India-U.K. Double Contributions Convention Effective July 15, Exempts Temporary Workers Up to 60 Months

US Proposes $103,265 H-1B Fee: Impact on Indian IT Firms and Workers

The US Department of Homeland Security has proposed an additional $103,265 fee on H-1B visa petitions subject to annual caps, targeting Indian IT professionals who account for over 70% of approved petitions. This follows a court striking down a similar $100,000 fee imposed via presidential directive, now using formal rulemaking under a different legal provision. The move could significantly increase costs for Indian IT firms and reduce opportunities for Indian workers.

US Labour Dept Suspends Cognizant's PERM Green-Card Filings Amid Fraud Probe; IT Industry Faces Tougher Scrutiny

The US Department of Labour has suspended Cognizant's PERM green-card filings amid a fraud investigation, signalling heightened scrutiny on the H-1B-to-green-card pathway for Indian IT professionals. This move could trigger talent retention issues for Cognizant and push the broader IT industry toward local hiring and stricter compliance.

India and V4 Hold First Foreign Ministers' Meeting at UNGA 81, Agree on Annual Business Forum and Defence Cooperation

India and the Visegrad Group (V4) of Central Europe – Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia – held their first-ever Foreign Ministers' meeting on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly. They agreed to institutionalize annual meetings, launch a business forum, and deepen defence, technology, and space cooperation. This marks a new diplomatic milestone for India's engagement with a key European sub-regional grouping.

US Names India Among 40 Nations in 'Great Transshipment Scam' Report; AI 'Detective Border' to Detect Evasion

The US has released a report accusing India and 40+ nations of forming a shadow network to help China evade American tariffs. The report, titled 'The Great Transshipment Scam', estimates the value of rerouted goods at $40-303 billion annually. The US plans to use an AI tool named 'Detective Border' to detect such shipments.

India-Japan Critical Minerals: Joint Africa Investment to Reduce China Dependence

India and Japan are exploring joint investments in Africa to secure critical mineral supplies, reducing dependence on China. FICCI President Anant Goenka highlighted this during a business delegation to Japan with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, focusing on sectors like AI, semiconductors, and shipbuilding. The initiative also aims to address the widening trade deficit with Japan since the 2011 economic partnership agreement.

India-Uzbekistan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: $5 Billion Trade Target by 2030, Uranium Supply Deal

India and Uzbekistan elevated ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, agreeing on long-term uranium supply for India's civilian nuclear program and setting a $5 billion bilateral trade target by 2030. This visit strengthens India's 'Connect Central Asia' policy and counters China's influence in the region, with 11 pacts signed across energy, defence, and culture.

European Commission Proposes Signing of India-EU FTA; Expected Enforcement Early 2027

The India-EU Free Trade Agreement has reached the signing stage with the European Commission forwarding the finalised text to the European Council. This key milestone clears the path for early approval, with both sides confident of implementation by early 2027. Students should note the EU institutional process and the FTA's strategic importance for India's trade diversification.

India-New Zealand FTA Ratified, Implementation Set for October 20, 2026

India and New Zealand have formally ratified the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which will come into force on October 20, 2026. This landmark pact aims to level the playing field for businesses and unlock market access in one of the fastest-growing economies. For exam aspirants, this is a key bilateral trade development relevant to International Relations and Economy.