Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized Thailand’s crucial position in India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision during the SAMVAD Global Hindu-Buddhist Initiative in Bangkok. He highlighted the synergy between India’s Act East and Thailand’s Act West policies, fostering regional growth and cooperation. Modi underscored the deep-rooted cultural ties between the two nations, citing shared reverence for the Ramayana and Buddhism. He also acknowledged the late Japanese PM Shinzo Abe’s contributions to initiating the SAMVAD dialogue in 2015, promoting regional collaboration and historical understanding. (PC: ANI)

India is reviewing the impact of US President Donald Trump’s new tariffs, which include a 27% duty on Indian imports. The Commerce Ministry is speaking with industry experts and exporters to assess the situation. A high-level meeting was held to discuss the issue, with top officials from the PM’s office, NITI Aayog, and other departments. India and the US are negotiating a new trade deal covering investments, supply chains, and technology. The US tariffs start on April 5 with a 10% duty, increasing to 27% for India by April 10. India aims for a fair solution. (PC: Reuters)

Starting May 1, 2025, all non-Thai nationals, including Indian tourists, must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before entering via air, land, or sea. The old paper-based TM6 form will no longer be accepted. Failure to complete the TDAC could lead to entry denial or long delays. Immigration officers will strictly enforce the new rule. Travelers must submit the TDAC online, receive a confirmation email, and present it at immigration for smooth entry. Officials urge tourists to check for updates before traveling to avoid complications. (PC: Instagram)

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized India’s long Bay of Bengal coastline and its commitment to BIMSTEC, countering Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. Yunus, during his China visit, controversially stated that India's Northeast is landlocked and Bangladesh is the region’s "only guardian of the ocean." Jaishankar, at the BIMSTEC Summit, asserted that India has the longest Bay of Bengal coastline and plays a key role in regional connectivity. He warned against “cherry-picking” cooperation and stressed concerns over extremism and terrorism. India-Bangladesh ties have strained since Yunus’s rise to power. (PC: PTI)

On April 3, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for Bangkok, Thailand, to participate in the 6th BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Summit, scheduled for April 3-4. The summit brings together Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand to strengthen regional trade, security, connectivity, and climate action. Modi is expected to engage in bilateral talks with leaders to boost economic and strategic partnerships. Key discussions will focus on counter-terrorism, disaster management, digital connectivity, and trade facilitation, highlighting India’s commitment to regional integration and economic growth in the BIMSTEC region. (PC: X@PMOIndia)  

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman praised India’s rapid AI growth. In a post on X, he said India is "outpacing the world" in AI adoption. He called India OpenAI’s second-largest market and said the company tripled its users there in the last year. Altman also noted India's progress in AI technology, including chips and models. He said the cost of AI development is still high but will drop 10 times in a year. Earlier, he doubted India’s AI potential, but now he sees it as a leader. Altman believes India should play a big role in the AI revolution. (PC: AFP)

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has uncovered alleged violations in foreign funding linked to George Soros’s Soros Economic Development Fund (SEDF). Between 2020 and 2024, SEDF funneled ₹25 crore into Indian firms Rootbridge Services, Rootbridge Academy, and ASAR Social Impact Advisors under FDI and service fees, allegedly bypassing FCRA norms. RSPL received ₹18.64 crore via inflated CCPS valuations. Additionally, Mauritius-based Aspada Investment Company reportedly routed ₹300 crore into 12 Indian entities. The ED is investigating potential financial irregularities and regulatory breaches, scrutinizing whether these funds were used for activities violating Indian laws. (PC: India Today)

On the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Indian and Chinese leaders exchanged congratulatory messages, emphasizing the need for strengthened ties despite ongoing border tensions. Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed a "Dragon-Elephant tango" to symbolize peaceful coexistence and expressed willingness to enhance communication on global and regional issues. Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong reiterated China’s readiness to import more Indian goods and strengthen trade partnerships. These gestures come as both nations navigate a complex relationship post-2020 Galwan clashes, signaling potential diplomatic recalibration while border disputes and strategic concerns remain key challenges in bilateral engagement. (PC: Reuters)  

On April 2, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump introduced sweeping reciprocal tariffs targeting all countries, creating global market uncertainty. The tariffs are part of Trump's "Liberation Day," intended to reduce reliance on foreign goods. Countries like India, which imposes a 100% tariff on U.S. agricultural products, are preparing for economic impact, with India and the U.S. planning trade talks. The move led to market drops, particularly in India’s stock indices. Global leaders, including the EU, China, and Japan, have vowed retaliatory actions if necessary, with the tariffs taking immediate effect.( PC: NDTV)

Over 10,000 Indian nationals are imprisoned abroad, with the highest number in Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) revealed. Despite transfer treaties with multiple countries, only 8 Indian prisoners have been repatriated in the last 3 years. Gulf nations account for a significant portion of these detentions, mainly due to labor disputes, visa violations, and criminal charges. MEA officials stated that diplomatic efforts continue for early release and repatriation. Families of detainees have urged the Indian government to expedite negotiations for their return. (PC: The Indian Express)