India This Week — January 23, 2026: A Comprehensive Digest of Global and Indian Developments

Global Trade and Strategic Relations

From Davos, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen signaled that negotiations between the European Union and India are approaching a landmark Free Trade Agreement, underscoring the potential impact of a deal that could unite a market of roughly two billion people and account for about a quarter of global economic output. Officials emphasized that while some issues remain, the talks have reached a decisive phase, and authorities anticipate concrete progress in the near term. Von der Leyen announced her intention to travel to India the following weekend to push the package forward and deepen economic ties, reflecting a broader commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation ahead of the upcoming India‑EU summit. This summit, scheduled to be co‑chaired on January 27, will bring together top leaders to advance collaboration across trade, investment, and strategic sectors. The broader framing from Brussels and New Delhi suggests a shared objective: to translate negotiation gains into tangible trade and investment flows that bolster growth on both sides. (Page 1)

In Davos, the European Union stressed that Europe will continue to pursue its global role through an open trading framework and a robust energy strategy, while emphasizing that defense and security partnerships are core elements of the growth agenda. Leaders highlighted Europe’s ongoing efforts to scale up energy security and diversification, including building a more integrated energy union that can deliver reliable and affordable energy to support sustained expansion. At the same time, Europe’s defense landscape has seen sustained investment, with several defense technology startups reaching unicorn status, reflecting a vibrant European ecosystem capable of contributing to shared security objectives. Taken together, these remarks position the EU‑India relationship as a central piece of a broader, globally oriented strategy focused on stability, innovation, and resilience. (Page 1)

Religious freedom and its relationship to economic performance feature prominently in this issue’s exploration of policy and growth. A detailed examination argues that countries with lower government restrictions and reduced social hostility toward religious groups tend to outperform peers on key development indicators, including investment, entrepreneurship, and long‑term GDP growth. The analysis cites patterns observed in advanced economies and fast‑growing regions, where open, inclusive environments correlate with greater innovation and higher productivity. It also notes that protective legal frameworks and respectful coexistence can translate into a stronger business climate and higher stakeholder trust. Additionally, a cross‑country study referenced here reinforces the idea that religious freedom matters not only as a moral imperative but as a measurable driver of economic vitality. Policymakers and business leaders are urged to treat religious liberty as a strategic asset that can boost competitiveness and social stability. (See page 6)

Urban Sustainability and Waste Management in Lucknow

Lucknow has announced a milestone in municipal waste management by achieving 100% scientific processing of solid waste, marking a transition away from open dumping and toward a circular economy approach. The city inaugurated a third fresh waste processing facility at the Shivari site, bringing total daily processing capacity to 2,100 tonnes by combining three plants. This scale positions Lucknow as the first city in Uttar Pradesh to reach full scientific processing of its daily waste, with legacy waste handling contributing to a substantial reduction in environmental exposure. The system separates waste into organic material (majority) and inorganic material, enabling composting, biogas production, recycling, and the creation of Refuse-Derived Fuel for industrial use. Door‑to‑door collection efficiency has risen to about 96.5%, and source segregation exceeds 70%, underscoring the city’s progress toward cleaner, more efficient waste management. By generating RDF and other by‑products, Lucknow has transformed waste into resources, reclaiming land and reducing transport distances for processing. The long‑term plan includes a 15 MW waste‑to‑energy facility that would convert RDF into electricity, further closing the loop and supporting sustainable urban development. The Lucknow model showcases circular economy principles in action and offers a potential blueprint for other cities seeking similar outcomes. (Page 2)

U.S.–India Engagement and Security Collaboration

US Senator Steve Daines concluded a productive visit to India, conducted January 17–19, during which he held meetings in New Delhi with External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, Commerce Minister Goyal, and lawmakers, as well as leaders from the business community in both countries. The senator emphasized reaffirming shared values and strengthening the US‑India strategic partnership, including support for pulse crop producers in Montana and effort toward a fair and reciprocal bilateral trade framework. The U.S. ambassador to India highlighted a reciprocal approach that will involve ongoing high‑level engagement to advance cooperation in defense and critical supply chains. The discussions reflected a broad agenda to deepen collaboration on advanced technologies, manufacturing, and trade, with an eye toward securing important economic and security interests in both nations and across the Indo-Pacific region. (Page 4)

In related defense developments, India’s defense community is focusing on cutting‑edge capabilities, including a significant demonstration planned for Republic Day. The long‑range Anti‑Ship Hypersonic Glide Missile (LRAShM) being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation is slated to appear at the Republic Day parade, signaling a major step in India’s indigenous defense production. Project leadership described the missile’s ability to travel at hypersonic speeds, with a range of roughly 1,500 kilometers, enabling rapid response against naval targets and enhancing maritime deterrence. The technology is part of a broader program that also encompasses glide and cruise missile developments and emphasizes the strategic aim of self‑reliance in defence. (Page 5)

As India showcases its evolving defense posture, the Republic Day event will feature a display of additional systems, including the Dhanush artillery platform, Akash air‑defense launcher, and the Suryastra unmanned system, among others. The parade is designed not only to celebrate national achievements but also to demonstrate the force’s modernization and the country’s capacity to integrate advanced technologies into practical defense applications. In parallel, the government has invited around 10,000 special guests from various sectors to participate in the commemorations, with opportunities to visit national monuments and engage with ministers during the celebrations. The presence of international leaders at Republic Day — notably the EU’s Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen — underscores the growing importance of India’s strategic partnerships on the global stage. (Page 5–6)

Republic Day Preparations and EU Leadership Presence

In a broader diplomatic context, the Republic Day program is set against a backdrop of intensified India–EU engagement. The leaders of the European Parliament and the European Council are slated to attend the Republic Day celebrations as distinguished guests and will also co‑chair the forthcoming India–EU Summit. Their participation signals a deepening strategic partnership, with discussions expected to cover topics ranging from trade and investment to energy cooperation and defense collaboration. The event reflects a shared interest in stabilizing regional and global dynamics through enhanced cooperation and mutual economic growth, reinforcing the potential for ambitious joint initiatives in the near term. (Page 5–6)

Legal and Social Developments: Live‑In Relationships and Protection

A landmark ruling from the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court addresses the protection of women in live‑in relationships. The court held that women in such arrangements should be accorded the status of a wife to ensure their safety and legal protection, referencing the long‑standing concept of Gandharva marriage as part of recognizing evolving social norms. The decision arose in the context of anticipatory bail proceedings brought by a man who allegedly engaged in sexual relations with a woman after promising marriage but later reneged. The judge underscored the judiciary’s obligation to safeguard vulnerable women in modern relationship dynamics, noting that many men exploit ambiguity in legal protections. The ruling invoked Section 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which criminalizes deception or false marriage promises in certain circumstances, as part of the court’s reasoning. The case was rejected for anticipatory bail, reflecting a judicial stance that emphasizes accountability for broken commitments and the need to extend lawful safeguards to women who may face exploitation. The judge also highlighted concerns about a trend where some men adopt a modern image while denying or blaming women when relationships deteriorate. (Page 7)

The issue also features a broader discussion of religious freedom as a driver of business performance and societal well‑being, alongside a creative piece and other community content. (Page 7)

Creative and Cultural Content

Included within this week’s issue is a creative piece that evocatively critiques political deception and the erosion of democratic norms, offering a poetic perspective on leadership and accountability. The piece uses metaphor to explore how power can be misused when rhetoric outpaces reality, underscoring the importance of vigilance and civic engagement in safeguarding institutions. Readers are invited to reflect on how narratives shape public perception and the responsibilities of both leaders and citizens in preserving a just and transparent society. (Page 7)

India This Week~January 23, 2026 - Flipbook by Fleepit