India’s merchandise trade deficit is projected to rise to $300 billion in the 2025–26 fiscal year, up from $287 billion last year, driven by sluggish exports and robust import growth. According to an ICICI Bank report, weaker demand in major global markets—excluding the U.S.—has slowed export momentum. U.S. demand remains relatively high due to advance orders ahead of potential tariffs. Meanwhile, strong domestic consumption is expected to boost imports further, potentially widening the trade imbalance.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has vowed to speak more in Bengali in defiance of what she claims is increasing harassment of Bengali speakers in several Indian states. Speaking at a Trinamool Congress rally, she alleged that in BJP-ruled states, Bengalis are being detained as “illegal immigrants” and that voters from the Bengali community are being removed from electoral rolls in Maharashtra and Bihar. She warned that a similar agenda could be pursued in West Bengal. Challenging the central government directly, Banerjee said, “If they have the courage, let them arrest me.” She also condemned claims labeling Bengalis as Rohingyas, calling such accusations baseless and offensive.

Following the deadly June crash of an Air India Boeing 787 in Ahmedabad, India’s aviation regulator has directed all airlines to inspect the fuel switch locking systems on Boeing 737 and 787 aircraft. While Boeing and the FAA assure the system is safe, India and other countries are conducting precautionary checks. Air India has already inspected most of its affected fleet, with no issues found so far. Investigators noted previous FAA guidance on the switches and discrepancies in cockpit communication before the crash.

The Chinese Embassy in India has described the issue of selecting the Dalai Lama’s successor as a "thorn" in India-China relations. Chinese spokesperson Yu Jing stated that matters related to Tibet are purely internal affairs of China and have become a burden for India. China’s frustration grew after Indian ministers attended the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday and following remarks from the Tibetan spiritual leader. While China emphasizes its role in selecting the successor, Indian Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Dalai Lama’s office will decide on the reincarnation, prompting objections from Beijing. The issue has gained diplomatic significance ahead of Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar’s upcoming visit to China.

During his visit to Beijing for the SCO Foreign Ministers' meeting, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that the normalization of India-China relations would benefit both nations. After meeting Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, he cited improving bilateral ties since the Modi-Xi meeting in October. Jaishankar also noted the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra after five years, which he said has been well received in India. This year marks 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Separatist group ULFA (United Liberation Front of Asom) has alleged that a drone strike by Indian forces on their Myanmar-based camp killed at least three senior leaders and injured many others. The attacks reportedly took place early Sunday morning. India has officially denied involvement, but ULFA insists one commander was killed in the first strike and two more leaders in a second wave. They also reported attacks on PLA (People’s Liberation Army) camps. While a faction of ULFA signed a peace deal in 2023, violence in the region continues.

A four-story building collapsed in the Welcome area of New Delhi early Saturday morning, raising concerns that many people may be trapped under the rubble. Rescue teams, including seven fire tenders, are currently conducting search and rescue operations. So far, four individuals have been rescued, but at least three remain missing beneath the debris. The cause of the collapse is still unknown, and authorities continue to work diligently to locate and save those trapped.

Tesla is set to open its first showroom in India on July 15, marking a significant step into the country’s growing electric vehicle (EV) market. The “Experience Center” will be located in Mumbai, the financial capital of India. The EV giant signed an agreement in March to establish the showroom. Meanwhile, Tesla is also scouting for a suitable site in New Delhi to expand its presence further in the Indian market. The move signals Tesla’s serious intent to invest in India’s EV future.

An Air India Boeing 787 en route from Ahmedabad to London crashed just three seconds after takeoff when fuel supply to both engines was abruptly cut off, killing all 260 people onboard. India’s aviation authority’s preliminary report revealed that both engine fuel switches unexpectedly shifted from “on” to “off”—an anomaly unlikely to happen unintentionally.

Cockpit voice recordings captured a pilot questioning the unexpected fuel cutoff. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with no official technical recommendations issued so far. Among the dead were regular passengers and residents of a nearby medical hostel. Air India has pledged full support to affected families.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s recent comment that leaders should retire at 75 has stirred a political storm in India, as both he and Prime Minister Modi are turning 75 this year. The statement, made during a book launch in Nagpur, was interpreted as a subtle hint at Modi. Opposition leaders quickly responded, reminding Modi of his past enforcement of the same age rule on senior BJP leaders. The remark has fueled fresh debate over political succession and retirement norms.

India is undertaking a significant rail infrastructure project to strengthen connectivity between the Northeast and the mainland by 2030. The initiative aims to reduce reliance on the narrow 22-kilometer Siliguri Corridor, known as the "Chicken’s Neck," a critical geopolitical chokepoint. New rail lines in Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur, and Sikkim are progressing, while Meghalaya faces delays due to local opposition. This expansion also addresses growing security concerns linked to regional geopolitics and seeks to enhance military and civilian connectivity.

India and China are cautiously working to normalize relations after years of border tensions. However, the unresolved 3,440-kilometer boundary, particularly the dispute over Arunachal Pradesh, remains a key obstacle. Top officials from both countries recently met in China, reaching limited agreements on border protocols and easing trade and visa restrictions. Both sides aim to maintain peace due to economic and geopolitical priorities — including China’s focus on Taiwan and India’s evolving ties with the U.S. Despite closer Russia-China relations and trade imbalances presenting challenges, both nations seek a stable, mutually beneficial relationship without immediate border resolution.

India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, has warned that the growing closeness between China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh could pose a threat to India’s security and regional stability. He noted that these three countries are increasingly aligning with one another to serve their own interests, which is a matter of concern for India. Additionally, economic crises in the Indian Ocean region are exacerbating the influence of external powers, while frequent government changes in neighboring countries present further challenges to India’s security. Although the exact nature of China’s assistance to Pakistan remains unclear, General Chauhan emphasized the strong defense cooperation between the two nations.

Two Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots were killed when a Jaguar fighter jet crashed near Bhanoda village in Rajasthan’s Churu district on Wednesday afternoon. The twin-seater aircraft had taken off from the Suratgarh airbase shortly before the crash.

The incident also left two civilians injured on the ground. The Indian Air Force dispatched a helicopter for rescue and recovery operations soon after the crash.

This marks the third Jaguar aircraft accident in India this year. Despite being an aging fleet, Jaguar jets remain in active service with the Indian Air Force for ground-attack roles and are still widely used.

In a special operation launched Monday night, police in Jharsuguda district of Odisha, India, detained 444 individuals suspected to be illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and among them, possibly Rohingyas. Authorities have confirmed that those detained are being held in custody while their identities are verified. Many of them worked as day laborers, masons, or street vendors. Police stated that anyone lacking proper documentation will face legal action and potential deportation. The operation was carried out following directives from India’s Ministry of Home Affairs.