Month: September 2025

The Syro-Malabar Church responded to the RSS-affiliated Malayalam publication Kesari’s article claims about conversions, which states that religious conversions, allegedly done secretly, came to light following the arrest of nuns in Chhattisgarh on Wednesday.

Putting a post on Facebook with the image “Stop Hindu Fascism,” Syro Malabar claimed that the recent article by Kesari is full of falsehoods and historical distortions and is deliberately crafted to incite division, distrust, and disharmony between communities.

It also claimed that the Kesari continues to justify the ideological positions of the RSS and does not care about the impact it will have on communal harmony.

“Kesari, the mouthpiece of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Kerala, continues its role of justifying and whitewashing the ideological positions of the RSS, regardless of the impact on communal harmony or truth. The recent article, steeped in falsehoods and historical distortions, appears deliberately crafted to incite division, distrust, and disharmony between communities, especially targeting Christians in India,” said the Syro Malabar church.

The church also claimed that with growing attacks on Christian gatherings, churches, and prayer meetings, India’s secularism is under siege.

“The growing restrictions on Christian gatherings, churches, and prayer meetings, not to mention the violence against pastors and lay believers, send a clear message to the world: India’s constitutional secularism is under siege,” added the church.

It further said that if Hindu spiritual leaders and gurus can freely propagate their teachings, establish temples, and receive donations, then why should the minorities be denied these rights?

“If Hindu spiritual leaders and gurus can freely propagate their teachings, establish temples, and receive foreign donations in Western countries, on what ethical or legal grounds can Christians or any other religious group be denied similar freedoms in India? Are we to believe in one set of rights for the majority and another for the minorities?” argued the church.

Earlier, Kesari Weekly published an article which talked about the religious conversion which came into light in Chhattisgarh after two nuns were arrested for forced conversion in July. In that article, Kesari claimed that the church is calling for the stay of the anti-conversion law prevalent in 11 states of India. The article further claimed that the church is attempting to create enmity among different religious communities.

Additionally, the article further argues that if an individual converts to the influence of missionaries, they become hostile toward their former religion and are perceived as traitors to the country.

Earlier, the Syro-Malabar Church and the Kerala Catholic Bishop Council sent a letter to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, requesting suggestions to amend the Waqf Act of 1995.

In his letter dated September 10, Archbishop Andrews Thazath, chairman of the Syro-Malabar Public Affairs Commission, claimed that the Waqf Board has unlawfully claimed multiple properties belonging to Christian families from Cherai and Munambam in Ernakulam.

“In Ernakulum District of Kerala, numerous properties that have belonged to Christian families for generations in the villages of ‘Cherai & Munambam’ have been unlawfully claimed by the Waqf Board, leading to protracted legal battles and the displacement of rightful owners. Around 600 families are under threat. These people belong to the impoverished fishermen’s community. One Catholic Parish Church, Convent and dispensary are under threat of evacuation by the Waqf Board,” said Archbishop Andrews Thazath.

Hence, the Syro-Malabar Public Affairs Commission requested the JPC to consider the tragic situation of the people in these villages and many other parts of India who are under the threat of losing their lands. (ANI)

Indian stock benchmarks witnessed yet another day of gains, supported by a host of factors that include the recent GST reforms, intensification of efforts for the India-US trade deal, and moderate inflation, among others.

Sensex closed the Wednesday session at 82,693.71 points, up 313.02 points, or 0.38 per cent, while Nifty settled at 25,330.25 points, up 91.15 points or 0.36 per cent. Among the sectoral indices, auto, FMCG, PSU bank, oil and gas, rose the most, while metal and consumer durables declined the most, NSE data showed.

“”Indian equities maintained their upward momentum, aided by the revival of India-US trade talks and efforts to strengthen bilateral ties,” said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Limited. “Strong domestic inflows, currency stability, and favourable geopolitical dynamics continue to create a constructive near-term outlook for the market.”

The fact which stole the show today was the market debut of Urban Company, a platform for on-demand home services. The company made a 64 per cent jump from its issue price to close the day at Rs 169 per share. Compared with the opening price, it rose Rs 4.2 per cent.

“Strong listing was above our expectations; despite listing pop, Urban Company presents a compelling long-term structural story and can serve as a proxy for the growing demand in the home services segment across its key geographies,” noted Prashanth Tapse, Senior VP (Research), Mehta Equities Ltd.

In spite of being perceived as expensive IPO from a valuation standpoint, the offer witnessed strong investor demand which was primarily led by Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) 147x and Non-Institutional Investors (NIIs) 77x, with retail participation also remaining healthy 41x compared to other recent offerings.

“…we continue to recommend allotted investors who can take near-term risk to hold the stock from a long-term investment perspective, keeping in mind the inherent market risks. For non-allotted investors, a ‘Wait and Watch’ approach is advisable to assess any post-listing dip as a potential entry point,” Tapse noted.

The broader stock markets today traded robustly on hopes of a possible US Federal Reserve rate cut in the impending monetary policy review meeting. Investors also took comfort from the first phone call between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi since June, which signalled improving relations.

Trump extended 75th birthday wishes to PM Modi through a phone call, and expressed gratitude for support on ending the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. In a post on his social media account, Truth Social, Trump stated that PM Modi is doing a “tremendous job.”

A team of United States officials led by Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, Brendan Lynch, had “positive and forward-looking” discussions on Tuesday with the officials from India’s Department of Commerce, and it was decided to intensify efforts to achieve early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Trade Agreement.

“Encouraging signals from India-US trade talks rekindled buying interest across sectors. The focus of market participants will now shift squarely to the US Federal Reserve’s policy outcome and outlook later tonight, with markets widely pricing in a 25-basis point rate cut,” Sudeep Shah, Head – Technical Research and Derivatives at SBI Securities, said. (ANI)

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Wednesday claimed that his Bihar Adhikar Yatra is making waves in Patna, with thousands turning out to support the march.

On the second day of the yatra, Tejashwi expressed the public’s growing frustration with the current government, citing rampant corruption, extortion in government offices and police stations, and a surge in crime that leaves citizens feeling unsafe in their own homes.

“Today is the second day of the yatra… Wherever we are going, thousands of people are coming out on the streets to support this march,” Yadav told reporters.

During the Yatra, Yadav stated that the public is angry with Bihar’s current government, as corruption and extortion have increased in many block offices and police stations.

“The entire public of Bihar is furious with the current government. Corruption has increased, extortion has increased in block offices and police stations,” added Yadav.

He further claimed that crime has increased to the point that people do not even feel safe in their homes.

“Crime has increased so much that people do not feel safe even in their own homes…” added Yadav.

Earlier, Rashtriya Janata Dal leader launched the ‘Adhikar Yatra’ to address youth unemployment, and ensure the rights of women, respect for teachers and better the health and education system in Bihar yesterday.

According to RJD MP Sanjay Yadav, this rally is covering the districts which were left out in the ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ organised by Congress.

“After the ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’, some districts were left out, in which all our workers and leaders from there came and said that the districts have been left out, so Tejashwi ji took the decision to take out this yatra respecting their feelings. Secondly, Tejashwi ji is taking out this yatra with the resolution of building a new Bihar. Jobs and employment for the youth, rights for women, respect for teachers, industries should be set up in Bihar, education and health system should be better,” the RJD legislator told ANI.

The rally, which commenced in Jehanabad, will conclude on September 20 in Vaishali. The rally will also cover Begusarai, Khagaria and Madhepura.

Ahead of Yatra’s launch, Tejashwi Yadav said that they will form a “corruption-free”, “crime-free” government when they come to power.

But Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Union minister Giriraj Singh criticised the Yatra, taking a jibe at the RJD leader to take a trip across with his father and former Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, so they can see the development the state has gone through, being led by the NDA.

“Tejashwi Yadav should set out on a journey with the entire family. Show Lalu Yadav what development really means. Lalu Yadav used to tell the poor, what will you do with electricity? What will you do with roads? Take him on a road trip across the entire Bihar, then he will understand what development the pair of Nitish Kumar and PM Narendra Modi has brought to Bihar,” the Union minister told ANI.

However, Jan Suraaj Party Founder Prashant Kishor called Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav “expired medicines”, alleging that they cannot eradicate corruption and unemployment.

“The leaders like PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi, and Tejashwi Yadav are like expired medicines. They can’t eradicate corruption, unemployment,” Kishor told reporters.

Meanwhile, the Bihar Assembly election is se to be held later this year. The primary contest is between the incumbent National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and the Mahagathbandhan led by the RJD. In the current Bihar Assembly of 243 members, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) consists of 131, with the BJP having 80 MLAs, JD(U)-45, HAM(S)-4, with the support of 2 Independent Candidates. (ANI)

Delhi’s Patiala House Court granted Delhi police time on Wednesday to argue Gaganpreet Kaur’s bail plea in the BMW accident case that claimed the life of Navjot Singh, Deputy Secretary in the Finance Ministry.

The Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) granted the prosecution time until Saturday to oppose Gaganpreet Kaur’s bail plea. The Delhi Police has filed its reply on the bail plea.

Meanwhile, the court extended the judicial custody of Gaganpreet Kaur till September 27.

The court has also issued notice on the application for preservation of CCTV footage of the accident. The court is to hear the application tomorrow.

The counsel for the accused has moved this application.

At the outset of the hearing on the bail plea, senior advocate Ramesh Gupta, while arguing for Gaganpreet Kaur, submitted that this is a simple accident case. Invoking the section related to culpable homicide not amounting to murder is totally unwanted.

The senior advocate also submitted that there was no proper investigation. There is an interview of DCP, he should be made a witness by the investigation officer.

An ambulance also came on the spot, but he did not carry the injured to the hospital. Should he not be accused? the senior advocate questioned.

He further argued that there was a DTC bus. It should have been impounded.

“I expect that the police will investigate the case in a fair manner,” the senior advocate submitted.

He also submitted that the case diary is not paginated. It should be done as per the mandate of law.

There were two witnesses at the spot. They should be made a witness, senior advocate Ramesh Gupta said.

The senior advocate argued that the police are saying that she took the injured far away to a hospital, which attracts section 304 of the IPC against her; it is totally unwarranted.

On the other hand, Delhi police opposed the bail plea. Police said that the first information was received from the hospital. The accused was not seriously injured despite she got herself admitted in the ICU. She took the injured to a hospital far away from the spot. It raises serious doubt.

Advocate Atul Kumar, counsel for the family of victims, also opposed the bail plea.

He said that she (Gaganpreet Kaur) took the injured to the hospital 20 kilometres away, known to her family.

The injured was kept on a stretcher. Whereas the accused was admitted to the ICU, though she was not seriously injured, the counsel submitted.

She was in the ICU for hours. She did not inform the police. Neither did she make a call to an ambulance from the spot. It shows the conduct of the accused.

The counsel submitted that we can imagine the speed of the car that got overturned. Airbags opened after the accident.

“Why did the accused not make an ambulance call? The army base hospital is a minute away from the spot,” the counsel questioned.

The public prosecutor submitted that he is not prepared to argue the bail. He should be granted time to oppose the bail plea. (ANI)

Former Pakistan batter Mohammad Yousuf, who was offered no clemency for his derogatory remarks on Suryakumar Yadav, explained that he didn’t mean disrespect to the India T20I captain. However, he took a jibe at the Indian media for praising former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan for his “barking like a dog” about Shahid Afridi, trying to ignite a sense of hypocrisy.

The ties between the two neighbouring nations have hit a new low after the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, during which Pakistan-sponsored terrorists killed 26 tourists. Despite the backlash and calls for a boycott of the India-Pakistan fixture at the Asia Cup in Dubai on Sunday, the game went ahead and has been surrounded by controversy.

After India outwitted Pakistan and relished a 7-wicket win, Suryakumar and his players sent a strong message by refusing to follow the old tradition of shaking hands with the opposition. In reply, Pakistan pulled out of the post-match presentation.

During a panel discussion on Samaa TV, Yousuf weighed in on the entire incident and launched an offensive remark on Suryakumar. While repeatedly calling the Indian T20I skipper “Suarkumar”, he accused India of “using” umpires according to their will.

“India cannot escape their filmy world. Their captain, Suarkumar Yadav,” Yousuf said during the live session in Samaa TV, prompting the anchor to correct him, “It’s Suryakumar Yadav.” Yousuf continued, “Yeah, that’s what I said, Suarkumar Yadav.”

“Yeah, that’s what I said. Suarkumar Yadav,” Yousuf continued, to which the anchor replied, “No, his name is Suryakumar Yadav.”

After his remarks went viral on Tuesday morning, he was heavily trolled and lampooned by India fans and former cricketers. On the evening of the same day, Yousuf took to X to clear his stance, but launched an attack on the Indian media for the amount of criticism he received. He even invoked the example of Pathan’s statement about former Pakistan skipper Afridi while reminiscing about an incident during an interview.

“I didn’t mean any disrespect to any sportsman who plays for his country with passion and grace, but why were the Indian media and people praising Irfan Pathan when he said that Shahid Khan Afridi was barking like a dog? Shouldn’t that have been rejected by everyone who talks about dignity and respect?” Yousuf wrote on X.

Among the cricketers to react, India’s 1983 World Cup-winning captain Madan Lal didn’t mince his words during his scathing tirade. He feels the recent comments of the former Pakistan batter are nothing but an attempt to attract publicity. He declared that the insensitive comments reflect the level of education that Yousuf possesses.

“Look, you must have seen the former Pakistani cricketers, how much they criticise their team. You can see the frustration. They have started abusing the other team’s players. This shows how educated they are. Abusing anyone is not a good thing. I think we are unnecessarily giving them publicity. This is what they want: publicity. All the YouTubers talk about India and make their hits. This is their moral principle. The more bitter we speak about India, the more they will benefit,” Madan Lal told ANI.

Apart from his remarks on Suryakumar, Yousuf accused India of “using” umpires according to their will. The 74-year-old declared that Yousuf’s remarks about the umpires are vague, considering modern-day DRS technology can flag out the issues. The review cleared the remaining ambiguity, and it resonated in a couple of on-field decisions that were reversed during the rivalry clash.

“It is very easy for the umpires. The DRS system is running. Even if someone is out, he can refer to the third umpire. He has been doing it. One or two of his decisions have gone wrong. They have been referred, and he has been given a not out. Then why should anyone complain? Nowadays, no one should complain because it is technology. They use technology, and everything comes out. But you should also understand which DRS you should take and which you should not take,” he said.

The handshake row escalated after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lodged a complaint against match referee Andy Pycroft, accusing him of violating the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC laws relating to the spirit of cricket. Pakistan has also threatened to pull out of the tournament if a decision doesn’t arrive in their favour.

Amid the escalating situation, Pakistan have cancelled their pre-match press conference before the match day against the UAE in Dubai on Wednesday. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) confirmed the development on Tuesday evening.

Despite cancelling the press conference, Pakistan will hold its practice session. Pakistan’s decision is directly linked to its unhappiness with the ICC match referee Andy Pycroft, whom the PCB demanded be removed. (ANI)

The ‘Bijuria’ duo Sonu Nigam and Ishitta Arun have reunited and recreated their 1999 iconic track with a funny twist.

On Tuesday, Sonu and Ishitta jointly posted a video on Instagram where they revived the popular track with a hilarious twist.

The two original stars contemplate recreating ‘Bijuria’ from ‘Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari’, starring Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor.

The funny skit started as Ishitta said, “Bachchon ne accha kiya hai”, Sonu agreed, “Bohot mast kiya hai, bohot accha kiya hai”.

Sonu added, “Humne bhi accha hi kiya tha”. Reminiscing about their original music video, Ishita said, “Hamare zamane ke hisaab se bohot accha tha. Red jacket, green dress… yaad hai na, Sonu?”.

Then Sonu replied, “Ab nahi kar payenge yaar”, looking tired. Shocked, Ishitta says, “Kya matlab?” before yanking him by the arm and declaring, “Mat bhoolo hum kaun hai… karke dikhayenge!”

Then, the duo rose from their seats, clutching their backs in mock agony, before suddenly transforming into fully dressed dancers, energetically performing to the revamped “Bijuria” song.

Seamlessly blending original choreography with fresh moves, their energetic routine was a delightful mix of old and new.

Ishitta captioned the post, “26 years later and the answer is still the same — of course we can do it #Bijuria.”

Recently, ‘Bijuria’ from Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor’s ‘Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari’ is out.

The song is offering a party banger with the vocals of Sonu Nigam.

A reimagined version of Sonu Nigam’s chartbuster, the song marks a vibrant celebration of rhythm, passion, and modern flair, with Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor’s energetic dance moves turning it into a perfect match for the upcoming weddings and party season.

The music video also features Sanya Malhotra and Rohit Saraf, suggesting their pre-wedding festivities.

Reimagined, composed and produced by Tanishk Bagchi, the new version of ‘Bijuria’ also has a modern twist, thanks to Asees Kaur’s fresh and playful energy.

The original song was composed by Ravi Pawar, with lyrics from Sonu Nigam and Ajay Jhingran.

Speaking on his song’s reimagination, Sonu Nigam, in a press release, said, “Bijuria is one of those songs that has lived many lives. When we first recorded it, I had no idea it would be so loved and would last so long, evergreen, as if eternal. Revisiting it now decades later feels like a full-circle moment. I’m humbled that the original vocals still resonate enough to be part of this reimagined version.”

Actor Varun Dhawan expressed his nostalgic thoughts upon being a part of the song. He added, “There’s a connection and a vibe we’ve all grown up listening and dancing to, but this version has a fresh, crazy energy that matches the madness of our film and makes you want to get up and dance.”

Tanishk Bagchi, who took over the composing duties, described it as a “huge responsibility,” stating that he wanted to keep the essence of the original song. “It’s both a tribute and a celebration, and hopefully something that bridges generations,” he shared.

Directed by Shashank Khaitan, ‘Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari’ features Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor in the lead roles alongside stars like Rohit Saraf, Sanya Malhotra, and Maniesh Paul.

The film will be released in theatres worldwide on October 2, 2025. (ANI)

Jan Suraaj Party Founder Prashant Kishor on Tuesday called Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav “expired medicines”, alleging that they can’t eradicate corruption and unemployment.

“It is good that for the first time in Bihar, there is a fear in the minds of the leaders that the public will not vote for them if they don’t go among the public,” Kishor told reporters here.

“The leaders like PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi, and Tejashwi Yadav are like expired medicines. They can’t eradicate corruption, unemployment,” he added.

The Bihar Assembly election will be held later this year. The primary contest is between the incumbent National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and the Mahagathbandhan led by the RJD.

In the current Bihar Assembly of 243 members, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) consists of 131, with the BJP having 80 MLAs, JD(U)-45, HAM(S)-4, with the support of 2 Independent Candidates.

The Mahagathbandhan has a strength of 111 members with RJD leading with 77 MLAs, Congress-19, CPI(ML)-11, CPI(M)-2 and CPI-2.

Meanwhile, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday launched the ‘Adhikar Yatra’ against youth unemployment, and called for ensuring the rights of women, respect for teachers and bettering the health and education system in Bihar.

According to RJD MP Sanjay Yadav, the rally is being carried out in the districts which were not covered in the ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ organised by Congress’s Rahul Gandhi, in which the RJD had also participated.

“After the ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’, some districts were left out, in which all our workers and leaders from there came and said that the districts have been left out, so Tejashwi ji took the decision to take out this yatra respecting their feelings. Secondly, Tejashwi ji is taking out this yatra with the resolution of building a new Bihar. Jobs and employment for the youth, rights for women, respect for teachers, industries should be set up in Bihar, education and health system should be better,” the RJD legislator told ANI.

The rally will conclude on September 20 in Vaishali. The rally will also go to Begusarai, Khagaria and Madhepura. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump said he will file a $15 billion defamation and libel lawsuit against The New York Times, accusing the newspaper of running what he called a decades-long “method of lying” against him, his family and the America First movement.

In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump described the lawsuit as the largest illegal campaign contribution ever, alleging that the Times had effectively become a “mouthpiece” for the Democratic Party. He also criticised the newspaper’s front-page endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris, calling it “something heretofore unheard of.”

“The ‘Times’ has engaged in a decades long method of lying about your Favorite President (ME!), my family, business, the America First Movement, MAGA, and our Nation as a whole,” Trump wrote.

Trump’s move follows his threat last week to sue the Times after it reported on a sexually suggestive note and drawing given to financier Jeffrey Epstein for his 50th birthday in 2003.

The note appeared to carry Trump’s signature, though the president and his aides have denied any involvement, according to CNN.

Trump did not provide details of the allegations in his lawsuit, but said it would be filed in Florida.

He has repeatedly argued that such lawsuits are part of his effort to “restore integrity to journalism”, as per CNN.

CNN reported that in a complaint filed in a federal court in Tampa, Trump’s legal team alleged that The New York Times had engaged in a systematic campaign of “false, malicious, defamatory, and disparaging” reporting intended to damage his presidential campaign and tarnish his legacy. (ANI)

The Central government will launch ‘Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan’ along with the ‘Poshan Maah’ on September 17. The AIIMS Delhi will be organising Medical checkup camps at four centres.

According to Medical Superintendent AIIMS, Dr Nirupam Madan, “In the general OPD in our hospital, the number of men as compared to women is much more. This is a concerted drive by the PMO to encourage female attendance in hospitals. At AIIMS, we have the main AIIMS and outreach OPDs. In four of our centres, the main AIIMS, the Trilokpuri Centre, the Ballabhgarh Community Health Centre and Jhajjar, we are organising camps… It is open for all ladies to attend… We are offering a general health checkup, a gynaecological checkup, screening for cervical cancer and breast cancer.”

“We are also providing them with ophthalmic checkups. There is going to be a blood donation drive on the 17th… These activities will be carried out throughout the fortnight, and they are just a walk-in for ladies from 9 am to 2 pm…” She explained about the medical checkup camps.

PM will also visit Madhya Pradesh on 17th September to launch the ‘Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar’ and ‘8th Rashtriya Poshan Maah’ campaigns, it is the largest ever health outreach for women and children in the country.

Over One Lakh Health Camps to be organised across Government facilities across the country from 17th September to 2nd October. PM will launch Adi Seva Parv for MP: a series of service-oriented activities in tribal regions.

PM will also distribute one-crore Sickle Cell Screening and Counselling Card for MP and he will also inaugurate PM MITRA Park in Dhar.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda will also inaugurate Health Camps and the 8th Poshan Maah in line with the Nationwide launch of the ‘Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan’ & 8th Poshan Maah by Prime Minister in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh tomorrow. He will visit MDU University in Rohtak, Haryana.

The world’s largest blood donor organization, Akhil Bharatiya Terapanth Yuvak Parishad (ABTYP), in collaboration with the Government of India, is also set to organize the world’s largest blood donation campaign – Raktdaan Amrit Mahotsav 2.0.

On 17th September 2025, 7,500+ blood donation camps will be organised across 75 countries, including India, in a single day. This unparalleled mega initiative of service, dedication, and patriotism will be a milestone in the history of global humanitarian service. (ANI)

A team of United States officials led by Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, Brendan Lynch, had “positive and forward-looking” discussions on Tuesday with the officials from India’s Department of Commerce and it was decided to intensify efforts to achieve early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Trade Agreement.

Ministry of Commerce and Industry said in a statement that team of officials from the office of United States Trade Representative, led by Chief Negotiator, India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement negotiations, Brendan Lynch visited India on September 16, 2025.

“They held discussions with officials from the Department of Commerce, led by the Special Secretary, Department of Commerce on India-US trade ties, including on the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement,” it said.

“Acknowledging the enduring importance of bilateral trade between India and the U.S., the discussions were positive and forward looking covering various aspects of the trade deal. It was decided to intensify efforts to achieve early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Trade Agreement,” the statement added.

India and the United States have earlier held five rounds of negotiations for a trade deal. The proposed last round of talks with US in August was postponed.

Over the past few months, India and the US have been negotiating for an interim trade deal.

US President Donald Trump announced 25 per cent tariffs on Indian goods in July, even as there were hopes of an interim India-US trade deal that would have otherwise helped avoid elevated tariffs. A few days later, he imposed another 25 per cent tariff, taking the total to 50 per cent, citing India’s continued imports of Russian oil. The 50 per cent tariffs came into effect on August 27.

India has reservations over the US demand for opening up the agricultural and dairy sectors. Agriculture and dairy are critical and sensitive sectors for India as they provide livelihood to a large section of people.

India and the US initiated talks for a just, balanced, and mutually beneficial Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) in March this year, aiming to complete the first stage of the Agreement by October-November 2025. (ANI)