INDIA CHINA Connect

From October 1, 2025, India will replace paper disembarkation forms with a digital e-Arrival Card for foreign travellers.

India has launched its first trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) bloc, comprising Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Iceland. Operational from October 1, the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) ties market access to $100 billion in investments over 15 years, creating potential for one million jobs. With 80–85% tariff cuts, it prioritizes industrial growth and positions India for deeper economic ties with Europe, despite existing tr

A Lancet study predicts a 75% rise in global cancer deaths by 2050, with lower-income nations facing the highest burden. India’s cancer rates have surged 26.4% since 1990, though still below global averages. Over 40% of cancer deaths are tied to modifiable risks like tobacco use. Wealthier countries show declining rates, while resource-poor regions struggle with rising cases. Urgent global efforts are needed to address disparities and improve prevention and care.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump reconnected after months of strained relations, marking a potential diplomatic reset. The September 16 call, coinciding with Modi’s 75th birthday, followed trade tensions over tariffs and India’s Russian oil imports. The leaders expressed mutual goodwill, aligning with resumed trade talks in New Delhi. Modi’s acceptance of Trump’s call signals readiness to re-engage while maintaining strategic autonomy, foste

China has promised to protect its companies in the US while working to stabilize trade relations with Washington. At a New York meeting, Commerce Minister Wang Wentao urged Chinese firms to adopt diversified strategies amid rising protectionism. Highlighting progress from recent trade talks, Wang emphasized mutual cooperation and warned against harmful price competition. The pledge follows high-level US-China engagement, with the upcoming APEC summit set to shape future trade

India’s strong domestic growth and minimal export reliance make it a global economic bright spot, JPMorgan’s Sjoerd Leenart said. Despite challenges like US tariffs and H-1B visa fees impacting trade and jobs, India’s skilled workforce continues to attract investment, with global firms expanding operations. JPMorgan highlighted India’s booming IPO market and its strategic importance, projecting resilience and long-term promise amid global uncertainties.

Indian academics excelled in the 2025 Stanford/Elsevier Top 2% Scientist Rankings, with 6,239 faculty members in the single-year list and 3,372 in the career-long category. IITs led with 755 researchers, followed by NITs (330) and IISc (117). Diverse institutions like AIIMS, ICAR, and private universities also featured prominently. Spanning 174 subfields, the rankings highlight India's growing research impact across disciplines, cementing its place in global academic excellen

India’s strategic diplomacy is highlighted by Russia reaffirming its enduring ties with New Delhi, President Trump revising his stance on mediating the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the US resuming trade talks with India. Moscow praises India’s resilience against Western pressures, while Washington acknowledges India’s pivotal role in trade and geopolitics. Balancing relationships with both powers, India asserts its autonomy and strengthens its position as a key player in the

Countries worldwide are leveraging residency programmes, such as "Golden Visas," to attract wealthy Indians and skilled professionals, boosting their economies and global influence. These programmes offer benefits like global mobility, education, and healthcare while fostering economic ties. However, India's talent migration poses challenges like brain drain and capital flight. By embracing its diaspora as a strategic asset, India can balance domestic growth with global engag

China is emerging as a global science leader, drawing top researchers from the US due to its vast investments and attractive opportunities. Challenges like funding cuts, immigration hurdles, and political pressures in the US have intensified this trend. High-profile departures, including Nobel laureates and top academics, reflect China's growing appeal. Meanwhile, programs like the controversial "China Initiative" have further pushed talent away, reshaping the global research

In 2025, Indian students are increasingly diversifying their study-abroad destinations. While the US, UK, Canada, and Australia remain popular, nearly half are exploring European alternatives like Germany, Ireland, and the Netherlands due to lower costs and better work opportunities. US visa challenges and Canada’s restrictions are driving this shift, while the UK and Australia gain traction with favorable policies. Secondary migration and broader global mobility trends also

European economists urge a strategic industrial focus, advising Europe to prioritize sectors like defense and robotics while conceding mature industries like solar panels to China, where competition is unwinnable. They call for a technology-for-market approach, encouraging Chinese investment in areas like batteries with technology-sharing agreements. France and Germany aim to strengthen Europe’s battery industry and competitiveness, focusing on critical sectors to ensure econ

At the UNHRC, Indian diplomat Kshitij Tyagi sharply rebuked Switzerland for its comments on India’s minority rights and freedom of expression, calling the claims “shallow and ill-informed.” Tyagi urged Switzerland to address its own issues, such as racism and xenophobia. Additionally, he criticized Pakistan as a “failed state” spreading falsehoods. India reaffirmed its commitment to pluralism and sovereignty, rejecting baseless external narratives and interference in its inte

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Japan highlighted the deepening India-Japan partnership. His symbolic Shinkansen ride with Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba reflected mutual respect and camaraderie. The visit focused on enhancing ties in defense, technology, and economic cooperation, with Modi inviting Japanese businesses to "Make in India." A key moment was touring a semiconductor facility in Miyagi Prefecture, signaling a strategic commitment to technological collaboration

India’s participation in the SCO Summit in Tianjin marked a pivotal moment in global geopolitics, showcasing its strategic autonomy and leadership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s partnership with Russia, emphasized terrorism concerns, and resisted U.S. tariffs on Indian goods. Modi’s camaraderie with Vladimir Putin and dialogue with Xi Jinping symbolized a rising Asian axis. India’s firm stance on global issues, including the Ukraine conflict and Pakistan’s t

India is negotiating a $500 billion project to build one million homes in Australia, aiming to address the country’s housing shortage. Union Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted plans to train Indian workers in Australia for this initiative and proposed UAE-backed financing. Beyond this, India is advancing global trade ties, including agreements with Oman, New Zealand, and the EU, while addressing U.S. tariffs. With partnerships spanning South America, South Africa, and Eastern

Prime Minister Modi, addressing the World Leaders Forum, highlighted Bharat's economic resilience and rapid growth, soon to be the world's third-largest economy. He emphasized reforms driving fiscal stability, job creation, and technological advancements, including 5G, space exploration, and semiconductor production. Highlighting Bharat's achievements in non-fossil energy, exports, and research, he showcased the nation's self-reliance and commitment to becoming a developed na

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) will hold its largest-ever summit in Tianjin, China, from August 31 to September 1, featuring 20 global leaders, including Indian PM Narendra Modi. As this year’s rotating chair, China aims to highlight its global influence. Key attendees include Presidents Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, alongside UN leaders. The summit will focus on cooperation, security, and development, with major agreements expected. A mil

India and Russia are bolstering their longstanding partnership by addressing trade imbalances, enhancing cooperation in energy, agriculture, and technology, and increasing Indian exports. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar highlighted strategic autonomy in energy procurement, defending India’s purchase of discounted Russian oil despite global criticism. He rejected U.S. allegations of profiteering, emphasizing India's decisions prioritize national and global interest

India has reiterated its commitment to protecting domestic interests as trade talks with the US continue amidst escalating tariffs. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that negotiations remain active but highlighted non-negotiable “red lines” to safeguard farmers and small producers. The dispute stems from India’s refusal to open its agricultural and dairy sectors, despite $190 billion in bilateral trade. With US tariffs on Indian goods reaching up to 50%, Comm