Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Economic Advisory Council member Sanjeev Sanyal said Kolkata’s revival is essential for reducing India’s east-west economic gap and driving growth in Eastern India. Speaking at an event on state economies, Sanyal said West Bengal’s share in the national economy has fallen from around 11% after Partition to nearly 5.5% today. He said Kolkata was once a major industrial and financial centre, but its decline slowed the entire eastern region. Sanyal added that rebuilding Kolkata’s industrial strength and improving links with global supply chains would help Eastern India grow faster and support India’s long-term economic goals.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to visit India from May 24–26 for bilateral discussions and the upcoming Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. According to reports, Rubio will meet S. Jaishankar, Ajit Doval, and call on Narendra Modi. The visit comes amid efforts to stabilise India-US relations following friction over tariffs and sanctions. Sergio Gor said Washington values its growing strategic partnership with India. The Quad meeting is expected to focus on Indo-Pacific security, economic coordination, and regional geopolitical challenges. (PC: AP)

On the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army released a video calling India’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack “resolute, calibrated and precise.” The operation, launched on May 7 last year, targeted nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including bases linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. India said over 100 terrorists were eliminated. The strikes triggered a brief military escalation with Pakistan before a ceasefire understanding on May 10. Narendra Modi later described Operation Sindoor as India’s “new normal” against terrorism.

Bangladesh has expressed concern over potential migrant pushbacks following recent electoral developments in India, particularly in West Bengal and Assam. Officials in Dhaka said they hope no such incidents occur but have placed border forces on heightened alert as a precaution. Authorities are closely monitoring the frontier for any unusual movement or enforcement actions. The development reflects sensitivities around cross-border migration and bilateral coordination. While no confirmed pushbacks have been reported, the situation underscores the need for careful handling of border management amid shifting political dynamics. (PC: PIB)

Narendra Modi and To Lam elevated India–Vietnam relations to an enhanced comprehensive strategic partnership, setting a $25 billion trade target by 2030. During talks in New Delhi, both sides signed 13 agreements covering digital payments, rare earth minerals, pharmaceuticals, education, banking, and culture. The move aims to deepen cooperation across economic and strategic sectors amid evolving geopolitical challenges. Defence collaboration and supply chain resilience were also key focus areas. The upgraded partnership signals stronger bilateral alignment and reflects both nations’ intent to expand engagement across critical and emerging domains.

The Pakistan Navy assisted an Indian vessel, MV Gautam, stranded in the Arabian Sea after a critical power failure. Responding to a distress alert relayed by Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, Pakistan deployed PMSS Kashmir with support from the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency. The crew including six Indians and one Indonesian received food, medical aid, and technical assistance. The vessel, drifting without propulsion, posed navigational risks. Indian authorities, including the Coast Guard, coordinated follow-up measures, urging towing arrangements. The episode highlights cross-border maritime cooperation despite broader geopolitical tensions in the region.

Former Norwegian minister Erik Solheim praised India’s democratic system after the BJP’s victories in West Bengal and Assam. In a post on X, Solheim said the world should “celebrate Indian democracy” instead of fearing it. He highlighted the high voter turnout and said elections in India are held on a scale much bigger than most Western nations. Solheim also defended Prime Minister Narendra Modi against criticism from sections of Western media. He said India’s democracy is deeply linked to its traditions and history. Solheim added that election results in India are accepted across the political system.

Indian journalist Suparna Sharma and graphic artist Anand RK have won the 2026 Pulitzer Prize for Illustrated Reporting and Commentary for trAPPed, a graphic investigation published by Bloomberg. The report, created with senior investigative reporter Natalie Obiko Pearson, explored the growing threat of “digital arrest” scams through the story of an Indian neurologist allegedly trapped by online fraudsters. The Pulitzer Board announced the winners at Columbia University in New York, recognising the project’s powerful blend of visual storytelling and investigative journalism. (PC: X)

Bangladesh’s ruling BNP has welcomed the BJP’s victory in West Bengal, expressing hope that the long-pending Teesta water-sharing agreement may now move forward. BNP Information Secretary Azizul Baree Helal accused the former Mamata Banerjee-led government of blocking the Teesta pact over state water concerns. He said the BJP’s win under Suvendu Adhikari could improve coordination with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government and strengthen India-Bangladesh ties. The Teesta agreement has remained unresolved for years despite repeated negotiations, with Bangladesh seeking a larger share of river waters for farming and livelihoods. (PC: India Today)

Donald Trump congratulated Narendra Modi on a “historic, decisive” victory after the Bharatiya Janata Party won 206 seats in the 294-member West Bengal Legislative Assembly, crossing the majority mark. The win ends over a decade of Trinamool Congress dominance. Suvendu Adhikari secured key victories in Bhabanipur and Nandigram, defeating Mamata Banerjee by 15,105 votes. The election saw record turnout above 90% across phases. The result signals a major political shift in Bengal, with BJP set to form its first government in the state. (PC: X)