Digest for 31 October, 2025
India and US Sign 10-Year Defence Partnership Framework
India and the United States have signed a 10-year 'Framework for the U.S.-India Major Defence Partnership' to deepen strategic ties. The agreement, sealed by their respective defence ministers in Kuala Lumpur, aims to enhance coordination, information sharing, and technology cooperation. The pact is seen as a cornerstone for regional stability in the Indo-Pacific and signals a growing strategic convergence between the two nations, providing a policy roadmap for their entire defence relationship for the next decade.
US Ends Automatic Extension of Work Permits, Affecting Indian Professionals
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has ended the policy of automatically extending work permits for foreign nationals awaiting renewal. The change, effective October 30, 2025, will significantly impact thousands of Indian professionals, including H-1B visa holders and their spouses on H-4 EADs. Previously, workers could continue employment for up to 180 days post-expiry if a renewal was filed. Now, processing delays could force employees to take unpaid leave or lose their jobs, creating significant uncertainty.
US Reinstates Sanctions Waiver for India's Chabahar Port Operations
The United States has granted India a fresh six-month waiver from sanctions to continue operations at Iran's strategic Chabahar Port. The decision reverses a recent revocation and marks a diplomatic success for New Delhi, which emphasized the port's importance for humanitarian aid and trade. The waiver allows India to manage the Shahid Beheshti terminal, a crucial trade link to Afghanistan and Central Asia that bypasses Pakistan, thereby ensuring the continuation of regional connectivity projects.
Justice Surya Kant Appointed as 53rd Chief Justice of India
President Droupadi Murmu has appointed Justice Surya Kant as the 53rd Chief Justice of India. He will succeed the incumbent, Justice B.R. Gavai, and is set to take the oath of office on November 24, 2025. Justice Kant will hold the position for a tenure of nearly 15 months, until his retirement on February 9, 2027. His appointment follows the established convention of the senior-most Supreme Court judge succeeding the outgoing Chief Justice.
Pakistan and Afghanistan Agree to Resume Talks and Maintain Ceasefire
After talks stalled earlier this week, Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to resume dialogue and maintain a ceasefire following mediation by Türkiye and Qatar in Istanbul. The high-stakes negotiations aim to de-escalate tensions along their shared border. The new round of talks will focus on creating a monitoring mechanism to uphold the truce and address Pakistan's central demand for verifiable action against militant groups operating from Afghan soil, signaling a cautious step towards resolving the persistent security crisis.