Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced India's commitment to construct an additional 10,000 houses for Indian-origin Tamils in Sri Lanka's plantation regions. This initiative, part of the fourth phase of the Indian Housing Project, aims to improve living conditions for the Tamil community, many of whom work in tea and rubber plantations. The announcement underscores India's ongoing support for Sri Lanka's development and the well-being of its Tamil population. This commitment builds upon previous phases of the project, reflecting India's dedication to fostering strong bilateral ties and promoting regional stability. (PC: Narendra Modi/X)

India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to jointly develop an energy hub in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, marking a significant move in India's strategic efforts to counter China's influence in the region. The agreement, signed during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Sri Lanka, includes plans for a multi-product pipeline and potential utilization of an existing fuel tank farm partially owned by Indian Oil Corporation's Sri Lankan subsidiary. This collaboration underscores the strengthening energy ties between India and the UAE, aiming to enhance energy security and infrastructure in Sri Lanka. The project also reflects India's commitment to supporting Sri Lanka's economic recovery and its broader strategy to assert influence in South Asia. (PC: Reuters & X)

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Sri Lanka, India and Sri Lanka signed ten significant agreements to enhance bilateral relations. Key among these is a landmark defense cooperation pact focusing on joint military exercises, training programs, and high-level exchanges, underscoring the interconnected security interests of both nations. Additionally, both countries initiated the Sampur Solar Power Plant project, aiming to develop Trincomalee as an energy hub. Other agreements include interconnecting electricity grids to facilitate power trade, a tripartite agreement with India, Sri Lanka, and the UAE to develop an energy hub, and collaborations in digital transformation, debt restructuring, and health and medicine. (PC: Posted By PM Modi on X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a three-day official visit to Sri Lanka—his first since President Anura Kumara Dissanayake took office. The visit resulted in seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) across defence, energy, trade, and health sectors. Highlights include the first India-Sri Lanka defence cooperation pact, a 120-MW solar project in Trincomalee, and the conversion of over $100 million in loans into grants. PM Modi also addressed issues like detained Indian fishermen and economic recovery. The visit reflects India’s strategic commitment to strengthening regional ties and supporting Sri Lanka’s development and stability. (PC: India Today)

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has skipped a third police summons in connection with a case filed over his alleged 'traitor' jibe at Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde. The controversy stems from a parody song Kamra performed in January 2025 and later uploaded to YouTube, indirectly targeting Shinde. Shinde’s supporters vandalized the venue in protest, prompting a defamation complaint. Mumbai Police had summoned Kamra thrice, but he failed to appear, citing death threats and security concerns. Kamra has refused to apologize, defending the performance as satire and a legitimate exercise of free speech. (PC: News 18)

During PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Colombo on April 5, 2025, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake assured India that Sri Lankan territory will not be used for activities that could threaten Indian security—an apparent response to rising concerns over China’s growing presence in the region. The assurance came alongside the signing of a key defense cooperation pact and initiatives like the development of Trincomalee as an energy hub and the inauguration of the Sampur solar power project. The visit signals a strategic deepening of India-Sri Lanka ties amid shifting regional dynamics. (PC: AFP)    

During his first official visit to Sri Lanka in his third term, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the Mithra Vibhushana medal—Sri Lanka’s highest civilian award. The honor recognizes his pivotal role in enhancing India-Sri Lanka relations, fostering cultural ties, and supporting regional cooperation. The ceremony marked a historic moment, as Modi became one of the few foreign leaders to receive this distinction. His visit also included the signing of seven key MoUs, including a landmark defense agreement, signalling a new era of strategic and diplomatic collaboration between the two nations. (PC: India Today)  

During a key meeting at the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Bangladesh’s interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to ensure the protection of Hindu minorities amid reports of rising communal violence. Modi emphasized the need for thorough investigations and accountability. Yunus dismissed many reports as misinformation and cautioned India against interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs. He also requested the extradition of former PM Sheikh Hasina, now in India—a move India reportedly declined. Talks also touched on border issues and prospects for a bilateral free trade agreement. (PC:The Economic Times)    

The U.S. under Donald Trump’s renewed focus on China has imposed a 54% tariff on Chinese goods, aiming to curb reliance on Chinese imports. This policy shift may benefit India, as global firms look to diversify their supply chains and move manufacturing out of China. Countries like Vietnam and Indonesia are also affected due to their deep integration with Chinese firms. India now has a chance to attract foreign investments, but it must improve infrastructure, ease regulatory hurdles, and scale up manufacturing capacity to seize this opportunity. (PC: The Economic Times)  

At the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus for the first time since Sheikh Hasina's ouster. Modi urged Yunus to avoid rhetoric that could harm India-Bangladesh ties, referencing Yunus’s recent call for increased Chinese influence in India’s Northeast. He emphasized the need to protect Bangladesh’s Hindu minority and address cross-border security concerns. Modi also supported Bangladesh’s leadership of BIMSTEC and stressed regional cooperation. Bangladesh raised the issue of extraditing Hasina, now under investigation by Yunus’s interim government. Both sides agreed to uphold bilateral dialogue and ensure stability in the region. (PC: X/@narendramodi)