Vizhinjam Port Ships First EXIM Containers to Spain; Direct Mainline Service Strengthened

US President Trump Backs India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) Against Iranian Threats

US President Donald Trump has announced strong US support for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), linking it to the need to shift West Asian energy infrastructure away from Iranian checkpoints after Iran's attacks on commercial shipping. This is a major geostrategic endorsement for a key G20-launched connectivity initiative that directly challenges Iranian influence in the region.

India's LNG Imports Rise 15.4% in May-July as US, Nigeria, Oman Offset Strait of Hormuz Crisis

India successfully diversified its LNG import sources during the Strait of Hormuz crisis, increasing imports by 15.4% in May-July 2026. The US became the top supplier, while imports from Qatar plummeted 91.3%, highlighting India's energy security strategy amid geopolitical turmoil.

India-Bhutan Sign ₹4,000 Cr LoC; 12 New PTA Projects Under 13th FYP Approved

India and Bhutan reviewed development cooperation, signed a ₹4,000 crore concessional LoC, and approved 12 new PTA projects under Bhutan's 13th Five-Year Plan (2024-29). This reinforces India's position as Bhutan's largest development partner, with total support of ₹10,000 crore for the plan period.

US Diesel Export Ban Proposal: Global Supply Crisis & Impact on India's Net Exporter Status

A US proposal to restrict diesel exports, supported by President Trump, threatens to remove the single largest source (20%) of globally traded diesel from the market. For India, a net diesel exporter, this could mean higher export margins for refineries like RIL, though higher export taxes and domestic demand will limit gains.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal: Japan Commits $70 Billion Investment, $10 Billion Already Inflow in 10 Months

India is deepening economic ties with Japan, expecting faster investment inflows from a $70 billion commitment, of which $10 billion has already been realized in 10 months. The Commerce Minister highlighted India's strategy to become Japan's global sourcing partner, leveraging FTAs with 38 countries and addressing Japanese firms' concerns like BIS certification hurdles for high-tech industries.

India's 67% LPG Imports from US: WLGA CEO Stresses Diversification, Storage Expansion, Freight Cost Management

India's heavy reliance on US LPG (67% of imports) is not a comprehensive solution to supply disruptions. The World Liquid Gas Association CEO recommends diversifying sources (Canada, Algeria, etc.), expanding domestic storage capacity, and actively managing freight costs to buffer against market volatility.

NDB Approved 139 Projects Worth $43 Billion; India Urged to Expedite Rupee Bond at BRICS

The 18th BRICS Summit concluded in New Delhi, highlighting India's strategic dilemma between non-West and anti-West identities. The New Development Bank (NDB) remains a practical tool, but its limited lending ($43 billion in 139 projects over a decade) and slow disbursement ($20 billion) lag behind AIIB. India must push the long-delayed rupee bond and expand local-currency lending to reduce dollar dependence without strengthening China's position.

SHANTI Act Draft Rules Released: DAE Meets EDF for EPR Reactors, Targets 100 GWe Nuclear Capacity by 2047

India is opening its civil nuclear sector to private players under the SHANTI Act. DAE recently released draft rules for private participation and foreign reactor tech. A key meeting with French state-owned EDF discussed deploying EPR reactors and localising supply chains to meet the ambitious 100 GWe nuclear capacity target by 2047.