PM Modi and VP Vance Accelerate India-U.S. Trade Talks Amid Tariff Pause, Aims to Finalize Trade Deal Before July Deadline

Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 02:13pm on 21 Apr 2025,Monday India Global

U.S. Vice President JD Vance met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi during his four-day visit, focusing on advancing a bilateral trade deal amid a U.S.-China trade war. The meeting, followed by delegation-level talks, coincides with the Trump administration's 90-day pause on new tariffs for India, providing a window to finalize a mutually beneficial agreement. India seeks increased U.S. investments in technology, manufacturing, automobiles, and energy sectors. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to visit Washington for IMF meetings and further trade discussions. India emphasizes that any deal must address its concerns and not be rushed, aiming for completion by end of July. (PC: NDTV & Rediff)

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JD Vance Arrives at PM Modi's Residence, Talks to Begin Shortly

Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 02:03pm on 21 Apr 2025,Monday India Global

U.S. Vice President JD Vance commenced a four-day official visit to India on April 21, 2025, accompanied by his wife, Usha Vance, and their children. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties and address trade issues amidst the Trump administration's tariff threats. Vance met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss enhancing economic and defense partnerships, with a goal to double trade to $500 billion by 2030. India is open to reducing tariffs on over half of its U.S. imports, which totaled $41.8 billion in 2024. The visit also includes cultural engagements, underscoring Vance's personal ties to India through his wife, Usha, a practicing Hindu of Indian origin.

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India Hopes to Conclude Trade Pact With US by October, Says Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 02:01pm on 21 Apr 2025,Monday India Global

India aims to finalize the first phase of a bilateral trade agreement with the U.S. by September–October 2025, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced during her U.S. visit. This initiative follows President Donald Trump's April 2 imposition of reciprocal tariffs, with a 90-day suspension granted on April 9, excluding China and Hong Kong. Sitharaman emphasized the importance of this agreement beyond tariff issues, highlighting the U.S. as one of India's largest trading partners. High-level engagements are underway, including meetings with the U.S. Treasury Secretary and the U.S. Trade Representative's office. Simultaneously, U.S. Vice President JD Vance is visiting India to discuss bilateral relations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (PC: LinkedIn)

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Who Are The Four Indian Cardinals Who Will Vote For New Pope After Francis' Death?

Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 11:24am on 21 Apr 2025,Monday India Global

Following Pope Francis's death, four Indian cardinals are eligible to vote in the upcoming papal conclave. These include Cardinal Oswald Gracias (Mumbai), Cardinal George Alencherry (Syro-Malabar Church), Cardinal Anthony Poola (Hyderabad), and Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad. Koovakad, the youngest at 51, was elevated to cardinal in December 2024 and appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue in January 2025. His prior roles include organizing Pope Francis’s international trips. Poola, the first Dalit cardinal, has focused on social welfare. Alencherry and Gracias bring extensive ecclesiastical experience. Their participation underscores India's growing influence in the Catholic Church's global leadership. (PC: AP/College Of Cardinals Report/Meta/Abaca Press/Alamy)

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Ahead of Key Trade Talks, Congress Urges Modi to Advocate for Citizens & Confront U.S. Policies Affecting Indians

Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 09:15am on 21 Apr 2025,Monday India Global

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance in Delhi, the Congress party has posed five critical questions, urging Modi to address key concerns affecting Indian citizens. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh highlighted issues such as the deportation of Indian citizens and the fear experienced by Indian students in the U.S., the undermining of the WTO's multilateral trading system, the U.S.'s withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement and the WHO, and the potential adverse effects of bilateral trade liberalization on Indian farmers, industries, and MSMEs. These questions coincide with Vance's four-day visit, during which he is accompanied by his Indian-origin wife and their three children. (PC: X Handle of PM Modi)

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Australia Tightens Student Visa Rules for Six Indian States Amid Fraud Concerns

Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 08:10am on 21 Apr 2025,Monday India Global

Australia has imposed student visa restrictions on applicants from six Indian states—Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Jammu & Kashmir—due to a surge in fraudulent applications. Reports indicate that some individuals are misusing student visas to gain residency rather than pursuing genuine education. In response, certain Australian universities have ceased accepting applications from these regions, while others have implemented stricter verification processes. This move aims to protect the integrity of Australia's education system but has caused concern among genuine Indian students and education consultants. India remains a significant source of international students for Australia, and these developments may impact bilateral educational ties and the upcoming admission cycle. (PC: Amber & Shutterstock)

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US Vice President Vance Begins Official India Visit Amid Tariff Concerns, Aiming for Strengthen Ties and Economic Relations

Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 07:23am on 21 Apr 2025,Monday India Global

US Vice President JD Vance commenced a four-day official visit to India, accompanied by his Indian-origin wife Usha and their three children. Upon arrival in Delhi, he received a ceremonial guard of honour. Vance is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to explore avenues for a bilateral trade agreement, aiming to resolve disputes and strengthen strategic cooperation. His itinerary includes stops in Jaipur and a visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra. The visit carries symbolic significance, combining diplomacy with cultural outreach, and reaffirms both nations’ commitment to deeper economic collaboration.

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US Vice President JD Vance's India Visit Aims to Cement $500B Trade Deal Amid Tariff Talks

Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 06:29am on 21 Apr 2025,Monday India Global

U.S. Vice President JD Vance arrived in India on April 21, 2025, for a four-day visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. He is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss a potential trade agreement targeting $500 billion in trade by 2030. The visit occurs amid concerns over U.S. tariffs and visa fee hikes affecting Indian tech firms. Accompanied by his wife, Usha Vance, of Indian descent, and their children, Vance's itinerary includes cultural visits to Jaipur and Agra. The discussions are expected to cover trade, defense cooperation, and technology sharing, reflecting the strategic importance of U.S.-India relations in the Indo-Pacific region.

Read More at The Tribune

US Vice President, Second Lady Usha Visit Akshardham Temple With Children

Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 06:03am on 21 Apr 2025,Monday India Global

U.S. Vice President JD Vance commenced a four-day visit to India on April 21, 2025, aiming to bolster bilateral relations and advance trade discussions. Accompanied by his wife, Usha Vance, and their children, he is set to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to further talks initiated during Modi’s February trip to Washington. Key agenda items include negotiations to double trade to $500 billion by 2030 and discussions on reducing U.S. tariffs affecting Indian exports. The visit also encompasses personal engagements in Jaipur and Agra. India's strategic role in the Indo-Pacific and its membership in the Quad highlight the significance of this diplomatic engagement.

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Indian Student Harsimrat Randhawa Killed by Stray Bullet in Canada; Police Launch Homicide Probe

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:17am on 21 Apr 2025,Monday India Global

Harsimrat Randhawa, a 21-year-old Indian student at Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario, was tragically killed by a stray bullet while waiting at a bus stop on her way to work. Hamilton Police confirmed she was an innocent bystander caught in a crossfire between two vehicles. The shooting occurred near Upper James and South Bend Road, and Randhawa was struck in the chest. Despite emergency efforts, she succumbed to her injuries. The Indian Consulate in Toronto expressed grief and is in touch with her family. A homicide investigation is underway, with police urging the public to share dashcam or CCTV footage. (PC: NDTV)

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