During his two-day visit to the Maldives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s “friendship first” approach, announcing a ₹4,850 crore credit line for infrastructure development. Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu held comprehensive talks, marking a reset in ties strained since Muizzu’s “India Out” campaign. The visit saw the inauguration of several India-backed projects, including a new defence ministry building. Modi pledged continued defence cooperation, maritime security collaboration, and support through India’s Neighbourhood First and MAHASAGAR policies. He also highlighted the growing success of UPI in the Maldives. The leaders committed to a bilateral investment treaty and free trade negotiations.

A 34-year-old Indian tourist was arrested in Pattaya, Thailand, for allegedly stealing ₹16,100 from a transgender woman’s purse while she was in the shower. The two had met earlier on Walking Street and returned to his guesthouse. Hotel staff called police after hearing the woman’s cries for help. He remains in custody. In a separate case, a 38-year-old Indian man was arrested in Singapore for stealing goods worth ₹3.5 lakh from 14 shops at Changi Airport. He fled the country but was detained upon return. Singapore Police confirmed recovery of the stolen items. Both men face criminal charges abroad. (PC: X)

The government will field key ministers including Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, S. Jaishankar, and JP Nadda in a 3-day parliamentary debate on Operation Sindoor, with Prime Minister Modi expected to make a crucial intervention. The debate, spanning 16 hours across both Houses, begins July 28. A resolution on the success of Operation Sindoor Healing is expected to be passed next Wednesday. Opposition parties have demanded discussions on multiple issues, including the Pahalgam terror attack and US President Trump's ceasefire claims. Parliament has faced frequent adjournments since July 21. An all-party meeting was held Friday to restore order. (PC: News18)

Russia has offered the Su‑35M fighter jet to India as part of the Multi‑Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender for roughly 110–117 aircraft . The proposal reportedly includes full‑scale Transfer of Technology (ToT) and rapid supply of 36–40 jets within 2–3 years, leveraging synergies with India’s Su‑30MKI fleet thanks to shared systems and pilot familiarity . However, analysts highlight limitations: the Su‑35 lacks AESA radar and modern avionics, making it less compatible with India’s future combat roadmap and AMCA program . India instead favours upgrading its Su‑30MKI “Super‑30” platform and exploring deeper localisation with Su‑57E offers, which include source‑code access and manufacturing at HAL facilities. (PC: IDRW)

A UK cinema screening the Telugu film Hari Hara Veera Mallu was forced to pause the show after Indian fans created a mess by throwing confetti and littering the hall. A viral video shows staff entering the auditorium to scold the audience, calling their actions “unacceptable” and demanding they clean up. The incident sparked backlash online, with many criticizing the behavior as disrespectful and tarnishing India’s image abroad. While such celebrations are common in Indian cinemas, UK theatre staff emphasized maintaining cleanliness and decorum. The show resumed only after warnings were issued and order was restored.

India and the UK signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (CETA) on July 24, 2025, allowing 20,000 fully built‑up (ICE) cars imported from the UK to enter India under greatly reduced duty rates in the first year — a drop from over 110% to 50% for high‑engine models, and from 66% to 50% for mid‑segment and sub‑1500 cc cars . These quotas grow over five years before gradually tapering. No tariff relief applies to EVs during the first five years. The agreement aims to benefit luxury brands like Jaguar Land Rover, Bentley, Rolls‑Royce and Aston Martin, while tightly safeguarding India’s domestic automotive ecosystem. (PC: AFP)      

At the AI Summit in Washington, US President Donald Trump criticized major tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and Apple for hiring workers from India and outsourcing manufacturing to China. Urging firms to "put America first," Trump said such practices must end under his administration. He also announced three executive orders aimed at boosting the US AI sector — fast-tracking infrastructure, ensuring ideological neutrality in AI systems, and limiting exports of AI products to reduce foreign dependency. The remarks have sparked uncertainty for Indian tech professionals working in AI, software, and data science roles across the US. (PC: NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Malé, declared India and the Maldives “not just neighbours, but co-travellers,” celebrating 60 years of diplomatic ties. Speaking alongside Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, he announced a ₹4,850 crore ($565 million) line of credit for infrastructure projects and launched talks for the India-Maldives Free Trade Agreement. The leaders also unveiled commemorative stamps and inaugurated housing, road, and defence projects. Modi reaffirmed India’s role as a “First Responder” in crises, emphasizing mutual trust in defence cooperation. The visit highlighted India’s “Neighbourhood First” and “MAHASAGAR” visions for regional partnerships and maritime collaboration.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a ceremonial 21-gun salute at the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebrations, with President Mohamed Muizzu by his side. The event marked a symbolic reset in India-Maldives relations, following months of diplomatic strain. Modi attended as Guest of Honour, becoming the first foreign head of government hosted by Muizzu since his election. The visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations. Modi’s presence underscores India’s Neighbourhood First policy and strategic outreach in the Indian Ocean. The warm reception, including patriotic chants and traditional performances, signals a renewed chapter in bilateral cooperation and regional diplomacy.

India’s landmark trade deal with the UK is significant in more ways than one as it sets a precedent for future negotiations, including with the US. The agreement offers duty-free access for 99% of Indian exports and slashes tariffs on UK goods like cars, whisky, and electronics. It includes chapters on gender equality, government procurement, and digital trade. India’s concessions in the auto sector mark a policy shift, while the pact boosts labor-intensive exports and services. With the August 1 deadline looming for US reciprocal tariffs, the UK deal provides strategic cues for India’s stance in upcoming talks. The pact is expected to double India-UK trade to $112 billion by 2030. (PC: Outlook India & News18)