Ramayana routes and maritime bridges: India and Southeast Asia’s living civilizational ties
By: Amish Tripathi India’s Independence Day is not only a celebration of our freedom; it is a reminder that India’s story has never been confined to the borders of the subcontinent. For millennia, the ideas, epics and aesthetics of Indian civilization have sailed
India: The Trusted First Responder
By: Ambassador Suchitra Durai When a giant wave of sea-water struck Chennai’s Marina Beach on the morning of 26 December 2004, pulling in its wake fisherfolk and a group of children playing cricket, little did their brethren know that an entire region had
Securing the Maritime Commons
By: Amb Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty India’s Peninsular geography provides a long coastline extending to the Persian Gulf in West Asia and towards South East Asia in the East. Unarguably, this was an impetus to explore the vast waters surrounding the Indian Peninsula because
India’s Clean Energy Leadership in Green Hydrogen
By: Ishita Srivastava, Research AssociateAmbassador Manjeev Singh Puri, Distinguished Fellow THE ENERGY AND RESOURCES INSTITUTE (TERI) India has become a global leader in making progress on clean energy: by the end of December 2025, non-fossil fuel sources accounted for 51.93 per cent of
No ship can safely pass Hormuz without our permission: Iranian army
Iran’s main military command, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said Thursday that no vessel can safely transit the Strait of Hormuz without permission from Iranian authorities, local media reported. A spokesman for the headquarters rejected US claims that ships were passing normally through the
Commonwealth Games 2026: India finishes fourth with 39 medals — 13 gold, 17 silver and nine bronze
India signed off from the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with an impressive haul of 39 medals — 13 gold, 17 silver and nine bronze — to finish fourth in the overall standings. The Games, held from July 23 to August 2, featured
US visa bond explained: Do Indians have to pay up to $20,000?
A new US visa bond programme has raised concerns among Indian travellers, with reports suggesting that some applicants for tourist and business visas could be required to deposit as much as $20,000 before receiving a visa. However, Indian citizens are not currently subject
Assam floods claim three more lives, death toll rises to 85
The flood situation in Assam showed signs of improvement on Sunday, August 2, but around 1.35 lakh people remain affected across five districts, while three more deaths pushed the death toll from this year’s floods to 85, according to an official bulletin. All
Trump warns Iran of ‘very hard’ strikes as tensions escalate
US President Donald Trump has warned of potentially intense new military strikes against Iran, raising concerns that the fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran could collapse and trigger another major escalation in the region. According to reports, Trump told officials during a Cabinet
US Marine officials confirm F-35B fighter jet mishap near San Diego
US Marine Corps officials have confirmed a mishap involving an F-35B fighter jet near Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar in San Diego, California. The pilot ejected safely from the aircraft and was recovered before being transported to a medical facility, according to
Japan earthquake death toll rises to 34 as rescue operations continue
The death toll from the powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck southwestern Japan has risen to 34, authorities in Kumamoto prefecture said on Friday, July 31, 2026. Six other people remain seriously injured as rescue and recovery operations continue across the quake-hit region.
Migrant worker killed, another injured in suspected terror attack in J&K’s Kulgam
A migrant worker was killed and another injured after suspected terrorists opened fire on non-local labourers in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Friday evening, July 31, 2026, according to preliminary reports. The incident took place after sundown, when the attackers allegedly targeted the
US lawmaker revives bill to create Green Card pathway for H-1B visa holders
A Democratic lawmaker has reintroduced legislation aimed at creating a pathway to lawful permanent residency for millions of H-1B visa holders, renewing efforts to address the long-standing employment-based Green Card backlog in the United States. The proposed legislation seeks to provide greater certainty
US commander urged Trump to pause Iran strikes after campaign reached limits
President Donald Trump reportedly halted plans for further military strikes against Iran after receiving advice from the top U.S. military commander overseeing operations in the Middle East, who concluded that the bombing campaign had largely achieved its objectives. According to reports, Trump had
Several killed after powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake strikes southern Japan
A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Japan’s southern Kumamoto Prefecture on Tuesday, leaving several people dead, dozens injured, and causing widespread damage to roads, buildings, and public infrastructure. Authorities have warned residents to remain alert as strong aftershocks continue across the region. The earthquake,
India avoids higher US tariffs, but Trump trade uncertainty keeps exporters on edge
India has avoided a steeper U.S. tariff hike after the Trump administration imposed a 10 percent duty instead of the previously anticipated 12.5 percent. While the lower rate offers temporary relief, exporters remain concerned that ongoing U.S. trade actions could create fresh challenges
Spain defeats Argentina 1-0 after extra time to lift 2026 FIFA World Cup
Spain claimed its second FIFA World Cup title with a dramatic 1-0 victory over defending champion Argentina after extra time in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium near New York on Sunday. Substitute Ferran Torres emerged as the hero, scoring
Four Indians killed, one critically injured after missile attack on cargo ship at Ukraine’s Odesa port
Four Indian nationals were killed and another remains in critical condition after a commercial cargo vessel came under missile attack while departing Ukraine’s Odesa port, prompting India to strongly condemn the strike and call for the protection of civilian shipping. According to the
Partners in progress Elad Strohmayer on India, Israel and a changing Middle East
As the Middle East undergoes one of its most consequential strategic realignments in decades, the relationship between India and Israel is entering a new phase shaped by shared security concerns, technological collaboration, and expanding economic opportunities. Against the backdrop of shifting regional dynamics
Iran billboard depicting Trump in coffin escalates anti-US rhetoric amid regional tensions
A controversial billboard unveiled in Tehran has intensified international attention as tensions between Iran and the United States continue to rise. The massive display, installed in Enghelab Square, portrays US President Donald Trump lying in an open black coffin alongside the message, “We