US President Donald Trump has put a 26% tariff on Indian goods, but has temporarily paused it for 90 days as part of negotiations with India over a bilateral trade deal. The talks come at a time when India is seeking significant investment from the US in sectors like technology and manufacturing. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with US Vice-President JD Vance to discuss progress on the trade agreement, which aims to benefit both nations. The meeting also touched upon defence cooperation and strategic technologies, with discussions on enhancing their partnership in these areas. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to meet senior US officials in Washington soon to finalize the deal.
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/us-vice-president-jd-vance-meets-pm-modi-talks-likely-to-focus-on-trade-deal-8219415The United Nations is calling for a major shift in global governance to effectively tackle climate change and rising security threats. A new report, launched by the UN's High-Level Advisory Board on Effective Multilateralism, outlines an ambitious plan to overhaul the global architecture. Co-chaired by former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and former Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven, the board was appointed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in 2022 to advise Member States on key global concerns where better governance can make a difference.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/international/shift-in-global-governance-is-needed-to-tackle-climate-crisis-un/The US and its NATO allies must signal openness to arms control while boosting deterrence to navigate an uncertain security environment, according to a report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
https://www.csis.org/analysis/game-opportunities-euro-atlantic-strategic-stability-and-arms-controlUS Treasury officials are expected to focus less on multilateral development bank reform and sovereign debt architecture in upcoming meetings. Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato is set to meet with US Trade Representative Robert Bessent at the IMF and World Bank gathering, as Japan seeks a quick tariff deal amid 25% tariffs on autos and steel. South Korean Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok also met with Bessent this week to discuss trade and delay implementation of tariffs. Experts question Trump's support for the IMF and World Bank, citing concerns over US withdrawal from these institutions. The World Bank President Ajay Banga is expected to expand energy financing to include nuclear and gas projects, aligning with Trump's priorities.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40358731/tariff-deal-talks-to-dominate-imf-world-bank-meetings-this-weekUS Vice President JD Vance began a four-day visit to New Delhi, where he met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his family at the Akshardham Temple. The meeting aims to review progress in relations and discuss regional and global developments of mutual interest. Vance's visit comes as India seeks to secure an early trade deal with the US, following a 90-day pause on tariffs announced by President Donald Trump. The two leaders have a "special bond" and have discussed a mutually beneficial trade agreement. Vance will also tour the medieval Amber fort in Jaipur and the Taj Mahal in Agra during his visit.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/vance-lands-in-india-for-tough-talks-on-trade/article_d145a979-3956-528a-90d4-7cd4550bc3b1.htmlChina's export controls on antimony, germanium, and gallium are limiting shipments of these metals, which are crucial for clean energy, chipmaking, and defence, despite high global prices. The controls, imposed since 2023, have banned exports to the US in December and require exporters to apply for licenses, allowing Beijing to exert control over the minerals supply chain. Fresh customs data shows a decline in exports, particularly affecting European buyers, as China reinforces its dominance over mining and processing of these essential metals.
https://channelnewsasia.com/business/chinas-export-controls-are-curbing-critical-mineral-shipments-world-5076841The global market remains uncertain due to Trump's wavering policies and US-China trade negotiations. Analysts at Citi predict that the US and China will be hit hardest initially, with collateral damage affecting Vietnam, Mexico, Korea, and ASEAN countries. In contrast, Asian emerging markets such as South Korea and Taiwan have seen a boost in stocks, while Thailand's benchmark index ticked up despite its currency drifting lower. Malaysian shares jumped to a two-week high due to a broad-based rally in blue-chip stocks led by banks.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40358663/asian-stocks-tick-higher-in-holiday-thinned-tradeUS Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared details of upcoming US airstrikes in Yemen on a private Signal chat group, including with his wife, brother, and personal lawyer. This is the second time Hegseth has been accused of sharing sensitive military information with unauthorized personnel.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/04/22/world/hegseth-shared-secret-info-in-2nd-signal-chat/2095776Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted US Vice President JD Vance at his residence in Delhi, where they discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest. The two leaders welcomed significant progress in the first phase of a bilateral trade deal aimed at reaching $500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. This comes as the US is India's largest trading partner, with their two-way bilateral trade reaching $129 billion in 2024, resulting in a $45.7 billion surplus in favour of India.
https://indiatoday.in/india/story/jd-vance-india-visit-modi-bilateral-meeting-delhi-us-trade-deal-tariffs-trump-2712406-2025-04-21