Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the growing India-US partnership during a meeting with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in New Delhi. Modi praised advancements in defence, technology, space, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence, reaffirming India's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. Sullivan’s visit, ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, focused on reviewing progress in high-level dialogues. Key discussions included removing restrictions on Indian nuclear entities and enhancing space and missile technology cooperation. Sullivan credited NSA Ajit Doval for driving the India-US relationship forward. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar emphasized the significance of the ongoing collaboration for regional and global priorities.

In 2025, highly-skilled workers in the US, mostly from India, will be able to renew their H-1B visas without leaving the country. This follows a successful pilot project by the US Department of State, which allowed 20,000 participants to renew visas within the US. The new process aims to make renewals faster and easier, eliminating the need for costly travel and long wait times. India has the highest number of H-1B visa holders, with most working in tech, medical, and research fields. The official start date of the new process is yet to be announced.

India has addressed the heated debate over the H-1B visa program, emphasizing its importance for the tech industry and economic ties between India and the US. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the mobility of skilled professionals as crucial for mutual benefit. The US issued approximately 78% of H-1B visas to Indian professionals in the fiscal year 2023, underscoring their significant role in the US tech sector. Support for the program has come from figures like President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk, who has pledged to defend the initiative. India seeks to strengthen its economic and technological partnership with the US.

A report by Barratt London claims Indians have overtaken Brits as the largest property owners in London. Indian-origin residents, NRIs, students, and investors are investing ₹30-47 million in properties, reshaping the city's real estate landscape. The findings, shared on X by BRICS News, went viral, garnering 14M views. Social media users responded with humor and historical reflections, with one saying, "Colonise you right back," referencing British colonialism. Another remarked, "What goes around comes around." Indians now lead ahead of English and Pakistani groups, underscoring their increasing global economic influence and migration trends.

In a historic milestone, six Indian-Americans were sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives, forming the largest representation of this community in Congress. Known as the "Samosa Caucus," the group includes senior Congressman Dr. Ami Bera (CA-7) and newcomers like Suhash Subramanian (VA-10). Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-7), and Congressmen Ro Khanna (CA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-8), and Shri Thanedar (MI-13) complete the group, all Democrats. Dr. Bera, celebrating his seventh term, highlighted the growing influence of Indian-Americans in U.S. politics. This achievement continues a legacy started by Dalip Singh Saund in 1957, the first Indian-American elected to Congress.

Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse sentenced to death in Yemen for the 2017 murder of her business partner Talal Abdo Mahdi, faces imminent execution. Family and supporters are negotiating a pardon with Mahdi’s family under Yemen’s Sharia law, which allows clemency in exchange for diyah (blood money). They have raised $40,000 so far but time is running out as Yemen’s Supreme Political Council has approved the death sentence. Nimisha’s family remains hopeful, seeking intervention from the Indian government. Her husband Tony Thomas expressed concern for their 13-year-old daughter, stating, “She needs her mother. What will she do without her?”

President-elect Donald Trump announced potential changes to the H1B visa system, impacting over 1 million Indians awaiting employment-based immigration. He emphasized the need for "smart people" to fill critical roles in the U.S. workforce. Trump's statement coincided with his appointment of Sriram Krishnan as White House AI policy adviser, sparking debates over immigration policy. Indian workers accounted for 72% of H1B recipients in FY 2023. Critics within Trump's base argue against expanding the visa program, clashing with advocates like Elon Musk. The debate raises questions about U.S.-India ties and the future of skilled immigration in America.

The US is considering ending the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, a crucial pathway for international students, including Indians, to gain work experience. Critics claim OPT bypasses traditional immigration channels, competing with US graduates. Indian students heavily rely on OPT for H-1B visas and professional growth. While some policymakers argue it protects local jobs, others defend it as vital for attracting global talent. The Washington Alliance of Technology Workers opposes OPT, calling it a "guest worker scheme." Its elimination could deter international students, reducing US universities’ global appeal and impacting their financial contributions. The program's future remains uncertain.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the terrorist attack in New Orleans, calling it "cowardly" in a post on X. He said, "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. May they find strength and solace as they heal from this tragedy."  The attack occurred early on New Year's Day when a driver rammed a pickup truck into crowds in the French Quarter, killing 15 and injuring over 30. The FBI is treating it as terrorism and suspects involvement beyond the driver, as an Islamic State flag was found on the vehicle. Investigations are ongoing.

Nimisha Priya, a nurse from Kerala, is on death row in Yemen for the murder of a Yemeni man, Talal Abdo Mehdi, in 2017. Yemen's president approved her death sentence in December 2024. However, her release is possible if the victim's family pardons her and accepts blood money. Talks have stalled as her lawyer demands $40,000 in fees. India has assured full support to her family in their efforts to secure a pardon. Nimisha's mother, Prema Kumari, has been in Yemen since April 2024, trying to help her daughter. Her execution could occur within a month without a resolution.