The post PM Modi Targets Congress Over Electoral Losses, Reaffirms Vision for Developed India by 2047 appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>Replying to the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address in the Lok Sabha, the Prime Minister expressed regret over the disruption caused by Opposition members. He said such behaviour was not only an insult to the President of India, a poor tribal woman, but also a slight against the highest constitutional office and the Constitution itself.
Modi strongly criticised Rahul Gandhi’s remark describing Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu as a traitor, calling it an insult to the entire Sikh community. He said such language reflected the Opposition’s inability to engage in constructive debate.
Targeting the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, the Prime Minister accused the party of shielding infiltrators, alleging that their presence was depriving local youth of employment opportunities and encroaching upon tribal land rights.
Referring to slogans raised by Opposition leaders, Modi said those who claim to run a campaign of love were simultaneously using language filled with hatred. He asserted that despite repeated attempts, his political opponents would never succeed in undermining him.
The Prime Minister said personal abuse directed at him stemmed from the inability of some leaders to accept that someone from a humble background could hold and continue to serve in the country’s highest executive office. He alleged that the Congress leadership viewed the post of Prime Minister as a family entitlement.
Modi said he drew strength from the blessings of crores of mothers, sisters and poor citizens across the country, for whom he claimed to be working with dedication. He contrasted his government’s approach with that of the Congress, saying his administration treated citizens as the nation’s strength and solution rather than as problems.
Highlighting the achievements of the past 11 years, the Prime Minister said India’s sustained high growth and controlled inflation reflected the resilience of the economy, which he said was on track to become the world’s third-largest.
He also referred to recent trade engagements with the European Union and the United States, stating that global confidence in India had increased and that these developments contributed to greater international stability.
Describing India as being on a fast track of reform, Modi said the country was moving steadily towards its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. During his nearly 100-minute address, he countered Opposition criticism of his government’s welfare schemes and reiterated his commitment to the vision of Viksit Bharat.
The Prime Minister also said India had emerged as a strong and credible voice of the Global South, playing a key role in shaping international discourse.
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]]>The post Rahul Gandhi Alleges PM Modi Yielded to US Pressure on Trade Deal, Says Farmers Betrayed appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>Speaking to reporters in the Parliament House complex, Gandhi said he was prevented from addressing the Lok Sabha on the President’s address after insisting on referring to an article that cited excerpts from former Army chief General M M Naravane’s unpublished memoir. He claimed this marked the first time in parliamentary history that a Leader of Opposition was not allowed to speak on such an occasion.
Gandhi alleged that the trade deal, which had remained unresolved for months, was suddenly finalised under unexplained circumstances. He claimed that the agreement amounted to a sell-out of Indian farmers and asserted that the Prime Minister was under immense pressure.
In a post on social media platform X, Gandhi said the Prime Minister was compromised and unwilling to allow debate in Parliament on issues related to General Naravane, the Epstein files and India’s surrender on tariffs.
According to Gandhi, the controversy surrounding Naravane’s remarks was only a distraction. He said the real issue was that the Prime Minister had been compromised and was afraid of scrutiny.
He further alleged that the Prime Minister was under enormous pressure and that the image built over years through massive expenditure could collapse. Gandhi claimed the farmers of India needed to understand that their labour, sacrifices and livelihoods had been traded away through the agreement.
The Congress leader said the government’s refusal to allow him to speak was evidence of fear and insecurity at the highest level.
Asked about the nature of the pressure on the Prime Minister, Gandhi referred to legal issues involving industrialist Gautam Adani in the United States and developments linked to the Epstein files. He described these as pressure points affecting the government.
The Epstein files refer to a large set of documents connected to investigations into sex trafficking by financier Jeffrey Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, including emails, travel records and recordings that have drawn renewed attention in recent years.
Responding to Gandhi’s allegations, Bharatiya Janata Party MP Anurag Thakur questioned whether the Congress and other opposition parties were acting in India’s national interest. He rejected claims that the Prime Minister had surrendered to external pressure.
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also raised concerns over the trade agreement, saying the United States had indicated that American agricultural products would now gain access to the Indian market. She demanded clarity from the government on whether Indian farmers would be exposed to direct competition with American companies.
She said millions of Indian farmers deserved transparency on the terms of the agreement and whether their interests had been compromised.
The trade deal was announced after a phone conversation between Prime Minister Modi and US President Donald Trump. Trump said the agreement would reduce reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent from the existing 25 per cent.
Prime Minister Modi welcomed the announcement, saying he was pleased that tariffs on Made in India products had been reduced. He thanked President Trump, stating that the decision would benefit India’s economy and exporters.
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]]>The post US Leaders Hail India Trade Deal as Boost for American Farms, Energy Ties and Global Strategy appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>US lawmakers and officials described India as a close and strategic partner, stressing that the agreement marks a positive reset in bilateral ties and opens the Indian market further to American goods and services.
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Senator Jim Risch congratulated President Trump on the agreement, calling it a major achievement. He said it was encouraging that the world’s largest democracy had agreed to lower trade barriers with the United States.
Risch described India as an essential partner in countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific and said the new deal would also support Washington’s efforts to weaken Russia’s war economy. He noted that India’s commitment to purchase more American goods would help reduce its reliance on Russian energy and contribute to efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said the agreement would provide a major boost to American farmers by expanding access to India’s vast consumer market. She said increased exports would raise prices for farm produce and inject new income into rural America.
Rollins pointed out that the United States recorded an agricultural trade deficit of 1.3 billion dollars with India in 2024. She added that India’s growing population makes it a key market for American farm products and that the deal could help narrow the trade gap.
Energy and investment cooperation was also highlighted by US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, who described Trump as a dealmaker delivering record investments through American energy exports. He said the agreement demonstrated the use of energy diplomacy to strengthen international relationships while supporting the US economy.
President Trump announced that the trade deal would lower reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods from 25 per cent to 18 per cent. He said India would also reduce its tariffs and non-tariff barriers on American products to zero.
Senator Lindsey Graham said India had earned the tariff reduction and praised the agreement as part of a broader strategy to pressure countries that support Russia’s war effort. He said reducing purchases of Russian oil would increase pressure on Moscow and bring the conflict in Ukraine closer to an end.
Graham has previously proposed legislation that would impose steep tariffs on countries continuing to buy Russian oil.
Strategic analysts also reacted to the announcement. Kurt Campbell, Chairman and Co-Founder of Washington-based advisory firm The Asia Group and a former US Deputy Secretary of State, said the agreement was a welcome but delayed signal after months of strain in bilateral ties.
He said both sides were now attempting to restore momentum in a partnership once seen as central to the 21st century. While the deal includes steps to open Indian markets to US companies, Campbell noted that restoring long-term strategic alignment would remain a challenge.
The agreement was finalised after a phone conversation between President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Trump said the two leaders discussed trade, global security and efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Trump said India had agreed to stop buying Russian oil and instead increase purchases from the United States and potentially Venezuela. He added that India had committed to buying American energy, technology, agricultural products and other goods worth more than 500 billion dollars.
Prime Minister Modi welcomed the agreement and thanked President Trump for reducing tariffs on Indian products. He said the deal would benefit both nations and unlock new opportunities for cooperation between the world’s largest democracies.
Modi said stronger India-US ties would contribute to global peace, stability and prosperity and expressed his commitment to working closely with Trump to take the partnership to new heights.
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]]>The post Trump Reduces Tariff on Indian Imports by 18 Percent After Talks with Prime Minister Modi appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>Earlier, Indian exports to the US were facing tariffs of up to 25 percent. With the new decision, these duties have now been lowered, bringing relief to Indian exporters and improving access to the American market. President Trump stated that his conversation with Prime Minister Modi was centered on respect, friendship, and strengthening economic ties between the two countries.
Sharing a photograph with Prime Minister Modi on social media, President Trump wrote that India is a great nation and a trusted partner. He said the relationship between the two democracies holds great importance for global stability and economic growth. Trump also praised Modi’s leadership and expressed confidence that cooperation between India and the United States would continue to expand.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the move and thanked President Trump for the decision. He said the reduction in tariffs would benefit millions of Indians and help Indian products become more competitive in global markets. Modi added that both leaders are working together to ensure fair trade, economic growth, and opportunities for businesses and workers in both countries.
Following the announcement, positive reactions were seen in American stock markets. Experts believe the tariff reduction will especially benefit sectors such as agriculture, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and engineering goods. Indian exporters are expected to gain improved access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets.
Analysts also see this step as a signal of improving India US relations. The decision comes at a time when global trade faces uncertainty, and cooperation between major economies is considered crucial for global peace, stability, and prosperity.
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]]>The post India Dismisses Epstein Files Reference to PM Modi With Strong Rebuttal appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government had taken note of reports referring to an email from the so-called Epstein files that mentioned the prime minister and his visit to Israel. He clarified that while Prime Minister Modi did undertake an official visit to Israel in July 2017, any other suggestion or implication in the email was entirely without merit.
Jaiswal stated that apart from the factual reference to the official visit, the remaining content of the email was merely reckless conjecture by a convicted criminal and should be outrightly rejected. He underlined that such insinuations carry no credibility and should not be taken seriously.
The email in question is part of a large set of investigative documents released by the United States Justice Department on Friday. These materials were made public in compliance with an American law passed by the US Congress.
According to officials, the latest release includes nearly 3.5 million pages of documents along with around 2,000 videos related to investigations into Jeffrey Epstein. The Indian government has reiterated that any attempt to draw connections involving its leadership from such material is completely unfounded.
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]]>The post Nitin Nabin Elected Unopposed as BJP National President appeared first on The Edge Media.
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K Laxman, who served as the returning officer for the election, said Nabin was the sole candidate for the post of BJP national president. He added that a total of 37 sets of nomination papers were submitted in support of Nabin’s candidature.
According to Laxman, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the proposers who backed Nitin Nabin for the top organisational position. He also confirmed that all the nomination papers filed in his favour were scrutinised and found to be valid, clearing the way for his unopposed election.
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]]>The post PM Modi Welcomes UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed on Brief India Visit appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>According to the schedule released by the Ministry of External Affairs, the UAE President is in the national capital for less than two hours. Despite the short duration, the visit is being seen as diplomatically important given the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s visit comes at a time when the region is witnessing heightened volatility due to deteriorating Iran United States relations, ongoing tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates over Yemen, and the unsettled political environment in Gaza.
The UAE President and Prime Minister Modi are set to hold wide ranging discussions shortly. Officials familiar with the visit said the talks are expected to cover trade and investment ties, defence industry cooperation and energy related initiatives. Developments in the Middle East are also likely to be discussed.
This marks Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s third official visit to India since assuming office and his fifth trip to the country in the past decade. Bilateral relations between India and the UAE have strengthened significantly in recent years, particularly after the two countries signed a comprehensive economic partnership agreement in 2022, leading to a sharp rise in trade and people to people engagement.
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]]>The post India Rejects US Claim on Trade Deal Delay, Reaffirms Commitment to Mutually Beneficial Pact appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>Responding to the comments, the Ministry of External Affairs said that India and the United States had committed to negotiating a bilateral trade agreement as early as February 13 last year, following a meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump at the White House. Since then, several rounds of negotiations have taken place to arrive at a balanced and fair deal, officials said.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that on multiple occasions the two sides had come close to sealing the agreement, adding that the portrayal of the talks in the reported remarks was not accurate. He emphasised that India remains interested in concluding a trade pact that benefits both sides and expressed hope that discussions would eventually lead to an agreement.
Jaiswal also pointed out that Prime Minister Modi and President Trump spoke over the phone eight times during 2025, covering a wide range of bilateral and global issues. According to people familiar with the negotiations, there was no stage during the past year when a single phone call could have concluded the trade deal.
The latest exchange comes against the backdrop of strained India US relations, which have faced significant challenges in recent months. Negotiations on the trade pact suffered a major setback after the United States imposed a steep 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods, including an additional 25 per cent duty linked to India’s purchase of Russian crude oil.
In his remarks on a podcast, Lutnick said India had been given three deadlines to finalise the deal and suggested that a direct call from Prime Minister Modi to President Trump was necessary to close it. He claimed that after the United States concluded a trade deal with the United Kingdom, India was expected to be next in line but failed to act within the expected timeframe. Lutnick also indicated that the previously negotiated deal with India was no longer under consideration.
At the same media briefing, the MEA spokesperson said India was closely monitoring developments related to a proposed Russia sanctions bill introduced by US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. The bill seeks to impose tariffs of up to 500 per cent on countries purchasing Russian oil, including India and China.
Jaiswal reiterated that India’s approach to energy sourcing is guided by global market conditions and the need to ensure affordable energy for its population of 1.4 billion people.
Commenting on the United States decision to withdraw from several international organisations and UN bodies, including the International Solar Alliance, Jaiswal said India continues to support multilateralism. He noted that the ISA has made substantial progress in promoting solar energy cooperation among its 125 member countries and said India would continue to advance its objectives.
Apart from trade and tariffs, India US relations are also under strain due to differences over other issues, including President Trump’s claims about mediating the India Pakistan conflict last year and Washington’s evolving immigration policies.
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]]>The post Donald Trump Highlights India US Defence Ties, Cites Delay in Apache Helicopter Delivery appeared first on The Edge Media.
]]>Addressing the House GOP Member Retreat, Trump criticised what he described as long standing delays in supplying defence equipment, while presenting India US defence ties as an example of how such issues were being addressed.
Recalling his interaction with the Indian Prime Minister, Trump said India had been waiting for years for the helicopters and that the situation was now being changed. He added that Prime Minister Modi had requested a meeting with him to discuss the matter.
Trump reiterated that he shared a good personal relationship with Prime Minister Modi, but noted that tensions had emerged over tariffs imposed on India. He said Modi was unhappy about the high duties, which he linked to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. According to Trump, those tariffs have since been reduced substantially, while he again pointed to India’s energy trade with Russia as the source of friction.
The tariffs, which Trump said amounted to 50%, were imposed due to India’s large scale imports of Russian crude oil. The United States has argued that such purchases indirectly support Russia’s economy at a time when it is engaged in the conflict with Ukraine.
Trump’s remarks came shortly after he warned that Washington could further increase tariffs on Indian goods if New Delhi failed to address American concerns over Russian oil imports. He suggested that India was aware of his displeasure and had taken steps to ease tensions. Describing Prime Minister Modi as a good man, Trump said it was important for both sides to maintain a positive relationship.
Defending his tariff policy, Trump claimed that the United States was benefiting financially from the measures and asserted that they were an effective tool in shaping trade behaviour. He has repeatedly linked tariff pressure on India to its energy ties with Moscow and has accused New Delhi of strengthening Russia by purchasing discounted oil.
At the same time,, holding discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, although no concrete breakthrough has been announced.
India has previously rejected Trump’s claim that Prime Minister Modi assured him that India would stop buying Russian oil. New Delhi clarified that no such assurance or conversation had taken place, reiterating that its energy decisions are guided by national interest.
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]]>The post India US Trade Deal Likely in First Half of the Year Says Ian Bremmer appeared first on The Edge Media.
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Ian Bremmer shared an optimistic outlook on the agreement with media and indicated that progress is firmly on track. He stated that while the tariff hike has drawn attention this year, its overall impact is unlikely to dominate India’s risk landscape in the following year.
Negotiations between India and the United States have been underway for several months, but the pace slowed after relations became strained in August last year. This followed Washington’s decision to impose a 50% tariff on certain Indian exports, citing India’s continued import of Russian oil. The move added complexity to the talks and affected momentum.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi last held discussions with former US President Donald Trump on December 11, shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India. Later in December, US Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer visited India, after which Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed that the discussions with the United States had reached an advanced stage.
Earlier, Donald Trump also commented on his relationship with Prime Minister Modi, noting that despite cordial ties, there were disagreements related to tariffs and oil imports. He acknowledged that India has significantly reduced its oil purchases from Russia, which may influence future trade decisions.
The lack of a clearly defined timeline and the evolving nature of negotiations have increased pressure on Indian exporters as the new financial year approaches. Key domestic export industries, including leather, chemicals, footwear, gems and jewellery, textiles, and shrimp, have faced severe challenges due to the 50% US tariff and are now looking toward the proposed trade deal for potential relief in the near term.
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