable experience." Sunak and his family signed the visitor book and greeted the crowd with folded hands. Security was tight as people gathered to see them. Earlier, Sunak attended a cricket match in Mumbai and the Jaipur Literature Festival. He served as UK Prime Minister from 2022 to 2024 and previously worked in business and finance before joining politics.

A Johns Hopkins University study found Punjabi speakers made up 66% of Indian asylum-seekers in the US from 2001-2022. However, between 2017-2022, Hindi-speaking asylum claims rose by 30%. The US has intensified deportations, with 104 undocumented Indians sent back on February 5 and more flights expected. Indian asylum claims surged 470% in five years, from 6,000 in 2020 to 51,000 in 2023. Economic hardship and changing immigration policies drive this trend. The US has also shut down the CBP One app, canceling 300,000 migrant appointments.

During a panel discussion, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar strongly responded to a US Senator’s comment that "democracy doesn’t put food on the table." Showing the ink stain on his finger from a recent vote, he stated, "This is the mark of a person who just voted," highlighting the tangible influence of democracy. He contended that active participation in democracy empowers individuals, fosters economic growth, and enhances living standards. Jaishankar’s pointed counter-argument reinforced India’s dedication to democratic principles, disputing the notion that democracy and economic prosperity are distinct from one another. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the United States marked a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations with President Donald Trump. The leaders discussed enhancing trade and defense cooperation, aiming to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. They also explored opportunities in sectors like artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and strategic minerals. In defense, plans were unveiled to increase U.S. military sales to India, including potential F-35 aircraft. Additionally, both leaders emphasized deepening security collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region.    

    India and the US aim to finalize a trade deal by fall 2025, focusing on reducing import duties and non-tariff barriers. The agreement targets enhancing bilateral trade, particularly in textiles, leather, and industrial goods. India seeks to boost imports of US oil, gas, and defense products to address trade deficits, while also negotiating lower duties on US products like whiskey and wine. Both nations will work together to increase exports, and India is exploring services and visa arrangements, though these may face domestic challenges in the US.    

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump are set to discuss expanding nuclear energy cooperation during Modi's visit to the U.S. India aims to increase its nuclear power capacity to 100 gigawatts by 2047, addressing energy needs and climate goals. The U.S. is expected to assist by investing in clean, reliable nuclear technology. Additionally, India plans to amend its nuclear liability laws to attract foreign and private investments, facilitating the construction of small modular reactors.        

In a recent summit, PM Modi and President Trump emphasized the strengthening of India-US ties, focusing on trade, technology, and counterterrorism. The leaders discussed tackling issues like illegal immigration, organized crime, and cross-border terrorism, especially from Pakistan. The partnership in the Indo-Pacific and tech cooperation was highlighted, with the launch of initiatives like TRUST to foster advancements in AI, defense, and quantum computing. Notably, the Russia-Ukraine conflict was absent from their discussions, shifting the spotlight away from geopolitical tensions toward mutual economic interests and security.

President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose reciprocal tariffs on countries like China, Brazil, France, the European Union, and India to address trade imbalances and enhance U.S. industry competitiveness. This approach involves matching tariffs imposed by other nations on U.S. goods, aiming to "restore fairness" in trade relationships. While the U.S. average tariff is 5%, the White House reports that India's average is 39%, with specific products like motorcycles facing duties up to 100%. Experts view these tariff threats as a strategic negotiating tool, though concerns about potential price increases in the U.S. persist.