India has asked the United States to reconsider its proposed 12.5% tariff on Indian imports. The government said trade issues should be solved through talks, not unilateral action. The tariff was proposed after a US investigation into forced labour concerns. India rejected the findings and said the investigation lacked clear evidence. Officials also said India has strong laws against forced labour. They urged the US to continue discussions under the ongoing bilateral trade agreement. Business group FICCI also opposed the tariff, saying it could raise costs for both Indian exporters and American businesses and consumers. (PC: ANI)

At least 15 Indian tourists died after a speedboat capsized near Phu Quoc Island in southern Vietnam on Saturday. The boat was carrying 32 Indian passengers and four crew members. The accident happened during an island tour. Nearby boats rushed to help, but many passengers were trapped inside the overturned boat. Rescue teams continued search operations. The Indian Embassy set up control rooms in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to help affected families. Officials are working with local authorities to gather details. The accident happened in rough sea conditions. Authorities are investigating the cause of the tragedy.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will launch India’s campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2028-29 term in New York on July 13. He will also meet UN Secretary-General António Guterres during his visit. India will contest the Asia-Pacific Group seat in elections scheduled for June 2027. The country’s campaign theme is “#India4UNSC 2028-29: Peace, Planet, Progress.” After New York, Jaishankar will travel to Brussels for the India-European Union Trade and Technology Council meeting. India has served as an elected member of the UNSC eight times, most recently in 2021-22. (PC: @DrSJaishankar)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited New Zealand on Saturday, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the country in 40 years. At a special event in Auckland, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon welcomed him, saying, “You are worth the wait.” Modi said India and New Zealand were taking their ties to a strategic partnership. He expressed confidence that bilateral trade would double by 2030. Modi also highlighted India’s fast-growing economy and opportunities in fintech, space and manufacturing. The two leaders discussed stronger cooperation in trade, defence, education, sports and maritime security.

A Hyderabad couple has gone missing during a holiday in Switzerland, police said. Businessman Pabba Chandrasekhar, 51, and his wife Swapna, 42, left India on June 22. They stayed in touch with family until July 8. After that, their phones became unreachable. Their daughter filed a missing persons complaint. Police are checking the couple's travel records and financial transactions. They are also looking into claims that the couple collected nearly ₹50 crore from more than 60 investors. No cheating case has been registered so far. Police said the investigation is ongoing and all possibilities are being examined.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked South Korean President Lee Jae-myung for his warm wishes on India-New Zealand friendship during Modi's historic visit to Auckland. President Lee had wished for stronger ties and shared progress between India and New Zealand, prompting Modi to express gratitude on social media, calling such messages from friends deeply valued. Modi's two-day visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in over four decades, aims to strengthen cooperation in trade, defence, economic engagement, and people-to-people ties. The visit marks a significant step in expanding India's strategic partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region. (PC: India Today)

A viral audio clip has renewed concerns over racism faced by Indian truck drivers in Australia. The recording, first aired in an ABC investigation, includes abusive and violent remarks targeting Indians. Several drivers said racial abuse has become common on UHF radio channels used by truckers. Some said they now avoid using the radios despite needing them for road safety. Australia's Race Discrimination Commissioner linked the problem to growing anti-immigration sentiment. Experts also said there is no official data showing Indian truck drivers are more likely to cause crashes than other drivers in the country.

American national and alleged mercenary Matthew VanDyke has approached a Delhi court seeking permission for a special diet while lodged in Tihar Jail. VanDyke claimed the prison's regular food is excessively spicy and oily, making it unsuitable for his health and dietary needs. He requested permission to receive meals such as shrimp and pasta from outside the jail. The plea is part of ongoing legal proceedings after his arrest in Mizoram. Jail authorities are expected to respond before the court decides whether any dietary accommodations should be granted under prison regulations. (PC: X)

Auckland’s iconic Sky Tower was illuminated in the colours of the Indian national flag to commemorate Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to New Zealand. The symbolic gesture highlighted the growing friendship and strategic partnership between India and New Zealand while celebrating the strong contributions of the Indian diaspora. During the visit, PM Modi is expected to hold high-level talks with New Zealand’s leadership on trade, investment, education, defence cooperation, and regional security. The tricolour display drew widespread public attention, reflecting the warm diplomatic ties and shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.

India and Australia have signed a landmark uranium supply agreement, marking a major step in strengthening their strategic partnership. The pact will support India's clean energy ambitions while reinforcing bilateral cooperation in civil nuclear energy. Both countries also agreed to expand defence collaboration through joint military exercises, maritime security, intelligence sharing, and advanced technology cooperation. Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, emphasizing regional stability, resilient supply chains, and stronger economic ties. The agreements reflect growing trust between New Delhi and Canberra as they work together to address evolving geopolitical and security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. (PC: X)