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Donald Trump India Visit LIVE: ‘Trade deal’ underway as India raise H1-B visa issue

On the second day of his maiden trip, US President Donald Trump reached Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi at around 10 am. After a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan, he visited Raj Ghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi.

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On the second day of his maiden trip, US President Donald Trump reached Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi at around 10 am. After a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan, he visited Raj Ghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi.

On the first day, US President Donald Trump received a grand welcome, which included a 22-km roadshow and the ‘Namaste Trump’ event at a packed Motera Stadium with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, business between the countries is set to dominate the agenda between the two leaders today.

6:25 pm: We are being charged large amount of tariffs. I think you have to pay the highest tariff when you deal with India, Harley-Davidson has to pay tremendous tariffs when they send motorcycles here and when India sends to us, there is virtually no tariff: US President Donald Trump.

6:17 pm: India is going to be a major player in the next 50 to 100 years. India is going to have a phenomenal future: Donald Trump.

6:04 pm: Anything I can do to mediate or help, I would do. They (Pakistan) are working on Kashmir. Kashmir has been a thorn in lots of people’s sight for a long time. There are two sides to every story. We discussed terrorism at length today.: Donald Trump.

6:04 pm: We talked a lot about terrorism emanting from Pakistan at length today. There is no question that it is a problem. They are working on it. I said I will do whatever I can do to help because my relationship with both gentlemen (PM Modi and Pakistan PM Imran Khan) is so good; Donald Trump.

5:57 pm: US President Donald Trump reiterated his offer of mediation between in India and Pakistan on Kashmir.

5:52 pm: “We killed Al-Baghdadi and took 100 percent of the Caliphate,” says US President Donald Trump. He adds that Russia, Syria and Iran should also work towards tackling radical Islamic terrorism.

5:50 pm: “We did talk about religious freedom. PM Modi believes in religious freedom,” says Donald Trump.About the violence over the Citizenship Amendment Act in Delhi, Trump said, “I heard about it, but we did not discuss it.” He added that the CAA is India’s matter.

5:47 pm: “Intelligence agencies never told me”, says US President Donald Trump when asked whether Russia was trying to influence US presidential poll.

5:46 pm: I have done more than anyone else to destroy terrorism till date: Donald Trump.

5:45 pm: The Afghan deal is likely to happen. I spoke to PM Modi about the Afghan deal, and we are trying to bring out young people home. Don’t want to kill millions of innocent people.: Donald Trump.

5:41 pm: Everybody is happy about our deal with Taliban, and India would also like this. We have been there (in Afghanistan) for 19 years and we are trying very hard. There is tremendous praise for what we are doing: Donald Trump.

5:39 pm: India is investing in US energy. We have just had a meeting with the biggest businessmen in India. They are investing billions in the US: Donald Trump.

5:38 pm: I have great relationship with PM Narendra Modi. We have signed a pact with India on energy. We have also signed a $3 billion chopper deal: US President Donald Trump.

5:36 pm: US President Donald Trump says that PM Narendra Modi is a terrific leader.” We have had a great time in India, this is a tremendous country. It’s been great and fantastic two days in India. India is a tremendous market and they really like us,” says Trump.

5:00 pm: US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks for five hours in New Delhi today, said Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla while addressing the media after the meeting on Tuesday. READ FULL STORY HERE

4:45 pm: “From our side, the issue of H-1B visa was raised. It was pointed that Indian professionals contribute significantly to the development of high-tech sector in the United States,” said Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla.

4:30 pm: “It has been an honour to be here. You have a very special Prime Minister, he really knows what he is doing. He is a tough man. He has done a fantastic job. We work very closely together,” said US President Donald Trump after interacting with industry leaders in Delhi.

4:25 pm: 

4:20 pm: “We are going to cut a lot more regulations. Some have to go through the statutory process,” US President Donald Trump said in his address.

4:15 pm: “The Indian side raised the issue of H1B visa and highlighted the contribution of Indian professionals in the IT sector,” Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said.

4:05 pm: “The PM & President said there was useful & comprehensive discussion on trade, there was an appreciation that it increased steadily year on year over the last few years. US exports to India also had a fairly dramatic increase,” said Foreign Secretary Harsh Varsdhan Shringla.

4:00 pm:  “I feel I am going to win the coming US Presidential elections; when we win, markets will go up. If I do not win, markets will crash like never before,” the US President said.

3:55 pm: Indian purchase of US crude oil has risen from 25,000 barrels per day to 2,50,000 bpd, said US Energy Secretary.

3:50 pm: “US is fully prepared to tackle Coronavirus. China is working very hard to contain coronavirus; it looks like they are getting it more and more under control,” President Trump added.

3:45 pm: “China is working very hard, I have spoken to President Xi. It looks like China is getting the coronavirus outbreak under control,” said US President Donald Trump.

3:30 pm: “Our teams have made tremendous progress on a comprehensive trade agreement. I am optimistic that we can reach a deal that will be of great importance to both countries. Since, I took office US exports to India are up nearly 60 per cent and exports of high quality American energy have grown by 500 per cent,” Trump said while addressing business leaders at the US Embassy.

2:15 pm:  “Our teams have made tremendous progress for a comprehensive trade agreement and I’m optimistic we can reach a deal of great importance to both countries. Since I took office, US exports to India are up nearly 60% and exports of high quality American energy have grown by 500%. During our visit we discussed the importance of a secure 5G wireless network and the need for this emerging technology to be a tool for freedom, progress, prosperity, not to do anything with where it could be even conceived as a conduit for suppression and censorship,” said US President Donald Trump.

2:10 pm: “Earlier today we expanded our defence cooperation with agreements for India to purchase more than USD 3 billion of advanced American military equipment, including Apache & MH-60 Romeo Helicopters – finest in the world. These will enhance our joint defence capabilities,” US President Donald Trump added to his address.

2:05 pm:

2:00 pm:  “Melania and I have been awed by the majesty of India and the exceptional generosity and kindness of the Indian people. We will always remember the magnificent welcome the citizens of your home state (Gujarat) showed us upon arrival,” US President Donald Trump said while addressing the media.

1:50 pm:  “We resolved to step up efforts to make those who support terrorism, responsible. Our commerce ministers have had positive talks on trade. Both of us have decided that our teams should give legal shape to these trade talks. We also agreed to open negotiations on a big trade deal. The most important foundation of the special relationship between India and the USA is people to people contact. Professionals, students, the Indian diaspora in USA have a major contribution in this,” PM Modi while addressing the media.

1: 45 pm: “Today we discussed every important aspect of US-India partnership, be it defence and security, energy strategic partnership, trade or people to people ties. The strengthening in defence ties between India and US is an important aspect of our partnership,” said PM Modi while addressing the media.

“President Trump and I have met five times over the last 8 months. We are elevating our relationship to Comprehensive global strategic partnership level. We are increasing our cooperation in homeland security. We have decided to increase our efforts to fight terror to fight organised crime, drugs, narcotics cooperation will be stepped up,” PM Modi added.

1:40 pm: The United States and India signed three agreements:

1. MoU on mental health

2. MoU on safety of medical products

3. Letter of cooperation between Indian oil corporation and Exxon and chart

1:35 pm: Melania Trump leaves from Sarvodaya Co-Ed Senior Secondary School in Nanakpura, after meeting and interacting with the students there.

1:20 pm:  “People here are so welcoming and so kind. In the US, I work with children like you to promote similar ideas of well-being through my ‘BE BEST’ initiative. Three pillars of ‘BE BEST’ include dangers of drug abuse, importance of online safety and overall well-being of children,” Melania Trump tells students at Sarvodaya Co-Ed Senior Secondary School in Nanakpura.

1:15 pm: “It is great to join you at your beautiful school. This is my first visit to India and I cannot tell you how delightful it is. The President and I are happy to be here,” First Lady Melania Trump said while addressing the students.

1:05 pm:

12:45 pm: “The last two days, especially yesterday at the stadium, it was a great honour for me. People were there maybe more for you (PM Modi) than for me. 125 thousand people were inside. Every time I mentioned you, they cheered more. People love you here,” US President tells PM Modi.

12:40 pm:  “I welcome you and the US delegation to India. I know that you are busy these days, still, you took out time for the visit to India. I am grateful to you for this,” PM Modi said during his meeting with US President Donald Trump at Hyderabad House.

12:30 pm: Melania Trump interacts with the students at Sarvodaya Co-Ed Senior Secondary School in Nanakpura while attending a ‘Happiness Class’ session. Happiness curriculum was developed by Delhi Deputy CM for students of classes nursery to eighth standard.

12:15 pm: 

12:10 pm: 

12:00 pm: First Lady Melania Trump arrives at Sarvodaya Co-Ed Senior Secondary School.

11:40 am: 

11:30 am:  First Lady Melania Trump will attend a session of the ‘Happiness Class’ at the Sarvodaya Co-Educational Senior Secondary School in Delhi.

11:15 am: Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives US President Donald Trump and the First Lady Melania Trump, at Hyderabad House.

11:10 am: 

11:05 am: 

10:50 am: US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi during the wreath-laying ceremony at Raj Ghat.

10:45 am: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at the Hyderabad House where US President Donald Trump is expected to hold talks on business shortly.

10:40 am: 


10:30 am:

10:25 am: Senator Ted Cruz, who was the runner-up for the Republican presidential nomination in the 2016 election, said that India is a friend, an ally and the largest democracy on Earth.

10:10 am: President Ram Nath Kovind, his wife Savita Kovind and PM Narendra Modi receive US President Donald Trump and the First Lady Melania Trump at Rashtrapati Bhawan.

10:04 am: US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania reach Rashtrapati Bhawan.

10:00 am: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar arrive at the Rashtrapatri Bhawan.

9:55 am: US President Donald Trump is scheduled to reach the Rashtrapati Bhawan shortly for the ceremonial reception by the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind.

9:45 am: Ivanka Trump arrives at Rashtrapati Bhavan ahead of the ceremonial reception of the US President.

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GRAP stage-III measures enforced across Delhi as air quality worsens

Delhi’s air quality has deteriorated further, prompting authorities to enforce GRAP stage-III measures across the NCR amid rising AQI levels.

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Delhi’s air quality has continued to deteriorate, prompting authorities to enforce Stage-III measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the National Capital Region with immediate effect.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) said the Air Quality Index (AQI) of the national capital showed a worsening trend over the past 24 hours. The AQI stood at 343 on January 15 at 4 pm and rose further to 354 by 4 pm on Thursday, raising concerns that pollution levels could soon enter the ‘Severe’ category.

Weather agencies have forecast unfavourable atmospheric conditions in the coming days, including low wind speeds, a stable atmosphere and poor dispersion of pollutants. Officials said these conditions could push Delhi’s average AQI beyond 400, which falls under the ‘Severe’ air quality bracket.

Stage-III restrictions come into force across NCR

In view of the rising pollution levels and the forecast of further deterioration, the CAQM sub-committee on GRAP decided to invoke all measures under Stage-III. These measures correspond to ‘Severe’ air quality levels and have been implemented as a precautionary step to prevent further decline.

The Stage-III actions will be enforced in addition to the restrictions already in place under Stages I and II of GRAP, which remain operational across the NCR. Officials said the combined measures aim to tighten controls on pollution sources, enhance monitoring and ensure stricter enforcement to curb emissions.

CAQM has directed pollution control boards and concerned agencies in the NCR to intensify preventive and regulatory steps. Authorities have been asked to ensure strict compliance with GRAP norms and take prompt action against violations.

Officials said air quality levels will be closely monitored, and further decisions will be taken based on real-time data and evolving weather conditions. Citizens have been urged to cooperate with advisories and follow measures aimed at reducing pollution levels.

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PM Modi to visit Bengal and Assam, launch Vande Bharat sleeper train and key projects

PM Modi will visit West Bengal and Assam on January 17 and 18 to launch India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train and inaugurate major infrastructure projects.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit West Bengal and Assam on January 17 and 18, where he will flag off India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train and inaugurate, dedicate and lay the foundation stone for a series of infrastructure and development projects across the two poll-bound states.

Vande Bharat sleeper train to be flagged off from Malda

On Saturday, the prime minister will visit Malda in West Bengal around 12.45 pm and flag off the country’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train connecting Howrah with Guwahati (Kamakhya) from the Malda town railway station.

Later in the day, around 1.45 pm, he will address a public programme in Malda where he will dedicate to the nation and lay the foundation stone of multiple rail and road projects worth more than Rs 3,250 crore.

Development projects in Hooghly district

On January 18, around 3 pm, the prime minister will visit Singur in Hooghly district, where he will inaugurate, lay the foundation stone and flag off various development projects worth around Rs 830 crore.

During the visit, Modi will also virtually flag off four new Amrit Bharat Express trains connecting New Jalpaiguri with Nagercoil and Tiruchirappalli, and Alipurduar with Bengaluru and Mumbai (Panvel). These services are aimed at improving affordable long-distance rail connectivity and strengthening inter-state economic and social linkages.

New train services and highway projects in north Bengal

The prime minister will flag off two new train services with LHB coaches — Radhikapur–SMVT Bengaluru Express and Balurghat–SMVT Bengaluru Express — providing direct connectivity from north Bengal to major IT and employment hubs.

He will also lay the foundation stone for the rehabilitation and four-laning of the Dhupguri–Falakata section of National Highway-31D, a project expected to significantly improve road connectivity and the movement of goods and passengers in the region.

Additionally, Modi will lay the foundation stone of four major railway projects in West Bengal, including a new rail line between Balurghat and Hili, next-generation freight maintenance facilities at New Jalpaiguri, upgradation of the Siliguri loco shed and modernisation of Vande Bharat train maintenance facilities in Jalpaiguri district.

He will also dedicate the electrification of the New Coochbehar–Bamanhat and New Coochbehar–Boxirhat rail sections, enabling cleaner and more energy-efficient train operations.

Cultural programme and Kaziranga corridor in Assam

On January 17, around 6 pm, the prime minister will attend the Bodo cultural programme “Bagurumba Dwhou 2026” at Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati. More than 10,000 artists from across Assam are expected to perform the traditional Bagurumba dance in a single synchronised presentation.

On January 18, around 11 am, Modi will perform the bhoomi pujan for the Kaziranga elevated corridor project, valued at over Rs 6,950 crore, at Kaliabor in Nagaon district. The 86-km project includes a 35-km elevated wildlife corridor passing through Kaziranga National Park, along with bypasses and highway widening works aimed at improving connectivity while protecting biodiversity.

During the Assam programme, the prime minister will also flag off two new Amrit Bharat Express trains — Guwahati (Kamakhya)–Rohtak and Dibrugarh–Lucknow (Gomti Nagar) — strengthening rail connectivity between the northeast and northern India.

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NDA’s track record strikes chord as PM Modi hails Maharashtra civic polls win

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Maharashtra voters after the BJP-led NDA registered a historic victory in the BMC elections, ending decades of Shiv Sena dominance.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday thanked the people of Maharashtra after the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance registered a landmark victory in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, marking the first time the party has emerged on top in the country’s richest civic body.

In a post on X, the prime minister said the people of the state had endorsed the NDA’s agenda of governance and development. He said the results of municipal corporation elections across Maharashtra showed that the alliance’s bond with voters had further strengthened.

According to PM Modi, the NDA’s track record and vision for development had “struck a chord” with the electorate. He described the verdict as a mandate to accelerate progress while celebrating Maharashtra’s cultural legacy.

BJP-Shiv Sena alliance dominates BMC

As counting continued, trends showed the BJP leading in 90 of the 227 wards in Mumbai, while the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena was ahead in 28 wards. The Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction, which contested separately, was leading in only three wards.

On the opposition side, the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena were ahead in 57 and nine wards respectively. The Congress, which contested in alliance with the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, was leading in 15 wards, while others were ahead in eight.

The outcome effectively ends the Shiv Sena (UBT)’s decades-long control over the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, which had been the party’s main power centre since its formation.

In the seat distribution, the BJP contested 137 wards and the Shinde-led Shiv Sena 90. The Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP fielded candidates in 94 wards. On the opposition side, Shiv Sena (UBT) contested 163 seats, the MNS 52, the Congress 143, and the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi 46.

Urban verdict weakens Pawar influence

The results in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad also sent a strong political message, indicating that the Pawar brand no longer guarantees success in key urban centres. Despite tactical coordination between the two NCP factions led by Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar, voters did not consolidate behind them.

In the Pune Municipal Corporation, the BJP emerged with a clear upper hand, either winning or leading in a significant number of wards. The NCP factions failed to convert their traditional influence into broader citywide support.

Thackeray retains Marathi Manoos connect but loses power base

Uddhav Thackeray appears to have retained a section of the Marathi Manoos vote in Mumbai, even as the Shinde-led Shiv Sena made inroads. While the Shiv Sena (UBT) managed a respectable showing in its traditional strongholds, the loss of control over the BMC is seen as a major setback.

Control of the civic body had long been central to the party’s political identity and a key factor in its alliances.

Devendra Fadnavis emerges as key strategist

Much of the credit for the BJP’s sweeping civic success is being attributed to Devendra Fadnavis. Under his leadership, the Mahayuti alliance has carried forward its assembly election momentum into municipal politics.

The results are being seen as reinforcing Fadnavis’s political standing, demonstrating that even combined opposition forces could not halt the BJP’s rise. The verdict has also challenged the long-held claim of the Thackeray family over Marathi votes in Mumbai.

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