The Taliban seeks to reopen its embassy in New Delhi, a move India is approaching with caution. Despite ongoing diplomatic discussions, the Indian government remains cautious given the Taliban's rule in Afghanistan and its impact on regional security. While India continues to engage diplomatically with Afghanistan, it has refrained from recognizing the Taliban government officially. India is monitoring developments closely, with a focus on safeguarding national interests and regional stability before making any formal decisions regarding the embassy reopening.    

On February 15, 2025, a U.S. military aircraft transported 119 Indian nationals deported for illegal immigration, landing at Amritsar's Sri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport. This marks the second such deportation flight, following a previous arrival of 104 individuals on February 5. The deportees, primarily from Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat, had entered the U.S. illegally over the years. Upon arrival, they underwent thorough verification and medical examinations before being escorted to their respective home states. This operation is part of the U.S. administration's intensified efforts to address illegal immigration.   

At the Munich Security Conference, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that Indian democracy has only expanded over the past 75 years, with greater numbers of voters, especially by women. In response to alarm over democratic backsliding, Jaishankar indicated that the political system has shown it has staying power. In issues confronting the world, he advocated diplomatic solutions to conflict and diversified international supply chains so economic risks are mitigated. Jaishankar also advocated greater trade relations between the European Union and India, affirming Indian commitment to international relations and stability.  

During a White House meeting, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Donald Trump committed to fighting human trafficking and illegal immigration. Modi emphasized dismantling migrant exploitation rings and committed Indian support toward repatriation. Both sides underscored Indian students' economic contributions in the United States and explored widening legal routes for migration. Modi also suggested increased law enforcement coordination aimed at dismantling trafficking rings. The meeting strengthened United States-India coordination toward addressing immigration issues, targeting enforcement, as well as fostering lawful opportunities for migration.  

India is giving the United States' offer to sell F-35 fighter planes very serious consideration, ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi met United States President Donald Trump. The Indian Air Force has plans to modernize, but there are concerns regarding logistic complexities, very high price, and delay due to F-35’s global supply chain and backlogs. The indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project by India also indicates its quest for defence technological independence. An Indian defence procurement dilemma has always been finding an equilibrium between operational requirements over the near term versus strategic independence over the longer term.  

CNN’s Will Ripley praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s negotiations with Donald Trump as “a masterclass for other world leaders.” Trump announced reciprocal tariffs hours before meeting Modi, a move Ripley noted could have embarrassed India’s leader. However, both sides secured what Ripley called “the best possible outcome.” Trump, who previously criticized India’s tariffs, cited past issues like Harley-Davidson’s struggles in India. The Republican leader’s new tariff plans target multiple countries, but implementation remains uncertain. Experts are assessing the potential impact on India’s trade.

India has rejected US President Donald Trump’s offer to mediate in its border dispute with China, reaffirming its stance on bilateral resolution. After meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump expressed willingness to help resolve tensions between New Delhi and Beijing. However, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri dismissed third-party intervention, stating, “We have always adopted a bilateral approach.” Trump acknowledged ongoing skirmishes and China’s global influence while calling for global cooperation. India and China remain engaged in negotiations following the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes, with troop withdrawals and diplomatic talks continuing to ease tensions.

US flight carrying 119 illegal Indian immigrants is set to land in Amritsar on February 15. This follows the deportation of 104 Indians last week, who were sent back in shackles, sparking controversy. The deportees are from Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, and other states. The Trump administration has intensified its crackdown on illegal immigration. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann questioned why Amritsar was chosen for the landing, calling it an attempt to defame the state. Meanwhile, PM Modi stated that India will take back all illegal immigrants and tackle human trafficking networks.

India has reduced tariffs on bourbon whiskey from 150% to 100%. This move follows US President Donald Trump's remarks about India’s high taxes on American goods. The new tariff includes a 50% basic duty and an additional 50% levy. The change benefits US brands like Jim Beam but does not apply to other liquors. Experts see this as a step to ease trade tensions with the US. India’s liquor industry welcomes the decision, saying it may improve trade. The US is the largest exporter of bourbon to India, supplying nearly one-fourth of its total bourbon imports.

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's U.S. visit, he met with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to discuss collaboration in space exploration, mobility, technology, and innovation. Musk expressed interest in launching his Starlink satellite internet service in India, despite facing regulatory challenges and competition from domestic telecom companies. Additionally, Musk plans to introduce Tesla electric vehicles to the Indian market, aiming to contribute to India's goal of increasing electric vehicle sales by 30% by 2030.