India and the United States are likely to sign their proposed trade agreement within the next three to four months, according to a senior US official, as negotiations enter the final stage. Speaking on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' meeting in Manila, the official said the deal is essentially complete, adding, “We literally have the paper.” The remaining delay stems from ongoing US trade investigations, including a Section 301 probe covering 60 countries, rather than unresolved bilateral issues. Once those investigations conclude, progress is expected. Last month, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor also said the agreement was in its final one per cent, expressing confidence in strong bilateral ties. (PC: The Economic Times)

An India-bound oil tanker carrying around 700,000 barrels of Saudi crude reversed course in the Red Sea after Yemen's Houthi militia warned ships linked to Saudi ports could be targeted. Reuters reported the tanker, Rodos, turned north towards the Suez Canal instead of continuing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Another China-bound tanker, Xin Long Yang, also altered course, while New Prime turned back near Oman. The warning follows the Houthis' declaration of a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia. For India, the immediate concern is potential shipping delays, higher freight charges and rising insurance costs rather than crude shortages, as longer alternative routes could significantly disrupt deliveries. (PC: Reuters)

Russia said it remains in contact with India following the deaths of four Indian seafarers in the missile strike on the merchant vessel MV Golden Leo, but insisted its military campaign would continue. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russian forces would keep targeting vessels Moscow believes are transporting military supplies for Ukraine. The remarks came a day after India lodged a strong diplomatic protest, summoning Russia's Charge d'Affaires and condemning the attack. The Guinea-Bissau-flagged vessel was struck while departing Ukraine's Odesa port, killing 10 crew members, including four Indians and six Syrians. India called attacks on commercial shipping and civilian crews "deplorable" and unacceptable. (PC: NDTV)

The Trump administration has proposed new visa rules that could affect Indian students studying in the United States. Under the plan, most student visas will have a fixed validity of up to four years instead of lasting for the full course. Students may need extensions to stay longer. The post-study grace period could also be reduced from 60 days to 30 days. Immigration experts advised current students not to panic but to check their documents, avoid unnecessary travel after the new rules take effect, and apply for extensions early. The proposal is awaiting congressional review before implementation. (PC: Getty Images)

The Kremlin said Russia remains in contact with India after New Delhi strongly protested a Russian strike on the merchant vessel MV Golden Leo, which killed four Indian crew members and critically injured another. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia would continue targeting vessels allegedly transporting military supplies for Ukraine. India summoned Russia’s Charge d’Affaires, conveying its grave concern and unequivocal condemnation of the attack on the Guinea-Bissau-flagged commercial ship navigating Ukraine’s maritime corridor. The Ministry of External Affairs said targeting civilian shipping and endangering innocent crew members is unacceptable, reiterating that commercial vessels and freedom of navigation must be protected during armed conflicts and maritime operations. (PC: News 18)

The Centre informed the Rajya Sabha that 59 India-linked ships have safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz since the US-Iran conflict began in March. Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said 23 Indian-flagged and 36 foreign-flagged vessels carrying cargo for India completed the transit by 17 July. However, 6 Indian-flagged ships remain on the western side of the strait, including 2 container vessels and 4 operating within the Gulf. The government said it is coordinating with the Ministries of External Affairs, Defence and Petroleum, along with the Indian Navy, to ensure the safe movement of Indian vessels amid renewed regional tensions. (PC: The Print)

Indian-origin Labour MP Kanishka Narayan has become the UK's first Minister for Artificial Intelligence and Online Safety under Prime Minister Andy Burnham's new government. Burnham retained Narayan during his cabinet reshuffle after taking office following Keir Starmer's resignation. Born in Bihar, Narayan moved to Cardiff at the age of 12 and later studied at the University of Oxford and Stanford University. Elected as the MP for Vale of Glamorgan in 2024, he became Wales' first ethnic minority MP. Before entering politics, Narayan co-founded a non-profit organisation promoting education and social mobility in South Wales. (PC: HT)

A 26-year-old merchant navy officer from Kerala, Akhil Joyan, was among four Indians reportedly killed after a cargo vessel came under attack off Ukraine's coast. A native of Kasaragod, Akhil had recently returned to work after getting engaged, with his wedding scheduled in two months. Following reports of the attack, the Kerala Chief Minister's Office directed the Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA) Department to coordinate with the Russian Consulate and the Ministry of External Affairs to verify details and assist the family. Local officials said the shipping company informed relatives of his death by email as authorities worked to complete formalities and facilitate repatriation. (PC: Times Now)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Andy Burnham on becoming the United Kingdom's new Prime Minister, expressing confidence that India and the UK would continue strengthening their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. In his message, Modi said he looked forward to working closely with Burnham to deepen cooperation across trade, investment, technology, defence, innovation and people-to-people ties. The congratulatory message came as both countries seek to expand collaboration following recent progress in bilateral relations. Modi reaffirmed India's commitment to advancing shared priorities and enhancing cooperation on regional and global issues, underscoring the importance of the India-UK partnership in promoting mutual growth, economic opportunities and strategic engagement in the years ahead.

India has hardened its position on the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty, stating it cannot be restored in its current form and would require a complete renegotiation, according to government sources cited by PTI. New Delhi has made clear that any future river water-sharing arrangement will depend on Pakistan permanently ending cross-border terrorism against India. The remarks come amid repeated warnings from Pakistan's military and political leadership over India's suspension of the treaty last year, including references to possible war and nuclear escalation if water flows are halted. Sources also said India is not currently seeking to exit the treaty but retains the sovereign right to terminate agreements deemed against its national interests. (PC: Arunesh's Blog)