US Ambassador Sergio Gor, nicknamed "Mayor of Mar-a-Lago" for his proximity to President Trump, has emerged as the key figure behind the India-US trade deal within just one month of taking charge. The former DJ-turned-diplomat arrived in New Delhi on January 12 with a mission to restore warmth in bilateral ties. Gor maintained optimistic messaging, emphasized Trump-Modi friendship, and fast-tracked trade negotiations at the Chanakyapuri embassy complex. Analysts credit him for acting as a crucial bridge between Trump and India, helping reduce tariffs from 50% to 18%. His reputation as Trump's reliable foot soldier and trusted confidant proved instrumental in arresting the slide in relations. (PC: India Today)

India's agriculture and dairy sectors have been protected in the recent India-US trade deal, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announced Tuesday. The agreement reduces tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18%, contingent on India stopping Russian oil purchases. Goyal called it "the best trade deal" compared to neighboring countries, opening opportunities for labor-intensive sectors including textiles, plastics, apparel, leather, gems, and jewellery. The minister emphasized the deal protects sensitive sectors while providing access to world-class technologies for India's growth. Final details are being worked out between negotiating teams, with a joint statement expected shortly. Goyal criticized opposition leaders for their negative response to the landmark agreement. (PC: Times Now)

India's Ministry of External Affairs strongly condemned the vandalism and theft of Mahatma Gandhi's statue from the Australian Indian Community Centre in Rowville, Melbourne. The 426-kg bronze statue, gifted by India's ICCR and inaugurated by former PM Scott Morrison in 2021, was stolen by three unidentified individuals on January 12 at approximately 12:50 am. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed India has raised the matter strongly with Australian authorities, demanding immediate action to recover the statue and prosecute the culprits. Victoria Police's Knox Crime Investigation Unit is investigating the theft, captured partially on CCTV showing a white van and balaclava-clad perpetrators. Authorities have alerted scrap metal dealers to report suspicious activity.

According to IMF projections for 2026, India is now ahead of the United States among the top contributors to global real GDP growth—with 17%, compared to the US at 9.9%, while China leads at 26.6%. Together, India and China are expected to account for nearly 44% of world economic expansion. This shift highlights the rising economic influence of Asian economies. Tech billionaire Elon Musk reacted, saying “the balance of power is changing”, underscoring the evolving global economic landscape. (PC: Instagram)

India has secured a significant trade advantage over regional competitors like China, Bangladesh and Vietnam after the United States reduced tariffs on Indian goods to 18 % from much higher rates under a new India-US trade deal. This tariff reduction places India ahead of nations such as Bangladesh and Vietnam (around 20 %) and China (around 34 %) in terms of export competitiveness in the US market, potentially boosting Indian exports significantly. The move also strengthens India-US economic ties and enhances India’s position in South and Southeast Asia’s export landscape. (PC: PTI)

After almost 12 months of strained negotiations marked by escalating tariffs, stalled discussions and disputes over energy sourcing, India and the United States reached a new trade agreement in early February 2026. Throughout 2025, talks were hampered by disputes over reciprocal duties and India’s purchase of Russian oil, with U.S. tariffs on Indian goods rising to 50% at one point amid diplomatic friction. Multiple negotiation rounds, phone calls between leaders and diplomatic engagement eventually led to a breakthrough, resulting in tariffs cut to 18% and renewed cooperation, signalling a thaw in ties after a year of setbacks. (PC: Reuters)

Under the recently announced India–US trade agreement, Washington has cut tariffs on Indian goods to 18%, down from as high as 50% previously, by rescinding punitive levies and revising reciprocal duties. This lower rate now stands below tariffs faced by regional competitors such as Pakistan (19%), Bangladesh and Vietnam (20%), and China (34%), giving Indian exporters a competitive edge in the US market. The deal is expected to boost “Made in India” exports, support economic growth, and deepen bilateral ties, although exact implementation details are still awaited. (PC: X)

India and the United States have announced a landmark trade agreement that cuts U.S. tariffs on Indian goods to 18%, a move expected to ease long-standing trade tensions and bolster Indian exports. U.S. President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the deal, which lowers barriers hit by previous high tariffs. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said the pact will unlock unprecedented opportunities for farmers, MSMEs, entrepreneurs and skilled workers, support Make in India and Design in India initiatives, and help India access advanced U.S. technology. The deal aims to strengthen bilateral economic ties and boost global competitiveness. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed US President Donald Trump’s decision to cut tariffs on Made in India goods to 18%. The earlier rate was 25%. The announcement followed a phone call between the two leaders. Modi called the conversation “wonderful” and thanked Trump for the tariff relief. He said the step would support Indian manufacturing and exporters. In his statement, Modi said cooperation between the two countries would unlock “immense opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.” He also said the partnership between the two large economies benefits their people. Modi added that he looks forward to working closely with Trump to deepen India–US trade ties. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump said a new trade pact with India has been agreed after his phone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He announced that tariffs on Indian goods will drop from 50% to 18% with immediate effect. The White House and US envoy Sergio Gor also confirmed the lower tariff rate. Trump said India agreed to stop buying Russian oil and to purchase over $500 billion worth of US goods. India has confirmed the tariff cut but has not detailed other claims. Modi said he was “delighted” and thanked Trump for reducing duties on “Made in India products” to 18%. (PC: HT)