Kerala Governor Arlekar expresses condolences on V.S. Achuthanandan's passing
In a message here, Mr. Arlekar said that Mr. Achuthanandan was a towering figure in Indian politics and a stalwart of the Communist movement and that his demise marks the end of an era in India's Left political history.
A founding leader of the CPI(M) after the 1964 split, he was instrumental in shaping the party's direction both in Kerala and at the national-level. As the 11th Chief Minister of Kerala, he earned acclaim for his firm actions against land encroachments, promotion of public education, anti-corruption measures, and environmental protection. He also served as Leader of the Opposition and chaired the Administrative Reforms Commission, Mr. Arlekar remembered.
From humble beginnings, he rose to top through hard work, integrity, simplicity, and a lifelong commitment to the marginalised. His contributions to public life and the Left movement will always be remembered with deep respect, he said.
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First Post
8 minutes ago
- First Post
From aspiration to agency: India redefines its global role
India seems to have resolved a complex arithmetic: diplomacy without submission, trade without compromising sovereignty, tech engagement that does not sacrifice agency, and multilateralism that negotiates interest, not ideology read more It is not the India of aspiration alone; it is the India of agency, reframing between autonomy and engagement, between principle and pragmatism. File image/ AP In the rapidly shifting global political architecture, few nations stand at as pivotal a juncture as India, caught in the confluence of normative aspirations, strategic autonomy, economic opportunity, and diplomatic realignment. From international tech rule‑setting to high‑stakes trade negotiations, from balancing sanctions pressure to recalibrating relations with China, the past few weeks have made clear that it's India's real moment. This is not mere reactivity but about India stepping forward to set the narrative, even under the weight of great power tensions and domestic imperatives. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Take the sharp warning from Nato Secretary‑General Mark Rutte, a diplomatic salvo that carries real consequences. In statements delivered in Washington and to Congress, Rutte emphasised that 'secondary sanctions', including tariffs up to 100 per cent, could be deployed against major economies like India, China, and Brazil should they continue to trade with Russia. The intent: leverage global economic ties to pressure Moscow toward a peace settlement over Ukraine. The declaration is a clear signal that India's commercial engagements are being scrutinised through the lens of Western security priorities. Delhi's swift rebuke, citing 'double standards' and asserting its sovereign right to conduct its trade, reveals India's determination to resist external dictates, even as it shoulders the complexity of geopolitical entanglements. Yet, this episode does not simply reflect Indian defiance. Rather, it underscores a rare and consequential exercise of normative sovereignty. India is not tethered to any bloc; it takes pride in being a multi-aligned and principled actor. Domestic energy security demands, its long‑standing commitment to global South solidarity, and cautious calibration with both West and East place it in a strategic sweet spot or jeopardy, depending on perspective. When Rutte urged these countries to 'make the phone call to Vladimir Putin' or face sanctions, he emphasised pressure, but India refused to be boxed into Western frameworks, opting instead for a calibrated diplomacy. This is not a retreat; this is self‑definition in action. World Trade Organisation (WTO) reform, gaining traction ahead of the Cameroon Ministerial, is another arena where India is quietly influencing multilateral rules. Talks now hinge on thorny compromises: easing 'consensus' gridlocks, demanding proof for industrial subsidies, and revisiting the special status of countries like India and China. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Pushed by the US and Europe to revive a stalled WTO, these shifts could undermine developing country carve-outs. While India remains restrained, its backroom diplomacy is active. The challenge lies in securing meaningful exceptions without stalling reform, testing not just India's trade stance but also its broader role in global rule-making. This is more about realigning trade with development than resistance. At the same time, New Delhi finds itself on the cusp of a potentially transformative bilateral trade agreement with the US, ahead of a hard August 1 US tariff deadline. An article of faith in India's political economy has been bilateralism as an antidote to protectionism, and Washington has signalled expansiveness: from high‑tech to supply‑chain resilience. Yet this is no yawning liberal fixture; it is a negotiation circumscribed by domestic concerns on both fronts. For India, offering tariff concessions or regulatory liberalisation might invite debate around industrial policy and food sovereignty; for the US, access to Indian markets must be matched by deeper procurement commitments and intellectual property standards. If last week's Nato‑sanctions episode underscores Indian autonomy, this trade narrative highlights its readiness to play a constructive, collaborative role, so long as reciprocity and national interest underpin any deal. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Meanwhile, India's pivot toward China, marked by Jaishankar's first visit to Beijing since the 2020 standoff, is a calculated move. At the SCO summit, his meeting with Wang Yi focused on de-escalation, a border resolution, and reviving trade minus 'restrictive measures'. China called normalisation 'hard-won', underscoring mutual interest in quiet diplomacy and regional stability. Beneath the optics, India is asserting agency: addressing boundary disputes, restoring critical supply chains, and preserving open trade. It's a calibrated framework—friendship without illusion, cooperation without compulsion. Now, juxtapose these developments with India's stealth campaign in global AI norm‑setting. While less visible to the world's press, New Delhi has been earnest, partaking actively in the Unesco‑led 2025 AI Action Summit and championing inclusive, transparent, and sustainable AI frameworks. Internally, the government's Shinrin hush, its hallmark IndiaAI mission, has enabled the creation of the India AI Safety Institute and the public‑sector BharatGen model, announced earlier this year. This reflects a coherent, outward‑looking narrative: one where India is not merely a consumer of Western AI but a producer and ethical interlocutor in its own right, framing a normative trajectory for the Global South. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This junction of AI, trade, sanctions, and diplomacy reveals an Indian posture defined by complexity rather than simplification. India is neither a protectable emerging market nor a fearful collateral of competition; it is instead a multifaceted actor shaping its lane, steering norms, and anticipating friction. If India is being squeezed by trade reform at the WTO, by diplomatic pressure over Russia, and by bilateral negotiations with large economies, it is responding with a choreography of normative offers, negotiation discipline, and diplomatic nuance. Strategic autonomy is no longer a slogan; it is a tactical posture. India's message comes across loud and clear: we will trade responsibly, not opportunistically; we will engage in global initiatives, not deflect them; we will assert our interests, not surrender them. This posture is especially critical because India's multilateral footprint is expanding with institution‑shaping spaces. In 2025, it has convinced even sceptics that its voice is consequential and its initiatives, from AI safety to trade alliances, are worth centralising. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD None of this is without strain. The geo‑economic environment is a maze of competing pressures: pressure to align with Western sanctions regimes, to commit to bilateral trade deals, to accelerate AI governance, and to stabilise border diplomacies. But India seems to have resolved a complex arithmetic: diplomacy that does not buy influence with submission, trade that does not cost sovereignty, tech engagement that does not sacrifice agency, and multilateralism that negotiates interest, not ideology. The key test lies ahead: can India engineer a degree of coherence across ministries, Commerce, Finance, External Affairs, and IT? Can it manage stakeholder friction between business communities aligned to greenhouse tech corridors and those tied to legacy energy relations with Russia? Can it maintain credibility on the world stage while cultivating domestic legitimacy? These questions are not rhetorical; they are strategic deadlines directed at policymaking systems, where alignment and execution define success. Ultimately, this is more than policy choreography; it is India redefining its global centre of gravity. When the US Congress debates whether India is aligned enough to merit exemption from sanctions, Delhi's internal coordination across diplomatic, economic, and strategic lines becomes part of its national security calculus. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD When WTO multilateralism teeters, India can offer constructive reform, leadership or resistance. When AI norm debates emerge, India doesn't merely have a seat; it has proposals. India projects the kind of policy confidence few states of its standing enjoy. India stands assertive, multi‑alignment‑centric, normatively engaged, and institutionally responsive. It is not the India of aspiration alone; it is the India of agency, reframing between autonomy and engagement, between principle and pragmatism. Amal Chandra is an author, political analyst and columnist. He posts on 'X' at @ens_socialis. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.
Time of India
23 minutes ago
- Time of India
India-UK FTA: Trade deal offers tariff safeguards; domestic industry gets protection buffer
India has secured the right to impose temporary trade safeguards under its newly signed free trade agreement (FTA) with the United Kingdom, the commerce ministry confirmed on Saturday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The mechanism allows India to raise import tariffs or suspend duty concessions if a sudden spike in British imports causes or threatens serious harm to domestic industries. The India-UK trade deal was signed in London on Thursday in the presence of senior leaders from both nations, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his UK counterpart Keir Starmer. 'In this agreement, there are bilateral safeguard measures,' the ministry said in an official statement, as per news agency PTI. 'It allows India to temporarily increase tariffs or suspend tariff concessions on certain goods if there is a significant surge in imports from the UK that causes or threatens to cause serious injury to Indian domestic industries.' The safeguard provisions are initially valid for up to two years but may be extended for another two years if a formal investigation finds that continued protection is necessary for the affected domestic sector to recover and adjust. 'Thus, the total maximum duration of a bilateral safeguard measure is four years,' the ministry said. According to the agreement, if India applies these safeguards only for two years, the UK cannot take retaliatory measures. However, if extended to four years, Britain will have the right to respond. The pact also includes a provision for provisional safeguards in urgent or emergency situations. 'Provisional measures can be used in critical or emergency situations to prevent irreparable harm to domestic industry,' the ministry said, adding these can be enforced for up to 200 days based on preliminary findings, but must be followed by a comprehensive investigation. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has emphasised that India has safeguarded all sensitive sectors, including dairy, rice, and sugar, during the negotiations. 'We have protected all the sensitive sectors of India... we have not opened for the UK (those areas).... Zero compromise and extensive benefits make it a phenomenal free trade agreement (FTA),' Goyal said, as per PTI. The minister also highlighted that the agreement would give a significant boost to exports of labour-intensive sectors like footwear, textiles, and gems and jewellery.
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First Post
38 minutes ago
- First Post
PM Modi meets Maldivian leaders, says India looks forward to deepening ties in tech, energy and climate
India looks forward to deepening its partnership with the Maldives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday, as he met several Maldivian leaders, including Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef. read more Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India is keen to further strengthen its partnership with the Maldives as he held meetings with several key Maldivian leaders, including Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef. 'Had a very good meeting with Vice President Uz. Hussain Mohamed Latheef. Our discussion touched upon key pillars of the India-Maldives friendship. Our nations continue to work closely in sectors like infrastructure, technology, climate change, energy and more. This is greatly beneficial to our people. We look forward to deepening this partnership in the years to come,' he posted on X. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Had a very good meeting with Vice President Uz. Hussain Mohamed Latheef. Our discussion touched upon key pillars of the India-Maldives friendship. Our nations continue to work closely in sectors like infrastructure, technology, climate change, energy and more. This is greatly… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2025 Latheef said it was an honour to call on the Indian prime minister. 'As this year marks 60 years of formal diplomatic relations with India, the Prime Minister and I reflected on the journey of friendship and reciprocal support our countries have taken. I hope that the strong cooperation with India continues to grow and strengthen,' Latheef said. PM Modi also met leaders of political parties. 'Had a meaningful meeting with members of different political parties of the Maldives. The participation of leaders across the political spectrum underscores the bipartisan support for the strong and time-tested India-Maldives friendship. Our shared values continue to guide this important partnership,' he posted on X. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Had a meaningful meeting with members of different political parties of the Maldives. The participation of leaders across the political spectrum underscores the bipartisan support for the strong and time-tested India-Maldives friendship. Our shared values continue to guide this… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2025 'Had a very good meeting with Vice President Uz. Hussain Mohamed Latheef. Our discussion touched upon key pillars of the India-Maldives friendship. Our nations continue to work closely in sectors like infrastructure, technology, climate change, energy and more. This is greatly beneficial to our people. We look forward to deepening this partnership in the years to come,' he posted on X. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Had a very good meeting with Vice President Uz. Hussain Mohamed Latheef. Our discussion touched upon key pillars of the India-Maldives friendship. Our nations continue to work closely in sectors like infrastructure, technology, climate change, energy and more. This is greatly… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2025 Prime Minister Modi also met former Maldivian president Mohamed Nasheed. India will keep supporting the Maldives through capacity building and developmental cooperation, the prime minister said. Nasheed, who served as president of the Maldives from November 11, 2008 to February 7, 2012, expressed gratitude for India's continued support for a stronger India-Maldives relationship. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'Met the former President of Maldives, Mr. Mohamed Nasheed. He has always been a strong advocate of deeper India-Maldives friendship. Spoke about how the Maldives will always be a valued pillar of our 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Mahasagar vision. India will keep supporting Maldives through capacity building and developmental cooperation. ', he said in a post. Met the former President of Maldives, Mr. Mohamed Nasheed. He has always been a strong advocate of deeper India-Maldives friendship. Spoke about how the Maldives will always be a valued pillar of our 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Mahasagar vision. India will keep supporting… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2025 The prime minister conveyed wishes on the 60th anniversary of Independence Day of the Maldives. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'Both sides exchanged views on the deep-rooted & special relationship. VP Latheef thanked PM for India's continued assistance to Maldives in times of need,' Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a social media post. Modi also met Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Speaker of the People's Majlis (the Maldivian Parliament). 'Talked about the deep-rooted India-Maldives friendship, including the close relationship between our respective Parliaments,' Modi said. He also welcomed the formation of the India-Maldives Parliamentary Friendship Group in the 20th Majlis. 'India remains committed to supporting capacity building in the Maldives,' the prime minister said. Speaker thanked PM for India's continued commitment to enhancing ties with Maldives and between the two democracies, Jaiswal said. 'The two sides noted the excellent people-to-people ties between the two countries,' the MEA Spokesperson said. Prime Minister Modi also held a 'meaningful' meeting with members of different political parties of the Maldives. 'The participation of leaders across the political spectrum underscores the bipartisan support for the strong and time-tested India-Maldives friendship. Our shared values continue to guide this important partnership,' the prime minister said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'Both sides reaffirmed their commitment for a stronger India-Maldives relationship, building upon the vibrant people-to-people ties and the shared values between the two democracies. The Maldivian leaders thanked the PM for India's continued support on developmental assistance for the welfare of the Maldivian people,' Jaiswal said. On Friday, Modi held wide-ranging talks with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu and announced a Rs 4,850 crore line of credit to the island nation. With inputs from agencies
