India and the European Union have agreed on a major free trade deal. The agreement will cut tariffs on most European goods entering India. Import duty on European cars will fall to 10% from nearly 70% over time. Medicines, medical equipment, machinery and chemicals will also become cheaper. Tariffs on wine will drop to 20–30%, while duties on beer and spirits will be reduced. Over 90% of EU goods will see lower or zero tariffs. The EU expects exports to India to double by 2032. The deal may increase competition for Indian firms. (PC: Salman Ali/PTI)

India and the European Union signed a new Security and Defence Partnership on Tuesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the deal will strengthen cooperation in defence and security. The partnership covers maritime security, cyber threats, counter-terrorism and space security. India also pitched itself as a defence manufacturing hub for Europe. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen called the pact a trust-based platform. The deal may allow Indian defence firms to benefit from the EU’s SAFE programme. Leaders said the partnership will support joint defence production and help maintain security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Former UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman, of Indian origin, has defected from the Conservative Party to join Nigel Farage's Reform UK party. The surprise announcement was made at a Reform UK rally for party activists in London on January 27. Braverman becomes the third Conservative MP to quit the Tories and join Reform UK within just over a week, marking a significant blow to the Conservative Party. The BBC reported that Farage himself announced Braverman's defection at the event. Her departure continues a troubling trend for the Conservatives, as Reform UK gains momentum by attracting high-profile former Tory ministers and MPs to Farage's populist platform. (PC: AP)

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized the India-EU trade deal, accusing Europe of "financing the war against themselves" by purchasing refined oil products from India that use Russian crude. Defending Trump's 25% tariffs on Indian imports over Russian oil purchases, Bessent told ABC News that Europe's energy trade contradicts its security stance. He argued the US bears greater economic burden while Europe benefits from supply chain gaps. However, Bessent recently indicated tariff relief is possible, noting Indian refinery purchases of Russian crude "have collapsed." The Trump administration imposed up to 50% tariffs on Indian goods, doubled in August. India and EU formally announced their comprehensive free trade agreement conclusion. (PC: X)

Global powers are rapidly realigning trade partnerships amid Trump's protectionist threats. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer flies to China Tuesday, the first British leader visiting in eight years to reduce dependence on an "unpredictable" US. Canadian PM Mark Carney plans a March India visit after Trump's "51st state" remarks and 100% tariff threats, aiming to double non-US exports. The centerpiece is the January 27 India-EU "mother of all deals" covering two billion people and nearly 25% of global GDP. EU will cut tariffs on 96.6% of goods to India, saving €4 billion annually. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized India's Russia ties, but Foreign Minister Jaishankar defended India's "strategic autonomy." (PC: PTI)

Grok AI, X's integrated artificial intelligence assistant, sparked controversy after mistranslating Prime Minister Narendra Modi's response to Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu's Republic Day wishes. Muizzu had congratulated India on its 77th Republic Day Monday, praising the nation's commitment to freedom, democracy, and good governance. However, when users attempted to translate Modi's reply using Grok, the AI system provided an incorrect translation that drew widespread attention on social media. The mistranslation incident highlighted potential limitations in AI-powered language tools, particularly when handling official diplomatic communications. Users across X platform pointed out the error, triggering debate about AI accuracy in translating political statements and the importance of reliable translation services. 

European carmakers will gain from the India-EU trade deal signed Tuesday, slashing import tariffs from 110% to 40%, eventually dropping to 10%. However, they face stiff competition in India's 4.4-million-vehicle annual market, where they hold under 3% share. Suzuki Motor, Hyundai, Mahindra, and Tata dominate two-thirds of the market with affordable compact cars like the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R. Analysts note European brands like Volkswagen have struggled with pricing, while premium brands like Porsche could benefit most from reduced tariffs. India's car market, the world's third-largest, is projected to reach 6 million vehicles yearly by 2030, offering substantial growth potential despite challenges from established competitors. (PC: Reuters) 

European Council President António Costa displayed his Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card during the India-EU Free Trade Agreement signing in New Delhi on Tuesday. Costa, born in Lisbon to a Portuguese-French mother and Goan-heritage father, expressed pride in his roots, stating "I'm very proud of my roots in Goa, where my father's family came from." His grandfather hailed from Margao, Goa, part of Portuguese India until 1961. Known affectionately as "Babush" in Goan circles, Costa maintains strong ties to his heritage, having visited his ancestral house on Abade Faria Road in 2017. The former Portuguese Prime Minister called the Europe-India connection "something personal to me."

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said India and the European Union have delivered the “mother of all deals” after signing the Free Trade Agreement on Tuesday. Speaking in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she said the pact creates a market of nearly two billion people. Von der Leyen said India and the EU chose partnership in a “win-win” manner. European Council President Antonio Costa also called for deeper cooperation with India. The agreement concludes years of negotiations and expands trade access on both sides. Leaders said the pact will strengthen economic ties, supply chains, and long-term cooperation between India and the 27-member EU bloc. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India has formally signed a free trade agreement with the European Union, calling it the “mother of all trade deals.” Speaking at the India Energy Week, Modi said the pact will create wide opportunities for people in India and the EU. He said the agreement covers nearly “25% of global GDP and one-third of global trade.” Modi added the deal reflects shared values of “democracy and rule of law.” He said sectors such as textiles, gems, leather, manufacturing, and services will benefit. The agreement will also strengthen India’s existing trade pacts with the UK and Asia-Pacific nations. (PC: The Hindu)