Don’t Mess Up with Bharat!

Restructuring US industry to make its products competitive must be President Trump’s primacy and not wage tariff wars with strategic allies. K.A.Badarinath One of the most searched on internet these days is tariffs. After US President Donald J Trump talked round the corner, stakeholders across geographies have begun to make sense of these tariff lines. There’s, however, no reason why Bharat should give in to demands of quixotic President Trump who’s been holding forth with media twenty four by seven. President Trump also seems to be in tearing hurry to make early impact as head of Republican White House. Hence, he set the April 2 deadline to impose massive tariffs on Bharat’s export of products and services. Tariffs is a long story beginning with Donald Trump’s first term four years back when he went ahead and imposed tariffs on steel products, pharmaceuticals etc. There’s definitely an imbalance in trade. Its advantage Bharat as US $ has a deficit of US $ 45.6 billion on bilateral trade worth US $ 191 billion. And, India has reportedly made some proposals to rework the economic, trade and investment relations between the largest and oldest democracies globally. One way could be to enhance defence purchases worth US $ 20 billion by Bharat. Another possibility is to increase energy products including LNG and other hydrocarbon products. But, US may not be able to seize the window of opportunity opened by Bharat during bilateral engagement. Firstly, US defence establishment and deep state may not facilitate sale of F 35 fighter aircraft to Bharat. A big section of US set up is wary of even floating a joint venture to jointly produce F-35 aircraft with a non-NATO strategic ally like Bharat. This joint venture possibly based out of Bhagyanagar aka Hyderabad need not limit itself to catering to Indian defence forces. It can become hub for exports to other destinations. Stringent protocols and agreement on who gets access to such advanced fighter jets could have been put in the blue print. Story of energy purchases is more or less similar. Would US be able to match or provide equivalent prices offered by Russia on crude, refined or liquefied natural gas products? Either spot or long term contracts, US energy products may not be cost competitive vis-à-vis the middle-east or Russian sources. For an expanding economic force like Bharat, every dollar paid per barrel translates to US $ one billion higher import bill. Insurance and freight differentials are again too huge for Bharat to enter into long term contracts with US. Reciprocal tariffs from April 2 have been proposed by President Trump who thinks that the Bharat is fleecing American people. As per World Trade Organization data, this may not be altogether true. As against an aggregate US tariff of 2,2 per cent, Bharat levies 12 per cent that’s in sync with WTO norms under differential tariff regime. President Trump may have a point relating to individual products like automobiles on which tariffs were brought down by Bharat to 70 per cent from 125 per cent on high end luxury cars. On motor cycles, the applicable tariff line is set at 40 per cent as against 50 per cent earlier. Threat to impose 25 per cent tariff on all Indian goods may not work for US except for addressing political constituency of Donald Trump or for optics. Indian goods constitute just 2.7 per cent of all US imports and do not even figure in top ten exporting countries to America. There’s no reason for mature friends like US and Bharat to haggle over manageable trade imbalance. Instead, working on the big picture like more than doubling the bilateral trade to US $ 500 billion by 2030 and clinching a ‘credible and sustainable’ trade deal in next one year is what’s more significant. Simultaneously, US may have to rework its manufacturing and supply chains to be cost and quality competitive instead of rampaging in over pitched verbal duel with friends and foes alike. Re-inventing American manufacturing base to align with new age cut throat competition is something that Trump may have to work on beginning with massive restructuring of its industry. US and Trump may not realize this ‘Make America Great Again’ dream unless some hard work is put into it. America may have to expand its bouquet of products and services that can compete in the global market with new forces on the block. Trump’s complaint is that subsidies, non-tariff barriers and VAT system in Bharat hinder American exports. Well, his policy hawks may have conveniently forgotten that Value Added Tax (VAT) regime has come to an end several years back and it’s been subsumed into Goods and Services Tax (GST). On subsidies, US have a very weak case. Can Donald Trump’s advisors prove that America does not subsidise its industry? In Bharat, food, fertilizers and oil products constituted a large part of subsidy bill till a couple of years ago. Retail petroleum products prices have virtually been aligned with market demand and supply chain. There’s no depth in the argument that Bharat subsidises its petroleum products. It’s an emphatic no. Till a couple of years ago, kerosene was the only big subsidized oil product. After having taken piped gas and through cylinders to virtually every household, there’s hardly a big demand for kerosene. Food subsidy or free food grains to the vulnerable sectors is definitely a reality in Bharat. And, its well within its right to fight poverty and hunger through the Prime Minister’s anna yojana. In fertilizers, Bharat is more or less sufficient on urea while DAP and complex fertilizers subsidy is on the slide each year. Minimal subsidy available on a couple fertilizers is support given to farmers for ensuring enough food grains output for 1.4 billion and ward off imports. On non-tariff barriers, US are yet to come up with a list of such restrictions put in place by Bharat. If restricted access to Bharat’s agricultural markets is an issue, US will have

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s USA Visit

Bharat Geopolitics Policy United States

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s USA Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States in February 2025 represents a significant milestone in the evolution of the India-U.S. relationship. This visit was not only a display of high-level diplomacy but also a demonstration of both nations’ commitment to addressing contemporary challenges while harnessing emerging opportunities in multiple domains. With a focus on strategic defense, innovative technologies, economic reforms, and multilateral cooperation, the visit set the stage for a renewed and expansive partnership between the two democracies. This report outlines the key engagements, strategic dialogues, and transformative initiatives that were announced during the visit. It aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the discussions and agreements reached, highlighting the broad range of issues that are set to shape the future of bilateral relations.

PM Modi and Trump Forge a New Dawn in U.S.-India Relations

Bharat United States

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PM Modi and Trump Forge a New Dawn in U.S.-India Relations

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the United States not only deepened the strategic alliance between the two nations but also set in motion a cascade of initiatives that promise to reshape the geopolitical landscape for decades to come. Rahul Pawa In a dazzling display of strategic vision and personal rapport, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the United States in February 2025 has set the stage for an era of renewed cooperation and transformative partnerships between two of the world’s most influential democracies. Against the backdrop of an increasingly complex global landscape, the visit showcased a masterclass in diplomacy, marked by high-level meetings, landmark agreements, and an inspiring confluence of ideas that spanned defence, trade, technology, energy, and cultural exchange. At the heart of this historic journey was the much-anticipated meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Donald J. Trump in Washington, D.C. In an atmosphere that was as congenial as it was consequential, the two leaders not only reaffirmed the bedrock of the India-U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership but also demonstrated a genuine personal rapport that resonated far beyond policy papers and strategic memos. Their conversation, punctuated by mutual admiration and forward-looking optimism, culminated in the launch of the ambitious U.S.-India COMPACT for the 21st Century—a transformative roadmap designed to deliver tangible results across defence, commerce, and technology within the year. In an era defined by intricate challenges—from rebalancing global tariffs and tackling illegal immigration to addressing the ramifications of the Russia-Ukraine issue—Modi’s discussions with President Trump were both candid and constructive. The leaders deliberated on the urgent need to streamline tariff structures to foster a more equitable trading relationship. They also exchanged views on sensitive judicial issues, such as the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, recognising that robust legal cooperation is pivotal in the fight against terrorism. This frank dialogue underscored their shared commitment to maintaining a rules-based international order, a cornerstone for global stability. A standout moment during the visit was Prime Minister Modi’s engaging discussion with Elon Musk, who, in his dual role as the head of the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and CEO of Tesla, symbolised the seamless fusion of public policy and private innovation. In an exchange that was as energetic as it was visionary, Modi and Musk explored the boundless possibilities of emerging technologies—from space exploration and artificial intelligence to sustainable development. Musk’s presence, accentuated by the warmth of his family’s company, added a distinctly personal dimension to the dialogue, reinforcing the belief that when innovation is nurtured, boundaries dissolve and progress becomes inevitable. The visit was also a testament to the two nations unyielding commitment to security. In his meeting with U.S. National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, Prime Minister Modi delved into discussions centred on strategic technologies and defence industrial cooperation. The dialogue, which included pivotal discussions on civil nuclear energy and the deployment of small modular reactors, laid the groundwork for an enduring partnership aimed at fortifying both nations’ security frameworks. Equally significant was the meeting with U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, where the emphasis was placed on bolstering intelligence sharing, particularly in the realms of counterterrorism and cybersecurity. These high-level engagements highlighted a shared understanding: that in today’s volatile global environment, the integration of traditional and technological security measures is indispensable. One of the most consequential outcomes of the visit was the announcement of a new ten-year major defence partnership framework. This comprehensive agreement is poised to not only enhance the interoperability of the two nations’ armed forces through expanded defence sales and co-production initiatives but also to foster the development of cutting-edge autonomous systems via the newly established Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA). Such initiatives are testament to the strategic foresight of both nations, ensuring they remain at the vanguard of modern warfare and intelligence-sharing capabilities. In parallel, enhanced military collaboration was underscored by plans for expanded joint exercises such as the “Tiger Triumph” tri-service exercise. This commitment to operational readiness and mutual trust stands as a bulwark against both conventional and unconventional threats, ensuring that the armed forces of India and the United States are ever-prepared to respond to emerging global challenges. On the economic front, the visit heralded a bold new chapter with the introduction of “Mission 500”—an ambitious initiative aiming to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. This visionary target is complemented by ongoing negotiations for a comprehensive multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement, expected to streamline trade practices and dismantle barriers to market access. Modi’s discussions emphasised the importance of greenfield investments and regulatory reforms designed to create an enabling environment for business expansion, ensuring that the economic benefits of the strengthened partnership are widely shared. Energy security, a linchpin of national stability, featured prominently in the agenda. The U.S.-India Energy Security Partnership was designed to guarantee reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy supplies through joint initiatives in oil, gas, and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Complementing this was the reaffirmation of the U.S.-India 123 Civil Nuclear Agreement, aimed at advancing civil nuclear cooperation through the development of U.S.-designed reactors in India. Special emphasis was placed on the development of small modular reactors—an innovation set to revolutionise energy generation by being both cost-effective and environmentally sustainable. Perhaps one of the most forward-looking initiatives announced was the U.S.-India TRUST (Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology) initiative. This comprehensive programme is poised to catalyse innovation by fostering collaboration among governments, academia, and the private sector in fields as diverse as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and quantum computing. In tandem, the INDUS Innovation Bridge aims to bolster industry–academic partnerships and create secure, trusted supply chains for vital technological components, thereby enhancing both nations’ self-reliance and resilience in an increasingly interconnected global economy. The discussion also extended to strategic mineral recovery and civil space cooperation. Recognising the critical role of raw materials in technological advancement, efforts to accelerate the recovery of essential minerals like lithium and cobalt were highlighted. Joint space projects, including a NASA-ISRO collaboration, are poised to propel both nations into a leadership role in

Artificial Intelligence Bharat Geopolitics International

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PM Modi Leads India’s Global AI Charge

Rahul Pawa When the next AI Summit convenes, it will be on Indian soil, in a country that is scripting its own AI destiny one built on access, equity, and innovation. In the heart of Paris, under the ornate ceilings of the Grand Palais, the world witnessed a pivotal moment in technological history. The AI Action Summit, co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, convened global leaders, tech magnates, and policymakers to chart the future of artificial intelligence (AI). The two-day summit, held against the backdrop of rapid technological advancements, became a stage where India positioned itself not just as a participant but as a formidable force in the global AI ecosystem. Prime Minister Modi, in his opening address, eloquently stated, “We are at the dawn of the AI age, where this technology is fast writing the code for humanity and reshaping our polity, economy, security, and society.” He emphasised the unparalleled impact of AI, urging collective global efforts to establish governance frameworks that uphold shared values, address inherent risks, and build trust among nations. Governance, he asserted, was not merely about risk management but about fostering an environment where innovation could thrive, ensuring AI’s benefits reach all, particularly the so called “Global South”. As the summit unfolded, world leaders laid out their stakes in the AI race. French President Emmanuel Macron made a bold statement, unveiling a €109 billion investment in France’s AI sector. With characteristic flair, he highlighted France’s clean energy advantage, stating, “Here, there is no need to drill. It’s plug, baby, plug.” His words highlighted the urgency of aligning AI innovation with sustainable infrastructure, a challenge that nations around the world are grappling with. Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President JD Vance struck a different tone, advocating a laissez-faire approach to AI development. He warned against overregulation, suggesting that excessive oversight could stifle innovation. “We must allow AI to evolve freely, driven by market forces rather than bureaucratic constraints,” he remarked, in sharp contrast to Europe’s push for tighter AI governance. The European Commission’s President Ursula von der Leyen, however, took a measured stance, emphasizing the need for responsible AI development. “AI must be an enabler, not a disruptor. We must strike the right balance between innovation and ethics, ensuring technology serves humanity, not the other way around,” she stated, reinforcing the bloc’s commitment to structured AI oversight. Amid these competing visions, it was Modi’s announcement that India would host the next AI Summit that sent a resounding message. India, he declared, was not content with being a consumer of AI but was determined to be a key architect of its future. With its vast population, diverse linguistic landscape, and thriving tech ecosystem, India offered a unique testing ground for AI models that could be scaled globally. The timing of Modi’s announcement was strategic. Just last year, the Indian Cabinet had approved an ambitious ₹10,300 crore outlay for the IndiaAI Mission, a sweeping initiative designed to cement the country’s position as a global AI powerhouse. This mission, spanning the next five years, aims to build a robust AI infrastructure, develop indigenous AI models, and foster innovation through public-private partnerships. A key pillar of this initiative is the IndiaAI Compute Capacity, a scalable infrastructure deploying over 10,000 Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) to power AI research and applications. India’s AI ambitions extend beyond infrastructure. The IndiaAI Innovation Centre (IAIC) is set to become a hub for cutting-edge AI research, focusing on developing Large Language Models (LLMs) tailored to India’s linguistic multiplicity. The initiative will also enhance the IndiaAI Datasets Platform, ensuring access to high-quality, bias-free datasets critical for developing fair and accurate AI systems. As Modi took the stage once again to discuss the ethical challenges of AI, his message was clear—AI must be transparent, inclusive, and free from biases that perpetuate social inequalities. “We must build quality data sets, free from biases. We must democratise technology and create people-centric applications. We must address concerns related to cybersecurity, disinformation, and deep fakes. And we must also ensure that technology is rooted in local ecosystems for it to be effective and useful,” he emphasised. Bias in AI, he warned, was one of the most pressing concerns of the modern era. From image recognition systems that favour Western-centric depictions to healthcare AI models that perform poorly on non-white populations, the risks were vast. “Ask AI to generate an image of a person writing with their left hand, and it is likely to depict a right-handed writer instead, because right-handed examples dominate its training data,” he explained, offering a simple yet profound example of how deeply embedded biases can shape AI’s outputs. The urgency of ethical AI governance was emphasised by the presence of Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing, a stark reminder of the geopolitical stakes in AI supremacy. China’s aggressive AI push, underpinned by vast data pools and state-controlled development, has raised concerns among Western nations about the implications of an AI arms race. In contrast, India positioned itself as a neutral player—advocating for open-source AI models, transparency, and global cooperation to ensure AI serves humanity at large. As the summit concluded, a new global AI landscape had begun to take shape—one where India was no longer on the periphery but at the forefront of shaping policies, driving innovation, and ensuring ethical governance. When the next AI Summit convenes, it will be on Indian soil, in a country that is scripting its own AI destiny—one built on access, equity, and innovation. In the words of Prime Minister Modi, “The future of AI must be inclusive, just as the future of humanity must be inclusive. Let us build it together.” (Author is Research Director at Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies, New Delhi based non-partisan think-tank)

Bharat Geopolitics

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India, Japan, and Buddha

Dr. Jay Prakash Yadav Japan’s National Day embodies a legacy shaped by cultural wisdom and strategic foresight. Since Buddhism’s arrival from India in 552 AD, Japan has integrated its principles into governance. The history of cultural friendship between India and Japan dates to AD 552, the time when Japan was introduced to Buddhism. It was the time when Japan began to drink from the Indian spring of culture, sharing the Buddhist ideals of wisdom and compassion, faith and sacrifice, purity and enlightenment. India resulted in ushering in of a new era. Since then, Buddhism has remained the core and culmination of our friendship and will continue for generations to come. Japan drew its first constitution based on the Buddhist principles of Panchasila, Triratna- Buddha, Dharma and Sangha thus gave a humanized face to the administrative system in Japan. India and Japan have a unique relationship devoid of ideological, cultural, or geographical disagreements. It is distinct and exudes warmth from giving deeds and feelings of support for one another in difficult times. Japanese culture and thinking have been influenced by Indian culture, which has been filtered through Buddhism. This is precisely why Japanese people feel very close to India. A global vision of peace, security, and shared prosperity founded on sustainable development is now shared by Japan and India. The foundation of the two nations’ international cooperation is their shared democratic principles and dedication to pluralism, human rights, open society, and the rule of law. A wide convergence of India and Japan’s long-term political, economic, and strategic interests, aspirations, objectives, and concerns can be seen in their worldwide relationship. Japan and India see each other as partners who can and should respond to regional and global issues in a way that is consistent with their global cooperation. Thus, India’s strength, prosperity, and vibrancy are beneficial to Japan, and vice versa. It has been determined to strengthen the strategic focus of Japan-India’s global collaboration in light of the given circumstances and the state of the world. With a shared interest in and complementary roles in furthering global peace and equitable development as well as the security, stability, and prosperity of Asia, India and Japan are peace partners. In April 2005, during the then-Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi’s visit, it was decided that the two nations would deepen their cooperation and work toward a comprehensive and all-encompassing development of their bilateral relations, with a specific and pressing emphasis on bolstering economic ties by making the most of their economies’ potential and current complementarities. It was determined that both nations will work to establish stronger communication and cooperation in order to safeguard peace, stability, and prosperity in Asia; advance democracy and development; and investigate a new framework for tighter regional cooperation in Asia. Taking advantage of and expanding upon existing strategic convergences, two nations also decided to increase collaboration in a variety of fields, including energy, disarmament, non-proliferation, security, and the environment. In the context of globalization and the growing concern over the use of military power for achieving foreign policy objectives, the importance of soft power has increased considerably, and Buddhism offers many advantages. Buddhism has international appeal and is highly conducive to spreading among all nations, cultures, and civilizations because of its core teachings, which include equality, non-violence, and its dialogical approach. Furthermore, there is no more effective soft power tool for Asian nations that share a Buddhist spirituality. Buddhism has played a significant role in Japanese culture and religion for over 1500 years, despite its foreign appearance. It is currently Japan’s soft power diplomacy’s most enduring tenet. Through several private and government agencies, Japan has been from time to time at the forefront in restoring the Buddhist relics, developing the major Buddhist pilgrim sites in various countries including India. Japan has thus rendered a great service to Buddhism and the land of its birth by rediscovering, reclaiming, and keeping alive the ‘wonder that was India. India has now woken up and is using Buddhism as the focal point of its soft-power campaign throughout Asia to highlight its strong Buddhist credentials. During the past one-decade, Indian policy-makers are making conscious efforts to utilize its allure for fostering deeper engagement with Asian countries – especially in the east and southeast, as part of its “Act East” policy. This involves not just sprucing up and showcasing Buddhist sacred sites and monuments, but also establishing people-to-people contacts and promoting cultural exchanges via tourism. (Author is Assistant professor at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University of social sciences, Mhow, Madhya Pradesh and Scholar of Buddhist Studies.)

Bharat Policy Security United States USA

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USAID in India: A Subversive Influence

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was established in 1961 during the Cold War, ostensibly to provide humanitarian aid and foster economic development. However, over the decades, it has evolved into a tool of American geopolitical manoeuvring, often acting against the very interests of the nations it claims to help. While USAID publicly promotes democracy, economic growth, and stability, its interventions have repeatedly served as instruments of subversion, funding extremist organizations, undermining local governance structures, and advancing ideologically driven agendas that disrupt sovereign nations. While USAID has worked extensively with national governments to implement development programs, it has often bypassed official state mechanisms, choosing instead to fund non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that operate with limited oversight. This approach has created parallel administrative structures, leading to dependency and weakened governance in several countries. Governments in Asia, Africa, and Latin America have repeatedly raised concerns over USAID’s influence, with some nations outright expelling the agency due to allegations of political interference and covert destabilization efforts.

Bharat Economy

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Go Big, Go Bold!

Transactional Trump, EU policy recast, realignment of global forces with China & Russia moving closer may cast a long shadow on Modi government’s eleventh year budget. K.A.Badarinath Post-elections in United States, Donald J Trump assuming charge as American President coupled with realignment of forces globally will weigh-in on Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as she readies to present her eighth federal budget in a row this Saturday. Nirmala Sitharaman may have to take on board Trump’s constant haggling that Bharat was a high tariff destination for American goods. More importantly, clubbing Brazil and Bharat with China for imposing high tariffs as a way to balance trade may be on top of the mind. A deficit of $ 32 billion that US have with India in bilateral trade of US $ 118 billion during 2024 is the big trigger for ‘transactional’ Trump who is expected to push hard for ‘rebalancing’ transactions. In fact, this is the biggest factor for Trump to threaten across the board tariff of over 2.5 per cent on all Indian goods, services and push for sale of defence equipment. A possible way out may be found when Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Trump during his France visit next month. This apart, what finance minister Sitharaman would consider is Commerce Ministry analysis on all economic issues that Trump talked about at his inauguration as President on January 20 and virtual address at Davos World Economic Forum the day after. In fact, this will easily go into Finance Minister Sitharaman’s tabulations on oil prices, US $ and Indian rupee pricing apart from her fiscal deficit projections that are expected to be in line with her announcement in the last budget a couple of months back. In line with ‘Make America Great Again’ campaign of Donald Trump, European Union pushing for ‘Make Europe Great Again’ line may have its bearing on developing large economies like Bharat, Brazil, South Africa etc. The 27-nation block and Trump may have taken a leaf out of Prime Minister Modi’s “India First” or “Bharat First” campaign that led to mobilization of Hindutva or Bharatiya forces at political level as well as socio-economic front. Though European Commission President Ursula Vonder Leyen holds that Europe is already great, she commissioned a report on union’s competitiveness from Mario Draghi to provide a firm roadmap to sustain healthy growth rates over next 25 years. This reassessment will definitely have its impact on exporters from Asia like India that’s just becoming a player to reckon with both in investments and trade. Serious conversations within European Union end to her dominance in automobiles, emergence of China as a big player in automobiles as well as artificial intelligence, non-availability or limited access to cost-effective oil from Russia will have to be factored by Nirmala Sitharaman as she goes about fine-tuning Bharat’s roadmap to 2047. Union budget is definitely a big occasion to look back, assess and work on futuristic economic policy framework in the wake of global realignment of force, China and Russia moving closer, big debate on capitalism versus communism, conservatives to liberals, Left of centre to far right politics within and outside the country. Narendra Modi government as one can recollect have smartly deployed every penny to win hearts of 1.4 billion people in last eleven years. Even without majority seats in Lok Sabha on its own during last June elections, Modi and his economic policy making team led by Nirmala Sitharaman has not diminished or deviated one wee bit. This eleventh-year budget of BJP-led NDA will be no different. Fiscal consolidation, prudence in spending, continuation of its well laid out taxation policy and spreading the wings to cover more and more vulnerable sections in the ambit of famed Bharat ‘growth story’ will clearly be visible in vision and action. Expanding scope of highly successful Production Linked Incentives (PLI) scheme hitherto introduced in 2020 would not only expand industrial base, create new jobs opportunities but also offer an excellent platform for foreign investors. Till date about Rs. 1.32 lakh crores foreign investment (US$ 16 billion) have been realized thereby leading to a massive jump in manufacturing output at Rs. 10.90 lakh crore (US$ 130 billion). Over 850,000 jobs have been created due to this industrial expansion under the scheme alone. ‘Make in India’ and ‘Make for the World’ is a great policy liner that has stood test of times for Modi government. Matrix for the scheme where foreign and domestic investors plough-in has to be expanded across sectors especially defence and security to exploit the potential for investments, technology and jobs creation. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will have to announce Modi government’s policy framework to manage Artificial Intelligence (AI) like DeepSake, Qwen developed by China with its alignment to Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Already, there are enough indications that AI Compute Facility that secured 18,000 GPUs will drive the artificial intelligence initiative that’s ‘open sourced, application focused and flexible’. Data privacy and data localization policy may have to be dovetailed to ensure that our artificial intelligence initiative is in sync with the country’s diverse needs. Quick investments and development of ‘generative’ artificial intelligence networks may have to be prioritized by Modi government and the dedicated mission may have to develop a framework to deal with the issues. Nirmala Sitharaman may have to opt for policy reforms to push the pedal on governance that eases ‘way of living’ and enhances ‘living standards’ for people in rural and semi-urban areas. Bringing equivalent focus on middle and lower-middle class apart from most vulnerable sections into the ambit of budget and economic policy making will also be a saleable preposition for the finance minister. Given the kind of direct cash benefits announced in different states as part of competitive political slugfest may have to be addressed immediately to nourish a healthy work culture to enhance productivity in industry, agriculture, services and allied areas. From free power, heavily subsidised gas to cash offers, both opposition parties and ruling NDA partners have gone for the kill

Trump's Orders - Impact on Indians and the Diaspora

Bharat United States

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Trump’s Orders Impact on Indians and The Diaspora

On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump was re-elected to the White House and took oath of office as 47th President of the United States. Without wasting any time, he signed a number of presidential orders on his first day in office to carry out the pledges he made during the campaign. These directives, while intended to address local issues, have important ramifications for populations around the world, especially Indians and the Indian diaspora. The possible effects of these orders on trade, immigration, bilateral relations, and cultural links between India and the US are examined in length in this Explainer.

India’s 76th Republic Day: Significance and Beyond

Bharat

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India’s 76th Republic Day: Significance and Beyond

Pummy Pandita January 26 holds a special place in Bhartiya civilisation. It marks the Purna Swaraj Declaration of 1930, when the people of India vowed for complete independence, and, 20 years later, on January 26, 1950, adopted the Indian Constitution, ushering in the essence of a republic. The Constitution is not just a collection of laws, rather it is an evolving document that is inclusive, flexible, and dynamic. It embodies learnings from Bharat’s ancient sacred/ scriptures like the Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana, Bhagavad Gita, Buddhist and Jain teachings, the spirit of Bharat’s ancient concept, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family), concept of dharma (Duty and Righteousness), welfare state, equality and non-discrimination, moral and ethical governance, non-violence (ahimsa) and peace, liberty, equality and fraternity, environmental protection etc. Republic Day reminds us to uphold these principles as Bharat advances in the 21st century. It serves as a reminder to all citizens of their responsibility to help build a powerful, independent, and peaceful Bharat, advancing the idea of a timeless and transformative civilisation.Republic Day signifies the reaffirmation of Bharat’s enduring ideals of justice, equality, liberty, and brotherhood in addition to the development of a legal framework. Bharat’s capacity to reconcile its spiritual ethos with democratic values is demonstrated by the Constitution, which was drafted under the visionary leadership of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. It provides a beacon of light for civilisation’s progress while tying together the oneness of a long-surviving civilisation. To represent India’s focus on developing cordial relations with countries around the world, the tradition of inviting a foreign dignitary as the Chief Guest to the Republic Day celebrations was instituted. This practice has both diplomatic and cultural significance, expressing India’s pluralistic ethos and soft power while showcasing its goals to fortify bilateral ties, communicate its dedication to regional and global peace, cooperation, and goodwill, and engage with the international community. The colourful procession, which highlights India’s cultural legacy, military force, and technical prowess, provides visiting dignitaries with an insight into the country’s variety and might. Indonesia, a fellow Asian country fighting for its independence, was among the first nations to acknowledge India’s independence. Given the common history and culture, President Sukarno of Indonesia was the first Chief Guest on Republic Day in 1950, as this invitation also represented regional solidarity. In the years that followed, dignitaries from different nations were carefully selected in accordance with India’s foreign policy objectives. Initially, the emphasis was on inviting leaders from nearby Asian nations; as India’s international involvement increased, the focus shifted to Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Some of the most notable dignatories who have graced India’s Republic Day celebrations as Chief Guests: 1950s and 1960s: Laying the Foundation 1950 President Sukarno Indonesia 1955 Government General Malik Ghulam Muhammad Pakistan 1961 Queen Elizabeth II United Kingdom 1968 Prime Minister Alexei Kosygin Soviet Union 1970s and 1980s: Non-Aligned and Strategic Partnerships 1974 President Josip Broz Tito Yugoslavia 1976 Prime Minister Jacques Chirac France 1980 President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing France 1988 President Junius Jayewardene Sri Lanka 1990s: Post-Cold War Adjustments 1992 President Mário Soares Portugal 1993 Prime Minister John Major United Kingdom 1995 President Nelson Mandela South Africa 2000s: Expanding Horizons 2003 President Mohammed Khatami Iran 2005 King Jigme Singye Wangchuck Bhutan 2007 President Vladimir Putin Russia 2010s: Global and Multilateral Focus 2015 President Barack Obama – The first sitting U.S. President to attend. USA 2018 Leaders of ASEAN nations A unique instance of inviting multiple leaders to commemorate 25 years of India-ASEAN ties. 2019 President Cyril Ramaphosa South Africa – Honoring Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary 2020s: Strengthening New Partnerships 2021: No Chief Guest – A rare break in the tradition due to COVID-19 pandemic 2023 President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi Egypt The custom of having prominent foreign leaders as principal guests highlights Bharat’s expanding alliances and influence, reinforcing its position as a responsible global force. H.E. Prabowo Subianto, President of Indonesia, will be a distinguished guest at India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations. This decision strikes a deep chord with the economic, strategic, and civilisational bonds that unite the two biggest democratic and archipelagic countries in the world. The invitation highlights the strong alliance between India and Indonesia, which is based on shared values, history, and current geopolitical conditions. India and Indonesia established cordial ties because of their shared democratic heritage, pluralist culture, fight against colonial powers, and progressive leadership. At India’s first Republic Day in 1950, President Sukarno of Indonesia was the Guest of Honour. An Indonesian marching contingent will grace the ceremonial route during India’s Republic Day Parade, marking a historic event and a testament to the longstanding friendship between the two biggest maritime democracies in the world. This act highlights the long-standing connections between India and Indonesia, which are based on a common cultural heritage, a history of resistance to colonialism, and a shared goal for an open and free Indo-Pacific. Their involvement is a testament to the strong interpersonal ties and expanding strategic alliance that continue to influence peace and development in the region. As these two countries move forward together, their relationship shines brightly on the international scene as a symbol of respect and cooperation. Indonesia is willing to uphold the advice of its founding father, Soekarno: “Never ever forget history.” This is demonstrated by the preservation of oral, textual, and visual Indic tradition through literary works like the Kakawin Ramayana, the renowned architectural legacy like the Prambanan Temple, and the ongoing use of Sanskrit as the motto of governmental agencies. India and Indonesia’s relationship goes beyond the confines of contemporary statecraft. It is a connection created over centuries of intellectual dissemination, marine trade, and cultural interchange. The Indic stamp is irreversible, spanning from the era of the Majapahit and Srivijaya empires to the impact of Buddhism and Hinduism that still shapes Indonesian culture today. Java and Bali celebrate the Ramayana and Mahabharata just as much as Ayodhya and Kurukshetra do, creating

Without Enmity, Let’s Work for Welfare of All

Hindus Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)

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Without Enmity, Let’s Work for Welfare of All

Taking inspiration from Bhagwan Ram, let’s pursue path of harmony, unity, progress and peace; reconstruction of Bharat and entire world. Dr Mohan Bhagwat The history of our Bharat is one of continuous struggle against invaders for around last one and a half thousand years. The aim of early invasions was to plunder and sometimes (like Alexander’s invasion) was for colonisation. But, attacks from West in the name of Islam only brought complete destruction and alienation of the society. To demoralise the nation, society, it was necessary to destroy their religious places, hence foreign invaders destroyed temples in India. They did this not once but multiple times. Their aim was to demoralise Bharatiya society so that they could rule over Bharat unhindered with a weakened society. The demolition of Shri Ram temple in Ayodhya was also done with same intention and for same purpose. This policy of invaders was not limited to just Ayodhya or any one temple, but was a war strategy for the entire world. Indian rulers never attacked anyone, but invaders of the world have done such misdeeds by being aggressive for expansion of their kingdom. But in Bharat, it did not have the desired results, not at least as per their expectations. On the contrary, in Bharat, the faith, commitment and morale of the society never diminished, the society did not bow down, their struggle of resistance continued. Therefore, repeated attempts were made to take control of Shri Ram’s birthplace and build a temple there. There were many wars, struggles and sacrifices for him. And, the issue of Ram Janmabhoomi ingrained in the minds of Hindus. In 1857, when war plans started being made against the foreign i.e. British rule, Hindus and Muslims together expressed their readiness to fight against them and then there was a mutual exchange of ideas between them. And, at that time, a situation evolved where there would be a reconciliation on issue of banning cow slaughter and liberation of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi . Bahadur Shah Zafar also guaranteed a ban on cow slaughter. As a result, entire society fought together. Bharatiya people showed bravery in that war but unfortunately this war of Independence failed. Then, Bharat did not get independence, British rule remained uninterrupted, but the struggle for Ram Temple did not stop. According to British policy of “Divide and Rule” towards Hindu-Muslims which was already in practice, gained even more prominence after 1857. To break the unity, British hanged the heroes of the struggle in Ayodhya and question of liberation of Ram Janmabhoomi remained unresolved. The struggle for Ram temple continued. After Independence in 1947, when Somnath temple was unanimously renovated, the discussion about such temples started. Similar consensus could have been considered regarding liberation of Ram Janmabhoomi, but the direction of politics changed. The selfish forms of politics such as discrimination and appeasement became prevalent and hence the question remained as it is. On this issue, governments did not even consider the wishes and sentiments of Hindu society. On the contrary, they tried to destroy initiative taken by the society. The legal battle related to this, which had been going on since pre-independence, continuously carried on. The mass movement for the liberation of Ram Janmabhoomi began in the 1980s and continued for thirty years. In 1949, the Murty of Bhagwan Shri Ramchandra appeared at the Ram Janmabhoomi. In 1986, the mandir was unlocked as per court order. In the coming period, the continuous struggle of Hindu society continued through many campaigns and kar seva. In 2010, a clear judgement of Allahabad High Court clearly came before the society. The efforts had to be sustained for final resolution of the issue at the earliest. On November 9, 2019, after 134 years of legal struggle, the Supreme Court gave a balanced decision after examining the truth and facts. The feelings and facts of both parties were also considered in this decision. This decision has been given after hearing the arguments of all parties in the court. According to this decision, a board of trustees was constituted for constructing the temple. Bhoomi pujan of the temple took place on August 5, 2020 and now, Paush Shukla Dwadashi Yugabd 5125, accordingly on January 22, 2024, installation and Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Murty of Shri Ramlala has been organised. From Dharmic point of view, Shri Ram is the most worshipped deity of majority society and the life of Shri Ramchandra is still accepted as an ideal code of conduct by entire society. Hence, now the conflict that has arisen as for and against over the dispute should be ended. The bitterness that has arisen in the meantime should also end. Enlightened people of the society must see that the dispute ends completely. Ayodhya means a city ‘where there is no war ‘, ‘a place free from conflict’. On this occasion, in the entire country, reconstruction of Ayodhya in our mind is the need of the hour and also the duty of all of us. The occasion of construction of Shri Ram mandir in Ayodhya marks reawakening of national pride. This also signifies acceptance of the vision of life behind the character of Shri Ram by modern Bharatiya society. Lord Shri Ram is to be worshiped in the temple with rituals of ‘Patram, Pushpam, Phalam, Toyam’ (leaves, flowers, fruits and water) and at the same time, by establishing image of Shri Ram in our minds, in the light of the same inculcating ideal conduct, we have to worship Shri Ram. As “Shivo Bhootva Shivam Bhajet, Ramo Bhootva Ramam Bhajet” (to worship Shiva, Be Shiva, to worship Ram, be Ram) is called true worship. If we consider from this point of view, then according to the social nature of Bharatiya culture, we need to imbibe “Matravat Pardareshu , Pardravyeshu Loshtvat. Atmavat sarvabhuteshu , yah pasyati sah panditah” (He is a wise man who sees the wives of others as his mother, the wealth of others like clod of earth and all beings as his own

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