UK companies will now have unprecedented access to India’s $38bn government procurement market under last month’s India-UK free trade agreement. The deal allows British firms to bid for contracts in strategic sectors like transport, green energy, and infrastructure, treating them nearly on par with Indian suppliers. Goods with at least 20% UK input will qualify, opening opportunities from rural roads to IT systems. However, experts warn of hurdles, including higher pricing, delayed payments, and tough contract enforcement. Despite challenges, the move marks a major policy shift, signalling India’s willingness to open traditionally protected sectors to foreign competition. (PC: BBC)

An Indian man in Dublin’s Fairview Park was assaulted by three teenagers on August 10, sustaining a deep cut above his eye that required eight stitches. The attackers kicked, punched, and struck him with his own metal water bottle. Traumatised, he plans to return to India, joining others in the Indian community fearful after recent racist attacks. The Ireland India Council condemned the “brutal assault” and urged urgent action by police. The Indian Embassy has advised citizens to take safety precautions following rising violence in Dublin. The victim’s parents urged his return, and his university may allow him to finish studies online. (PC: News18)

A Hindu temple in Greenwood, Indiana, was defaced on August 10, marking the fourth such attack on BAPS temples in the US within a year. The Indian Consulate in Chicago condemned the “reprehensible” desecration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple’s main signboard and urged vigilance against miscreants. Consul General met devotees, local leaders, and the Mayor, calling for unity and solidarity. The temple administration termed it a “hate crime” that strengthened community resolve. US Congressman Nick LaLota condemned the incident, stressing accountability for religiously motivated crimes. The attack comes just days before Krishna Janmashtami, echoing similar desecrations in California earlier this year. (PC: NDTV)

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has threatened India over the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, warning New Delhi would not be allowed to take “even one drop” of water meant for Pakistan. Calling the Indus waters Pakistan’s “lifeblood,” Sharif vowed “no compromise” on treaty rights. His remarks follow similar threats from Army Chief Asim Munir, who recently warned of nuclear war, and politician Bilawal Bhutto. India suspended the 1960 treaty in May after the Pahalgam terror attack, accusing Pakistan of supporting terrorism. New Delhi plans to build a major 1,856 MW hydroelectric project on the Chenab without Pakistan’s approval. (PC: NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to meet US President Donald Trump in New York next month during the United Nations General Assembly to address escalating trade tensions. The meeting would be their second this year, following Modi’s February White House visit. Key issues include the stalled India-US trade deal, Trump’s 50% tariffs on Indian goods—imposed partly over Russian oil imports—and US pressure on New Delhi to reduce those purchases. Modi is also expected to meet Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. If talks go well, Modi may invite Trump to India for the October QUAD summit with Japan and Australia. (PC: India Today)

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has informed a New York federal court that it remains unable to serve legal summons to Gautam Adani, his nephew Sagar Adani, and the Adani Group, citing delays by Indian authorities despite six months of attempts under the Hague Service Convention . The civil lawsuit, filed in the Eastern District of New York in November 2024, accuses them of orchestrating a $265 million bribery scheme tied to solar power contracts, alleged securities fraud, and misleading U.S. investors . The delay in formal service has brought the legal proceedings to a standstill, prompting questions about cross-border legal cooperation and enforcement protocols. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to travel to New York in September 2025 for the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), with his speaking slot scheduled for the morning of September 26 . On the sidelines, a bilateral meeting with President Donald Trump is anticipated, aimed at resolving escalating trade tensions, especially the newly imposed 50% U.S. tariffs on Indian goods tied to its Russian oil imports . High-level conversations may also include Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy, highlighting the diplomatic stakes amid strained India–U.S. relations . This visit follows Modi’s February 2025 White House meeting with Trump and represents a strategic effort to mend friction and advance a bilateral trade agreement before end-of-October targets. (PC: AFP)

India and China are poised to restart direct passenger flights as early as September 2025, ending a suspension that began with the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 . Indian carriers, including Air India and IndiGo, have been instructed to prepare for short-notice service launches . The decision is expected to be formally announced during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit at the end of August in Tianjin, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi may engage with President Xi Jinping . This move is seen as a significant diplomatic overture aimed at resetting relations between the two populous nations. (PC: AFP)

India is closely watching the upcoming meeting between former US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, as the US prepares to impose an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports. The tariffs, announced in retaliation for India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, are set to take effect soon. New Delhi hopes the talks will lead to progress in resolving the Russia-Ukraine war, easing geopolitical tensions and trade pressures. Officials fear the duties could hit key export sectors, including textiles and engineering goods, and are exploring diplomatic channels to avert the economic blow while safeguarding energy security. (PC: News18)

Irish President Michael D Higgins has strongly condemned the recent surge in violent attacks against the Indian community, calling them “despicable” and contrary to Ireland’s values. His statement followed the assault of a six-year-old Indian girl, one of several racist incidents reported in recent weeks. Higgins praised the Indian diaspora for its “immense contribution” to Irish society in healthcare, culture, business, and more, calling their presence a “source of enrichment.” He urged unity against ignorance and malice. Ireland’s Deputy PM Simon Harris also condemned the violence, as the Indian embassy issued advisories and helplines amid the rising hate crimes. (PC: HT)