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)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Maldives marks a pivotal reset in bilateral ties strained by President Muizzu’s earlier “India Out” stance and pro-China tilt. Modi, attending the 60th Independence Day as Guest of Honour, will meet Muizzu to advance the Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership. India is set to launch UPI services and initiate FTA talks. The visit follows India’s $750M currency swap and $50M treasury bill rollover to aid Maldives’ economy. Modi’s outreach underscores India’s Neighbourhood First and MAHASAGAR vision, reaffirming strategic cooperation despite past tensions. Several MoUs and infrastructure projects are expected to be unveiled during the two-day visit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Malé, Maldives, to a grand welcome by President Mohamed Muizzu and senior cabinet members. This marks Modi’s third visit to the Maldives and the first by any foreign head of state under Muizzu’s tenure. Invited as Guest of Honour for the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day on July 26, Modi’s arrival was celebrated with Indian flags, banners, and enthusiastic crowds. The visit symbolizes a diplomatic reset and highlights India’s strategic support in the Indian Ocean. Modi will also inaugurate India-funded development projects and hold bilateral talks to strengthen regional cooperation. The visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of India-Maldives diplomatic relations.

India and the UK signed the landmark India–UK Free Trade Agreement on 24 July 2025, which includes a Double Contributions Convention (DCC) exempting temporary Indian workers in the UK from social security contributions for up to three years . This move benefits approximately 75,000 Indian professionals across IT, finance, legal, education, and digital services, significantly lowering employer costs and boosting take‑home pay . The enhanced mobility and cost efficiency are expected to invigorate Indian services firms like TCS and Infosys, helping them expand operations in the UK and drive bilateral professional collaboration.

A strategic “Rakhine Corridor” in Myanmar’s Rakhine State—presented as a humanitarian aid route—is stirring a geopolitical contest among China, India, and the United States . With the Arakan Army (AA) now controlling most of Rakhine, the corridor is poised to become a zone of influence over the Bay of Bengal gateway . India backs its Kaladan transit link, while China pushes its Kyaukphyu deep‑sea port/SEZ projects under the Belt and Road initiative . The U.S. and UN are advancing the corridor proposal and courting Bangladeshi cooperation, alarming Dhaka’s military leadership over sovereignty concerns. 

India and the UK signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement on July 24, 2025, projected to eliminate tariffs on 99% of Indian exports to the UK, including food processing, marine products, textiles, and footwear—removing duties of up to **20%** . UK tariffs on Indian alcohol such as whisky, brandy, and vodka will drop from 150% to 110% in year 1 and to 75% by year 10, subject to minimum import pricing . Automotive tariffs will be phased down from over 100% to 10% under quotas, benefiting EVs and luxury cars . The agreement also opens public procurement tenders in non-sensitive sectors to UK firms and provides social‑security relief to Indian professionals working short‑term in the UK. (PC: AP)