A potential India–United States bilateral trade agreement could not be finalised largely because Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not make a direct call to then-US President Donald Trump at a critical stage of negotiations, according to US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Lutnick said the deal was “set up” but required leader-level engagement to close, and India’s hesitation meant the window passed while the US concluded agreements with other countries. By the time India returned to pursue the pact, Washington had moved on to other partners and harsher terms, including higher tariff rates. The talks have yet to produce a formal agreement. 

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said a planned trade deal with India failed after Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not call President Donald Trump within a set timeline. Speaking on the All-In Podcast, Lutnick said the deal was ready but needed a direct call from Modi to close it. He said India was given a window of “three Fridays” to act. When the call did not come, the US moved on to deals with countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines. Lutnick added that Washington has stepped back from the earlier terms. He said India could still return to talks in the future. (PC: India Today)

India and **Iran are set to inaugurate a diplomatic calendar of events to commemorate the 75th anniversary of their bilateral diplomatic relations, marking the milestone of formal ties established in 1950. The initiative will feature high-level engagements, cultural exchanges and strategic dialogues aimed at strengthening cooperation across trade, energy, connectivity and cultural ties as both nations emphasize their millennia-old historical and civilizational linkages. Iranian and Indian officials have reaffirmed their mutual commitment to expanding collaboration and deepening partnership based on shared heritage and interests. (PC: AP)

India’s Reliance Industries Ltd has announced it will consider buying Venezuelan crude oil if regulations allow sales to non-U.S. buyers, signaling potential re-entry into Venezuelan supply after halting imports due to U.S. tariffs. The company, which operates the world’s largest refining complex in Gujarat, has awaited clarity on access for Venezuelan oil following a deal that allows Caracas to export up to $2 billion of crude to the United States. Reliance stopped Venezuelan oil purchases in March 2026 after a 25% U.S. tariff was imposed on countries buying Venezuelan crude. Approval for compliant purchases will guide future decisions. 

A Russian-flagged oil tanker, Marinera (formerly Bella 1), was seized by the United States in the North Atlantic, accused of violating US sanctions related to Venezuelan oil exports after a weeks-long pursuit involving Coast Guard and military forces. Three Indian nationals were among the 28 crew members, which also included Ukrainians, Georgians and Russians. The U.S. operation, backed by British support, has sparked protests from Moscow, which called the action unlawful and demanded humane treatment and speedy repatriation of the detained crew. The legal status and future of the seized sailors remain uncertain.

US President Donald Trump has backed a bipartisan Russia sanctions bill that could raise tariffs on countries buying Russian oil, including India. Senator Lindsey Graham said Trump “greenlit” the measure and a vote may come next week. The bill allows the president to penalise nations seen as aiding Russia or blocking peace in Ukraine. It includes visa bans, asset blocks and tariffs of at least 500 percent on some imports. India already faces a 50 percent US tariff after two hikes in 2025 linked to its Russian oil purchases. Trump has said tariffs could rise further if such trade continues. (PC: HT)

Two Indian nationals, Gurpreet Singh (25) and Jasveer Singh (30), were arrested in Indiana's Putnam County for trafficking 309 pounds of cocaine concealed in their semi-truck's sleeper berth. The US Department of Homeland Security stated this quantity could kill over 113,000 Americans, with cocaine's lethal dose being 1.2 grams. Both held California Commercial Drivers' Licenses. Gurpreet illegally entered the US in March 2023 near Lukeville, Arizona, and was released under the Biden administration. Jasveer entered in March 2017 near Otay Mesa, California. Immigration and Customs Enforcement lodged detainers on January 4. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom's sanctuary policies for endangering American lives. (PC: DHS)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated India is strengthening ties with Europe to bring greater stability to the global economy and politics during talks with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot in Paris. The remarks came amid frosty India-US relations following President Trump's 50% tariff on Indian imports. Jaishankar emphasized Europe's crucial role in international politics, noting substantive discussions on FTA, technology, semiconductors, railways, defense, and aviation. India will host German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and EU leaders in coming weeks. Jaishankar highlighted that India chairs BRICS this year while France helms G7 in 2026, emphasizing continuous consultation between strategic partners amid global uncertainty.

Noida-based content creator Neha Nagar sparked online discussion after comparing India's basic living standards with countries like Bali and Vietnam. In her X post, Nagar highlighted that everyday facilities often feel like luxuries in India, pointing to cleaner public spaces, better street food hygiene, stricter plastic control, cleaner air, and improved women's safety at night abroad. She emphasized India struggles providing basic amenities despite having rich history, spirituality, culture, and strong foundations. Nagar stated, "No country is perfect, but India is struggling to give the very basics to its citizens." X users largely agreed, sharing similar travel experiences and acknowledging cleanliness, hygiene, and women's safety require significant improvement in India.

President Donald Trump signed a presidential memorandum withdrawing the United States from 66 international organizations, including the India-France led International Solar Alliance. The White House announced the directive targets 35 non-UN organizations and 31 UN entities deemed contrary to American interests. The withdrawals affect major environmental bodies like the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The administration claims these organizations promote globalist agendas conflicting with US sovereignty and waste taxpayer money without meaningful results. The "America First" policy aims to redirect resources toward domestic priorities including infrastructure, national security, and economic strength. The decision follows a comprehensive review of international treaties and conventions receiving US support. (PC: Getty Images)