The battle for West Bengal enters its decisive phase as campaigning comes to an end ahead of voting for 142 assembly seats. Top leaders including Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and Yogi Adityanath made last-ditch appeals to voters. With the silent period now in force, all eyes are on polling day as political stakes remain high across the state.


Assembly Elections 2026: Counting of Votes For Five Assembly Polls Underway

West Bengal Elections: Counting of Votes For Five Assembly Polls Begin

West Bengal goes to the polls today (Thursday Apr 23) with 152 constituencies across the state voting in Phase 1. Over 3.22 crore voters will cast their ballots in Phase 1, the opening act of a two-phase contest that will ultimately determine whether Mamata Banerjee secures an unprecedented fourth consecutive term as Chief Minister, or whether the BJP finally comes to power in a state it has been chasing for years. The Thursday polls are slated to be a decisive contest between the incumbent Trinamool Congress (TMC) and a resurgent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-put-democracy-in-jeopardy-sc-raps-cm-mamata-banerjee-for-interfering-in-ed-raid-at-i-pac-premises-1776866314032">‘Put democracy in jeopardy’: SC raps Mamata for interfering in ED’s I-PAC raid</a><h2>What the final 48 hours of campaigning looked like</h2>The final days of campaigning have been exactly as bruising as expected, with personal attacks, landmark manifestos and a record-breaking enforcement drive by the Election Commission.Amit Shah led the BJP's closing push with a blizzard of rallies and roadshows, hitting Mamata on law and order, corruption, infiltration and what he called "syndicate raj." He promised Rs 9,000 for farmers, Rs 3,000 monthly for women and unemployed youth, and one crore jobs, a manifesto his party calls "Sonar Bangla."TMC dismissed it as "a recycled catalogue of jumlas," with Mamata calling it a "report card of failed assurances." The outsider narrative remains TMC's sharpest weapon. When Shah allegedly mispronounced the name of Bengali poet Satyendranath Dutta at a rally, the party pounced. "How illiterate can one be about the land they seek to govern? Those who cannot name Bengal's icons correctly have no business claiming to be Bengal's guardians," the TMC said in a statement, slamming BJP as Bangla-Birodhi Bohiragotos (outsider). The party also filed a complaint accusing the BJP of running special trains from Surat to Bengal to move voters, calling it electoral bribery. BJP denied it.<h2>Most watched contests</h2>Among the most watched contests tomorrow is Bhabanipur, where Mamata herself faces Suvendu Adhikari, the man who defeated her in Nandigram in 2021 by fewer than 2,000 votes. Both seats carry enormous symbolic weight. Other critical matchups include Kharagpur Sadar, where Dilip Ghosh makes his return, and Murshidabad, decided by just 2,400 votes last time.The Election Commission has seized over Rs 1,000 crore in cash, liquor and goods, deploying more than 5,000 Flying Squad teams across the state.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/west-bengal-elections-2026-from-suvendu-adhikari-to-humayun-kabir-a-look-at-key-faces-and-seats-in-phase-1-1776668622628">West Bengal Elections 2026:A look at key faces and seats in Phase 1</a><h2>SIR issue</h2>The Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls remains a divisive issue. The SIR exercise has resulted in the deletion of anywhere between 60 and 90 lakh names, shrinking the voter base from roughly 7.66 crore to 7.04 crore. TMC calls it voter suppression. The BJP calls it long-overdue housecleaning.In 2021, TMC won over 200 seats with nearly 48.5 per cent of the vote. The BJP's 77 seats represented a significant breakthrough for a party that had previously struggled in Bengal. The question tomorrow is whether that breakthrough was a ceiling or a floor. Phase 2 is set to happen on April 29, and counting is on May 4.&nbsp;

Is West Bengal heading for a political shake-up or continuity? Voting begins across 152 seats as Mamata Banerjee faces a strong challenge from Amit Shah’s BJP.

Will it be a fourth term or a breakthrough moment?

Scroll down to read more.

West Bengal goes to the polls today (Thursday Apr 23) with 152 constituencies across the state voting in Phase 1. Over 3.22 crore voters will cast their ballots in Phase 1, the opening act of a two-phase contest that will ultimately determine whether Mamata Banerjee secures an unprecedented fourth consecutive term as Chief Minister, or whether the BJP finally comes to power in a state it has been chasing for years. The Thursday polls are slated to be a decisive contest between the incumbent Trinamool Congress (TMC) and a resurgent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Also read | ‘Put democracy in jeopardy’: SC raps Mamata for interfering in ED’s I-PAC raid What the final 48 hours of campaigning looked like The final days of campaigning have been exactly as bruising as expected, with personal attacks, landmark manifestos and a record-breaking enforcement drive by the Election Commission. Amit Shah led the BJP's closing push with a blizzard of rallies and roadshows, hitting Mamata on law and order, corruption, infiltration and what he called "syndicate raj." He promised Rs 9,000 for farmers, Rs 3,000 monthly for women and unemployed youth, and one crore jobs, a manifesto his party calls "Sonar Bangla." TMC dismissed it as "a recycled catalogue of jumlas," with Mamata calling it a "report card of failed assurances." The outsider narrative remains TMC's sharpest weapon. When Shah allegedly mispronounced the name of Bengali poet Satyendranath Dutta at a rally, the party pounced. "How illiterate can one be about the land they seek to govern? Those who cannot name Bengal's icons correctly have no business claiming to be Bengal's guardians," the TMC said in a statement, slamming BJP as Bangla-Birodhi Bohiragotos (outsider). The party also filed a complaint accusing the BJP of running special trains from Surat to Bengal to move voters, calling it electoral bribery. BJP denied it. Most watched contests Among the most watched contests tomorrow is Bhabanipur, where Mamata herself faces Suvendu Adhikari, the man who defeated her in Nandigram in 2021 by fewer than 2,000 votes. Both seats carry enormous symbolic weight. Other critical matchups include Kharagpur Sadar, where Dilip Ghosh makes his return, and Murshidabad, decided by just 2,400 votes last time. The Election Commission has seized over Rs 1,000 crore in cash, liquor and goods, deploying more than 5,000 Flying Squad teams across the state. Also read | West Bengal Elections 2026:A look at key faces and seats in Phase 1 SIR issue The Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls remains a divisive issue. The SIR exercise has resulted in the deletion of anywhere between 60 and 90 lakh names, shrinking the voter base from roughly 7.66 crore to 7.04 crore. TMC calls it voter suppression. The BJP calls it long-overdue housecleaning. In 2021, TMC won over 200 seats with nearly 48.5 per cent of the vote. The BJP's 77 seats represented a significant breakthrough for a party that had previously struggled in Bengal. The question tomorrow is whether that breakthrough was a ceiling or a floor. Phase 2 is set to happen on April 29, and counting is on May 4.

Is West Bengal heading for a political shake-up or continuity? Voting begins across 152 seats as Mamata Banerjee faces a strong challenge from Amit Shah’s BJP.Will it be a fourth term or a breakthrough moment?Scroll down to read more.

West Bengal votes today: Everything at stake as Mamata Banerjee faces her toughest test yet

West Bengal Phase 1 elections highlight a fierce Modi vs Mamata contest, blending welfare politics, identity narratives, temple outreach, and celebrity campaigning. BJP shifts from attacks to welfare promises, while TMC defends its schemes, making Bengal a symbolic ideological battleground.

West Bengal Phase 1 elections highlight a fierce Modi vs Mamata contest, blending welfare politics, identity narratives, temple outreach, and celebrity campaigning. BJP shifts from attacks to welfare promises, while TMC defends its schemes, making Bengal a symbolic ideological battleground.

TMC, BJP make West Bengal Election campaign a 'fishy' affair: Phase 1 ends with a bit of 'jhalmuri', Phase 2 relies on 'revri'

After wrapping up a power-packed schedule of four back-to-back rallies in Purulia, Jhargram, Medinipur and Bishnupur, ahead of the high-stake West Bengal Assembly Elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen engaging in a light-hearted moment as he relished Bengal's popular street snack ‘jhalmuri.’ The video of the moment was shared by PM Modi on his official Instagram handle. He is seen outside a local shop engaging in a brief interaction with the vendor. The Prime Minister was also seen distributing the puffed rice-based mixture to locals gathered at the spot. The shop witnessed an unexpected surge of visitors after the Prime Minister's stopover.&nbsp;&nbsp;PM Modi, dressed in his signature attire: a white kurta, a dark blue pinstriped waistcoat, and a bright red scarf with a white BJP lotus symbol embroidered on it, can be heard saying: "Kitne ka hota hai jhalmuri?" (How much is it for?) Surrounding him was an enthusiastic crowd of people, mostly women in the foreground. They were holding up their smartphones to take photos or videos of the moment. Prime Minister Modi was seen reaching into the pocket of his Nehru jacket to pay as the shopkeeper prepared the jhalmuri. The vendor then asked, “Aap pyaaz khaate hain? (Do you eat onions)”, to which the PM replied, “Haan, pyaaz khaate hain. Dimag nhi khaate bass. (Yes, I do eat onions, but I don't eat anybody's head).” Sharing glimpses of the moment on the social media, PM Modi wrote: "In between four rallies across West Bengal on a packed Sunday, had some delicious Jhalmuri in Jhargram."&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-issues-last-chance-warning-to-tmc-goons-promises-welfare-push-ahead-of-bengal-polls-1776606649697/amp">PM Modi issues ‘last chance’ warning to TMC ‘goons’, promises welfare push ahead of Bengal polls</a>

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<h3>PM Modi issues ‘last chance’ warning to TMC ‘goons’</h3>Prime Minister Modi addressed a massive Vijay Sankalp Sabha in four regions in Bengal, where he launched a scathing attack on the Trinamool Congress accusing the Mamata Banerjee-led government of institutionalising corruption and "Maha Jungle Raj." He warned its alleged “goons and syndicates” to surrender. He issued what he termed a “last chance” and asked them to surrender ahead of the 2026 West Bengal elections. PM Modi also lashed out at the Mamata Banerjee-led party over the issue of women's reservation. "We want to caution the sisters of Bengal about the misdeeds of the TMC. The TMC came to power talking about 'Ma, Mati, Manush' but the TMC has betrayed the mothers. In the recent past, you also saw in Parliament that the BJP tried to ensure that reservation for women in elections starting from 2029 begins, but the anti-women TMC opposed it in Parliament," he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-of-india-rejects-relief-for-deleted-voters-in-west-bengal-sir-process-1776089269403">Supreme Court of India rejects relief for deleted voters in West Bengal SIR process</a><h2>Which day will decide the fate of West Bengal Assembly?</h2>The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced that polling for all 294 Assembly constituencies in West Bengal will take place in two phases on April 23 and April 29. The counting of votes is set for May 4, with the entire election process expected to conclude by May 6. The state has a total electorate of over 6.45 crore voters. According to the ECI, the first phase will cover 152 constituencies. The second phase will include 142 constituencies. In the last West Bengal Assembly election held in 2021, the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), led by Mamata Banerjee, won a decisive landslide victory.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a brief break during his West Bengal rally tour to enjoy Jhalmuri in Jhargram, interacting with locals. Earlier, he addressed multiple rallies, strongly criticizing the TMC सरकार over corruption and women’s rights ahead of the 2026 elections.

After wrapping up a power-packed schedule of four back-to-back rallies in Purulia, Jhargram, Medinipur and Bishnupur, ahead of the high-stake West Bengal Assembly Elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen engaging in a light-hearted moment as he relished Bengal's popular street snack ‘jhalmuri.’ The video of the moment was shared by PM Modi on his official Instagram handle. He is seen outside a local shop engaging in a brief interaction with the vendor. The Prime Minister was also seen distributing the puffed rice-based mixture to locals gathered at the spot. The shop witnessed an unexpected surge of visitors after the Prime Minister's stopover. PM Modi, dressed in his signature attire: a white kurta, a dark blue pinstriped waistcoat, and a bright red scarf with a white BJP lotus symbol embroidered on it, can be heard saying: "Kitne ka hota hai jhalmuri?" (How much is it for?) Surrounding him was an enthusiastic crowd of people, mostly women in the foreground. They were holding up their smartphones to take photos or videos of the moment. Prime Minister Modi was seen reaching into the pocket of his Nehru jacket to pay as the shopkeeper prepared the jhalmuri. The vendor then asked, “Aap pyaaz khaate hain? (Do you eat onions)”, to which the PM replied, “Haan, pyaaz khaate hain. Dimag nhi khaate bass. (Yes, I do eat onions, but I don't eat anybody's head).” Sharing glimpses of the moment on the social media, PM Modi wrote: "In between four rallies across West Bengal on a packed Sunday, had some delicious Jhalmuri in Jhargram." Also Read: PM Modi issues ‘last chance’ warning to TMC ‘goons’, promises welfare push ahead of Bengal polls

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a brief break during his West Bengal rally tour to enjoy Jhalmuri in Jhargram, interacting with locals. Earlier, he addressed multiple rallies, strongly criticizing the TMC सरकार over corruption and women’s rights ahead of the 2026 elections.

'I eat onions..': PM Modi's 'jhalmuri' break amid West Bengal Assembly election campaign goes viral - VIDEO

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday (April 18) targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his recent address to the nation, alleging misuse of official machinery during the Model Code of Conduct.&nbsp;“A desperate and frustrated PM with nothing meaningful to show for the last 12 years turned an official address to the nation into a political speech full of mudslinging and outright lies. The Model Code of Conduct is already in place, and it was clear how PM Modi misused official machinery to attack his opponents. This is a travesty of democracy and the Constitution of India,” Kharge said.&nbsp;Kharge’s remarks came after the defeat of the 131st Constitution Amendment Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha on Friday, which stalled the proposed increase in Lok Sabha seats to 850 and delayed the rollout of 33 per cent women’s reservation. Following the setback, Modi launched a sharp attack on opposition parties, accusing them of celebrating the failure of a key reform.&nbsp;Addressing the nation, Modi said parties such as Congress, DMK, TMC and the Samajwadi Party were “happy and celebrating” when the bill failed in Parliament and had “insulted the women of India”. He warned that women would not forgive them for this. “Dynastic parties were laughing after taking away women's rights,” he said.&nbsp;The Prime Minister alleged that opposition parties prioritised politics over public interest. “Due to the opposition parties' narrow and self-serving politics, the mothers and sisters of our nation had to bear the consequences,” he said, while also apologising to the nation’s “mothers and daughters” over the bill’s defeat.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-apologises-to-women-over-quota-bill-setback-slams-congress-as-anti-reform-party-1776526321091">PM Modi apologises to women over quota bill setback, slams Congress as ‘anti-reform party’</a>&nbsp;“Yesterday, crores of women had their eyes on Parliament. The country's women's power was witnessing everything. It deeply pained me to see that when the proposal was defeated, dynastic parties like Congress, DMK, TMC and SP were clapping in joy,” he said.Emphasising the emotional impact, Modi added, “A woman can forget everything, but she never forgets her insult. The behaviour of Congress and its allies in Parliament will remain a lasting pain in every woman's heart.”&nbsp;The bill failed to secure the mandatory two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha. While the NDA secured 298 votes in favour, the INDIA bloc opposed it with 230 votes, arguing that linking women’s reservation to delimitation could affect the political balance of southern and northeastern states. Despite a simple majority among the 528 members present, the bill fell 54 votes short of the required “special majority”.

Kharge’s remarks came after the defeat of the 131st Constitution Amendment Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha on Friday, which stalled the proposed increase in Lok Sabha seats to 850 and delayed the rollout of 33 per cent women’s reservation.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday (April 18) targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his recent address to the nation, alleging misuse of official machinery during the Model Code of Conduct. “A desperate and frustrated PM with nothing meaningful to show for the last 12 years turned an official address to the nation into a political speech full of mudslinging and outright lies. The Model Code of Conduct is already in place, and it was clear how PM Modi misused official machinery to attack his opponents. This is a travesty of democracy and the Constitution of India,” Kharge said. Kharge’s remarks came after the defeat of the 131st Constitution Amendment Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha on Friday, which stalled the proposed increase in Lok Sabha seats to 850 and delayed the rollout of 33 per cent women’s reservation. Following the setback, Modi launched a sharp attack on opposition parties, accusing them of celebrating the failure of a key reform. Addressing the nation, Modi said parties such as Congress, DMK, TMC and the Samajwadi Party were “happy and celebrating” when the bill failed in Parliament and had “insulted the women of India”. He warned that women would not forgive them for this. “Dynastic parties were laughing after taking away women's rights,” he said. The Prime Minister alleged that opposition parties prioritised politics over public interest. “Due to the opposition parties' narrow and self-serving politics, the mothers and sisters of our nation had to bear the consequences,” he said, while also apologising to the nation’s “mothers and daughters” over the bill’s defeat. Also Read: PM Modi apologises to women over quota bill setback, slams Congress as ‘anti-reform party’ “Yesterday, crores of women had their eyes on Parliament. The country's women's power was witnessing everything. It deeply pained me to see that when the proposal was defeated, dynastic parties like Congress, DMK, TMC and SP were clapping in joy,” he said. Emphasising the emotional impact, Modi added, “A woman can forget everything, but she never forgets her insult. The behaviour of Congress and its allies in Parliament will remain a lasting pain in every woman's heart.” The bill failed to secure the mandatory two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha. While the NDA secured 298 votes in favour, the INDIA bloc opposed it with 230 votes, arguing that linking women’s reservation to delimitation could affect the political balance of southern and northeastern states. Despite a simple majority among the 528 members present, the bill fell 54 votes short of the required “special majority”.

Kharge’s remarks came after the defeat of the 131st Constitution Amendment Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha on Friday, which stalled the proposed increase in Lok Sabha seats to 850 and delayed the rollout of 33 per cent women’s reservation.

‘Desperate and frustrated PM’: Kharge targets PM Modi over women’s bill defeat speech

French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation on April 16, 2026, to discuss the escalating crisis in West Asia, with a specific focus on ensuring maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz. This conversation followed an earlier dialogue between the two leaders on March 19, 2026, regarding the same conflict. 


French President Emmanuel Macron Dials PM Modi; Leaders Express Concern Over West Asia Crisis

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (April 14) received a call from US President Donald Trump, marking the first conversation between the two leaders since a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran came into effect on April 8, following nearly 39 days of intense fighting that drove up energy prices and put regional security at risk.&nbsp;Providing details of the talks, PM Modi wrote on X, “Received a call from my friend President Donald Trump. We reviewed the substantial progress achieved in our bilateral cooperation across various sectors. We are committed to further strengthening our Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership in all areas.”&nbsp;Both leaders emphasised the need to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and secure while discussing the situation in West Asia.&nbsp;“We also discussed the situation in West Asia and stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and secure,” he added.&nbsp;US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, considered a close aide to President Trump, described the conversation as “very positive and productive”.&nbsp;“A very positive and productive call! Stay tuned...,” he said in a post on X in response to Modi’s remarks.&nbsp;The call, which lasted nearly 40 minutes, came amid heightened tensions in the region following the collapse of high-stakes peace negotiations in Islamabad. After 21 hours of marathon talks mediated by Pakistan, US Vice President JD Vance confirmed that both sides had failed to reach a breakthrough. Tehran accused Washington of making excessive demands and acting in bad faith, with Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson citing a lack of sincerity from the American side.&nbsp;During the call, Trump conveyed warmth towards Modi, saying, “I just want you to know we all love you,” the US Ambassador shared with news agency PTI.&nbsp;“They just got off the phone a few minutes ago. The president gave an update on what is happening in the Middle East, along with some of the big-ticket developments between the United States and India,” Gor said, as reported by NDTV.&nbsp;External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has also been in touch with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, while Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met senior US officials during his visit to Washington DC last week.&nbsp;Rubio is expected to visit India next month, with preparations underway for the Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting likely to be held in the second half of May.

The call, which lasted nearly 40 minutes, came amid heightened tensions in the region following the collapse of high-stakes peace negotiations in Islamabad.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (April 14) received a call from US President Donald Trump, marking the first conversation between the two leaders since a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran came into effect on April 8, following nearly 39 days of intense fighting that drove up energy prices and put regional security at risk. Providing details of the talks, PM Modi wrote on X, “Received a call from my friend President Donald Trump. We reviewed the substantial progress achieved in our bilateral cooperation across various sectors. We are committed to further strengthening our Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership in all areas.” Both leaders emphasised the need to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and secure while discussing the situation in West Asia. “We also discussed the situation in West Asia and stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and secure,” he added. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, considered a close aide to President Trump, described the conversation as “very positive and productive”. “A very positive and productive call! Stay tuned...,” he said in a post on X in response to Modi’s remarks. The call, which lasted nearly 40 minutes, came amid heightened tensions in the region following the collapse of high-stakes peace negotiations in Islamabad. After 21 hours of marathon talks mediated by Pakistan, US Vice President JD Vance confirmed that both sides had failed to reach a breakthrough. Tehran accused Washington of making excessive demands and acting in bad faith, with Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson citing a lack of sincerity from the American side. During the call, Trump conveyed warmth towards Modi, saying, “I just want you to know we all love you,” the US Ambassador shared with news agency PTI. “They just got off the phone a few minutes ago. The president gave an update on what is happening in the Middle East, along with some of the big-ticket developments between the United States and India,” Gor said, as reported by NDTV. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has also been in touch with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, while Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met senior US officials during his visit to Washington DC last week. Rubio is expected to visit India next month, with preparations underway for the Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting likely to be held in the second half of May.

The call, which lasted nearly 40 minutes, came amid heightened tensions in the region following the collapse of high-stakes peace negotiations in Islamabad.

PM Modi receives call from Trump, discusses West Asia, stresses open and secure Hormuz in 40-minute talks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said India is going to make one of the landmark decisions of the 21st century after proposing the Women's Reservation Bill, which provides one-third seats for women in legislative bodies. He added that it marks a historic step dedicated to "Nari Shakti," while addressing the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan' at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.&nbsp;"Amidst these crucial milestones in the country's journey of development, India is about to take one of the biggest decisions of the 21st century. I am saying with great responsibility that this is one of the important decisions among the important decisions of the 21st century. This decision is dedicated to Nari Shakti. Dedicated to Nari Shakti Vandan," PM Modi said while addressing the gathering.&nbsp;Narendra Modi described the move as a milestone that would transform long-held aspirations into reality and embed social justice at the heart of governance and policymaking.&nbsp;"This decision is dedicated to women's power. It is dedicated to the veneration of women's power. Our country's Parliament is close to creating a new history. A new history that will realise the concepts of the past. One that will fulfil the resolutions of the future. A resolution for an India that is egalitarian, where social justice is not just a slogan, but a natural part of our work culture, our decision-making process. The time has come to end decades of waiting, from the state assemblies to the country's Parliament; it is 16th, 17th and 18th April," he also said.&nbsp;"Our country's Parliament is close to creating a new history. A new history that will realise the visions of the past, that will fulfil the resolutions of the future. A resolve for an India that is egalitarian, where social justice is not merely a slogan, but a natural part of our work culture, our decision-making process," PM Modi added.&nbsp;He further noted that India is on the verge of making one of the most crucial decisions of the 21st century, calling it a landmark step aimed at empowering women and fulfilling a long-pending demand that has received support from political parties over the years.<h3>Sonia Gandhi on the women's reservation bill</h3>Meanwhile, Sonia Gandhi said the real concern behind the Centre’s special Parliament session is delimitation rather than women’s reservation. Writing in an op-ed for The Hindu, she warned that the government’s reported delimitation plan could be highly risky and amount to a threat to the Constitution.&nbsp;The Senior Congress leader also said that the Prime Minister is seeking the Opposition to support Bills in order to "bulldoze in a special session of Parliament when the election campaign in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal will be at its peak". "There can be only one reason for the extraordinary hurry, which is to derive political advantage and place the Opposition on the defensive. The Prime Minister is, as usual, being economical with the truth," she wrote.&nbsp;Sonia Gandhi alleged that the Centre had linked the Women's Reservation Bill with the next Census. "The Opposition had not asked for this condition. In fact, the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, had forcefully demanded that the reservation provision be implemented from the 2024 Lok Sabha elections itself. For reasons best known to itself, the government did not agree," she wrote. &nbsp;Also read: ‘<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-tmc-govt-allocated-rs-6-000-crore-for-madrasas-neglected-funding-for-north-bengal-pm-modi-1776003995356">TMC govt allocated Rs 6,000 crore for madrasas, neglected funding for North Bengal’: PM Modi</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the move as a milestone that would transform long-held aspirations into reality and embed social justice at the heart of governance and policymaking.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said India is going to make one of the landmark decisions of the 21st century after proposing the Women's Reservation Bill, which provides one-third seats for women in legislative bodies. He added that it marks a historic step dedicated to "Nari Shakti," while addressing the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan' at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. "Amidst these crucial milestones in the country's journey of development, India is about to take one of the biggest decisions of the 21st century. I am saying with great responsibility that this is one of the important decisions among the important decisions of the 21st century. This decision is dedicated to Nari Shakti. Dedicated to Nari Shakti Vandan," PM Modi said while addressing the gathering. Narendra Modi described the move as a milestone that would transform long-held aspirations into reality and embed social justice at the heart of governance and policymaking. "This decision is dedicated to women's power. It is dedicated to the veneration of women's power. Our country's Parliament is close to creating a new history. A new history that will realise the concepts of the past. One that will fulfil the resolutions of the future. A resolution for an India that is egalitarian, where social justice is not just a slogan, but a natural part of our work culture, our decision-making process. The time has come to end decades of waiting, from the state assemblies to the country's Parliament; it is 16th, 17th and 18th April," he also said. "Our country's Parliament is close to creating a new history. A new history that will realise the visions of the past, that will fulfil the resolutions of the future. A resolve for an India that is egalitarian, where social justice is not merely a slogan, but a natural part of our work culture, our decision-making process," PM Modi added. He further noted that India is on the verge of making one of the most crucial decisions of the 21st century, calling it a landmark step aimed at empowering women and fulfilling a long-pending demand that has received support from political parties over the years. Sonia Gandhi on the women's reservation bill Meanwhile, Sonia Gandhi said the real concern behind the Centre’s special Parliament session is delimitation rather than women’s reservation. Writing in an op-ed for The Hindu, she warned that the government’s reported delimitation plan could be highly risky and amount to a threat to the Constitution. The Senior Congress leader also said that the Prime Minister is seeking the Opposition to support Bills in order to "bulldoze in a special session of Parliament when the election campaign in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal will be at its peak". "There can be only one reason for the extraordinary hurry, which is to derive political advantage and place the Opposition on the defensive. The Prime Minister is, as usual, being economical with the truth," she wrote. Sonia Gandhi alleged that the Centre had linked the Women's Reservation Bill with the next Census. "The Opposition had not asked for this condition. In fact, the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, had forcefully demanded that the reservation provision be implemented from the 2024 Lok Sabha elections itself. For reasons best known to itself, the government did not agree," she wrote. Also read: ‘TMC govt allocated Rs 6,000 crore for madrasas, neglected funding for North Bengal’: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the move as a milestone that would transform long-held aspirations into reality and embed social justice at the heart of governance and policymaking.

PM Modi calls Women’s Quota Bill ‘21st century crucial decision’, Sonia Gandhi flags it as 'threat to Constitution

New Delhi: Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has announced that Prime Minister Balen Shah has accepted an invitation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit India. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal on the sidelines of the Indian Ocean Conference in Mauritius, Mr Khanal described the invitation as a positive step following recent political changes in Kathmandu.


PM Balen Shah Has Accepted PM Modi's Invite to Visit India: FM Khanal

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK Chief MK Stalin continues his attacks against the Centre-ruling Narendra Modi Government, by raising questions over the proposed delimitation process, which involves redrawing Lok Sabha constituencies to align with population changes.&nbsp;&nbsp;"The NDA government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is systematically eroding the very foundations of Parliament. What should be a vibrant forum for debate and accountability is being reduced to a hollow ritual, a stage where members may not even get fair time to speak or represent their people," Stalin said in a social media post questioning the impending delimitation exercise. Stalin's remarks come a week ahead of the ruling BJP's proposed 3-day Parliament session between April 16th and 18th. Stalin questioned why there is a tearing hurry to convene a special session of Parliament right in the middle of five state elections.&nbsp;This proposal to increase seats is a direct contradiction of their own slogan of 'minimum government, maximum governance'. It will only inflate expenditure, burden taxpayers, and dilute the quality of parliamentary functioning, Stalin mentioned. He also raised objections that this proposed move goes against the spirit of Article 1 of the Constitution, which defines India as a Union of States. Ignoring the voices of states and bypassing meaningful consultation is not democratic - it is unitary overreach that undermines India’s federal and plural character, Stalin said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Emphasising what was recently mentioned by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Stalin said, the delimitation exercise will blatantly skew representation and tilt the balance of power in favour of northern states dominated by the Bharatiya Janata Party, while silencing the voice of South India. This is not a neutral exercise; it is a calculated political restructuring. Northern states stand to gain nearly double the seats, while the South’s share stagnates at around 24%. This is nothing short of penalising states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Keralam and Telangana for their success in population control, the Karnataka CM had said recently.&nbsp;&nbsp;Chief Ministers from Opposition-ruled Southern Indian states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Telangana have been voicing out against the delimitation exercise, highlighting how it could affect the political representation of their states.&nbsp;&nbsp;Raising questions on the timing of the delimitation exercise, Stalin asked why such a far-reaching decision is being pushed in the middle of state elections. This appears to be yet another political manoeuvre aimed at shaping electoral narratives, much like earlier attempts to influence women voters ahead of the 2024 Parliament elections, Stalin alleged.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Let me be unequivocal: we strongly support 33% reservation for women. Our support is absolute. But it must be implemented without increasing seats and without punishing states that acted responsibly. If the intent is genuine, nothing prevents immediate implementation within the existing framework," read Stalin's social media post.&nbsp;Further, the DMK Chief also mentioned that there is complete opacity on the basis for delimitation, questioning whether it will rely on 1971 figures from a pre–population control era or the 2021 Census? Conflicting signals and vague assurances only deepen suspicion, Stalin added.&nbsp;&nbsp;"This move will also impose a massive financial burden on states, forcing them to expand or rebuild Legislative Assemblies, all without proper consultation. This is a direct assault on cooperative federalism. This is not reform, it is a unilateral, politically driven exercise designed to concentrate power, weaken Parliament, marginalise the South, and undermine social justice," he concluded.&nbsp; Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bangladesh-fm-raises-sheikh-hasina-s-extradition-request-in-meet-with-eam-jaishankar-india-bats-for-constructive-engagement-1775719423001">Bangladesh FM raises Sheikh Hasina's extradition request in meet with EAM Jaishankar, India bats for 'constructive' engagement</a>

This proposal to increase seats is a direct contradiction of their own slogan of 'minimum government, maximum governance'. It will only inflate expenditure, burden taxpayers, and dilute the quality of parliamentary functioning, Stalin mentioned. 

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK Chief MK Stalin continues his attacks against the Centre-ruling Narendra Modi Government, by raising questions over the proposed delimitation process, which involves redrawing Lok Sabha constituencies to align with population changes. "The NDA government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is systematically eroding the very foundations of Parliament. What should be a vibrant forum for debate and accountability is being reduced to a hollow ritual, a stage where members may not even get fair time to speak or represent their people," Stalin said in a social media post questioning the impending delimitation exercise. Stalin's remarks come a week ahead of the ruling BJP's proposed 3-day Parliament session between April 16th and 18th. Stalin questioned why there is a tearing hurry to convene a special session of Parliament right in the middle of five state elections. This proposal to increase seats is a direct contradiction of their own slogan of 'minimum government, maximum governance'. It will only inflate expenditure, burden taxpayers, and dilute the quality of parliamentary functioning, Stalin mentioned. He also raised objections that this proposed move goes against the spirit of Article 1 of the Constitution, which defines India as a Union of States. Ignoring the voices of states and bypassing meaningful consultation is not democratic - it is unitary overreach that undermines India’s federal and plural character, Stalin said. Emphasising what was recently mentioned by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Stalin said, the delimitation exercise will blatantly skew representation and tilt the balance of power in favour of northern states dominated by the Bharatiya Janata Party, while silencing the voice of South India. This is not a neutral exercise; it is a calculated political restructuring. Northern states stand to gain nearly double the seats, while the South’s share stagnates at around 24%. This is nothing short of penalising states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Keralam and Telangana for their success in population control, the Karnataka CM had said recently. Chief Ministers from Opposition-ruled Southern Indian states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Telangana have been voicing out against the delimitation exercise, highlighting how it could affect the political representation of their states. Raising questions on the timing of the delimitation exercise, Stalin asked why such a far-reaching decision is being pushed in the middle of state elections. This appears to be yet another political manoeuvre aimed at shaping electoral narratives, much like earlier attempts to influence women voters ahead of the 2024 Parliament elections, Stalin alleged. "Let me be unequivocal: we strongly support 33% reservation for women. Our support is absolute. But it must be implemented without increasing seats and without punishing states that acted responsibly. If the intent is genuine, nothing prevents immediate implementation within the existing framework," read Stalin's social media post. Further, the DMK Chief also mentioned that there is complete opacity on the basis for delimitation, questioning whether it will rely on 1971 figures from a pre–population control era or the 2021 Census? Conflicting signals and vague assurances only deepen suspicion, Stalin added. "This move will also impose a massive financial burden on states, forcing them to expand or rebuild Legislative Assemblies, all without proper consultation. This is a direct assault on cooperative federalism. This is not reform, it is a unilateral, politically driven exercise designed to concentrate power, weaken Parliament, marginalise the South, and undermine social justice," he concluded. Also read: Bangladesh FM raises Sheikh Hasina's extradition request in meet with EAM Jaishankar, India bats for 'constructive' engagement

This proposal to increase seats is a direct contradiction of their own slogan of 'minimum government, maximum governance'. It will only inflate expenditure, burden taxpayers, and dilute the quality of parliamentary functioning, Stalin mentioned.&nbsp;

'We support 33% women's reservation; do it without punishing Southern states': MK Stalin to BJP

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (April 6, 2026) flagged the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and ‘One Nation, One Election’ as two unfinished agendas of the BJP, and said serious and positive discussions are taking place on them.


PM Narendra Modi Says BJP Must Implement One Nation, One Election & UCC

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday lashed out at Congress in Assam, aiming at Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi by referring to him as a “Rajkumar” and predicting continued electoral setbacks for the grand old party. He also expressed confidence that the BJP-led NDA would secure a "hattrick" victory in the state, citing the leadership of Sarbanand Sonowal and incumbent Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Speaking at a public rally in Gogamukh, the Prime Minister adopted an aggressive tone, indirectly targeting Rahul Gandhi with a remark calling him a “self-styled prince.” "This is my first public meeting after the announcement of the Assam elections. This ocean of people in front of me, the enthusiasm of the youth, the blessings of the sisters and daughters, this love is an open declaration that this time a hat-trick is certain," PM Modi said.<h3>PM Modi highlights BJP's electoral track record &amp; performance&nbsp;</h3>Reaffirming his optimism, Modi highlighted both his own electoral track record and the party’s performance in Assam. "With the blessings of all of you, I received the opportunity to achieve a hat-trick as Prime Minister. With your blessings, I also received the opportunity to hit a hat-trick on this ground. I have come here for the third time. And with your blessings, the government in Assam is also going to achieve a hat-trick," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. He credited the governance of Assam over the past 10 years to former chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal and incumbent CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, and asserted that the state had entered a new phase of development and stability. Prime Minister Narendra Modi further noted, "First under the leadership of Sarbananda Sonowal and then under the leadership of Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam has witnessed a new era of service and good governance in the past 10 years. These Assam elections are the election to build a developed Assam for a developed India. This time, the BJP-NDA government is set to complete a hat-trick. And the Congress is also set to face a hat-trick of defeats... The self-proclaimed prince of Congress is set to score a century of defeats." The Prime Minister also pointed to the BJP’s recently unveiled manifesto, calling it a roadmap for the future of the state. "The Assam BJP released a splendid manifesto yesterday. It was Tuesday yesterday, and this manifesto released on Tuesday is set to bring more 'Mangal' (auspiciousness) to Assam... This is the 'Mangal Patra' that arrived on Tuesday," PM Modi added. Emphasising its key commitments, he highlighted plans for governance reforms and social initiatives, including the proposed introduction of a Uniform Civil Code in the state.

He credited the governance of Assam over the past 10 years to former chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal and incumbent CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, and asserted that the state had entered a new phase of development and stability.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday lashed out at Congress in Assam, aiming at Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi by referring to him as a “Rajkumar” and predicting continued electoral setbacks for the grand old party. He also expressed confidence that the BJP-led NDA would secure a "hattrick" victory in the state, citing the leadership of Sarbanand Sonowal and incumbent Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Speaking at a public rally in Gogamukh, the Prime Minister adopted an aggressive tone, indirectly targeting Rahul Gandhi with a remark calling him a “self-styled prince.” "This is my first public meeting after the announcement of the Assam elections. This ocean of people in front of me, the enthusiasm of the youth, the blessings of the sisters and daughters, this love is an open declaration that this time a hat-trick is certain," PM Modi said. PM Modi highlights BJP's electoral track record & performance Reaffirming his optimism, Modi highlighted both his own electoral track record and the party’s performance in Assam. "With the blessings of all of you, I received the opportunity to achieve a hat-trick as Prime Minister. With your blessings, I also received the opportunity to hit a hat-trick on this ground. I have come here for the third time. And with your blessings, the government in Assam is also going to achieve a hat-trick," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. He credited the governance of Assam over the past 10 years to former chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal and incumbent CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, and asserted that the state had entered a new phase of development and stability. Prime Minister Narendra Modi further noted, "First under the leadership of Sarbananda Sonowal and then under the leadership of Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam has witnessed a new era of service and good governance in the past 10 years. These Assam elections are the election to build a developed Assam for a developed India. This time, the BJP-NDA government is set to complete a hat-trick. And the Congress is also set to face a hat-trick of defeats... The self-proclaimed prince of Congress is set to score a century of defeats." The Prime Minister also pointed to the BJP’s recently unveiled manifesto, calling it a roadmap for the future of the state. "The Assam BJP released a splendid manifesto yesterday. It was Tuesday yesterday, and this manifesto released on Tuesday is set to bring more 'Mangal' (auspiciousness) to Assam... This is the 'Mangal Patra' that arrived on Tuesday," PM Modi added. Emphasising its key commitments, he highlighted plans for governance reforms and social initiatives, including the proposed introduction of a Uniform Civil Code in the state.

He credited the governance of Assam over the past 10 years to former chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal and incumbent CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, and asserted that the state had entered a new phase of development and stability.

‘Century of defeats’: PM Modi targets Congress in Assam rally, takes ‘Rajkumar’ dig at Rahul Gandhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Samrat Samprati Sangrahalay, Jain Heritage Museum at Koba Tirth in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, on the auspicious occasion of Bhagwan Mahavir Jayanti on Tuesday (March 31, 2026). Emphasising the lasting traditions of Koba Tirth, the Prime Minister observed that the practices of learning, spiritual discipline, and self-restraint have thrived at this sacred place for many years. He highlighted that the preservation of values, cultivation of sanskaras, and promotion of knowledge together form a triveni, a confluence that serves as the core foundation of Indian civilization. “Koba Tirth is steeped in spiritual tranquillity, &nbsp;a place where the tapasya of so many Jain Munis and saints finds expression, and where creation and service naturally blossom,” PM Modi said. “Keeping this triveni flowing uninterrupted is the shared responsibility of all of us,” he affirmed. Expressing his happiness, PM Modi stated that the timeless knowledge of Jain Dharma and the rich heritage of India have been preserved for several years, conceived by the saints to present ancient wisdom to the next generation in new and contemporary forms. “Today, that grand vision has been realised in the form of the Samrat Samprati Sangrahalay, a sacred centre of Jain philosophy, Indian culture, and our ancient heritage,” stated PM Modi.<h3>Samrat Samprati's historical importance</h3>Reflecting on the historical importance of Samrat Samprati, the Prime Minister said that while many civilizations have produced renowned thinkers and philosophers, rulers in different parts of the world often set aside their ideals when faced with the demands of power, creating a gap between philosophy and governance. In contrast, he described Samrat Samprati as more than just a historical ruler, calling him a link between India’s philosophical principles and their practical application. “In India, rulers like Samrat Samprati treated power as service and sadhana, expanding ahimsa from the throne, and propagating satya (Truth), asteya (non-stealing), and aparigraha ( non-possessiveness) &nbsp;with utmost detachment and selflessness,” Shri Modi asserted. The Prime Minister also remarked that the museum has been carefully curated so that each step highlights the magnificence of India, with its seven galleries showcasing the country’s diversity and cultural heritage. He pointed out the first gallery, which presents the Navpad, Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, and Sadhu, along with the four principles of Samyak Darshan, Samyak Gyan, Samyak Charitra, and Samyak Tap. He also highlighted the third gallery, which vividly depicts the lives and teachings of the Tirthankaras. “When knowledge is samyak, righteous, it becomes the foundation of equanimity and service,” PM Modi observed.&nbsp;He recalled that ancient Indian universities such as Takshashila and Nalanda once housed lakhs of manuscripts, many of which were destroyed by foreign invaders driven by religious intolerance. He highlighted that during those challenging times, ordinary people played a crucial role in preserving whatever manuscripts remained for future generations. He also praised the remarkable dedication of Acharya Bhagwant Padmasagar Surishwarji Maharaj Saheb, who spent six decades travelling across villages and cities throughout the country in search of these manuscripts. “Over three lakh manuscripts inscribed on palm leaves and birch bark, some hundreds of years old, are today safely compiled at Koba, representing a monumental service to India’s past, present, and future,” asserted PM Modi. He also emphasised the government’s commitment to preserving India’s manuscript heritage through the Gyan Bharatam Mission, which uses technology for digitisation, scientific preservation, and digital archiving. He highlighted a nationwide survey encouraging citizens to upload manuscripts in their possession, aiming to recover scattered historical knowledge. Describing this initiative alongside contributions from Koba Tirth, he called them symbols of a cultural renaissance in India. He noted broader efforts to protect and promote heritage, including restoration of temples, development of pilgrimage sites, and promotion of Ayurveda and Yoga. Major projects such as museums at Lothal, Vadnagar, and Delhi were also mentioned as steps toward presenting an unbiased account of India’s history. The Prime Minister also praised saints for their role in preservation and recalled the Navkar Mahamantra Divas, reiterating ten national resolves, including environmental care, self-reliance, and safeguarding India’s cultural heritage.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vijay-calls-dmk-an-evil-force-as-he-files-nomination-for-tn-assembly-elections-we-have-to-save-tamil-nadu-1774936267813">Vijay calls DMK an 'evil force' as he files nomination for assembly elections: We have to save Tamil Nadu</a>

PM Modi said the timeless knowledge of Jain Dharma and the rich heritage of India have been preserved for several years, conceived by the saints to present ancient wisdom to the next generation in new and contemporary forms. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Samrat Samprati Sangrahalay, Jain Heritage Museum at Koba Tirth in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, on the auspicious occasion of Bhagwan Mahavir Jayanti on Tuesday (March 31, 2026). Emphasising the lasting traditions of Koba Tirth, the Prime Minister observed that the practices of learning, spiritual discipline, and self-restraint have thrived at this sacred place for many years. He highlighted that the preservation of values, cultivation of sanskaras, and promotion of knowledge together form a triveni, a confluence that serves as the core foundation of Indian civilization. “Koba Tirth is steeped in spiritual tranquillity, a place where the tapasya of so many Jain Munis and saints finds expression, and where creation and service naturally blossom,” PM Modi said. “Keeping this triveni flowing uninterrupted is the shared responsibility of all of us,” he affirmed. Expressing his happiness, PM Modi stated that the timeless knowledge of Jain Dharma and the rich heritage of India have been preserved for several years, conceived by the saints to present ancient wisdom to the next generation in new and contemporary forms. “Today, that grand vision has been realised in the form of the Samrat Samprati Sangrahalay, a sacred centre of Jain philosophy, Indian culture, and our ancient heritage,” stated PM Modi. Samrat Samprati's historical importance Reflecting on the historical importance of Samrat Samprati, the Prime Minister said that while many civilizations have produced renowned thinkers and philosophers, rulers in different parts of the world often set aside their ideals when faced with the demands of power, creating a gap between philosophy and governance. In contrast, he described Samrat Samprati as more than just a historical ruler, calling him a link between India’s philosophical principles and their practical application. “In India, rulers like Samrat Samprati treated power as service and sadhana, expanding ahimsa from the throne, and propagating satya (Truth), asteya (non-stealing), and aparigraha ( non-possessiveness) with utmost detachment and selflessness,” Shri Modi asserted. The Prime Minister also remarked that the museum has been carefully curated so that each step highlights the magnificence of India, with its seven galleries showcasing the country’s diversity and cultural heritage. He pointed out the first gallery, which presents the Navpad, Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, and Sadhu, along with the four principles of Samyak Darshan, Samyak Gyan, Samyak Charitra, and Samyak Tap. He also highlighted the third gallery, which vividly depicts the lives and teachings of the Tirthankaras. “When knowledge is samyak, righteous, it becomes the foundation of equanimity and service,” PM Modi observed. He recalled that ancient Indian universities such as Takshashila and Nalanda once housed lakhs of manuscripts, many of which were destroyed by foreign invaders driven by religious intolerance. He highlighted that during those challenging times, ordinary people played a crucial role in preserving whatever manuscripts remained for future generations. He also praised the remarkable dedication of Acharya Bhagwant Padmasagar Surishwarji Maharaj Saheb, who spent six decades travelling across villages and cities throughout the country in search of these manuscripts. “Over three lakh manuscripts inscribed on palm leaves and birch bark, some hundreds of years old, are today safely compiled at Koba, representing a monumental service to India’s past, present, and future,” asserted PM Modi. He also emphasised the government’s commitment to preserving India’s manuscript heritage through the Gyan Bharatam Mission, which uses technology for digitisation, scientific preservation, and digital archiving. He highlighted a nationwide survey encouraging citizens to upload manuscripts in their possession, aiming to recover scattered historical knowledge. Describing this initiative alongside contributions from Koba Tirth, he called them symbols of a cultural renaissance in India. He noted broader efforts to protect and promote heritage, including restoration of temples, development of pilgrimage sites, and promotion of Ayurveda and Yoga. Major projects such as museums at Lothal, Vadnagar, and Delhi were also mentioned as steps toward presenting an unbiased account of India’s history. The Prime Minister also praised saints for their role in preservation and recalled the Navkar Mahamantra Divas, reiterating ten national resolves, including environmental care, self-reliance, and safeguarding India’s cultural heritage. Also read: Vijay calls DMK an 'evil force' as he files nomination for assembly elections: We have to save Tamil Nadu

PM Modi said the timeless knowledge of Jain Dharma and the rich heritage of India have been preserved for several years, conceived by the saints to present ancient wisdom to the next generation in new and contemporary forms.&nbsp;

PM Modi inaugurates Samrat Samprati Museum in Gujarat's Gandhinagar on Mahavir Jayanti

The Indian Government has assured that the country has sufficient energy reserves, including crude oil, petrol, diesel, and LPG, to manage potential disruptions arising from geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have stated that the country’s energy supply is fully secure, dismissing rumors of shortages as misinformation.


Energy Crisis: Indian Government Says Country Has Enough Energy Reserves

The Indian government on Saturday (March 28, 2026) refuted the claim that billionaire Elon Musk was involved in the call between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which took place on March 24 to discuss the war with Iran. This has been four weeks into the US-Israel-Iran war, and still there are no such signs of ending the escalation, even after giving a 15-point ceasefire plan to Tehran by America. "We have seen the story. The telephone conversation on 24 March was between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump only," a spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs said. "As has been stated earlier, it provided the opportunity for exchange of views on the situation in West Asia," the spokesperson added. The denial of India followed after the New York Times quoted unnamed US officials claiming that Musk participated in the phone call between the two leaders. "Elon Musk participated in a phone call on Tuesday with President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, an unusual appearance by a private citizen on a call between two heads of state during a wartime crisis," the New York Times reported. Donald Trump and Elon Musk reportedly had a fallout last year after the billionaire left his government role, where he had been assigned to reduce the workforce. The report added that it remains unclear why Musk was present on the call or whether he actively participated.<h3>PM Modi describes diplomatic conversation</h3>In a post on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the diplomatic conversation, noting that both sides emphasised the need for a Strait of Hormuz that is “open, secure, and accessible,” while reaffirming India’s position in favour of de-escalation and peace in the region. "Received a call from President Trump and had a useful exchange of views on the situation in West Asia. India supports de-escalation and restoration of peace at the earliest. Ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, secure and accessible is essential for the whole world. We agreed to stay in touch regarding efforts towards peace and stability," the PM said in his post. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, said on Friday that he expects Iran to engage in talks with Washington soon, expressing hope that discussions could take place within the week. Speaking at a business forum in Miami, he added that the US is awaiting Iran’s response to a 15-point peace proposal, which he believes could potentially resolve the conflict.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/houthis-launch-first-attack-on-israel-since-outbreak-of-iran-war-fire-ballistic-missiles-1774700386350">Houthis launch first attack on Israel since outbreak of Iran war, fire ballistic missiles</a>

India's denial followed after the New York Times quoted unnamed US officials claiming that Elon Musk participated in the phone call between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Indian government on Saturday (March 28, 2026) refuted the claim that billionaire Elon Musk was involved in the call between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which took place on March 24 to discuss the war with Iran. This has been four weeks into the US-Israel-Iran war, and still there are no such signs of ending the escalation, even after giving a 15-point ceasefire plan to Tehran by America. "We have seen the story. The telephone conversation on 24 March was between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump only," a spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs said. "As has been stated earlier, it provided the opportunity for exchange of views on the situation in West Asia," the spokesperson added. The denial of India followed after the New York Times quoted unnamed US officials claiming that Musk participated in the phone call between the two leaders. "Elon Musk participated in a phone call on Tuesday with President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, an unusual appearance by a private citizen on a call between two heads of state during a wartime crisis," the New York Times reported. Donald Trump and Elon Musk reportedly had a fallout last year after the billionaire left his government role, where he had been assigned to reduce the workforce. The report added that it remains unclear why Musk was present on the call or whether he actively participated. PM Modi describes diplomatic conversation In a post on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the diplomatic conversation, noting that both sides emphasised the need for a Strait of Hormuz that is “open, secure, and accessible,” while reaffirming India’s position in favour of de-escalation and peace in the region. "Received a call from President Trump and had a useful exchange of views on the situation in West Asia. India supports de-escalation and restoration of peace at the earliest. Ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, secure and accessible is essential for the whole world. We agreed to stay in touch regarding efforts towards peace and stability," the PM said in his post. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, said on Friday that he expects Iran to engage in talks with Washington soon, expressing hope that discussions could take place within the week. Speaking at a business forum in Miami, he added that the US is awaiting Iran’s response to a 15-point peace proposal, which he believes could potentially resolve the conflict. Also read: Houthis launch first attack on Israel since outbreak of Iran war, fire ballistic missiles

India's denial followed after the New York Times quoted unnamed US officials claiming that Elon Musk participated in the phone call between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

India denies Elon Musk’s role in Modi-Trump phone call on West Asia war

US President Donald Trump held a phone conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (March 24) to review the evolving situation in West Asia, according to US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor. Sharing the update on X, Gor said that both leaders underlined the need to ensure uninterrupted operations in the Strait of Hormuz. The discussion followed Trump’s announcement of a temporary five-day pause on proposed US strikes targeting Iran’s energy sector. He described recent engagements with Tehran as ‘productive’, suggesting ongoing diplomatic efforts to ease tensions that have unsettled global markets and triggered concerns over energy supplies.<h2>What did Modi and Trump discuss during the call?</h2>In a post on X, Indian PM wrote, “Received a call from President Trump and had a useful exchange of views on the situation in West Asia. India supports de-escalation and restoration of peace at the earliest. Ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, secure and accessible is essential for the whole world. We agreed to stay in touch regarding efforts towards peace and stability.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Received a call from President Trump and had a useful exchange of views on the situation in West Asia. India supports de-escalation and restoration of peace at the earliest. Ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, secure and accessible is essential for the whole world.…&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/2036433142815523128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Earlier on Tuesday, PM Modi addressed the Rajya Sabha, warning that the conflict in West Asia could have lasting consequences, particularly for energy availability, inflation, and trade. He urged citizens to stay prepared for potential disruptions, while assuring that the government remains vigilant and committed to protecting national interests.&nbsp;Modi also appealed to state governments to coordinate closely, similar to their approach during the COVID-19 crisis, to safeguard vulnerable populations such as migrant workers and to curb hoarding or black marketing. Speaking in the Lok Sabha a day earlier, the Prime Minister had termed the situation ‘concerning’, pointing to India’s reliance on the region for energy imports. He reassured the public that supplies of petrol, diesel, and LPG are being secured through diversified sourcing strategies, and reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy are the only viable paths to resolving the conflict, despite the possibility of prolonged instability.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Donald Trump just spoke with Prime Minister Modi. They discussed the ongoing situation in the Middle East, including the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open.&mdash; Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAmbIndia/status/2036423869033058696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

'Ensuring Strait of Hormuz remains open': Modi, Trump hold talks for first time on West Asia conflict

US President Donald Trump held a phone conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (March 24) to review the evolving situation in West Asia, according to US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor. Sharing the update on X, Gor said that both leaders underlined the need to ensure uninterrupted operations in the Strait of Hormuz. The discussion followed Trump’s announcement of a temporary five-day pause on proposed US strikes targeting Iran’s energy sector. He described recent engagements with Tehran as ‘productive’, suggesting ongoing diplomatic efforts to ease tensions that have unsettled global markets and triggered concerns over energy supplies. What did Modi and Trump discuss during the call? In a post on X, Indian PM wrote, “Received a call from President Trump and had a useful exchange of views on the situation in West Asia. India supports de-escalation and restoration of peace at the earliest. Ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, secure and accessible is essential for the whole world. We agreed to stay in touch regarding efforts towards peace and stability.”

Donald Trump and Narendra Modi discussed West Asia tensions, stressing open Hormuz routes as India prepares for potential energy, trade, and inflation impacts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the budget session of the Parliament, addressing the escalating conflict in West Asia, assured that India has adequate crude oil supply and storage arrangements. The war in West Asia has reached its fourth week, creating a major disruption in the global energy market. India, which is dependent on the Middle East for roughly 40 per cent of the country’s oil imports and 60 per cent of its gas are also gradually facing the squeeze.&nbsp;“West Asian war has impacted us all. I want to express the government's stance on this war in front of the House and the people of India. This war has been going on for over 3 weeks. It has created a serious fuel issue in the world. The situation in India is worrying too. This has impacted our ways of business,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-modi-foreign-policy-iran-crisis-india-1774348116061">'A universal joke': Rahul Gandhi attacks Narendra Modi over foreign policy amid Iran war</a><h2>How much oil does India have?</h2>Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that there is no energy security crisis in India. He said that the supply of petrol and diesel remains smooth across the country. He suggested that India has more than 5.3 million metric tonnes of strategic petroleum reserves, and is also working on arranging an additional 6.5 million metric tonnes of storage.&nbsp;"Along with that, India's refining capacity has also been increased in the past 10 years. I want to assure the country that India has enough crude oil storage and non-stop supply arrangements,” said Modi. He also claimed that the Union Government is constantly in contact with suppliers from different countries, and the effort is to ensure that oil and gas supplies continue from the sources wherever possible.Junior Petroleum Minister Suresh Gopi told Parliament on Monday, citing data released by the Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserve Ltd, India has 3.372 million tons of Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), which is two-thirds of its maximum capacity. These number is excluding the total refined petroleum products like petrol and diesel. According to various estimates, India needs 5.5 million barrels of crude oil daily. According to Gopi, the SPR can last for 74 days. Further, India holds 4.98 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, 0.28 per cent of global oil reserves and an Indian production capacity that meets only 15-18 per cent of total Indian demand.&nbsp;"Govt has constituted 7 empowered groups to evolve strategies on fuel, supply chains, fertilisers, among others," said PM Modi. He further assured that, irrespective of the crisis, maintaining growth is their responsibility.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;

PM Narendra Modi assures India has sufficient crude oil reserves and a stable fuel supply despite disruptions caused by the ongoing West Asia conflict.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the budget session of the Parliament, addressing the escalating conflict in West Asia, assured that India has adequate crude oil supply and storage arrangements. The war in West Asia has reached its fourth week, creating a major disruption in the global energy market. India, which is dependent on the Middle East for roughly 40 per cent of the country’s oil imports and 60 per cent of its gas are also gradually facing the squeeze. “West Asian war has impacted us all. I want to express the government's stance on this war in front of the House and the people of India. This war has been going on for over 3 weeks. It has created a serious fuel issue in the world. The situation in India is worrying too. This has impacted our ways of business,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Also Read: 'A universal joke': Rahul Gandhi attacks Narendra Modi over foreign policy amid Iran war How much oil does India have? Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that there is no energy security crisis in India. He said that the supply of petrol and diesel remains smooth across the country. He suggested that India has more than 5.3 million metric tonnes of strategic petroleum reserves, and is also working on arranging an additional 6.5 million metric tonnes of storage. "Along with that, India's refining capacity has also been increased in the past 10 years. I want to assure the country that India has enough crude oil storage and non-stop supply arrangements,” said Modi. He also claimed that the Union Government is constantly in contact with suppliers from different countries, and the effort is to ensure that oil and gas supplies continue from the sources wherever possible. Junior Petroleum Minister Suresh Gopi told Parliament on Monday, citing data released by the Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserve Ltd, India has 3.372 million tons of Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), which is two-thirds of its maximum capacity. These number is excluding the total refined petroleum products like petrol and diesel. According to various estimates, India needs 5.5 million barrels of crude oil daily. According to Gopi, the SPR can last for 74 days. Further, India holds 4.98 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, 0.28 per cent of global oil reserves and an Indian production capacity that meets only 15-18 per cent of total Indian demand. "Govt has constituted 7 empowered groups to evolve strategies on fuel, supply chains, fertilisers, among others," said PM Modi. He further assured that, irrespective of the crisis, maintaining growth is their responsibility.

PM Narendra Modi assures India has sufficient crude oil reserves and stable fuel supply despite disruptions caused by the ongoing West Asia conflict.

Narendra Modi says India has enough crude oil reserves- How much oil does India have?

Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday launched an attack targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy, suggesting that India has been sidelined, also alleging that Prime Minister Modi was "compromised". While speaking in a press briefing, Rahul Gandhi responded to the reports that Pakistan could facilitate a potential high-stakes peace talks between Iran and the US. He slammed Modi, calling his foreign policy “a universal joke”. He accused PM Modi of committing a “structural blunder”."Our foreign policy is Prime Minister Modi's personal foreign policy. You can see the result of this. It's a universal joke. Everybody considers it a universal joke," said Rahul Gandhi. He added that Trump knows how to manipulate Modi and suggested he is under “100 per cent control of Trump.” He further accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of compromising Indian national interest. “Prime Minister Modi will do whatever Israel and the US want,” said Gandhi. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav said, highlighting the war in West Asia, “the situation gave India an opportunity to assert itself as Vishwaguru”. The Indian government should answer how they “let that opportunity go.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-child-torture-allegations-israel-detention-abuse-1774340931837">Palestinian media alleges 1-year-old boy 'tortured by Israeli forces' in Gaza to 'extract confession' from father</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi | Congress MP and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi says, &quot;Our foreign policy is PM Modi&#39;s personal foreign policy... Everyone considers this a universal joke... Donald Trump knows exactly what PM Modi can and cannot do. If the Prime Minister is compromised, our foreign… <a href="https://t.co/GEGebCqGjk">pic.twitter.com/GEGebCqGjk</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2036366877468111345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi | Congress MP and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi says, &quot;I would not be able to attend because I have a program in Kerala. All-party meeting should take place, but a structural blunder has been made... And this cannot be fixed, especially the Prime Minister cannot. He… <a href="https://t.co/gAIBnSG77B">https://t.co/gAIBnSG77B</a> <a href="https://t.co/NuXDdpMuIN">pic.twitter.com/NuXDdpMuIN</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2036366903388872841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Government of India has requested an all-party meeting on March 25, 2026, to discuss the escalating West Asia crisis. The move comes amid reports of an LPG crisis and unstable market conditions caused by tensions in the region. On Tuesday, Congress Leader Jairam Ramesh slammed the Government of India's handling of the conflict in West Asia. Meanwhile, CPI(M) MP John Brittas cited a 2003 resolution condemning the US war on Iraq and urged for a similar resolution condemning the US war on Iran.&nbsp;

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy, accusing him of committing a “structural blunder”, as the GOI calls an all-party meeting on March 25 to discuss the ongoing war in West Asia. 

Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday launched an attack targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy, suggesting that India has been sidelined, also alleging that Prime Minister Modi was "compromised". While speaking in a press briefing, Rahul Gandhi responded to the reports that Pakistan could facilitate a potential high-stakes peace talks between Iran and the US. He slammed Modi, calling his foreign policy “a universal joke”. He accused PM Modi of committing a “structural blunder”. "Our foreign policy is Prime Minister Modi's personal foreign policy. You can see the result of this. It's a universal joke. Everybody considers it a universal joke," said Rahul Gandhi. He added that Trump knows how to manipulate Modi and suggested he is under “100 per cent control of Trump.” He further accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of compromising Indian national interest. “Prime Minister Modi will do whatever Israel and the US want,” said Gandhi. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav said, highlighting the war in West Asia, “the situation gave India an opportunity to assert itself as Vishwaguru”. The Indian government should answer how they “let that opportunity go.” Also Read: Palestinian media alleges 1-year-old boy 'tortured by Israeli forces' in Gaza to 'extract confession' from father

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy, accusing him of committing a “structural blunder”, as the GOI calls an all-party meeting on March 25 to discuss the ongoing war in West Asia.&nbsp;

'A universal joke': Rahul Gandhi attacks Narendra Modi over foreign policy amid Iran war

Narendra Modi reviewed the country’s fuel and gas supply situation amid rising global uncertainty linked to tensions in West Asia. The high-level meeting focused on energy availability, supply chain stability, and contingency planning to ensure uninterrupted access to petroleum products and LPG across India.


India: Prime Minister Modi Reviews Fuel & Gas Situation in the Country

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday (Mar 10) approved changes in guidelines on investments from countries sharing land borders with India (LBCs), especially China. The decision was aimed at unlocking greater inflows from global funds for startups to take forward the agenda of Ease of Doing Business in India.&nbsp;An official press release detailed the cabinet's approved changes in the FDI policy to provide for a definitive timeline for investments in critical sectors requiring approval under PN3.&nbsp;&nbsp;An expeditious decision within 60 days would help companies enter into collaborations to expand manufacturing in India, the release said. It added that a 60-day decision or approval timeline would help companies enter into joint ventures to access technologies and integrate with global supply chains.&nbsp;The shift in FDI policy for investment from Land Bordering Countries is expected to boost manufacturing in electronic components, capital goods, and solar cells, according to the release.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-we-built-this-country-together-uae-envoy-alshaali-reassures-indians-amid-west-asia-crisis-1773155979815">'We built this country together': UAE Envoy Alshaali reassures Indians amid West Asia crisis</a>&nbsp;Countries that share land borders with India are China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, and Afghanistan.&nbsp;China stands at the 23rd position with only a 0.32 per cent share (USD 2.51 billion) in the total FDI equity inflow reported in India from April 2000 to December 2025.&nbsp;Relations between the Asian giants collapsed in June 2020 following the lethal clash in the Galwan Valley, which led to a freeze in major diplomatic engagements and the banning of over 200 Chinese apps (TikTok, WeChat, etc.). While the military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) ended in October 2024, this move is the most substantial step toward economic normalisation since the crisis began.&nbsp;Bilateral trade between the two countries currently stands at $155.6 billion for the 2025 calendar year, marking a record high in economic engagement despite ongoing geopolitical friction. During the first ten months of the current fiscal period (April–January 2025–26), total trade reached $124.06 billion, driven by a sharp 38.37 per cent surge in India's exports to China, which totalled $15.88 billion. However, with imports from China rising to $108.18 billion, the trade deficit remains a significant concern at $92.3 billion, prompting recent policy adjustments to encourage Chinese investment in domestic manufacturing sectors.

The shift in FDI policy for investment from Land Bordering Countries is expected to boost manufacturing in electronic components, capital goods, and solar cells.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday (Mar 10) approved changes in guidelines on investments from countries sharing land borders with India (LBCs), especially China. The decision was aimed at unlocking greater inflows from global funds for startups to take forward the agenda of Ease of Doing Business in India. An official press release detailed the cabinet's approved changes in the FDI policy to provide for a definitive timeline for investments in critical sectors requiring approval under PN3. An expeditious decision within 60 days would help companies enter into collaborations to expand manufacturing in India, the release said. It added that a 60-day decision or approval timeline would help companies enter into joint ventures to access technologies and integrate with global supply chains. The shift in FDI policy for investment from Land Bordering Countries is expected to boost manufacturing in electronic components, capital goods, and solar cells, according to the release. Also Read: 'We built this country together': UAE Envoy Alshaali reassures Indians amid West Asia crisis Countries that share land borders with India are China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, and Afghanistan. China stands at the 23rd position with only a 0.32 per cent share (USD 2.51 billion) in the total FDI equity inflow reported in India from April 2000 to December 2025. Relations between the Asian giants collapsed in June 2020 following the lethal clash in the Galwan Valley, which led to a freeze in major diplomatic engagements and the banning of over 200 Chinese apps (TikTok, WeChat, etc.). While the military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) ended in October 2024, this move is the most substantial step toward economic normalisation since the crisis began. Bilateral trade between the two countries currently stands at $155.6 billion for the 2025 calendar year, marking a record high in economic engagement despite ongoing geopolitical friction. During the first ten months of the current fiscal period (April–January 2025–26), total trade reached $124.06 billion, driven by a sharp 38.37 per cent surge in India's exports to China, which totalled $15.88 billion. However, with imports from China rising to $108.18 billion, the trade deficit remains a significant concern at $92.3 billion, prompting recent policy adjustments to encourage Chinese investment in domestic manufacturing sectors.

The shift in FDI policy for investment from Land Bordering Countries is expected to boost manufacturing in electronic components, capital goods, and solar cells.

India eases FDI norms for China, other countries sharing land borders

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched two new corridors of the Delhi Metro, including the first 'Ring Metro' of the country that runs across large parts of the city. The inauguration includes the Majlis Park-Maujpur Babarpur section of the Pink Line, which is around 12.3 km, and the Deepali Chowk–Majlis Park stretch of the Magenta Line, which spans around 9.9 km.<h3>About Majlis Park-Maujpur-Babarpur Corridor</h3>The Majlis Park-Maujpur-Babarpur corridor consists of eight elevated stations, which form part of the Majlis Park-Shiv Vihar Pink Line, which is already active. In addition, the Pink Line has stretched to almost 71.56 km, marking it the first fully operational 'Ring Metro' of India.&nbsp;The stations on this corridor are Majlis Park, Burari, Soorghat, Nanaksar-Sonia Vihar, Jharoda Majra, Jagatpur-Wazirabad, Khajuri Khas, Bhajanpura, Yamuna Vihar and Maujpur-Babarpur. The Majlis Park-Maujpur-Babarpur corridor also includes a newly built bridge over the Yamuna, along with a double-decker viaduct that carries both a metro line and a road flyover.<h3>About Deepali Chowk-Majlis Park Corridor</h3>The second corridor, running from Deepali Chowk to Majlis Park, is an elevated extension of the Botanical Garden–Krishna Park Extension Magenta Line and consists of seven stations. With this addition, the total length of the Magenta Line has increased to about 49 km.&nbsp;The stations along this stretch are Deepali Chowk, Madhuban Chowk, Uttar Pitampura–Prashant Vihar, Haiderpur Village, Haiderpur Badli Mor, Bhalswa, and Majlis Park. Some sections of the Deepali Chowk–Majlis Park corridor rise to a height of about 28.36 metres, making it one of the highest elevated stretches in the Delhi Metro network. &nbsp;Additionally, PM Modi also inaugurated three new metro corridors under Phase V-A of the Delhi Metro project, which covers around 16.10 kilometres. The inaugurated corridors also include the underground Central Vista corridor connecting RK Ashram Marg and Indraprastha, an underground extension between Aerocity and Indira Gandhi Airport Terminal-1, as well as an elevated extension linking Tughlakabad and Kalindi Kunj.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-shameful-unprecedented-pm-modi-slams-trinamool-over-president-murmu-s-insult-during-bengal-visit-1772904630404">‘Shameful, unprecedented,’ PM Modi slams Trinamool over President Murmu’s insult during Bengal visit</a>

The inauguration includes the Majlis Park-Maujpur Babarpur section of the Pink Line, which is around 12.3 km, and the Deepali Chowk–Majlis Park stretch of the Magenta Line, which spans around 9.9 km.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched two new corridors of the Delhi Metro, including the first 'Ring Metro' of the country that runs across large parts of the city. The inauguration includes the Majlis Park-Maujpur Babarpur section of the Pink Line, which is around 12.3 km, and the Deepali Chowk–Majlis Park stretch of the Magenta Line, which spans around 9.9 km. About Majlis Park-Maujpur-Babarpur Corridor The Majlis Park-Maujpur-Babarpur corridor consists of eight elevated stations, which form part of the Majlis Park-Shiv Vihar Pink Line, which is already active. In addition, the Pink Line has stretched to almost 71.56 km, marking it the first fully operational 'Ring Metro' of India. The stations on this corridor are Majlis Park, Burari, Soorghat, Nanaksar-Sonia Vihar, Jharoda Majra, Jagatpur-Wazirabad, Khajuri Khas, Bhajanpura, Yamuna Vihar and Maujpur-Babarpur. The Majlis Park-Maujpur-Babarpur corridor also includes a newly built bridge over the Yamuna, along with a double-decker viaduct that carries both a metro line and a road flyover. About Deepali Chowk-Majlis Park Corridor The second corridor, running from Deepali Chowk to Majlis Park, is an elevated extension of the Botanical Garden–Krishna Park Extension Magenta Line and consists of seven stations. With this addition, the total length of the Magenta Line has increased to about 49 km. The stations along this stretch are Deepali Chowk, Madhuban Chowk, Uttar Pitampura–Prashant Vihar, Haiderpur Village, Haiderpur Badli Mor, Bhalswa, and Majlis Park. Some sections of the Deepali Chowk–Majlis Park corridor rise to a height of about 28.36 metres, making it one of the highest elevated stretches in the Delhi Metro network. Additionally, PM Modi also inaugurated three new metro corridors under Phase V-A of the Delhi Metro project, which covers around 16.10 kilometres. The inaugurated corridors also include the underground Central Vista corridor connecting RK Ashram Marg and Indraprastha, an underground extension between Aerocity and Indira Gandhi Airport Terminal-1, as well as an elevated extension linking Tughlakabad and Kalindi Kunj. Also read: ‘Shameful, unprecedented,’ PM Modi slams Trinamool over President Murmu’s insult during Bengal visit

The inauguration includes the Majlis Park-Maujpur Babarpur section of the Pink Line, which is around 12.3 km, and the Deepali Chowk–Majlis Park stretch of the Magenta Line, which spans around 9.9 km.

PM Modi launches first ‘Ring Metro’ of India in Delhi, inaugurates 2 new corridors

Israeli opposition walked out from Knesset ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and parliament speaker Amir Ohana's speech, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Knesset. However, opposition leader Yair Lapid re-entered the Parliament following Netanyahu’s speech, welcomed Prime Minister Modi and assured him it had “nothing to do with you”.&nbsp;The opposition leader, after walking out of the Parliament, issued a statement. “We will only return for the Indian prime minister’s speech to respect the alliance between the countries and express our appreciation for Prime Minister Modi’s standing by Israel,” read the statement. Israeli opposition, including Yesh Atid and Yisrael Beiteinu, has staged the walkout to protest the exclusion of Supreme Court President Isaac Amit from the session, which they viewed as a snub to the judiciary.&nbsp;To avoid the embarrassment of having empty seats on an international broadcast, the Knesset sent an email blast to all former legislators. This also included a few specific former members of the Knesset whom the speaker wanted to invite.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-gandhi-swipe-modi-gaza-knesset-israel-visit-1772005822914">Hope he mentions the 'genocide' in Gaza: Priyanka Gandhi takes a jab at Modi</a>During the visit, PM Modi was conferred with the &nbsp;Speaker of the Knesset Medal, the highest honour of the Israeli Parliament. “The entire State of Israel is filled with admiration for your leadership, for your friendship, for the fact that you were here for us in our time of trouble, and for the alliance, the eternal alliance between our two states," he told Modi.PM Modi's visit to Israel was met with severe criticism from the West Asian media. His visit is seen as “strategic legitimising” of the “genocide” in Gaza. India has abandoned its historical "anti-colonial" moral standing. It is decoupling itself from Palestine and is failing to confront Israel on the issues of international law and human rights. Both Modi's India and Netanyahu's Israel have a shared friendship through Islamophobia and a common enemy of Islamic terrorism. Modi condemned the October 7 attack as “barbaric”, but did not mention the historical exploitation and injustice against the Palestinian in their homeland.&nbsp;

Israeli opposition staged a walkout in the Knesset during PM Narendra Modi’s visit, protesting the judiciary's exclusion, before returning to welcome the Indian leader.

Israeli opposition walked out from Knesset ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and parliament speaker Amir Ohana's speech, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Knesset. However, opposition leader Yair Lapid re-entered the Parliament following Netanyahu’s speech, welcomed Prime Minister Modi and assured him it had “nothing to do with you”. The opposition leader, after walking out of the Parliament, issued a statement. “We will only return for the Indian prime minister’s speech to respect the alliance between the countries and express our appreciation for Prime Minister Modi’s standing by Israel,” read the statement. Israeli opposition, including Yesh Atid and Yisrael Beiteinu, has staged the walkout to protest the exclusion of Supreme Court President Isaac Amit from the session, which they viewed as a snub to the judiciary. To avoid the embarrassment of having empty seats on an international broadcast, the Knesset sent an email blast to all former legislators. This also included a few specific former members of the Knesset whom the speaker wanted to invite. Also read: Hope he mentions the 'genocide' in Gaza: Priyanka Gandhi takes a jab at Modi During the visit, PM Modi was conferred with the Speaker of the Knesset Medal, the highest honour of the Israeli Parliament. “The entire State of Israel is filled with admiration for your leadership, for your friendship, for the fact that you were here for us in our time of trouble, and for the alliance, the eternal alliance between our two states," he told Modi. PM Modi's visit to Israel was met with severe criticism from the West Asian media. His visit is seen as “strategic legitimising” of the “genocide” in Gaza. India has abandoned its historical "anti-colonial" moral standing. It is decoupling itself from Palestine and is failing to confront Israel on the issues of international law and human rights. Both Modi's India and Netanyahu's Israel have a shared friendship through Islamophobia and a common enemy of Islamic terrorism. Modi condemned the October 7 attack as “barbaric”, but did not mention the historical exploitation and injustice against the Palestinian in their homeland.

Israeli opposition staged a walkout in the Knesset during PM Narendra Modi’s visit, protesting the judiciary's exclusion, before returning to welcome the Indian leader.

Israeli opposition stages walkout during Narendra Modi's Knesset visit

PM Modi crossed over 100 million followers on Instagram, becoming the most-followed leader in the world, marking the first time a politician has accomplished this milestone on social media. Let's have a look at the top 10 political leaders in the world.

PM Modi crossed over 100 million followers on Instagram, becoming the most-followed leader in the world, marking the first time a politician has accomplished this milestone on social media. Let's have a look at the top 10 political leaders in the world.

PM Modi tops Instagram as world’s most followed leader: Where does Trump rank? Check the top 10 list

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday became the first world leader and politician to cross 100 million followers on Instagram, marking a new milestone in his global digital presence.


Narendra Modi Becomes First World Leader To Reach 100 Million Milestone on Instagram

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warmly greeted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underscoring the strong strategic partnership between India and Israel. Watch the full video to know more on this!


India-Israel Ties: PM Modi Receives 'Medal Of The Knesset'

Canada and India stand poised to significantly boost bilateral trade, with Canadian officials highlighting vast untapped potential in energy, infrastructure, and critical minerals, comments made ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney's high-profile visit to India starting 26 February.Tushar Handiekar, Vice President and Global Head of Structured &amp; Project Finance at Export Development Canada (EDC), speaking to WION, emphasised the opportunities for deeper economic ties. "There's certainly a lot of potential to significantly increase bilateral trade between Canada and India," he said. "And there are multiple sectors where Canada has strengths that India needs, that Canada can certainly provide."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-and-canada-to-take-relationship-to-next-level-with-pm-carney-visit-says-high-commissioner-dinesh-k-patnaik-1771902736988">India and Canada to 'take relationship to next level' with PM Carney visit, says High Commissioner Dinesh K Patnaik</a>Handiekar pointed to energy and energy security as key areas, encompassing both traditional oil and gas and the clean energy transition. "There are technologies [and] investments that can go into India in a big way," he noted, adding that Canadian expertise in infrastructure development, building, owning, and managing large networks, could play a major role.&nbsp;He described Canada as "a very stable partner for growth," extending to food security as well. On the planned Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), Handiekar stressed the need to remove barriers. "It's important that when companies take a lot of effort in creating this bilateral trade... if there is friction in the pipe that creates slowness and that creates a question on how much, how big can it grow?" he said. "Through these trading agreements, as you can remove some of these barriers and make the trading easy, there's a lot of potential for it."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-points-to-fraud-rules-as-tahawwur-rana-faces-potential-loss-of-citizenship-1772069128110">Canada points to fraud rules as Tahawwur Rana faces potential loss of citizenship</a>He also highlighted Canadian pension funds' interest in India's rapid GDP growth and its ambitions to become a manufacturing hub. Canada, rich in critical minerals essential for batteries and defence production, could make "a big dent" in supplying raw materials and technology, he added.The remarks come as Prime Minister Carney prepares to visit Mumbai and New Delhi, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The trip, part of a broader Asia-Pacific tour including Australia and Japan, aims to diversify Canada's trade amid global shifts and repair strained relations following past diplomatic tensions. The upcoming engagement is seen as a pragmatic reset, focusing on mutual economic benefits in energy, technology, and resources.

Tushar Handiekar, Vice President and Global Head of Structured & Project Finance at Export Development Canada (EDC), speaking to WION, emphasised the opportunities for deeper economic ties.

Canada and India stand poised to significantly boost bilateral trade, with Canadian officials highlighting vast untapped potential in energy, infrastructure, and critical minerals, comments made ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney's high-profile visit to India starting 26 February. Tushar Handiekar, Vice President and Global Head of Structured & Project Finance at Export Development Canada (EDC), speaking to WION, emphasised the opportunities for deeper economic ties. "There's certainly a lot of potential to significantly increase bilateral trade between Canada and India," he said. "And there are multiple sectors where Canada has strengths that India needs, that Canada can certainly provide." Also read | India and Canada to 'take relationship to next level' with PM Carney visit, says High Commissioner Dinesh K Patnaik Handiekar pointed to energy and energy security as key areas, encompassing both traditional oil and gas and the clean energy transition. "There are technologies [and] investments that can go into India in a big way," he noted, adding that Canadian expertise in infrastructure development, building, owning, and managing large networks, could play a major role. He described Canada as "a very stable partner for growth," extending to food security as well. On the planned Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), Handiekar stressed the need to remove barriers. "It's important that when companies take a lot of effort in creating this bilateral trade... if there is friction in the pipe that creates slowness and that creates a question on how much, how big can it grow?" he said. "Through these trading agreements, as you can remove some of these barriers and make the trading easy, there's a lot of potential for it." Also read | Canada points to fraud rules as Tahawwur Rana faces potential loss of citizenship He also highlighted Canadian pension funds' interest in India's rapid GDP growth and its ambitions to become a manufacturing hub. Canada, rich in critical minerals essential for batteries and defence production, could make "a big dent" in supplying raw materials and technology, he added. The remarks come as Prime Minister Carney prepares to visit Mumbai and New Delhi, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The trip, part of a broader Asia-Pacific tour including Australia and Japan, aims to diversify Canada's trade amid global shifts and repair strained relations following past diplomatic tensions. The upcoming engagement is seen as a pragmatic reset, focusing on mutual economic benefits in energy, technology, and resources.

Tushar Handiekar, Vice President and Global Head of Structured &amp; Project Finance at Export Development Canada (EDC), speaking to WION, emphasised the opportunities for deeper economic ties.

'Significant potential' to expand Canada-India trade, says top Canadian export agency official before Carney's India trip

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to make history during his visit to Israel by becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset. The landmark address is expected to highlight the growing strategic partnership, cooperation in technology, defense, and trade, and the deepening diplomatic ties between the two nations amid evolving geopolitical dynamics in West Asia.


BREAKING: PM Modi-Netanyahu To Hold Talks in Israel

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday (Feb 24) approved the proposal to alter the name of the state of “Kerala” to “Keralam”. The decision comes after the Kerala government moved a resolution to change the state’s name under Article 3 of the Constitution of India. The development comes ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls in the state, the dates for which are yet to be decided.&nbsp;After the Union Cabinet’s approval, the President of India will refer the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, to the Kerala State Legislative Assembly to seek its views under the proviso to Article 3 of the Constitution of India.&nbsp;Once the Assembly sends its opinion, the Government of India will take further steps. The President’s recommendation will then be obtained to introduce the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, in Parliament to change the state’s name from “Kerala” to “Keralam”.&nbsp;The Kerala Legislative Assembly had unanimously passed resolutions for the name change twice, first in August 2023 and again on June 24, 2024. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who moved the resolution, stated that while the state is called "Keralam" in Malayalam, it was recorded as "Kerala" in the First Schedule of the Constitution during the 1956 linguistic reorganisation.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-trump-trade-war-in-asia-ignites-as-china-imposes-restrictions-on-japan-over-remilitarisation-1771930000748">After Trump, trade war in Asia ignites as China imposes restrictions on Japan over ‘remilitarisation’</a>&nbsp;“The name of our State is ‘Keralam’ in the Malayalam Language. States were formed on the basis of language on the 1st day of November, 1956. The Kerala Piravi Day is also on the 1st day of November. Since the time of the National Independence Struggle, there has been a strong demand for the formation of United Kerala for the people speaking the Malayalam language. But in the First Schedule to the Constitution, the name of our State is recorded as “Kerala’. This Assembly unanimously appeals to the Central Government to take urgent steps as per Article 3 of the Constitution for modifying the name as ‘Keralam’,” the resolutions read.&nbsp;The decision comes in a series of recent name changes by governments, including Gurgaon to Gurugram, Allahabad to Prayagraj, and Faizabad to Ayodhya.

The Kerala Legislative Assembly had unanimously passed resolutions for the name change twice, first in August 2023 and again on June 24, 2024.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday (Feb 24) approved the proposal to alter the name of the state of “Kerala” to “Keralam”. The decision comes after the Kerala government moved a resolution to change the state’s name under Article 3 of the Constitution of India. The development comes ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls in the state, the dates for which are yet to be decided. After the Union Cabinet’s approval, the President of India will refer the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, to the Kerala State Legislative Assembly to seek its views under the proviso to Article 3 of the Constitution of India. Once the Assembly sends its opinion, the Government of India will take further steps. The President’s recommendation will then be obtained to introduce the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, in Parliament to change the state’s name from “Kerala” to “Keralam”. The Kerala Legislative Assembly had unanimously passed resolutions for the name change twice, first in August 2023 and again on June 24, 2024. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who moved the resolution, stated that while the state is called "Keralam" in Malayalam, it was recorded as "Kerala" in the First Schedule of the Constitution during the 1956 linguistic reorganisation. Also Read: After Trump, trade war in Asia ignites as China imposes restrictions on Japan over ‘remilitarisation’ “The name of our State is ‘Keralam’ in the Malayalam Language. States were formed on the basis of language on the 1st day of November, 1956. The Kerala Piravi Day is also on the 1st day of November. Since the time of the National Independence Struggle, there has been a strong demand for the formation of United Kerala for the people speaking the Malayalam language. But in the First Schedule to the Constitution, the name of our State is recorded as “Kerala’. This Assembly unanimously appeals to the Central Government to take urgent steps as per Article 3 of the Constitution for modifying the name as ‘Keralam’,” the resolutions read. The decision comes in a series of recent name changes by governments, including Gurgaon to Gurugram, Allahabad to Prayagraj, and Faizabad to Ayodhya.

The Kerala Legislative Assembly had unanimously passed resolutions for the name change twice, first in August 2023 and again on June 24, 2024.

God’s Own Country to officially become 'Keralam': Union Cabinet approves decision to rename Kerala

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was full of praise for Indian-origin players who are representing different nations in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. PM Modi, who took to his feature program “Mann ki Baat,” reflected on the Indian-origin players and their impact on the game while they are now donning jerseys of other nations. According to PM Modi, Indian players now representing other nations have given a sense of proud feeling for India.<h2>PM Modi lauds India-origin players</h2>"The jersey is that of some other country, but on hearing the name, you feel that this person is from our country. Then a slight joy arises in some corner of the heart," PM said.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691">From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</a>&nbsp;"There are countless such players of Indian origin who are bringing pride to their respective countries, becoming an inspiration for the youngsters there. This is the hallmark of Indianness. Wherever Indians go, they remain connected to the roots of their motherland and contribute to the development of their 'karambhoomi,' the country they live and work in," the prime minister said.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185">Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</a>&nbsp;Players like Saurabh Netravalkar (USA), Dilpreet Bajwa (Canada), Navneet Dhaliwal (Canada), Monank Patel (USA), Harmeet Singh (USA) and Milind Kumar (USA) are some who were born in India and are now representing other nations. The USA’s performance has been notable as they reached the Super 8 stage in the 2024 T20 World Cup, while this time they won two matches.&nbsp;On the other hand, Canada, Oman and Italy also have players of Indian origin and they showed glimpses of their performance. However, none of the associate nations could make it through to the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8.

Players like Saurabh Netravalkar (USA), Dilpreet Bajwa (Canada), Navneet Dhaliwal (Canada), Monank Patel (USA), Harmeet Singh (USA) and Milind Kumar (USA) are some who were born in India and are now representing other nations. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was full of praise for Indian-origin players who are representing different nations in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. PM Modi, who took to his feature program “Mann ki Baat,” reflected on the Indian-origin players and their impact on the game while they are now donning jerseys of other nations. According to PM Modi, Indian players now representing other nations have given a sense of proud feeling for India. PM Modi lauds India-origin players "The jersey is that of some other country, but on hearing the name, you feel that this person is from our country. Then a slight joy arises in some corner of the heart," PM said. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds "There are countless such players of Indian origin who are bringing pride to their respective countries, becoming an inspiration for the youngsters there. This is the hallmark of Indianness. Wherever Indians go, they remain connected to the roots of their motherland and contribute to the development of their 'karambhoomi,' the country they live and work in," the prime minister said. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli Players like Saurabh Netravalkar (USA), Dilpreet Bajwa (Canada), Navneet Dhaliwal (Canada), Monank Patel (USA), Harmeet Singh (USA) and Milind Kumar (USA) are some who were born in India and are now representing other nations. The USA’s performance has been notable as they reached the Super 8 stage in the 2024 T20 World Cup, while this time they won two matches. On the other hand, Canada, Oman and Italy also have players of Indian origin and they showed glimpses of their performance. However, none of the associate nations could make it through to the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8.

Players like Saurabh Netravalkar (USA), Dilpreet Bajwa (Canada), Navneet Dhaliwal (Canada), Monank Patel (USA), Harmeet Singh (USA) and Milind Kumar (USA) are some who were born in India and are now representing other nations.&nbsp;

'Indian-origin players are bringing pride': PM Modi reflects on T20 World Cup 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (Feb 22) announced that a statue of British architect Edwin Lutyens situated in Rashtrapati Bhavan will be replaced by a statue of C Rajagoplachari, the first Governor-General of independent India. During the 131st episode of his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat, Modi pointed out that, unfortunately, even after independence, the statues of British Administrators remained in the Rashtrapati Bhawan, while those of India's great leaders were not honoured with a place there.&nbsp;“A statue of British architect Edwin Lutyens also stood in Rashtrapati Bhavan. Now, this statue will be replaced by a statue of Rajaji (C Rajagopalachari),” he said.&nbsp;The Prime Minister described the move as a significant step towards shedding colonial legacy and embracing a mindset of celebrating symbols of Indian culture. Modi referred to his 2022 speech from Red Fort during Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, where he outlined 'Panch-Pran'(five resolves) for a developed India, which included a pledge to move away from the mentality of slavery.&nbsp;The Rashtrapati Bhavan is taking a significant step in this regard, Modi said and announced that the "Rajaji Utsav," to commemorate the legacy of the first governor general, will be celebrated on February 23. The statue of C Rajagopalchri will also be unveiled on the same day in the Central Courtyard of Rashtrapati Bhavan.&nbsp;“Rajagopalachari was among those who saw power not as a position but as a service. His conduct, self-restraint, and independent thinking in public life inspire us even today,” He added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taliban-summons-pakistan-s-ambassador-over-airstrikes-accuses-islamabad-of-bombing-civilian-areas-1771762791793">Taliban summons Pakistan's ambassador over airstrikes, accuses Islamabad of bombing 'civilian areas'</a>&nbsp;An exhibition on Rajgopalachari will take place during the Rajaji Utsav, from February 24 to March 1.<h2>Who was Edwin Lutyens?</h2> Sir Edwin Landseer Lutyens, known as the architect of New Delhi, was a prominent British architect celebrated for his versatility. Along with Herbert Baker, he served as the principal architect of New Delhi (often called Lutyens’ Delhi) after the British decided to shift the capital of colonial India from Calcutta to Delhi.&nbsp;He is credited with designing the city’s layout, characterised by wide, tree-lined boulevards and expansive green spaces. His key works include the Rashtrapati Bhavan (erstwhile Viceroy’s House), India Gate, and the North Block and South Block.

Edwin Landseer Lutyens, known as the architect of New Delhi, was a prominent British architect celebrated for his versatility. Along with Herbert Baker, he served as the principal architect of New Delhi (often called Lutyens’ Delhi).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (Feb 22) announced that a statue of British architect Edwin Lutyens situated in Rashtrapati Bhavan will be replaced by a statue of C Rajagoplachari, the first Governor-General of independent India. During the 131st episode of his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat, Modi pointed out that, unfortunately, even after independence, the statues of British Administrators remained in the Rashtrapati Bhawan, while those of India's great leaders were not honoured with a place there. “A statue of British architect Edwin Lutyens also stood in Rashtrapati Bhavan. Now, this statue will be replaced by a statue of Rajaji (C Rajagopalachari),” he said. The Prime Minister described the move as a significant step towards shedding colonial legacy and embracing a mindset of celebrating symbols of Indian culture. Modi referred to his 2022 speech from Red Fort during Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, where he outlined 'Panch-Pran'(five resolves) for a developed India, which included a pledge to move away from the mentality of slavery. The Rashtrapati Bhavan is taking a significant step in this regard, Modi said and announced that the "Rajaji Utsav," to commemorate the legacy of the first governor general, will be celebrated on February 23. The statue of C Rajagopalchri will also be unveiled on the same day in the Central Courtyard of Rashtrapati Bhavan. “Rajagopalachari was among those who saw power not as a position but as a service. His conduct, self-restraint, and independent thinking in public life inspire us even today,” He added. Also Read: Taliban summons Pakistan's ambassador over airstrikes, accuses Islamabad of bombing 'civilian areas' An exhibition on Rajgopalachari will take place during the Rajaji Utsav, from February 24 to March 1. Who was Edwin Lutyens? Sir Edwin Landseer Lutyens, known as the architect of New Delhi, was a prominent British architect celebrated for his versatility. Along with Herbert Baker, he served as the principal architect of New Delhi (often called Lutyens’ Delhi) after the British decided to shift the capital of colonial India from Calcutta to Delhi. He is credited with designing the city’s layout, characterised by wide, tree-lined boulevards and expansive green spaces. His key works include the Rashtrapati Bhavan (erstwhile Viceroy’s House), India Gate, and the North Block and South Block.

Edwin Landseer Lutyens, known as the architect of New Delhi, was a prominent British architect celebrated for his versatility. Along with Herbert Baker, he served as the principal architect of New Delhi (often called Lutyens’ Delhi).

Who was Edwin Lutyens? His statue at Rashtrapati Bhavan to be replaced with C Rajagopalachari’s

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