India Responds to US Trade Deal Claims and Other Key Developments

This article covers India's response to claims regarding stalled trade negotiations with the US, the government's reaction to a note sent to activist Umar Khalid, and the detention of Trinamool Congress MPs during protests. Additionally, it highlights the limitations imposed on the AI tool Grok by social media platform X and the recent legal charges against Lalu Prasad Yadav in a money-laundering case. Stay informed on these significant developments shaping the political landscape.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 9, 2026, 19:28 IST

India Clarifies Trade Deal Discussions with the US

India has refuted the claims made by US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick regarding the trade negotiations between New Delhi and Washington. Lutnick suggested that the absence of a phone call from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to US President Donald Trump was the reason for the stalled trade agreement.

He further asserted that India felt uneasy about Modi reaching out to Trump to finalize the deal, prompting the US to pursue agreements with other nations instead. Lutnick noted that the conditions that previously brought India and the US close to a deal were no longer present.

In response, India's Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that numerous discussions have taken place to achieve a fair and mutually beneficial trade agreement. Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted that Modi and Trump have communicated via phone on eight occasions in 2025, addressing various aspects of their extensive partnership.

Indian Government Reacts to New York Mayor's Note to Activist

The Indian government has responded to New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani's note to imprisoned activist Umar Khalid, stating that public officials should uphold the independence of the judiciary in democratic societies. Jaiswal remarked that expressing personal biases is inappropriate for those in positions of authority.

Mamdani's note expressed his thoughts on Khalid's reflections regarding bitterness and the importance of not letting it overwhelm oneself, concluding with a message of solidarity.

Trinamool Congress MPs Detained During Protest

Delhi Police detained several MPs from the Trinamool Congress while they protested outside the office of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The MPs were voicing their concerns over alleged illegal searches conducted by the Enforcement Directorate at various locations in West Bengal, including the office of political consultancy I-PAC.

After their release, the party condemned the police action as 'undemocratic and unconstitutional.' TMC leader Mamata Banerjee accused ED officials of confiscating party documents in the lead-up to the Assembly elections.

X Limits AI Image Generation Feature Amid Controversy

The social media platform X has restricted the image-generation capabilities of its AI tool Grok to subscribers only. This decision follows backlash over the tool's ability to create non-consensual explicit images.

Grok had enabled users to digitally alter photos of real individuals, primarily women, inappropriately. The limitation on the feature for subscribers was implemented after the UK government urged its regulator to take action against the platform. However, the standalone Grok app continues to allow users to generate such images without a subscription.

Charges Filed Against Lalu Prasad Yadav in Money-Laundering Case

A Delhi court has formally charged former Bihar Chief Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Lalu Prasad Yadav in a money-laundering case related to an alleged land-for-jobs scam. Charges were also brought against his son, Tejashwi Yadav.

The Central Bureau of Investigation named 103 individuals as accused in this case, with five having passed away. The court has discharged 52 of the remaining 98 accused.