India and Oman signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement on December 18, 2025, granting India duty-free access on 98.08% of Omani tariff lines, covering 99.38% of Indian exports to Oman. India offered liberalized tariffs on 77.79% of its tariff lines, covering 94.81% of Omani imports. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Sultan Haitham bin Tarik in Muscat for bilateral discussions. India exported $4.06 billion to Oman in 2024-25 (0.93% of total exports) and imported $6.5 billion (0.91% of total imports). Beyond merchandise tariff removal, the agreement includes service sector concessions, particularly benefiting worker mobility. The deal strengthens India-Oman economic ties significantly. (PC: X)

A parliamentary committee led by Congress's Shashi Tharoor declared Bangladesh poses India's "greatest strategic challenge" since the 1971 Liberation War, warning India risks "irrelevance" without recalibration. The report cites rising Islamic radicals, intensifying Chinese-Pakistani influence, and Awami League's collapse as key factors. Concerns include China's expanding infrastructure footprint like Mongla Port expansion, Lalmonirhat Airbase, Pekua submarine base accommodating eight submarines and engagement with Jamaat-e-Islami, now reinstated for elections while Awami League faces electoral ban. The committee recommended monitoring foreign military presence and offering Bangladesh comparative development advantages. Recent visa center closures followed radical Islamist protests, with NCP leader threatening to sever India's northeastern "seven sisters" under Muhammad Yunus's interim government seeking closer Pakistan-China ties. (PC: Lowy Institute)

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa will serve as Chief Guests at India's Republic Day parade on January 26, 2026. They'll share the dais with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu. EU leadership has accepted India's invitation, with official announcement pending. Their visit coincides with the India-EU Summit scheduled for January 27, where the Free Trade Agreement will likely be formally signed. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed negotiations are progressing, with a rough outline prepared. Of 23 chapters under discussion, 11 are closed. Remaining negotiations include market access for cars, steel, services, investment, and technical trade barriers.(PC: Times Now)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Oman's highest national honor, 'The Order of Oman, First Class,' marking his 29th international award. The prestigious recognition places him alongside distinguished recipients including Queen Elizabeth, Nelson Mandela, Queen Maxima, Emperor Akihito, and King Abdullah of Jordan. Sultan Haitham bin Tarik conferred the honor during Modi's visit to Muscat, the final leg of his three-nation tour. The leaders held bilateral talks culminating in India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement signing. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized CEPA will boost trade, investment, economic diversification, and employment generation. Discussions covered defense, security, trade, energy, agriculture, technology, and cultural relations. Modi participated in India-Oman Business Forum, highlighting India's competitive market reforms.

US H-1B and H-4 visa interview crisis deepens as hundreds of Indian applicants face appointments postponed to October 2026, following earlier rescheduling to February-March 2026. Immigration lawyers report interviews originally scheduled for mid-January now pushed to year-end. US authorities cite expanded social media screening requirements causing delays. Professionals separated from families remain stranded with precarious job situations. Mass cancellations accelerated since mid-December, catching applicants who booked travel and arranged leave off-guard. US Consulate spokesperson acknowledged shifting appointments to match resource availability. Immigration attorneys advise documenting everything while pleading with employers for remote work options. Indian expat forums express anxiety and frustration over mounting uncertainty, questioning US viability for long-term careers.

India closed two additional visa centers in Bangladesh's Rajshahi and Khulna due to deteriorating security conditions, following Dhaka center's closure. The decision follows radical Islamist protests near the Indian High Commission organized by "July Oikya" group. Despite India's concerns about rising anti-India sentiment, Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossain dismissed threats made by National Citizens Party leader Hasnat Abdullah regarding India's "seven sisters" northeastern states, claiming he's not part of government. Hossain denied security deterioration despite radical elements organizing protests. Bangladesh rejected India's election advice, calling it unacceptable. Observers suggest radical groups backing Muhammad Yunus's interim government may derail elections to prolong unelected rule beyond February while scapegoating India.

Indian-origin rideshare driver Simranjit Singh Sekhon, 35, faces rape charges after allegedly assaulting an unconscious 21-year-old passenger in California. Sekhon picked up the intoxicated woman from a Thousand Oaks bar on November 27 around 1 am. Investigators allege he continued driving after completing the ride, taking the vulnerable victim around Camarillo before sexually assaulting her. Arrested December 15 in Bakersfield, Sekhon pleaded not guilty and is held on $500,000 bail. Ventura County Sheriff's Office suspects additional victims may exist. The case adds to growing scrutiny of rideshare driver safety. Authorities haven't disclosed which company employed Sekhon. His next court appearance is December 29. Police urge potential victims to contact investigators immediately.

India and Oman signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on December 18, 2025, in Muscat to strengthen bilateral trade, investment and economic ties. Under the deal, Oman will grant zero-duty access on over 98% of its tariff lines for Indian goods — covering nearly all Indian exports including textiles, gems, pharmaceuticals and automobiles — while India will cut tariffs on about 78% of imports from Oman. Annual trade between the two nations already exceeds $10 billion, and the pact is expected to expand market access, diversify exports, and deepen strategic economic engagement in the Middle East. (PC: Reuters)

Amandeep Singh-Bola, a 34-year-old New Zealand-born man of Indian and Kiwi heritage, helped restrain an alleged shooter during the deadly Bondi Beach terror attack on December 14, Australia. He ran toward the gunfire, jumped on one of the attackers, and pinned him down with the aid of a police officer. Singh-Bola said he acted to help bring the assailant down and assist others in danger, despite initially mistaking the shots for fireworks. The attack, linked to an extremist motive, killed 15 people and injured dozens, including Indian students. (PC: AP)

The US visa crisis has worsened for Indian workers after H-1B and H-4 visa interviews were postponed to October 2026. Many appointments earlier fixed for early 2026 were suddenly rescheduled. US officials cited delays due to expanded social media checks and limited resources. Hundreds of Indian professionals are now stuck in India or abroad, with jobs and family plans at risk. Some are separated from spouses and children in the US. Immigration lawyers say legal options are limited. Applicants have been advised to seek remote work or extended leave while waiting for new interview dates. (PC: India Today)