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)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India and the European Union can bring “stability to a global order in turmoil” as both sides move closer to a major free trade agreement. Speaking on January 27, Modi called the talks a “historic day” for the partnership. At a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, he said the pact is “not just a trade agreement.” Modi described it as a “blueprint for shared prosperity.” The proposed deal will include all 27 EU member states. Formal signing will take place after legal scrubbing is completed. (PC: India Today)

India and the European Union are set to announce a major free trade agreement at a summit in New Delhi on Tuesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa. Officials said the pact will cover trade, defence, security, climate action and worker mobility. The agreement is expected to strengthen bilateral ties and support manufacturing and services. A defence and security partnership and a framework on labour mobility are also likely outcomes. Negotiations for the trade deal began in 2007 and were revived in 2022. The EU is India’s largest trading partner in goods, with trade worth about $136 billion in 2024-25. (PC: NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at Hyderabad House on Tuesday during the 16th India-EU summit. The meeting comes as India and the European Union prepare to announce a long-awaited free trade agreement after nearly 20 years of negotiations. The leaders also discussed cooperation in security, clean energy and global supply chains. The EU leaders earlier paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. Officials said the pact aims to deepen economic ties and strengthen the strategic partnership. The agreement will still require approval and ratification processes before it takes effect. (PC: X)