Rights group Oxfam praised India's political reservation system in its annual inequality report released at the World Economic Forum. The organization highlighted India's quotas for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and marginalized groups as a "compelling example" of political empowerment for ordinary citizens. Oxfam noted that globally, billionaires are 4,000 times more likely to hold political office than average citizens. India's reservation system creates opportunities for economically disadvantaged and socially excluded communities to gain legislative representation and advance redistributive policies. The country provides reservations based on population and recently announced 33 percent reservation for women. Oxfam emphasized that institutional inclusiveness and political incentives enable meaningful participation despite structural inequality. (PC: X)

United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will visit India on Monday to strengthen bilateral ties. The visit is at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the external affairs ministry said. Talks will focus on trade, investment, defence cooperation and energy. Regional issues, including West Asia and the Gaza peace process, may also be discussed. India and the United Arab Emirates share strong political and economic ties, boosted after a trade deal in 2022. The ministry said the visit will help chart new areas of cooperation and deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. (PC: HT)

US President Donald Trump has invited India to join a proposed “Board of Peace” for postwar Gaza, sources said. The board is meant to oversee governance, security and rebuilding in the war-hit region. The White House said the main board will be chaired by Trump, with support from a Palestinian technocrats’ committee and a separate executive board. Pakistan has also received an invitation. India is seen as acceptable to both Israel and Palestine due to long-standing ties. Several countries reacted cautiously, raising concerns about the role of the United Nations.

India has adjusted its engagement at Iran’s Chabahar Port, a strategic seaport that gives New Delhi access to Afghanistan and Central Asia while bypassing Pakistan. Reports of a forced exit under US sanctions triggered political debate, but the government has denied any withdrawal. The Ministry of External Affairs said India continues operations under a US sanctions waiver valid until April 26, 2026, and discussions are ongoing for an extension. Experts say this is a temporary recalibration due to sanctions pressure. While Chabahar is vital for regional connectivity and trade routes, analysts note India’s financial exposure remains limited at present. (PC: X)

The first commercial flights from Iran arrived in Delhi, bringing back Indian nationals amid ongoing protests and unrest in the country. The returnees, including students and professionals, expressed gratitude to the Indian government and the Indian Embassy in Tehran for timely assistance and coordination. Many passengers reported facing difficulties due to internet shutdowns, restrictions on movement, and general uncertainty during the protests. While these were not special evacuation flights, the government has been closely monitoring the situation and advising Indians in Iran to remain cautious. Authorities have assured that all necessary support will be extended if the situation worsens further. (PC: NDTV)

American lawmakers have urged Donald Trump to seek tariff relief for US pulse exports to India. Senators Kevin Cramer and Steve Daines wrote that India’s 30% duty on pulses harms American farmers.   They said states like North Dakota and Montana lead US pulse production, while India is the world’s largest market. “Unfair Indian tariffs put US producers at a serious disadvantage,” they wrote. The senators noted the duty on yellow peas began in November 2025. They urged Trump to raise the issue with PM Narendra Modi, saying tariff cuts would help farmers and Indian consumers alike.

India has said it will not exit Iran’s Chabahar port project, calling it strategically essential despite US sanctions pressure. The Ministry of External Affairs said New Delhi is in touch with Washington to implement a temporary sanctions waiver allowing work at the port to continue. The clarification followed reports linking the project to possible US tariffs on countries trading with Iran. (PC: X) Located on Iran’s southern coast, Chabahar gives India access to Afghanistan and Central Asia while bypassing Pakistan. India signed a 10-year deal in 2024 to operate the port through a state-run firm. Officials said talks with the US are ongoing as the waiver expires in April 2026.

Several Indian nationals returned safely from Iran as unrest and communication blackouts worsened, following advisories issued by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Tehran. The passengers arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport late Friday. Returnees said protests, movement restrictions and internet shutdowns had made daily life difficult and cut them off from families. Many included students, pilgrims and business travellers. Families waiting at the airport expressed relief after days of no contact. The government has advised Indians to avoid travel to Iran until further notice and said coordination with the embassy is continuing as more citizens are expected to return. (PC: India Today)

India stated Friday that approximately 9,000 Indian nationals in Iran mostly students, businesspeople, professionals, pilgrims, and seafarers can return via continuing commercial flights. The government is exploring evacuation options once commercial flights cease or domestic travel becomes difficult. The MEA confirmed India holds a conditional US sanctions waiver for Iran's Chabahar port project valid until April 26, 2026, and remains engaged with Washington on arrangements. Amid street protests threatening Iran's regime, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized India's commitment to citizen welfare while maintaining "long-standing relations with Iran." The Indian embassy in Tehran stays connected with the community. Chabahar port provides India strategic access to Afghanistan and Central Asia. (PC: AP) 

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal announced the India-EU free trade agreement is nearing completion, calling it the "mother of all deals" with announcement expected by January 27. The pact, India's largest trade agreement covering 27 developed European economies, coincides with EU leadership's Republic Day visit. Goyal emphasized the mutually beneficial "super deal" will unlock massive export opportunities for India. The EU currently accounts for 17% of India's exports, with 2024-25 bilateral trade at $136.53 billion. The FTA gains significance amid US tariff disruptions, helping India diversify markets and reduce China dependence. Since 2014, India finalized seven trade agreements including Australia, UAE, and UK. (PC: X)