Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said India and the United States are “very close” to finalising a proposed trade deal but stressed that New Delhi will proceed only if it secures a competitive tariff advantage over rival economies. Speaking during a three-day visit to London focused on implementation of the India-UK free trade agreement, Goyal said a trade pact must deliver better market access than competing nations receive. He noted that discussions with Washington are centred on creating a legally sustainable framework that grants India preferential tariff treatment. The minister added that the proposed arrangement remains attractive because India currently enjoys an 18% competitive margin over several regional competitors. (PC: AP)

India’s newly appointed High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, formally assumed office in Dhaka and announced the resumption of travel visas for Bangladeshi nationals. Visa applications will be accepted from June 28, marking a significant step in restoring people-to-people exchanges between the two neighbouring countries. The announcement came after Trivedi presented his credentials to Mohammed Shahabuddin, officially beginning his diplomatic tenure. The 76-year-old BJP leader’s appointment signals a renewed focus on bilateral engagement. The Union government has also accorded Trivedi the status of a Union Minister for ceremonial functions, underscoring the importance attached to India-Bangladesh relations and cooperation.

For the first time, Canada's intelligence agency has publicly acknowledged that Canada-based Khalistani extremists were responsible for the 1985 Air India Flight 182 bombing, also known as the Kanishka tragedy. The attack killed all 329 people on board and remains Canada's deadliest terrorist attack. In a statement marking the 41st anniversary of the bombing, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) said the attack shaped the agency's development and strengthened its efforts to counter terrorism. The statement is seen as a significant shift in Canada's official stance on an attack that has long affected India-Canada relations. (PC: India Today)

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has clarified that an Indian passport is primarily a travel document and not conclusive proof of Indian citizenship. The clarification has sparked questions about which documents establish citizenship. Officials said there is no single document that automatically proves citizenship for every Indian. While passports, Aadhaar cards, voter ID cards and driving licences are important identity documents, they do not by themselves establish citizenship. In certain cases, birth certificates, citizenship certificates, or documents supporting citizenship under the Citizenship Act may be required. The MEA said the clarification reflects existing legal provisions and is not a change in policy. (PC: India Today)

Amazon will invest a total of $48 billion in India by 2030, strengthening its long-term commitment to the country's digital economy. The announcement came after Amazon CEO Andy Jassy met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. As part of the plan, the company will invest an additional $13 billion to expand artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud infrastructure through Amazon Web Services (AWS). The investment will boost data centre capacity in Mumbai and Hyderabad, providing advanced AI and cloud services for startups, businesses and government organisations. Amazon said its cumulative investments in India from 2010 to 2030 will exceed $88 billion, supporting innovation, jobs and economic growth. (PC: HT)

India and the European Union reaffirmed their commitment to promoting and protecting human rights during the 12th EU-India Human Rights Dialogue in New Delhi. Officials reviewed progress since the previous meeting in 2025 and discussed civil, political, economic and cultural rights, gender equality, LGBTQI+ rights, child rights and freedom of expression. Both sides also exchanged views on trustworthy artificial intelligence, humanitarian assistance and global cooperation. While the EU reiterated its opposition to the death penalty, India stressed that the Right to Development should be recognised as a universal human right. The next dialogue is scheduled for 2027. (PC: NDTV)

An Air India flight from Delhi to Amritsar briefly entered Pakistani airspace on June 22 while executing a go-around during landing at Amritsar airport. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft crossed into Pakistan’s airspace during radar vectoring after commencing its approach. The regulator has initiated interim action against both the Amritsar air traffic controller and the airline’s operating crew for failing to report the incident. Air India acknowledged that flight AI479 “marginally infringed” Pakistani airspace while manoeuvring during the aborted landing attempt. The incident has triggered regulatory scrutiny, with authorities examining procedural compliance and reporting lapses surrounding the airspace violation. (PC: X)

India and the United States concluded multiple rounds of ministerial-level negotiations on an interim trade deal, with Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer reporting “substantial progress” toward a broader bilateral trade agreement (BTA). Discussions focused on finalising an interim pact as a stepping stone to the comprehensive BTA envisioned under “Mission 500,” which targets bilateral trade of $500 billion by 2030. While most issues have reportedly been resolved, negotiators are still working on a tariff framework for Indian exports to the US market. Both sides reaffirmed commitment to deepening economic cooperation in technology, AI, manufacturing and trade, despite no agreement being signed yet.

Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is showing signs of recovery, with 30 India-bound ships successfully crossing the strategic waterway while 26 vessels of Indian interest remain in the Persian Gulf awaiting transit. According to shipping ministry sources, nearly half of the ships that crossed were carrying LPG and LNG, alongside crude oil and bulk cargo. Officials attributed the improvement to easing tensions following the Iran-US memorandum of understanding. Of the vessels still awaiting passage, three carry energy cargo, ten transport fertilisers, and thirteen carry other goods. As nearly one-fifth of global energy supplies pass through the Strait of Hormuz, uninterrupted shipping remains crucial for India’s energy security. (PC: Reuters)

A London court has ordered fugitive businessman Nirav Modi to pay $10.7 million (around ₹100 crore) to Bank of India. The case relates to loans given to Dubai-based Diamond FZE, a company owned by Modi. Judge Simon Tinkler ruled that Modi was liable under a personal guarantee he signed for the loans. The court rejected Modi’s arguments that the guarantee was not enforceable. Modi is currently lodged in a UK prison and is fighting extradition to India. He is wanted in connection with the Punjab National Bank fraud case and other financial crime investigations. (PC: ANI)