India has marked a period of notable achievements and policy advancements, reinforcing its position on the global stage and strengthening domestic sectors.
International Relations and Economic Engagements:
A major highlight is the signing of a historic Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between India and the United Kingdom on July 24, 2025. This agreement aims to provide zero-duty access on 99% of tariff lines for Indian exports to the UK, significantly boosting sectors like textiles, gems, auto parts, and pharmaceuticals. The two nations also endorsed the "India–UK Vision 2035," a strategic blueprint for enhanced cooperation across trade, defence, technology, education, and climate action. This deal is projected to significantly increase bilateral trade and includes provisions for eased visa rules and social security waivers for Indian professionals. Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared an article emphasizing how this agreement will empower Indian farmers, fishermen, artisans, and small businesses.
Concurrently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook a visit to the Maldives on July 25, 2025, where he announced a $565 million (approximately ₹4,850 crore) Line of Credit to the island nation. During the visit, India and the Maldives also initiated formal talks for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), marking a significant step in consolidating cooperation in trade, defence, and infrastructure. This visit underscores India's "Neighbourhood First" policy and its commitment to stability in the Indian Ocean region.
Energy and Environmental Milestones:
In a significant step towards energy independence and environmental sustainability, India successfully achieved its 20% ethanol blending target in petrol in 2025, five years ahead of the initially set 2030 deadline. This achievement has resulted in substantial foreign exchange savings and a reduction in CO2 emissions. Furthermore, India continues to make remarkable progress on its climate commitments, having already achieved its target of 50% non-fossil fuel electricity capacity by 2030, five years ahead of schedule. The nation has also made significant strides in reducing emissions intensity and creating a carbon sink.
Domestic Policy and Social Development:
The Union Home Minister is set to unveil the National Cooperative Policy 2025, designed to revitalize and modernize India's cooperative sector. This policy aims to triple the cooperative sector's share in GDP by 2034, ensure active participation of 50 crore members, and establish at least one cooperative in every village, fostering inclusive growth and rural empowerment.
In the healthcare sector, the government has approved the establishment of over 200 Day Care Cancer Centres (DCCCs) across the country for the financial year 2025-26. These centers will primarily be set up in district hospitals to enhance cancer care infrastructure nationwide.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced an improvement in the Financial Inclusion Index (FI-Index) for 2025, reaching 67% compared to 64.2% in FY 2024, indicating wider access to financial services.
On a political note, Prime Minister Narendra Modi became India's second-longest serving Prime Minister, completing 4,078 consecutive days in office on July 25, 2025, surpassing Indira Gandhi's record.
Other notable developments include the successful completion of 10 Years of the Skill India Mission, celebrating a decade of efforts to equip India's youth with relevant skills, and India's significant leap in the Henley Passport Index 2025, improving its position from 85th to 77th, reflecting enhanced global mobility. Indian ports have also demonstrated remarkable efficiency improvements, reducing ship turnaround time from 4 days to less than 1 day. The Supreme Court has also issued new guidelines to prevent the misuse of Section 498A of the IPC.
The stock market experienced fluctuations, with the BSE Sensex declining, influenced by pressures on the financial sector and uncertainties regarding a potential US-India trade deal. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and India Ratings (Ind-Ra) have lowered India's FY26 GDP growth forecast, citing global uncertainties.
India is also showing flexibility on Chinese investments in electronics, with government sources indicating potential for collaboration, especially given that 60% of electronics manufacturing occurs in China.