Balesh Dhankhar, a prominent figure in Australia’s Indian diaspora and founder of the Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) Australia, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for drugging and raping five women in a series of "highly predatory" attacks. Dhankhar lured victims under the pretense of job interviews in Sydney between 2018 and 2022. His crimes were uncovered through video recordings he kept. The court described him as a calculating predator who showed no remorse. Dhankhar must serve at least 28 years before being eligible for parole. His sentencing has shocked the Indian-Australian community.

India and the US are discussing a new trade deal, but officials say it is too early to reveal details. US President Donald Trump claimed India agreed to cut tariffs, calling them "massive" and "restrictive." Indian officials said both countries have trade interests and sensitivities. Talks began after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump met in February. India has already lowered tariffs on some US goods. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said ongoing negotiations should be viewed in the context of India's trade deals with other nations. The discussions aim to boost trade, reduce barriers, and strengthen supply chains.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said India is working on a "good" trade agreement with the US to boost growth and keep supply chains smooth. She stressed the need for smart policies to protect India from dumped goods due to rising US tariffs. India and the US aim to double trade to $500 billion by 2030. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal recently returned from trade talks in Washington. Sitharaman also said India is reviewing old trade deals to protect national interests. She urged careful negotiation and regular consultations with stakeholders to ensure a balanced and beneficial trade policy. 

India dismissed US President Donald Trump’s criticism of its “massive” tariffs, stating that reductions align with past agreements with nations like Australia and the UAE. A government source clarified that these reductions are not extraordinary but part of ongoing negotiations. India and the US are discussing a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) to enhance market access and supply chain integration. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s Washington visit included tariff discussions. The government emphasized that such talks are standard, with similar agreements reached with the EU and UK. India remains committed to balanced trade relations.

Thomas Gabriel Perera, 47, from Kerala, was shot dead by Jordanian security forces while attempting to enter Israel illegally on February 10. His family claims he was lured by a fraudulent job offer promising ₹3.5 lakh monthly. Upon arriving in Jordan, he found no job and was advised to cross into Israel. His brother-in-law Edison Charlas, who was injured and imprisoned for 18 days, was later deported to India. Perera’s body remains in Jordan, with India's foreign ministry working on repatriation. MP Shashi Tharoor confirmed the process is underway.

Recent changes in US immigration policies have impacted even affluent Punjabis, with many now seeking to relocate abroad due to increasing challenges in securing permanent residency. The tightening of visa regulations and immigration procedures has prompted wealthy individuals and families to explore more favorable immigration systems in countries like Canada, Australia, and the UK. The shift is reshaping the socio-economic landscape of Punjab, as migration patterns shift, and affluent families, traditionally less likely to emigrate, now consider opportunities abroad in pursuit of better living standards and economic prospects.  

    US President Donald Trump claimed India has agreed to cut tariffs significantly, stating, “Somebody is finally exposing them.” His remarks come as India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal holds trade talks in Washington. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick urged India to lower tariffs, especially on agricultural imports. Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed discussions on a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) to boost market access, reduce trade barriers, and strengthen supply chains. The deal aims to enhance India-US trade ties.

India officially inaugurated its Consulate General in Belfast, enhancing diplomatic engagement with the UK, particularly Northern Ireland. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, along with High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami and other dignitaries, attended the event at Clarence House. Jaishankar highlighted India's commitment to expanding its diplomatic presence, supporting the Indian diaspora, and boosting trade and cultural exchanges. The consulate will provide essential services and foster economic cooperation. Business leaders, community representatives, and diaspora members participated, marking a significant step in India-UK relations.

During External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's visit to London, a significant security breach occurred outside Chatham House. A pro-Khalistan protester broke through police barricades, attempted to obstruct Jaishankar's convoy, and desecrated the Indian flag before being swiftly apprehended by Metropolitan Police officers. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the actions of this small group of separatists and extremists, deploring the misuse of democratic freedoms and urging the host government to uphold its diplomatic obligations. In response, the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office labeled the incident as "completely unacceptable," reaffirming their commitment to ensuring the security of all diplomatic visitors in line with international obligations.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi highlighted the positive outcomes achieved at all levels in India-China relations following the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping in Kazan, Russia, last year. He emphasized that both nations possess the wisdom to maintain peace and tranquility in border areas pending a fair and reasonable solution to the boundary question. Wang asserted that bilateral relations should not be defined solely by this issue, advocating for mutual support and collaboration. He also noted that this year marks the 75th anniversary of China-India diplomatic relations, expressing China's readiness to work with India to advance relations on a stable and healthy development path.