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2025 tests India-US relations amid tariffs, Pakistan tilt: Expert (IANS interview)

Lalit K Jha | December 23, 2025 7:22 AM

Washington, Dec 23 (IANS) The year 2025 has emerged as a testing phase for India-United States relations, marked by sharp trade frictions and renewed US engagement with Pakistan, even as the two strategic partners made quiet but consequential progress in defence, technology and energy cooperation, a leading India-US policy expert has said.

Trump announces ‘Golden Fleet’ battleship push

IANS | December 23, 2025 6:55 AM

Washington, Dec 23 (IANS) US President Donald Trump unveiled plans to begin construction of a new class of massive battleships as part of a broader effort to rebuild US shipbuilding capacity, strengthen deterrence, and restore what he described as American military supremacy.

Hegseth signals cultural reset at Pentagon, rejects ‘political correctness’

IANS | December 23, 2025 6:46 AM

Washington, Dec 23 (IANS) US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth signalled a sharp cultural and ideological shift within the Pentagon, saying the Trump administration is restoring a “warrior ethos” and moving away from what he described as political correctness in the US military.

US pushes defence industry to accelerate ship, jet production

IANS | December 23, 2025 6:41 AM

Washington, Dec 23 (IANS) US President Donald Trump signalled an aggressive push to accelerate the production of warships and military aircraft, saying the United States can no longer afford decade-long timelines to deliver critical defence platforms amid rising global security pressures.

Defence, AI to shape next phase of India-US ties: Expert

Lalit K Jha | December 23, 2025 6:38 AM

Washington, Dec 23 (IANS) Defence cooperation, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are likely to anchor the next phase of India-United States engagement as the two sides seek to sustain momentum in strategic sectors despite unresolved political and trade challenges, a senior India-US policy expert said.

FIIDS urges Trump administration to ease H-1B visa delays

IANS | December 23, 2025 6:25 AM

Washington, Dec 23 (IANS) A leading Indian American policy organization has urged the Trump administration to adopt a more calibrated approach to expanded social media vetting for H-1B and H-4 visa applicants, warning that widespread cancellations and delays in visa appointments are disrupting US industry and stranding thousands of high-skilled workers abroad.

UN Chief Guterres calls for ensuring minorities’ safety in Bangladesh

IANS | December 23, 2025 6:21 AM

United Nations, Dec 23 (IANS) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is very concerned about the violence in Bangladesh and minorities there should feel safe, his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.

India’s rapid transformation impresses USIBC President

IANS | December 22, 2025 11:54 PM

Washington, Dec 22, (IANS) India’s economic acceleration and digital transformation are reshaping the country at a pace that many outside observers may underestimate, Atul Keshap, President of the US-India Business Council (USIBC), said after a recent visit.

Sergio Gor’s access could strengthen India ties: USIBC President Keshap

IANS | December 22, 2025 11:39 PM

Washington, Dec 22, (IANS) The appointment of Sergio Gor as the next US Ambassador to India could significantly strengthen bilateral ties due to his exceptional access to President Donald Trump, Atul Keshap, said, President of the US-India Business Council (USIBC).

B’desh polls will be held on time: Muhammad Yunus tells US Special Envoy

IANS | December 22, 2025 11:14 PM

Dhaka, Dec 22 (IANS) Chief Adviser of the government of Bangladesh, Professor Muhammad Yunus, on Monday reaffirmed his commitment to holding the country’s general elections on February 12, stressing that the Interim government is fully prepared to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful vote.