Former US President Donald Trump praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing him as “a great man” and “a friend”, while suggesting he may visit India next year to strengthen bilateral trade relations between the two countries.

Speaking at a White House press briefing after unveiling a new plan to cut prices of weight loss drugs, Trump said his talks with PM Modi were “going great”. He added, “He (PM Modi) largely stopped buying from Russia. He is a friend of mine, and we speak, and he wants me to go there. We will figure that out; I will go… Prime Minister Modi is a great man, and I will be going.” When asked if the visit could take place in 2026, Trump responded, “It could be, yes.”

Trade negotiations and India’s energy stance

Trump’s remarks come amid ongoing trade discussions between India and the US following Washington’s decision to impose additional tariffs, including a 25 per cent duty, over India’s continued imports of Russian oil. The move came months after reports suggested Trump had dropped plans to attend the Quad Summit following tariff tensions.

Earlier this week, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reaffirmed Trump’s commitment to strengthening ties with New Delhi, noting that he had spoken directly with PM Modi during Diwali celebrations at the Oval Office.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded to Trump’s comments, reiterating that New Delhi’s energy decisions are based on “national interests and consumer welfare.” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India prioritises “stable prices and secured supplies through diversified sourcing” and noted ongoing efforts to deepen energy cooperation with the US.

India showcased a dominant all-round display to outclass Australia by 48 runs in the fourth T20I at Carrara Oval, Queensland, clinching a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. The visitors bundled out Australia for just 119 after setting a competitive 167/8.

Axar, Dube, and Sundar shine as bowlers seal victory

After opting to bat, Shubman Gill top-scored with 46, while captain Suryakumar Yadav chipped in with a brisk 20 off 10 balls. Useful cameos from Axar Patel and Shivam Dube lifted India to a respectable total despite regular wickets.

In reply, Australia’s chase never gathered momentum. Axar Patel and Shivam Dube claimed two wickets each, while Washington Sundar’s late burst (3 wickets) dismantled the lower order. Jasprit Bumrah bowled with precision and picked up a vital wicket in the death overs.

Australia’s middle order collapsed dramatically, losing their final seven wickets for just 28 runs. Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis failed to revive the innings, as India’s disciplined attack wrapped up the game inside 19 overs.

India one step away from series win

The victory gives India a 2-1 advantage ahead of the final T20I, set to be played later this week. Captain Suryakumar Yadav’s tactical bowling changes and sharp use of DRS also stood out, earning him praise for his leadership on the field.

The Indian women’s cricket team’s historic ODI World Cup victory has led to a massive rise in the players’ brand value. Since lifting the trophy in Navi Mumbai, the team’s leading stars have seen endorsement fees increase between 25% and 100%, marking a significant moment for women’s cricket in India.

As per reports, brand agencies and sponsors have flooded players with offers for new deals and renewals at higher rates. Players like Jemimah Rodrigues, Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, Deepti Sharma, and Shafali Verma have all seen a steep rise in their commercial demand and social media following.

Jemimah Rodrigues’ brand value doubles

Jemimah Rodrigues, who smashed a remarkable 127* in the semi-final against Australia, has emerged as one of the most sought-after faces in Indian sports. Her endorsement fee has reportedly doubled, now ranging betweenRs75 lakh andRs1.5 crore per brand, depending on the contract terms.

Karan Yadav, Chief Commercial Officer at JSW Sports, confirmed the surge in inquiries post the semi-final win, stating that conversations are underway with brands across 10–12 categories.

Smriti Mandhana continues to lead the charts

Smriti Mandhana, India’s highest-paid female cricketer, continues to dominate the brand space. Endorsing major names such as Nike, Hyundai, SBI, Gulf Oil, and PNB MetLife, she is estimated to earnRs1.5–2 crore per brand. Her image as a consistent performer and youth icon has helped expand the commercial footprint of women’s cricket.

Brands celebrate India’s World Cup glory

Major companies quickly joined the celebration wave. Campaigns from Surf Excel and Rexona highlighted women’s empowerment, while Swiggy Instamart, Puma, and Pepsi rolled out congratulatory posts.
Puma, which sponsors Harmanpreet Kaur, Deepti Sharma, and Richa Ghosh, hailed the victory with a message honouring the team’s resilience, while Pepsi’s campaign read, “From one blue team to another.”

This surge has brought long-overdue recognition to India’s women cricketers. The challenge now lies in ensuring that this momentum translates into long-term growth for the sport.