US Vice President JD Vance, on a four-day visit to India, held a significant closed-door meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. This high-level engagement comes amid escalating global economic uncertainty, particularly the ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China.

The discussions were followed by delegation-level talks, highlighting the urgency on both sides to finalize a long-awaited India-US bilateral trade agreement. According to officials, negotiations are in their advanced stage, with efforts underway to wrap up the deal by the end of May.

90-day tariff pause seen as opportunity for breakthrough

The trade talks gained momentum after the US paused new reciprocal tariffs—originally a 26% hike on Indian goods—introduced by President Donald Trump. Economists see this 90-day suspension as a crucial window to strike a “win-win” agreement that meets the priorities of both nations.

India, however, has asserted that it will not accept any rushed terms. Officials in New Delhi have stated that any agreement must protect India’s economic interests and reflect mutual respect.

Sector-specific talks and ministerial meetings lined up

Sources indicate that sector-specific negotiations will take place this week following the Modi-Vance meeting. Additionally, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to advance the discussions during her visit to Washington for the upcoming IMF summit.

Focus on technology and clean energy investment

India is also pushing for increased American investment in sectors such as clean energy, automobiles, manufacturing, and digital technologies. During the meeting, Vance and Modi discussed avenues to strengthen business-to-business ties in these critical areas.

The conversation comes shortly after PM Modi spoke with tech entrepreneur Elon Musk. Musk hinted at visiting India later this year, sparking speculation about Tesla, Starlink, or SpaceX entering the Indian market.

In another boost to US-India cooperation, Holtec International recently received clearance to co-develop nuclear power plants in India. The company, promoted by Indian-American Krishna P Singh, already operates its engineering division in Pune and runs a manufacturing plant in Gujarat’s Bharuch district.

Defence and strategic collaboration also on table

While trade dominated the talks, both leaders also reviewed progress in defence and strategic technologies. According to a government statement, areas like energy and advanced defence systems were also part of the discussion.

Although no specific outcomes were mentioned, the meeting builds upon earlier proposals from the US, including an offer to supply F-35 stealth fighter jets. India’s status as a Major Defence Partner under Strategic Trade Authorization-1 allows it access to cutting-edge American technology, placing it on par with US NATO allies.

Looking ahead

PM Modi recalled his recent visit to Washington DC and discussions with President Trump, underlining the shared vision between ‘Make America Great Again’ and ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding strategic cooperation across economic, defence, and technological domains.

The first Latin American to head the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, passed away at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed on Monday. He died after a prolonged illness.

Pope Francis succeeded as pope in 2013 following the resignation of his predecessor, Benedict XVI, a first as well.

Throughout his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis faced multiple health challenges, including a particularly serious bout of double pneumonia in recent months.

The next pope will be elected by the cardinals some 15-20 days later.

Earlier this year, Pope Francis was hospitalized on February 14 for bronchitis. Subsequently, he was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia and reported to be in a “critical condition.” During this period, the Vatican also announced signs of “initial, mild” kidney failure.

He made a public appearance on March 23, greeting supporters from a balcony of the hospital and offering a thumbs-up. Later, he returned to the Vatican to undertake two months of prescribed rest.

He participated in the Easter Sunday Service as well yesterday. A day earlier, he had met US Vice President JD Vance.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, Pope Francis was elected on March 13, 2013, at the age of 76. His election marked a shift for the Church, which was grappling with a child sex abuse scandal and internal conflicts.

Despite facing significant criticism from both conservative and progressive factions within the Church, Pope Francis became a global icon, renowned for his commitment to interfaith dialogue and advocacy for marginalized communities, including migrants.

During his papacy, he issued four major teaching documents, and embarked on 47 foreign trips to over 65 countries. He also canonized more than 900 saints.

Notably, Pope Francis aimed to modernize the Church by permitting priests to bless same-sex couples in certain circumstances and appointing women to leadership positions within the Vatican for the first time. Furthermore, he held five major summits of Catholic bishops to address contentious issues such as women’s ordination and Church sexual teachings.

Justice BR Gavai, who is set to assume the position of Chief Justice of India next month, has weighed in on the growing criticism from certain ruling party leaders regarding the judiciary’s role. Reacting to accusations of judicial overreach, he stated that the Supreme Court is already “facing allegations of encroaching into executive” matters.

The comment came during a hearing on a plea by Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, who sought central intervention following recent violence in West Bengal, particularly linked to protests over the Waqf Amendment Act. The advocate demanded paramilitary deployment and an investigation panel comprising three retired judges, citing displacement of Hindus in Murshidabad.

In response, Justice Gavai remarked, “You want us to issue a writ of mandamus to the President to impose this? As it is, we are facing allegations of encroaching into executive (domain). Please.”

Judiciary under political scrutiny

This development follows a wave of criticism directed at the judiciary after the Supreme Court’s significant verdict in the Tamil Nadu case. The court ruled that Governors cannot indefinitely delay legislative bills, terming such actions “arbitrary”. The ruling invoked Article 142, reinforcing judicial authority to ensure constitutional compliance.

Several political figures from the ruling BJP reacted sharply. MP Nishikant Dubey questioned the judiciary’s expanding role, suggesting that Parliament might as well shut down if the court continues making crucial decisions. He went on to accuse the judiciary of bias and inciting religious divisions.

Echoing similar sentiments, BJP leader Dinesh Sharma questioned how the judiciary could set deadlines for constitutional heads like the President and Governors, while Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar described Article 142 as a “nuclear missile” against democratic forces.

BJP distances itself from leaders’ remarks

Amid growing backlash, BJP chief JP Nadda clarified the party’s stance, stating that the controversial remarks by MPs were personal opinions and not endorsed by the party. “The BJP completely rejects these statements,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).

This clash between the judiciary and political leaders has sparked a fresh debate on the separation of powers, especially regarding the constitutional roles of the Executive and Judiciary.