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Bangladesh Chief Advisor about the meeting of the Bangladesh leader Muhammad Yunus with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sources have dismissed the account as mischievous and politically motivated. Sources said on Saturday that the characterisation of PM Modi's remarks regarding the relationship between Yunus and the previous government was also inaccurate. The sources said underlined that PM Modi spoke of the progress in our bilateral relationship since 2014 and characterized it as a deep friendship between our societies and peoples. They said PM Modi also mentioned the importance of elections as the basis of legitimacy in any democracy. «A continued procrastination in this regard would damage the Chief Advisor's reputation. The Bangladeshi contention that attacks on minorities were a social media concoction was dismissed as being in contradiction of facts on the ground,» a source said.

KP Sharma Oli has said the meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand's Bangkok was «fruitful and progressive.» Addressing a press conference after landing back in Kathmandu on Saturday afternoon, the Nepali Prime Minister said that a commitment has been established between the two counterparts to take the relationship to newer heights. «We (both the Prime Ministers) have made the commitment that the Nepal-India relation will be taken to new heights, further deepening it, covering wider aspects and solve the problems that arise over the time. It is common that neighbours will encounter problems and it is resolved through dialogue, we both are convinced about it. The meeting went very well and I am very happy and consider it as fruitful for both the countries. While talking about him (Indian Prime Minister), I also understand that he is happy with the meeting, which I decode from the talks with him,» Oli said in the press briefing at the VVIP lounge of Tribhuvan International Airport.

Is Trump actually playing a strategic ‘chess’ game—and are we all just pawns? On April 2, Trump unveiled sweeping new tariffs on foreign imports, calling the day “Liberation Day” for American industry. The move includes a 25% tariff on all foreign-made cars and a baseline 10% tariff on imports from every country not part of the USMCA trade deal—leaving the EU, UK, and others scrambling to respond. China, of course, fired back with a 34% tariff on U.S. goods. But as the political fallout begins to swirl, a viral social media theory is giving the chaos a dramatic twist.

Indian seafood exports will face significant pressure following the imposition of the US reciprocal tariffs, according to a study by the industry body FICCI. India's exports of fish, meat, and processed seafood are valued at US USD 2.58 billion with six product categories--Frozen Shrimp, Frozen Fish, Fish Meal and Fish Feed, Frozen Squid, Surimi & Analogue Products, and Frozen Cuttlefish--accounting for 94 per cent of total export value. US is India's largest seafood export market, holding a 34.5 per cent share of total export value. Frozen shrimp dominates, contributing 91.9 per cent of the export value (USD 2.34 billion) and 90.4 per cent of the volume (2.97 lakh tonnes). «Indian seafood exports will face significant pressure following the imposition of the US reciprocal tariffs,» the study said. India competes with countries like Canada, Ecuador, Indonesia and Vietnam in these categories. Other Latin American countries also compete in the market.

Trump's move on Wednesday to place stiff new tariffs on imports from nearly all U.S. trading partners marks an all-in bet by the Republican that his once-fringe economic vision will pay off for Americans. It was the realization of his four decades of advocacy for a protectionist foreign policy and the belief that free trade was forcing the United States into decline as its economy shifted from manufacturing to services. The tariff announcement was the latest and perhaps boldest manifestation of Trump's second-term freedom to lead with his instincts after feeling his first turn in the Oval Office was restrained by aides who did not share his worldview. How it shakes out could be a defining judgment on his presidency. The early reviews have been worrisome. Financial markets had their worst week since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, foreign trade partners retaliated and economists warned that the import taxes may boost inflation and potentially send the U.S. into a recession. It's now Republican lawmakers who are fretting about their party's future while Democrats feel newly buoyant over what they see as Trump's overreach.

tariff rate of 10% on countries across the globe, big and small. From the imposed reciprocal tariff rates, Asia and Europe on the higher end of the tariff scale. In Asia, the highest rate of reciprocal tariff is on Cambodia and Vietnam. India faces reciprocal tariffs of 27% while China faces reciprocal tariffs of 34%. Indonesia and Taiwan are facing higher tariffs than India at 32%. Mexico and Canada are exempted from new tariffs, while the previously announced 25% tariff on autos is to take effect from April 3, 2025. Reciprocal tariffs to the equivalent of ~50% of combined estimated rate of tariff and non-tariff barriers faced by US exports in the respective countries have been announced. A retaliation might put the global economy in a trade war. The efforts to reach a bilateral agreement between India-USA provides hope and scope to limit the impact of these reciprocal tariffs levied on India.

Anura Kumara Dissanayake honoured Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the highest award to a foreign head of state, Mitra Vibhushana. Dissanayake said that PM Modi highly deserves this honour. In a joint press statement alongside PM Modi, Dissanayake said, «I am pleased to announce that the Government of Sri Lanka has decided to confer upon him (PM Narendra Modi) the highest Sri Lankan honour to a foreign head of state/head of government- Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana. This prestigious honour, which was introduced in 2008, is conferred upon heads of states and government for their friendship, and honourable Prime Minister Modi highly deserves this honour; that is what we firmly believe.» The «Dharma Chakra» demonstrates the shared Buddhist heritage that has shaped the cultural traditions of both nations. The «Pun Kalasa» (a ceremonial pot) adorned with sheaves of rice symbolizes prosperity and renewal. The «Navarathna» (nine precious gems) represents the priceless and enduring friendship between the two countries, depicted within a globe encircled by pure lotus petals. The «Sun and Moon» signify the timeless bond, stretching from the ancient past into the infinite future. Together, these elements beautifully capture the deep cultural and spiritual connection between the two nations.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday said it is very important to pay attention to the slump of India's markets as common people are losing their money and this could cause the economy to sink. In a post on X in Hindi, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister held the central government responsible for this «double vicious circle» of the economy. Indian markets plunged on Friday after US President Donald Trump announced sweeping reciprocal tariffs, including 27 per cent on India, to reduce the trade deficit and boost domestic manufacturing. «It is very important to pay attention to the loss of millions of crores in the country's stock market because the savings and capital of the common people, who have some extra money to invest and with which they buy goods or services and vehicles and land, is being lost. »These are the things that keep the wheel of buying and selling moving in the market and also the economy. If the money of the common people is lost in the stock market, then both the market and the economy sink," Yadav said in his post. Investors' wealth dropped by Rs 10 lakh crore on Friday as the BSE Sensex slumped over 900 points to crash below the 76,000 level due to an across-the-board sell-off, tracking weak global markets amid growing global trade war fears.

«It has become a concerning issue for us, our fishermen and all the Indians. It is a matter related to security. The PM should raise this issue firmly. Even an inch of Indian land belongs to us. I support that it (Kachchatheevu Island) should be under the protection of India...It is ours,» Tiwari told ANI. This came after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday regarding the retrieval of Katchatheevu Island. The Tamil Nadu assembly passed a resolution on April 2 regarding the retrieval of Katchatheevu island to protect the traditional fishing rights of Indian fishermen in the Palk Bay area. The letter dated April 3, reads, «I am writing this letter to bring to your immediate attention to the Resolution passed by the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on 02.04.2025 regarding the retrieval of Katchatheevu island, to protect the traditional fishing rights of the Indian fishermen in the Palk Bay area. I would like to point out that the origin of the problem is the Indo-Sri Lankan Treaty (Katchatheevu Agreement) made between the two Countries in the year 1974.»

Modi landed in Colombo last evening after concluding his trip to Bangkok where he attended a summit of the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation). «PM @narendramodiwas welcomed by President @anuradisanayake with a ceremonial reception at the Independence Square in Colombo,» External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on 'X'. «Bilateral discussions to foster a partnership for a shared future & mutual prosperity of our people, lie ahead,» he said. Officials said it was the first time a foreign leader was accorded such a welcome at the Independence Square.

Financial services firm Tata Capital has filed preliminary papers for Rs 15,000 crore plus IPO under the confidential pre-filing route with markets regulator Sebi. The mega IPO will comprise both issuance of new shares as well as offloading of stake by Tata Sons, which owns 93% equity stake in Tata Capital. Tata Capital, identified as an upper-layer non-banking finance company (NBFC) by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), already received its board approval to float the IPO which may comprise 2.3 crore equity shares by way of a fresh issue and an offer of sale (OFS) by certain existing shareholders, according to a disclosure made to stock exchanges earlier.

These negotiations come just days after the US imposed a series of new tariffs affecting several nations, including a levy of 26% on India. According to Reuters, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the levies with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. A State Department readout of their meeting confirmed that the tariff discussions are part of a broader diplomatic effort. The talks are centered on a relatively small subset of the countries impacted by the new tariffs, with both parties looking to strike deals. This is seen as the first phase of a larger set of negotiations, as countries begin to assess their next steps and responses to the tariff changes. On Friday, Vietnam, which is facing a 46% tariff on its exports to the US, announced that it intends to reduce its tariffs on US goods to zero, pending an agreement with the US.

Trump announced expansive new import tariffs Wednesday, including a 32% tax on imports from Taiwan. That same day, Gutierrez ordered the laptop, with a base price of $2,400, from a retailer in New York specializing in photo and video gear. «I thought I'd bite the bullet, buy it now, and then that way I'll have the latest technology on my laptop and don't have to worry about the tariffs,» he said. Gutierrez was among the U.S. consumers rushing to buy big-ticket items before the tariffs take effect. Economists say the tariffs are expected to increase prices for everyday items, warning of potentially weakened U.S. economic growth. The White House hopes the tariffs prod countries to open their economies to more American exports, leading to negotiations that could reduce tariffs, or that companies increase their production in the U.S. to avoid higher import taxes. Rob Blackwell and his wife needed a new car that could handle long drives from Arlington, Virginia, to their son's college. Their current electric vehicle is older with a limited range, and it will soon be used by his daughter, who is on the verge of getting her driver's license.

Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia have for years worked to turn themselves into alternatives to China for factories making the bags, electronics, shoes and auto parts that eventually end up in the United States. Now, they will face some of the most punishing tariffs. All three countries have said in recent days that they’re open to negotiations over the “reciprocal tariffs” Trump announced this week, while Singapore, a finance and trade hub, has said that it doesn’t plan to strike back. The offers come as nations worldwide weigh how to respond to Trump’s decision to slap tariffs from 10% to as high as 50% on every country. Since his announcement, trillions of dollars in market value have been wiped out globally and triggered widespread recession alarms. Southeast Asia’s offers to negotiate contrast with China’s immediate retaliation, while the European Union is preparing its own countermeasures if talks fail. Trump and Vietnam's leader To Lam have agreed to discuss a deal to remove tariffs, both leaders said after a phone call that Trump said was «very productive», as Hanoi has escalated its campaign to dodge duties of 46%.

Global investors have yearned for clarity over U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs, but now they have it, they don't much like what they see. As part of his «Liberation Day» on April 2, Trump slapped hefty tariffs on major trading partners, plunging markets into turmoil, just as investors parse through the first new quarterly earnings, along with Chinese inflation data, waiting for the rest of the world to respond.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake greeted him at the venue, marking the start of a packed diplomatic schedule. Earlier in the day, PM Modi was warmly welcomed at his hotel, where he was seen shaking hands with members of the Indian diaspora and witnessing a puppet show performed in his honour. The vibrant reception reflected the strong cultural and people-to-people ties between the two countries. PM Modi's arrival in Colombo came after his visit to Thailand, where he held a bilateral meeting with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and attended the BIMSTEC Summit. On the sidelines, he engaged in further bilateral discussions, laying the groundwork for this leg of his regional outreach. Despite rainy weather, six senior Sri Lankan ministers personally received PM Modi at the airport. The delegation included Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath; Minister of Health and Mass Media Nalinda Jayatissa; Minister of Labour Anil Jayantha; Minister of Fisheries Ramalingam Chandrasekar; Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj; and Minister of Science and Technology Chrishantha Abeysena.

Sean Parnell, chief Pentagon spokesman, said Friday that Hegseth will participate in the 2025 Central American Security Conference. He said Hegseth will take part in meetings that «will drive ongoing efforts to strengthen our partnerships with Panama and other Central American nations toward our shared vision for a peaceful and secure Western Hemisphere.» He did not mention the canal, which was built by the US in the early 1900s as it looked for ways to facilitate the transit of commercial and military vessels between its coasts. Washington turned control over to Panama on Dec. 31, 1999, under a treaty signed in 1977 by President Jimmy Carter. Trump has claimed that Carter «foolishly» gave the canal away. After Trump's threats, a Hong Kong-based conglomerate has agreed to sell its controlling stake in a subsidiary that operates ports near the Panama Canal to a consortium including BlackRock Inc., effectively putting the ports under American control. The deal will give the U.S. investment management company BlackRock Inc. control over 43 ports in 23 countries, including the ports of Balboa and Cristobal, located at either end of the Panama Canal. Other ports are in Mexico, the Netherlands, Egypt, Australia, Pakistan and elsewhere.

trade tariffs, industrialist Anand Mahindra believes India is being overlooked — and that could be a big mistake. On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced sweeping reciprocal tariffs on global trade partners, including a 34% duty on Chinese goods. In response, China hit back with a 34% tariff on all imports from the U.S., escalating fears of a prolonged trade war. While the spotlight has largely remained on China, the U.S. also slapped a 26% reciprocal tariff on Indian goods, citing high import duties imposed by New Delhi. Amid this global shake-up, Mahindra sees an opening for India. Taking to X, the Mahindra Group Chairman said that while most global forums are focused on how China may benefit or retaliate, India remains a “non-topic of discussion." However, he argued that India is poised to become the world’s third-largest economy and, as the world’s largest democracy, is uniquely positioned thanks to its vast domestic consumption and strong supply chains. Mahindra also called for a “measured reaction” to tariffs, urging India to adopt smart policies that help it emerge as the world’s most reliable economic partner — and a key pillar in a new, multipolar global order.

Act East Policy is the reflection of PM Narendra Modi’s foreign policy marked by dynamism and action. With the changing dynamics of the world, PM Modi in 2014, introduced a new vigour in India’s foreign policy. He transformed the Look East Policywith a more dynamic Act East Policy (AEP). Introduced in 1992, the Look East policy focused largely on economic ties with the Southeast Asia region. This shift was not just symbolic but marked a significant strategic approach that emphasized deeper diplomatic engagement, stronger trade partnerships, enhanced security cooperation, and cultural exchanges with Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region. The Act East Policy placed India as an active stakeholder in regional affairs. Over the past 10 years, the Act East Policy has positioned India as an active and influential player in Southeast Asia. The Indian PM’s frequent engagements, high-profile summits, and strategic partnerships have strengthened India's presence in the Indo-Pacific, making India not just a participant but a leader in regional affairs. Modi has himself visited SE Asia multiple times. This include trips to Singapore (2015, 2018, 2024), which have strengthened economic and fintech collaboration, and visits to Indonesia (2018, 2022, 2023), where India expanded its maritime security cooperation.

Investors will look for signs the stock market may be close to at least a short-term bottom after Trump's tariffs rocked global asset prices this week. The benchmark S&P 500 lodged its biggest weekly drop since March 2020 and the Nasdaq Composite on Friday ended down more than 20% from its December record high, confirming the tech heavy index is in a bear market. The Dow Jones Industrial Average finished the week down well over 10% from its December record high, marking a correction for the blue-chip index.

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. IF YOU failed to spot America being “looted, pillaged, raped and plundered by nations near and far" or it being cruelly denied a “turn to prosper", then congratulations: you have a firmer grip on reality than the president of the United States. It’s hard to know which is more unsettling: that the leader of the free world could spout complete drivel about its most successful and admired economy.