USCIS tightens H-1B, legal immigration in 2025 review

IANS | December 23, 2025 8:28 AM

Washington, Dec 23 (IANS) US immigration authorities say they are tightening oversight of H-1B visas and other legal immigration programs, citing fraud investigations, new regulatory limits, and a broader enforcement push outlined in a year-end review released.

US to retain seized Venezuelan oil, says Trump

IANS | December 23, 2025 8:00 AM

Washington, Dec 23 (IANS) President Donald Trump said the United States will retain control of recently seized Venezuelan oil, signalling a hardline approach toward Caracas as Washington weighs options ranging from resale to placement in strategic reserves.

Rubio casts US Navy as backbone of global peace

IANS | December 23, 2025 7:31 AM

Washington, Dec 23 (IANS) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the American naval dominance is a central pillar of global peace and stability, and argued that the US Navy's strength underpins freedom of navigation, deters conflict, and sustains the international order.

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.

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.