Is the US losing India to Europe? As PM Modi and President Macron upgrade ties to a "Special Global Strategic Partnership" in Mumbai, Washington is making a massive counter-move. 

India and France have announced more than 20 agreements following high-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron. The partnership has been elevated to a Special Global Strategic Partnership covering defence, trade, education, innovation, space and clean energy.
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As India celebrates its 79th Independence Day, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a powerful speech from Red Fort, sending a strong message amid US tariff tensions and Pakistan nuclear threats. In his address, PM Modi hailed the armed forces, reinforced his Viksit Bharat vision, promoted Make in India and self-reliance, and highlighted Operation Sindoor. He also slammed the Indus Waters Treaty as unjust and one-sided on Independence Day 2025.

While addressing in a rally in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi urged Indians to promote local goods under the &lsquo;Make in India&rsquo; initiative. "On the night of May 6, Operation Sindoor began with the strength of our armed forces. But now, this Operation Sindoor will move forward with the strength of the people. When I speak of the strength of our armed forces and the people's strength, I mean that every citizen should become a partner in the nation's development. If we all contribute to building a &lsquo;Viksit Bharat&rsquo; by 2047 and taking our economy from the fourth to the third position globally, we will not rely on foreign products. We must encourage village traders to pledge that no matter how much profit they make, they will not sell foreign goods. But unfortunately, even Ganpati idols come from abroad&hellip; small-eyed Ganpati idols whose eyes don't even open properly. For Operation Sindoor, as a citizen, I have a task for you: go home and make a list of how many foreign products you use in 24 hours," he said at the rally.

The Indian Army and the Air Force are planning to jointly deploy MQ-9B Predator drones at two key air bases for upgrading their surveillance capabilities all along the Line of Actual Control with China from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh. The drone deal, expected to be worth around USD 4 billion is being done at tri services level with the Indian Navy leading the negotiations for it with the American side. "The MQ-9B drones require a significant runway length for take off and landing which are available with the Indian Air Force. That is why, the Army drones are planned to be deployed with the IAF at airbases in Sarsawa and Gorakhpur," defence officials told ANI. As per of the drone deal with the US, 31 MQ-9B drones are being acquired of which 15 would be for coverage of the maritime zone and would be deployed by the Indian Navy. The IAF and the Army will have eight each of these highly capable long endurance drones and would be able to cover almost all the areas of interest along the LAC with support from other existing assets, the officials said. The American side has given its letter of acceptance to the Indian side at a price tag of around USD 4 billion. There is also a provision of transfer of technology of some equipment to Indian entities under the agreement, they said. With a flight time of over 36 hours at heights over 40,000 feet, the drones can be armed with Hellfire air-to-ground missiles and smart bombs, this fighter-sized drone specializes in (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) missions. The Predator drones are expected to significantly enhance India's ability to conduct unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance patrols, particularly in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and along its land borders with China and Pakistan. MQ-9B has proven to be a critical asset in safeguarding India's security interests as it was used to extensively to monitor anti-piracy operations from naval headquarters to get a clear picture of the actions taking place almost 3,000 km from Indian shores.

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri announced a new oil discovery in the country. Hardeep Singh Puri said that the first oil was extracted yesterday 30 kilometres off the coast of Kakinada in the Krishna Godavari Basin.&nbsp; Hardeep Singh Puri said, &ldquo;30 kilometres off the coast of Kakinada in the Krishna Godavari Basin, the first oil was extracted yesterday. Work started on this in 2016-17, then there were some delays due to COVID, but I'm sure that out of the 26 wells there, 4 wells are already operational. We will not only have gas also in a very short period but by May and June, we hope to be able to produce 45,000 barrels per day, which will be 7 per cent of our total crude oil production and 7 per cent of our gas production.&rdquo; &nbsp;Narendra Taneja said, &ldquo;This is a huge step. They first conduced a search operation in deep sea near Krishna-Godavari Basin and then started production. We have now started 47,000 barrels of ONGC production from there. In future, it will be 75000 barrels.&rdquo; The place where the oil is extracted is 30 kilometres off the coast of Kakinada in the Krishna Godavari basin. Phase 3, leading to peak oil and gas production from the basin, is already underway and likely to be over in June 2024. The 98/2 project is likely to increase Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)'s total Oil and Gas production by 11 per cent and 15 per cent respectively. India, the world's third-biggest oil importer and consumer, is dependent on crude oil from various sources in the global market to meet its domestic demand.

In a push for &lsquo;Sabka Vikas&rsquo; south of the Vindhyas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 02 inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for a bouquet of development projects worth over Rs 20,000 crore in Tiruchirappalli. Addressing the event, PM Modi in Tamil Nadu praised the culture of Tamil Nadu. &ldquo;India is proud of the vibrant culture and heritage of Tamil Nadu... I had many Tamil friends and I got to learn a lot about Tamil culture from them. Wherever I go in the world I cannot stop myself from talking about Tamil Nadu...The sacred Sengol was installed in the new Parliament building, an attempt to draw inspiration from the model of good governance that the Tamil heritage has given to the country...&rdquo; said PM Modi. &ldquo;Today India is among the top five economies. Today India has emerged as a new hope in the world. Big investors are investing in the country and the people of Tamil Nadu and the country are getting benefits from it. Tamil Nadu is becoming the big brand ambassador of Make in India,&rdquo; he added.

&nbsp;While addressing a community programme in Sydney. Prime Minister Narendra Spoke about how India is leading the world in various fields.&ldquo; I will put some facts in front of you and you have to tell the correct answer. India is the fastest-growing economy in the world. The country which is the number in data consumption,&rdquo; Said PM Modi.

80-year-old Ranjan Bhatt from Gandhinagar and her son Harin Bhatt have been creating their own version of Barbie dolls and their creations have reached more than 20 countries by now. These handmade dolls are made by a technique of cotton sculpture comprising cloth, cotton and clay. These creations promote Indian culture and cultural dressing. &nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan after returning from his nine-day tour of Japan and South Korea said on Thursday that India's 'Make in India' is working on right direction.

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Centre announces fresh oil discovery in Krishna-Godavari Basin

PM Modi in Tamil Nadu lauds state for becoming brand ambassador of Make in India

PM Modi makes crowd cheer with India’s growth story in Sydney

Gujarat’s mother-son duo promote Indian culture through their barbie-like dolls

Shivraj Singh returns from Japan & South Korea tour, says 'Make in India' on right path

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