India This Week 1 India This Week A Weekly Newspaper Featuring News and Trends from the Indian Sub-Continent Published From the US Capital Web Site: WWW.Indiathisweek.us Volume 36 No. 44 Washington DC. Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800; 301-445-1868 E-Mail: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Friday October 30 2026 New Diwali Stamp Unveiled at Indian Embassy in Washington October 23, 2026 – A decade after issuing its first Diwali postage stamp, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has unveiled a new Forever stamp featuring a vibrant rangoli created by Houston-based artist Sangita Bhutada. The stamp was formally dedicated at the Indian Embassy in Washington, DC, on Wednesday evening, in a ceremony bringing together diplomats, senior USPS officials and members of the Indian-American community. Indian Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra participated in the unveiling alongside Shibani Gambhir, USPS Senior Vice President of Revenue Operations, who served as the official dedicating officer, and Bhutada. The release marks only the second Diwali stamp in U.S. postal history, following the 2016 edition featuring a traditional diya (oil lamp). That stamp was subsequently unveiled at a Diwali celebration held at the Chancery by then-envoy Navtej Sarna and Deputy Postmaster General Ronald Stroman. Speaking about the new stamp, Ambassador Kwatra highlighted the Embassy’s collaboration with the USPS. “This effort by the Embassy to partner with the United States Postal Service to have a stamp release on Diwali Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], October 28 (ANI): Cyclone Arnab’s landfall process continued along the Andhra Pradesh coast on Tuesday, with Odisha deploying 313 response teams and keeping 2,037 shelters ready as the state braces for heavy rainfall, strong winds and the cyclone’s expected movement towards southern districts, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said. Pujari held a review meeting with senior officials at the State Emergency Operation Centre in Bhubaneswar to assess preparedness and precautionary measures in view of the cyclone.”The landfall process started around 1:30 a.m. early in the morning at Kakinada and started moving towards the state of Andhra Pradesh. The last information received shows that the system is stationary now... after entering the coast of Andhra Pradesh, it will start moving towards the north and northwest and reach Malkangiri.” Pujari said. He said 313 response teams had been deployed at different locations across the state, including 60 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams, nine National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and 244 fire and emergency teams.A total of 2,037 shelters have been kept ready to accommodate people evacuated in view of the cyclone. Pujari added that high-risk pregnant women had also been shifted to safety and all fishing boats By Geeta Goindi Indian Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra (center) with Houston-based artist Sangita Bhutada (left) and USPS Senior Vice President Shibani Gambhir (right) at the Indian Embassy in Washington, DC, during the unveiling of the new Diwali Forever stamp featuring Bhutada’s vibrant rangoli design on October 21, 2026. Photo credit: Indian Embassy, Washington, DC has been an effort long in the making,” he said. Recalling that the initiative had been delayed last year, he welcomed its realization ahead of the upcoming festival, which falls on November 8. “Now, a decade later, we celebrate another release of Diwali stamp,” the Ambassador said. had returned to shore.”The process of landfall is continuing. Once it starts moving towards Odisha, our systems will be ready for the cyclonic storm, and we will take all adequate measures to safeguard the life and property of the people. There are no casualties yet, and no reports of any inconvenience to the people so far... for potential landslides, we have taken preventive measures, and some roads have been blocked in anticipation...achieving zero casualties is our primary motto,” he said. Meanwhile, India Meteorological Department (IMD) Senior Scientist Sanjeev Dwivedi said the cyclone’s centre was recording wind speeds of 120 to 130 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 145 kmph. He said the wind intensity was expected to persist for the next two to three hours before gradually weakening.Speaking to ANI, Dwivedi said, “The storm centre currently holds wind speeds of 120 to 130 kmph, gusting up to 145 kmph. This wind intensity will persist for the next 2 to 3 hours before gradually weakening. The landfall process is presently underway and will continue over the next two to three hours. The exact landfall point is located between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, just south of Yanam.”He added that the system was expected to move slowly towards the northwest initially before taking a north-northwestward path. As it moves inland over the next few hours, it is expected to head towards Chhattisgarh and approach Odisha, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds. Dwivedi warned of extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places in southern Odisha districts, including Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Koraput and Malkangiri. Scattered heavy to very heavy rainfall was also expected across these areas.“The system is expected to move slowly towards the northwest initially and then take a north-northwestward path. As the cyclone progresses inland over the next few hours, it will move towards Chhattisgarh and Speaking at the ceremony, Gambhir highlighted the Postal Service’s longstanding tradition of recognizing the diverse cultures that have shaped American society. “Since 1893, the Postal Service has issued stamps commemorating the cultures of people who have come from around the world,” she said. “Ours is truly a world culture, and our stamps allow us to weave together a tapestry that reflects the rich and multifaceted heritage of America.” At the heart of the new stamp is an intricate, multicolored rangoli set against a brilliant purple Diwali Stamp See page 2 Cyclone Arnab: Odisha deploys 313 response teams, keeps 2,037 shelters ready, says Minister Suresh Pujari Remember: “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Proverbs approach the Odisha region, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds. Under its influence, extremely heavy rainfall is expected at isolated places in southern Odisha districts—specifically Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Koraput, and Malkangiri—with scattered heavy to very heavy rainfall across these areas,” he told ANI. Earlier, rough sea conditions and high waves were witnessed in the Bay of Bengal off the Puri coast as Cyclone Arnab continued its landfall process along the adjoining Andhra Pradesh coast. (ANI)
India This Week Friday, October 30, 2026 Amish Shah Seeks to Become First Indian-American to Represent Arizona in Congress By Geeta Goindi October 26, 2026 – Accomplished physician Dr. Amish Shah is seeking to make history as the first person of Indian origin to represent Arizona in the U.S. Congress, as he campaigns for a closely contested House seat in the November 3 general election. The Democratic nominee for Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, Shah faces Republican Jay Feely, a former National Football League (NFL) kicker backed by President Donald Trump, in a race that could help determine control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Shah has already made history in Arizona politics. In 2018, he became the first Indian-American elected to the Arizona State Legislature, where he established a record of bipartisan legislative cooperation. Drawing on more than two decades of experience in emergency and sports medicine, Shah brought a healthcare perspective to his work in the Arizona House of Representatives, where he served from 2019 to 2024. During his tenure, he had more bills signed into law than any other Arizona Democrat over a decade, according to his campaign, working across party lines on healthcare and education. Shah secured the Democratic nomination in July, defeating three opponents, including former television journalist Marlene Galán-Woods, who had the backing of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. His victory followed an extensive grassroots effort built around direct voter engagement. Shah says he has personally knocked on more than 28,000 doors, a strategy that has become a hallmark of his political career. The seat is open after Republican incumbent David Schweikert chose to run for Arizona governor. Encompassing Scottsdale, parts of northeastern Phoenix, Fountain Hills and Cave Creek, the district is among the closely watched congressional battlegrounds in the country. In 2008, Shah worked as a sideline physician responsible for emergency airway management for the New York Jets, while Feely was the team’s kicker. Now, nearly two decades later, the two are competing for the same congressional seat. Drawing on his experience as a physician, Shah has made affordable healthcare a central focus of his campaign, advocating lower insurance premiums, reduced prescription drug costs and protection of reproductive rights. His platform also emphasizes reducing everyday expenses, supporting small businesses and protecting Social Security and Medicare. Indian Heritage and Jain Values Born and raised in Chicago to parents who immigrated from Gujarat, India, Shah grew up in a household that combined Indian traditions with an American upbringing. His father, Satish Shah, is Jain, while his mother is Hindu. He attended Catholic schools from kindergarten through high school, an experience that exposed him to different religious and cultural perspectives. Fluent in Gujarati, Shah has maintained strong connections to his heritage, which he credits with influencing his approach to public service. Immigration Lawyer Law Office of Ryan Morgan Knight Email or call for free consultation ryan@immigrationknight.com 1 (888) 735-0560 Ryan Knight Licensed to practice immigration law Nationwide; Licensed to practice art law in Maryland Of particular significance is Anekantavada, the Jain philosophical principle that truth is multifaceted and that different viewpoints deserve consideration. Shah has linked this teaching to his bipartisan approach, emphasizing the importance of listening to people with differing opinions and finding common ground. The Jain principle of Ahimsa, or nonviolence, has also influenced his vegetarian lifestyle and commitment to animal welfare. He founded the Arizona Vegetarian Food Festival to promote plantbased living. A graduate of Northwestern University, where he earned bachelor’s and medical degrees, Shah also holds a Master of Public Health from the University of California, Berkeley. Outside medicine and politics, he is a licensed pilot who has used his flying skills to assist underserved communities. Indian-American Representation in Congress Shah’s candidacy comes at a significant moment for Indian-American political representation in Washington. Six lawmakers of Indian origin currently serve in the U.S. House of Representatives: Ami Bera and Ro Khanna of California, Pramila Jayapal of Washington, Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois, Shri Thanedar of Michigan and Suhas Subramanyam of Virginia. All are Democrats. Informally known as the “Samosa Caucus,” the group is set to undergo changes following the 2026 elections. Krishnamoorthi chose to pursue a U.S. Senate seat rather than seek House reelection but lost the Democratic primary, while Thanedar was defeated in his congressional primary. Their departures could reduce Indian-American representation in the House unless new candidates win in November. Among those seeking election are Shah in Arizona and Pia Dandiya, the Democratic nominee in Florida’s 22nd Congressional District. Both have been endorsed by Indian American Impact, a political organization working to increase political participation and representation among Americans of Indian and other South Asian Following Shah’s primary victory, the organization’s executive director, Chintan Patel, praised his grassroots campaign. “Amish Shah built a campaign from the ground up and won,” Patel said. “He personally talked to thousands of voters across this district, voters hungry for change who refuse to accept the status quo, and that’s what carried him to victory tonight.” Indian American Impact invested $250,000 in Shah’s primary campaign and pledged continued support ahead of the November election. As voters prepare to head to the polls on November 3, Shah’s candidacy reflects the expanding role of Indian-Americans in public life, from medicine and community service to elected office. For the physician who made history in Arizona’s state legislature, the election offers an opportunity to achieve another milestone, this time on the national stage. at times, a kitchen strainer. The elaborate creation, measuring eight feet in diameter, took eight to ten days to complete, considerably longer than the four to six hours she normally spends on a rangoli. Using vivid shades of blue, orange, green, red and white, Bhutada produced a striking design that was photographed by Houston-area photographer Bijay Dixit. The image was subsequently incorporated into the stamp by designer Jennifer Arnold, with William J. Gicker serving as art director. Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is among the most widely celebrated festivals in India and around the world. Symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, the occasion is marked by prayers, the lighting of diyas, festive gatherings, decorations and the exchange of sweets and gifts. It is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhist communities, each observing the occasion according to their own religious and cultural traditions. The original Diwali stamp followed years of sustained advocacy by Indian-American community leaders and organizations, marking a mile- stone in the recognition of the festival in American public life. As a Forever stamp, the new edition will remain valid for the prevailing First-Class Mail rate for a one-ounce letter, regardless of future postal rate increases. The USPS has printed 20 million copies, available in sheets of 20 at post offices nationwide and through its online Postal Store. With its colorful depiction of rangoli, the new stamp brings a centuries-old artistic tradition into everyday American correspondence, carrying Diwali’s message of light, hope and renewal across the country. Dr. Amish Shah, the Democratic nominee for Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, is seeking to become the first Indian-American to represent the state in the US Congress. origins. New Diwali Stamp Unveiled at Indian Embassy in Washington Diwali Stamp From Page 1 background. Traditionally made with colored powders, rice, sand or flower petals, these decorative patterns adorn the entrances of homes during Diwali and other auspicious occasions, symbolizing welcome, prosperity and good fortune. Born in India, Bhutada has practiced rangoli and henna art for nearly three decades. According to the USPS, she began by sketching the design on paper before recreating it on the floor using colored sand and starch-based powder, carefully sprinkled with her fingers and,
India This Week 3 MORE Get from your retirement. 1. MORE for your money with predictable monthly spending. 2. MORE amenities, including a pool, fitness center, and restaurants. 3. MORE peace of mind with services to enhance your well-being. Discover more great reasons to choose an Erickson Senior Living®-managed community. I know that my needs will be taken care of.” —Marge V., A community resident • Ashby Ponds® Ashburn, VA • The Grandview℠ Bethesda, MD • Greenspring® Springfield, VA • Woodleigh Chase® Fairfax, VA • Riderwood® Silver Spring, MD 2323460 Call 1-800-691-2034 or visit EricksonSeniorLiving.com for your free brochure. “Moving was a great decision for me! I feel confident in my future, and US Congressman Krishnamoorthi leads 256 cosponsors in resolution to designate July as ‘Indian American Heritage Month’ Washington DC [US], October 27 (ANI): US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has introduced a bipartisan resolution, backed by 256 cosponsors, honouring the contributions of Indian Americans and supporting the designation of July as ‘Indian American Heritage Month’. According to a press release issued by Krishnamoorthi’s office on Monday (local time), the resolution recognises the contributions of more than 5.2 million Indian Americans to the United States across fields including science and medicine, technology and business, public service and the military, education, philanthropy, arts and culture, and athletics.” Indian Americans have helped shape this country for generations, from breakthroughs that have saved lives and businesses that have created jobs to lifetimes of service in our military and public office,” Congressman Kr- ishnamoorthi said.” I’m proud to lead 256 of my colleagues in designating July as Indian American Heritage Month to honor that legacy and celebrate the many ways Indian Americans continue to enrich our country,” he added. The proposed resolution, submitted by Krishnamoorthi in the US House of Representatives during the second session of the 119th Congress, has been referred to a House committee for consideration, according to the resolution. The resolution notes that, according to estimates published by the US Census Bureau in 2023, more than 5.2 million people in the United States identify as Indian American. It highlights the community’s historical and cultural roots, noting that Indian Americans trace their roots to “a civilization more than 5,000 years old” and have brought to the United States “a rich legacy of art, literature, philosophy, science, and democratic traditions”. The proposed designation of July commemorates the signing of the Luce-Celler Act by then US President Harry S.Truman on July 2, 1946. The legislation made people of Indian descent eligible for naturalisation as US citizens. The resolution also recognises the religious diversity of Indian Americans, stating that they represent “a wide range of faith traditions that strengthen the Nation’s cultural and spiritual fabric”. Highlighting their public service, the resolution notes that Indian Americans “have served with distinction at all levels of government and public service, including in every branch of the United States Armed Forces”. It further acknowledges their contributions to science and technology, stating that Indian Americans “have made pioneering contributions to science, medicine, biomedical research, space exploration, artificial intelligence, computing, telecommunications, and other fields of innovation that have improved lives and expanded human knowledge”. The resolution also highlights their role in business, education, journalism and philanthropy, stating that Indian Americans have contributed to “the economic strength, intellectual life, and global leadership of the United States”. Recognising their cultural contributions, the resolution text stated that Indian Americans “have enriched the cultural fabric of the United States through music, film, television, the performing arts, cuisine, athletics, and the preservation and sharing of India’s diverse cultural, religious, linguistic, and regional traditions”. Emphasising the purpose of the proposed observance, the resolution states that July provides an opportunity to recognise “the history, achievements, cultural traditions, and diverse religious and regional identities of Indian Americans” and celebrate their many contributions to the United States. The resolution in the end stated that the US House of Representatives “recognizes that Indian Americans enhance the rich diversity and strength of the United States” and supports the designation of “Indian American Heritage Month”. (ANI)
India This Week Friday, October 30, 2026 Rajnath Singh, Pete Hegseth Review Progress of 10-Year India-US Defence Framework in Philippines Cebu, October 28, 2026: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Wednesday on the sidelines of the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMMPlus) in Cebu, Philippines, to review progress under the 10-year India-US Defence Framework and explore avenues for strengthening bilateral defence cooperation. In a post on X, Singh said the two leaders reviewed progress under the framework, focusing on strategic convergence in military technology, information sharing and co-production. He described the India-US partnership as a cornerstone for a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific. Hegseth also confirmed the meeting in a post on X, stating that the two sides marked the first anniversary of the Framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership and explored ways to deepen cooperation. The framework, signed in 2025, provides a unified vision and policy direction for transforming bilateral defence ties over the following decade. Singh is leading the Indian delegation at the ADMM-Plus meeting, being held from October 28 to 29. He is scheduled to address the forum on the theme, “Exchange of Views on Regional and International Security Issues,” focusing on shared regional and international security challenges. On the sidelines of the meeting, Singh is also scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with defence counterparts from the United States, Japan, Australia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, South Korea and other participating nations to review ongoing defence ties and explore opportunities to strengthen strategic partnerships. Hegseth, meanwhile, held meetings with defence leaders from South Korea, Australia and Japan. In his remarks on the meeting with South Korean Defence Minister Kang, he highlighted the importance of military readiness and combined capabilities in deterring aggression. Following his meeting with Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, Hegseth said the two sides discussed optimising their alliance to strengthen deterrence. His discussions with Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi focused on strategic alignment, defence investment, access, realistic training and munitions production. Singh arrived in Cebu on Tuesday night and received a ceremonial welcome from Major General Fabian M. Pedregosa (Retd), Undersecretary of the Philippine Department of National Defence. Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Harsh Kumar Jain and Defence Attaché Captain ChandraKant Kothari were also present. Singh subsequently interacted with members of the Indian community and Filipino nationals. Before departing for the Philippines, Singh reiterated India’s commitment to strengthening engagement with ASEAN and promoting peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific under its Act East Policy. The ADMM-Plus serves as a platform for ASEAN member states and eight dialogue partners—India, the United States, China, Russia, Ja- pan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand—to strengthen regional security and defence cooperation. The inaugural meeting was held in Hanoi, Vietnam, in 2010, and ministerial meetings have been held annually since 2017. The Philippines is chairing the forum in 2026. India became an ASEAN dialogue partner in 1992 and is co-chair- ing the Experts Working Group on Counter-Terrorism with Malaysia for the 2024–2027 cycle. India’s participation in ADMM-Plus forms part of its broader efforts to deepen defence diplomacy in Southeast Asia, strengthen strategic partnerships and support regional peace, stability and collective growth under the Act East Policy. (ANI) EAM Jaishankar to visit US for G20 and Quad meetings, followed by CHOGM in Antigua and Barbuda New Delhi [India], October 28 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will undertake a diplomatic tour to the United States and the Caribbean to participate in high-level multilateral summits and bilateral discussions, the Ministry of External Affairs announced on Wednesday. Speaking during a biweekly press briefing, MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal outlined the minister’s upcoming itinerary, confirming his attendance at international summits in both Atlanta and St. John’s.”The External Affairs Minister will be attending the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting to be held in Atlanta, United States, from 30th to 31st October, 2026,” Jaiswal stated. “On the sidelines of this meeting, he will also participate in a QUAD Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and also have several bilateral engagements with his counterparts.” Following the conclusion of the meet- ings in the United States, Jaishankar will travel to the Caribbean to lead India’s representation at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.”From Atlanta, the External Affairs Minister will be travelling to St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, where he will be leading the Indian delegation to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which is to be held from 1st to 4th of November,” Jaiswal said. Highlighting the focus of the Commonwealth summit, Jaiswal noted that “this time, the theme of the forthcoming CHOGM is accelerating partnerships and investment for a prosperous Commonwealth” and emphasised that “India looks forward to its participation in this particular event.”United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Atlanta, Georgia, from October 30 to 31 to host the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the US Department of State said in an official statement. During the twoday summit, Secretary Rubio will convene foreign ministers representing the world’s leading economies to advance practical cooperation on key shared economic and security challenges, the State Department noted.The United States Department of State said that throughout the ministerial, Washington will work closely with G20 partners to address pressing geopolitical crises that continue to trigger global economic shocks. According to the official release, the discussions will focus heavily on mitigating disruptions to supply chains, addressing threats to freedom of navigation, and ensuring energy and food security. Underscoring that global security and economic prosperity are “inextricably linked,” the State Department stated that these high-level deliberations will set the stage for President Donald Trump’s upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit and help shape the broader economic agenda to be taken up by world leaders.” Throughout the ministerial, the United States will work with G20 partners to address geopolitical crises contributing to global economic shocks, including threats to freedom of navigation, energy and food security, and supply chains. Global security and economic prosperity are inextricably linked, and these discussions will set the stage for President Trump’s G20 Leaders’ Summit and the broader economic agenda that leaders will tackle,” the statement reads.The G20 is an international forum of both developing and developed countries which seeks to find solutions to global economic and financial issues. The G20 members include the world’s major economies, representing 85 per cent of global Gross Domestic Product, over 75 per cent of international trade, and about two-thirds of the world population.The G20 comprises 19 countries including: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkiye, United Kingdom, the US and two regional bodies, namely the European Union and the African Union. The G20 does not have a permanent secretariat or staff. Instead, the G20 Presidency rotates annually among the members. (ANI)
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India This Week India, US conclude most trade pact talks, fine-tuning agreement: Goyal The Hague [Netherlands], October 27 (ANI): India and the US have concluded most discussions on the proposed bilateral trade agreement and are now fine-tuning the pact, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Monday, signalling progress in negotiations amid continuing tariff-related uncertainties.“ We have concluded most of the discussions and are fine-tuning the agreement,” Goyal said while addressing the India–Netherlands Business Forum in The Hague.Goyal is on a two-day official visit to the Netherlands, accompanied by a business delegation. Addressing the business forum, Goyal The Poetic Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- October 30, 2026 Fear is a Luxury! By Rajan George Mountain goats live on the cliffs, Moving with ease, as if they have Nothing to fear. Should they err And slip, they’ll plunge into an abyss of thousands of feet below, Where chances of survival are slim. Yet they seem not to care; but are confident, in every move they make. Should predators invade Their terrain, they make no fuss, But slowly move upward, Scaling the mountain walls Where carnivores’ paws Can find no grip to follow. They remain confident, though We humans cannot fathom How they have conquered such Steep terrain and mastered their moves Without a trace of fear, Even as they venture close to the edge. Sometimes, when the rocks give way And they begin to slip, Their magical grip saves them From plunging to their death! A mother goat, with her kid on her back, Vaulting from cliff to cliff with such precision To save her young from vicious predators, Fills me with awe at their fearless valour And extraordinary fortitude. They move with ease, unafraid Of freezing breezes or mighty beasts That lie in wait for days to pounce And feast on their tender flesh. From birth to death, these cliffs Are their home, where ‘fear is a luxury’ They cannot afford. Hence, they live with courage, In the habitat where they were born, With valour and fortitude. A few editorial notes also highlighted India’s expanding trade engagement, noting that the country has concluded nine free trade agreements over the past four and a half years. His remarks come days after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that only a few issues remained to be resolved, expressing hope that the agreement would be concluded shortly.“ I would say we’re about as close as you can be without having an executed agreement. I think there’s a small number of items left to wrap up,” Rubio said, adding that the agreement could be finalised soon and that the leaders could sign it thereafter.India and the US announced the finalisation of a framework for the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement (BTA) in February. However, changes in the US tariff landscape have led to further negotiations on the proposed pact. Both nations have spent upwards of a year negotiating a bilateral trade arrangement designed to broaden market access while resolving protracted differences concerning tariffs, agricultural commodities, industrial merchandise, and regulatory barriers. (ANI) INDIA THIS WEEK Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800 www.indiathisweek.online India This Week is published every Friday by ADV Solutions Inc, Views expressed in this paper are those of the individual writers and not necessarily of India This Week. India This Week accepts no liability for the errors in advertisements or in any of its reports. For remedial actions any errors should be brought to the attention of the editor by the information provided below. Publisher: Dr. Babu Stephen Chief Editor: Rajan George Contributing Editors: Saju Mathew Isaac George Asst. Editors: Manu Jacob Sherena Panjikkaran Special Business Correspondent Elisha B. Pulivarti Business Coordinators Rajan C. George Jithu Johny Panjikkaran Dr. Renuka Misra, Special Correspondent: Geeta Goindi Community Coordinator: Prof. Vinod Goel India Office Manesh Krishna Columnists: Anadi Naik World Religions Dr. Sam Prasad Jillella Photo Journalist: Mathew Karmel, System Admn. & Maintenance: Rajan C. George Layout & Graphics: Prinston Samuel, Business Affairs: Mrs. Molly George CALL US • 301-445-0200 • 301-917-4800 e-Mails: Advertisements: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Press Releases: indiathisweek@gmail.com Web: www.indiathisweek.online Friday, October 30, 2026 Indian nationals travelling to UAE advised to take adequate medical insurance with repatriation cover Abu Dhabi [UAE], October 28 (ANI): Indian missions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday advised Indian nationals planning to visit the country to obtain adequate medical insurance, including coverage for medical repatriation to India, after several cases of people facing huge hospital bills that they and their families were unable to afford. The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai and the Northern Emirates issued the advisory, urging Indian nationals residing in the UAE on employment visas or as dependants to ensure that their insurance coverage was sufficient to meet medical expenses.“ The Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi and Consulate General of India, Dubai and Northern Emirates have been receiving several instances of Indian nationals meeting with unforeseen illnesses or medical emergencies resulting in huge medical bills beyond the capacity of the patient or their family members to bear and having inadequate insurance cover,” the advisory stated. “All Indian nationals who are travelling to UAE for visit or tourism purposes are hereby ad- Remember: vised to take adequate and appropriate medical insurance, prior to commencement of their journey, which also covers cashless facilities including the cost of medical repatriation to India in the event of unforeseen medical emergency,” it said.“ Indians residing in UAE on employment visa or as dependants are advised to verify that their medical insurance is adequate to cover all medical expenses in UAE and medical repatriation to India,” it added.In July, India and the UAE reiterated their commitment to protecting the safety, dignity and well-being of their citizens residing in each other’s territories at the 7th Meeting of the India-UAE Joint Committee on Consular Affairs (JCCA). Held in New Delhi on July 22, the meeting was co-chaired by Sripriya Ranganathan, Secretary (CPV and OIA), and Omar Obaid Alhesan Alshamsi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.The JCCA meeting was preceded by technical-level discussions between the two sides on consular matters, labour and mobility-related issues, extradition and mutual legal assistance. (ANI) “In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.…
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