India continues engaging with the United States to conclude the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed Thursday. This follows recent US trade deals with China, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asian nations during APEC and ASEAN summits. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal assured talks progress cordially but emphasized no agreement until farmers', fishermen's, and MSME sectors' interests are protected. The BTA aims boosting bilateral trade from $191 billion to $500 billion by 2030, with October-November 2025 deadline for the first tranche. Five negotiation rounds completed, despite Trump's 50% tariffs on India and 100% levy on branded pharmaceuticals. Trump praised India for reducing Russian oil purchases, calling New Delhi "very good" on the issue.

India launched Trishul, a massive 12-day tri-service military exercise along the Pakistan border Thursday, its first war games since Operation Sindoor six months ago. The exercise deploys special forces, Rafale and Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets, T-90 battle tanks, BrahMos missiles, warships, and attack helicopters across Gujarat and Rajasthan, focusing on Kutch region. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warned Pakistan against claiming Indian territory near Sir Creek, threatening responses that would alter "history and geography." NDTV reports Trishul sends a clear message: India stands ready to defend its territory and resume Operation Sindoor if necessary. Pakistan responded by shutting most airspace sectors. The exercise involves Army Para SF commandos, Navy MARCOS, and Air Force Garud units, running until November 10.

An Indian-origin woman confronted US Vice President JD Vance at University of Mississippi over the Trump administration's restrictive immigration policies. She challenged Vance's stance on limiting legal immigrants, questioning how authorities could betray those who came "by the book" after spending their youth and wealth pursuing the American dream. "How can you tell us we don't belong here anymore?" she demanded, receiving loud applause. Vance defended stricter vetting to protect America's "social fabric," arguing against accepting millions annually despite individual contributions. The woman also questioned how Vance's interfaith marriage to a Hindu woman shaped his views. Vance cited Christian beliefs while respecting his wife's free will. The viral exchange highlights growing tensions over legal immigration policies.

India has asked the US for more information on 26/11 Mumbai terror accused Tahawwur Rana through the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty. The NIA said new evidence was found after questioning Rana, who was extradited from the US in April this year. Investigators believe he may be linked to other terror plots across India. Rana, a close associate of David Headley, is accused of helping plan and support the 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people. He is now in Tihar Jail under judicial custody, and his voice and handwriting samples have been collected for further probe. (PC: The Indian Express)

India confirmed that the US has given a six-month exemption from sanctions on Iran’s Chabahar Port. The move applies from October 29, the Ministry of External Affairs said. The port is key for India’s trade and aid to Afghanistan. India signed a 10-year deal last year to invest $370 million in Chabahar. Talks between India and the US on a major trade deal are also continuing. The MEA said India is studying the impact of new US sanctions on Russian oil firms and will act based on its energy needs and market conditions. (PC: NDTV)

The Trump administration has ended automatic extensions of US work permits, a move likely to affect thousands of Indian professionals and their families. The new rule by the Department of Homeland Security means workers must stop working if their Employment Authorisation Document (EAD) renewals are not approved before expiry. Until now, renewals were automatically extended for up to 540 days. The change impacts H-1B visa holders, H-4 spouses, and students on OPT. Officials say the move strengthens “national security,” but immigration experts warn it could cause mass job losses among Indians already facing long green card backlogs. (PC: HT)

India secured an extension of the US sanctions waiver for Iran's Chabahar Port operations until early 2026, ensuring continuity for New Delhi's crucial regional connectivity project. The waiver, expiring Tuesday, allows India Ports Global Limited to continue developing the Shahid Beheshti Terminal despite Trump's maximum pressure policy on Iran. The extension provides relief for India's humanitarian aid deliveries to Afghanistan, bypassing Pakistan, and maintaining access routes to Central Asian countries like Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. In 2024, India signed a 10-year operational contract for the terminal. The port integrates with the International North-South Transport Corridor linking India, Iran, Russia, and Central Asia. Since 2018, Chabahar has repeatedly received waivers recognizing its strategic and humanitarian value. (PC: X) 

Pakistan-Afghanistan peace talks in Istanbul collapsed after four days when Pakistan admitted permitting US drone operations from its territory. Afghan negotiators demanded written commitment to halt airspace violations and foreign drone flights, offering to prevent Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan operations in return. Pakistani delegates initially showed willingness but reversed after a phone call "likely from high command," admitting they had "no control" over US drones under a secret agreement. Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif falsely blamed India for sabotaging talks, claiming "Delhi controls Kabul." The breakdown follows a fragile ceasefire after September-October border clashes killed over 200 people. Afghanistan's Defence Minister warned any fresh airspace violations would face "reciprocal response." (PC: Hindustan Times) 

The US Department of Homeland Security ended automatic Employment Authorization Document (EAD) renewals for migrant workers effective October 30, 2025, impacting thousands of foreign employees, particularly Indians. Under the new rule, immigrants filing EAD renewals no longer receive automatic extensions, replacing Biden-era policy allowing 540-day work continuity. The Trump administration cited enhanced vetting for "public safety and national security" as justification. USCIS Director Joseph Edlow called working in America a "privilege, not a right." Immigrants must now file renewals 180 days before expiration to avoid employment lapses. The move follows Trump's September decision raising H-1B visa fees to $100,000 and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis ordering universities to prioritize American workers over H-1B visa holders. (PC: The Economic Times) 

India strongly rejected a UN report on Myanmar's human rights situation, denouncing it as "blinkered and baseless analysis." Lok Sabha MP Dilip Saikia dismissed claims by UN Special Rapporteur Thomas H Andrews linking the April 2025 Pahalgam terrorist attack to displaced Myanmar nationals in India, calling them without "factual basis whatsoever." The UN expert alleged refugees faced harassment and detention threats post-attack, despite no Myanmar nationals' involvement. Saikia urged the UN to avoid "unverified media reports" maligning India, emphasizing the nation's 200 million Muslims living harmoniously. India reiterated concerns about Myanmar's deteriorating situation affecting cross-border security, including drug trafficking and radicalization, while supporting a "Myanmar-owned" democratic peace process and continuing humanitarian operations.