India-West News Desk WASHINGTON, DC – Several US lawmakers sent messages highlighting the importance of India-US ties and the contributions of Indian Americans as India celebrated its 80th Independence Day on August 15. The White House did not issue a message for the occasion. US Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) described ties between New Delhi and Washington as increasingly important. “Two of the most important countries in the world, working together to try to create a more pe

NEW DELHI – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on August 17 unveiled its new team of national office-bearers under party president Nitin Nabin. The announcement had been awaited since Nabin took charge as BJP president. The new team represents a mix of continuity and change, with several senior leaders retaining key responsibilities and some prominent figures returning to important organizational roles. The reshuffle comes as the BJP prepares for a series of state elections and

WASHINGTON, DC-Thousands of Indians seeking US green cards could face wider scrutiny of their finances and use of public benefits under new immigration guidance taking effect on September 18. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), said officers may consider housing assistance, food stamps, college financial aid and other means-tested benefits when deciding whether an applicant is likely to become a public charge. The guidance follows the Department of Homeland

WASHINGTON, DC-Prominent Indian American political leaders from across the ideological spectrum marked the United States’ 250th Independence Day by reflecting on their immigrant roots, their families’ journeys from India and their differing visions of America, while expressing gratitude for the opportunities the country has offered. Former Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai recalled how his parents arrived in the United States in 1971 carrying little m

NEW DELHI-India is increasing engagement with Indo-Pacific middle powers as uncertainty is rising over the future of US security commitments in Asia. According to analysts, India is developing partnerships that enable countries with different strategic interests to cooperate without joining a formal alliance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand from July 6-11, during which India signed several agreements to strengthen defense, maritime se

LONDON/NEW DELHI-India will not enter into a trade agreement with the United States unless it secures a clear competitive advantage over rival economies, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on June 25. \Speaking during a two-day visit to London, Goyal said India would proceed with the agreement only after Washington establishes a legal and policy framework that provides Indian exporters with preferential market access over competing countries. “Until the

WASHINGTON, D.C.- India continues to be a major driver of global economic growth despite the economic impact of the Iran conflict and higher energy prices, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on June 25, while cautioning that the country has not been immune to disruptions in global energy markets. Julie Kozack, Director of the IMF’s Communications Department, said India’s economy had remained resilient despite external headwinds, supported by robust domestic demand. “W

NEW DELHI- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 25 welcomed Amazon’s planned investment of $48 billion in India over the next five years, saying it will create new opportunities for the country’s youth while reflecting growing global confidence in India’s economy The announcement came after Amazon President and CEO Andy Jassy met Prime Minister Modi in the national capital. “A great meeting with Mr. Andy Jassy. I welcome Amazon’s record $48 billion investment in India. This w

India-West News Desk WASHINGTON, DC- H-1B visa applications fell by more than 38% this year following changes introduced by the Trump administration that shifted selections toward applicants with advanced U.S. degrees and higher-paying job offers. According to data released on May 21 by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, properly submitted registrations for the fiscal year 2027 H-1B cap dropped to 211,600 from 343,981 the previous year. USCIS said 71.5% of selected ap

WASHINGTON, DC- A new partnership between US anti-hunger organization Share Our Strength and India-focused humanitarian groups aims to expand school nutrition programmes across India and other developing nations, with leaders from both countries calling child hunger a “solvable problem” requiring greater collaboration. The initiative was highlighted during a “Purposeful Private Dinner” hosted in Washington by Share Our Strength and One World One Family Mission, where philant

HYDERABAD -Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 10 appealed to citizens to conserve fuel, use public transport, revive work-from-home practices, avoid non-essential purchases and overseas vacations, and reduce gold buying to help save foreign exchange amid the global crisis triggered by the ongoing war in the Middle East. Addressing a public meeting organized by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at Parade Grounds here, the Prime Minister called for collective public participati

ISLAMABAD- The Pakistan government has denied visas to 92 Indian devotees who were scheduled to visit the country for Khalsa Sajna Diwas celebrations at Gurdwara Panja Sahib, according to an article published by the Khalsa Vox news portal. The report said Pakistan had initially issued visas for the period from April 10 to 19, while the Indian government, based on recommendations from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and the Punjab government, had scheduled the devo

WASHINGTON, DC -India and the United States must rebuild “mutual respect, mutual sensitivity” and restore confidence in each other as their relationship faces a growing trust deficit amid geopolitical shocks, economic friction and global security crises, speakers said at the New India Conference hosted by the Hudson Institute, here. The New India Conference, held on April 23, brought together policymakers, strategists and analysts to assess India’s evolving global role and th

NEW DELHI/CHANDIGARH- Congress MP Manish Tewari and Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on April 19 said the Opposition would support women’s reservation if implemented within the existing 543-seat Lok Sabha framework, while accusing the Centre of using the proposed legislation to advance delimitation and alter the country’s political balance. Their remarks came after the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, which proposed 33 per cent reservation for women in Parlia

India -West News Desk WASHINGTON, DC -More than half of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) adults in the United States say they or someone in their community have been affected by anti-immigrant policies or sentiment over the past year, according to a January 2026 survey conducted by Stop AAPI Hate in partnership with NORC at the University of Chicago. The survey of 1,378 AAPI adults nationwide, conducted through NORC’s Amplify AAPI panel, found that 53% of respondent

WASHINGTON, DC -In a move that could directly affect thousands of foreign graduates, the US Department of Homeland Security has confirmed it is re-evaluating the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, signaling possible regulatory changes to the post-study work route for F-1 visa holders. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, in a letter to Senator Eric Schmitt, said DHS is reviewing whether the current framework — including the scope and duration of practical training

WASHINGTON, DC – The US Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced a new policy barring foreign nationals and non-citizens from accessing federally backed small business loans, saying the move is aimed at prioritizing American entrepreneurs amid rising demand for capital. The policy expands earlier restrictions and will apply across multiple SBA-guaranteed lending programs, including the agency’s Surety Bond and Microloan programs. Under the updated rule, applicants mu

AUSTIN, TEXAS — Feb. 12, 2026; source: Juice Consulting) — The Lunar Foundation is proud to announce that the 26th annual ustin Dragon Boat Festival will take place April 25, 2026 at Festival Beach, Lady Bird Lake (1621 Nash Hernandez Senior Rd, Austin, TX 78702), starting at 10 a.m. The Austin Dragon Boat Festival is one of Central Texas’s longest-running cultural celebrations, uniting hundreds of paddlers, performers, and families each spring. Established by Amy Wong Mok, F

NEW DELHI- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 17 shared highlights of the India AI Impact Expo 2026 and said it was a powerful convergence of ideas, innovation and intent. “It showcased the extraordinary potential of Indian talent in shaping the future of Artificial Intelligence for global good. Above all, it reaffirmed our commitment to harnessing Artificial Intelligence responsibly, inclusively and at scale for human progress,” Modi said. Earlier on February 16, the P

AUSTIN, TX –Texas authorities have launched a wide-ranging investigation into suspected abuse of the H-1B visa program, placing three North Texas companies under scrutiny over alleged irregularities in foreign worker sponsorship. The probe, announced by the Texas Office of the Attorney General in a January 28 statement, marks increased state scrutiny of companies suspected of misusing the federal visa system. Attorney General Ken Paxton has issued Civil Investigative Demands