US secretary of state Mike Pompeo has pushed for India to further open its economy and also "diversify" its energy portfolio, saying countries that have provided American companies access to their markets have seen "real opportunity".
Speaking at the India Ideas Summit of US-India Business Council here Wednesday (12), ahead of his visit to New Delhi later this month, he also said America is "open" to dialogue on trade issues.
He added countries that have allowed the US firms to have a "fair and reciprocal trade", have seen America open up to them. "And I think they've seen real opportunity."
The top American diplomat's remarks have come amid trade-related frictions between the United States and several other countries, including Mexico, India, and China.
US president Donald Trump has been pursuing his trade policies aggressively and imposed tariffs on China, hitting billions of dollars of import of Chinese products.
The US media reported that India could be his next target.
Earlier, in a TV interview, Trump criticised India's import tariff on Harley Davidson motorcycles as "unacceptable", though he acknowledged that his "good friend" prime minister Narendra Modi has slashed the duty by half.
Earlier this month, Trump announced his decision to terminated India's designation as a beneficiary under the Generalised System of Preference trade programme, which allows duty-free entry for products into the US, from June 5.
During his visit to India, Pompeo is to meet prime minister Modi and his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar, and will likely to discuss trade in addition to strategic issues.
"We remain open to dialogue, and hope that our friends in India will drop their trade barriers and trust in the competitiveness" of their companies and businesses, he said at major his policy speech at USIBC.
"We'll also push for free flow of data across borders, not just to help American companies, but to protect data and secure consumers' privacy," he said. "And speaking of privacy, we are eager to help India establish secure communications networks – including 5G."
The two countries have to make sure they have economic openness, he said, adding the Trump Administration is trying to take down financial barriers and create open markets.
"It needs to be a place where our partnership is one of the true equals, not of domination. Based on my conversations in New Delhi last year, and in subsequent phone calls and meetings, I believe this is a deeply shared vision," Pompeo said, referring to his previous visit to India in September last year for the inaugural "2+2 dialogue".
Pompeo said more than 500 American companies successfully operate in India and the US is a market of roughly 20 per cent of India's exports in both goods and services.
"I think that makes India a perfect partner and a great place for us to figure out how to grow our economies and get win-win solutions for both nations," he said, adding India's free-market reforms unleashed innovation and entrepreneurship.
"That prosperity that began to be ushered back in 1991, has helped propel Indians to every corner of the Earth," he said.
The secretary of state also talked about trade opportunities in the energy sector.
"We've been blessed with abundant affordable energy right here in the United States, and we're now out producing it at enormous levels, not just crude oil but natural gas as well," he said.
India by purchasing oil and gas from the US can have a fully diversified energy portfolio where they don't have to "rely on nations that aren't as reliable as" the US, he said, apparently referring to Iran with which the US is engaged in a bitter standoff after Trump abruptly withdrew from a landmark nuclear agreement in May last year.
"We want to complete the Westinghouse civil nuclear project, and deliver more American LNG and crude," he said, adding these steps will reduce India's dependence on Iran and Venezuela.
Responding to a question from the audience after his address, Pompeo revealed that as a businessman, before he ran for Congress, he had spent some time in Chennai and Bengaluru trying to sell products to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
"I'll tell you what. It was tough. India was still opening up, it was still figuring its way through, but there was a real value proposition there, and we did well,” he said.
“When I think about that, when I think about what businesses need when they go to invest in each other's countries, they need stability, they need a set of rules that they can understand, they need to make sure that the efforts that we put forward together from the United States have sufficient bipartisanship, that they won't be whipsawed, as we have elections here,” he said.
Pompeo will embark on a four-nation visit of the Indo-Pacific on June 24. Other than India, he will visit Sri Lanka, Japan and South Korea, concluding his tour on June 30.
He will join Trump in Japan for the G20 Summit.
Trump and Modi are scheduled to meet on the sidelines of the summit in Osaka on June 28-29.
Heidi Klum and daughter Leni walked the Venice Film Festival red carpet in matching corset-style gowns.
The supermodel opted for a blush pink silk design, while Leni wore an inky black version.
Both gowns were created by Italian lingerie brand Intimissimi, for which they are ambassadors.
The mother-daughter duo previously fronted a controversial campaign for the same brand.
Heidi Klum's Venice Film Festival appearances always generate headlines, but this year she doubled the impact by walking the red carpet with her daughter Leni. The pair stunned in co-ordinated gowns from Italian intimates brand Intimissimi, bringing high fashion and red carpet glamour together in one of the festival’s most talked-about moments. Their matching corset silhouettes highlighted the duo’s modelling credentials and added a striking family twist to the opening night of the prestigious event.
Heidi and Leni Klum pose together in co-ordinated Intimissimi gowns at the Venice Film Festival Instagram/heidiklum
What did Heidi Klum wear at the Venice Film Festival?
For the opening night on 27 August, Heidi Klum chose a blush pink silk gown featuring corseted boning, a plunging neckline and a sheer bodice. The dress also showcased a dramatic thigh-high slit and hip cut-out, adding a lingerie-inspired edge. She paired the look with diamond chokers and styled her hair in rocker-style waves with new bangs, completing a striking combination of Old Hollywood glamour and modern sensuality.
Arriving at the festival by boat, Heidi shared behind-the-scenes photographs on social media showing her preparation at her Venetian hotel. Her posts included affectionate moments with Leni, with the caption that she was “having the best time with my baby” at the festival.
At just 21, Leni Klum is following closely in her mother’s modelling footsteps. On the red carpet she mirrored Heidi’s gown in a bold black version, also by Intimissimi. The design featured the same sheer corsetry and plunging neckline but offered a slightly younger twist, with symmetrical hip cut-outs and strappy sandals.
Leni accessorised her look with an emerald and diamond necklace, contrasting the darker gown with a pop of colour. She wore her hair in soft waves, echoing her mother’s style while adding her own youthful touch. Together, the pair created a co-ordinated but distinctive appearance that quickly became one of the highlights of the Venice Film Festival’s first night.
Leni Klum mirrors her mother’s red carpet style in a striking black corset gown at VeniceInstagram/heidiklum
Why is the Heidi and Leni Klum appearance significant?
This Venice outing is not the first time the duo have collaborated with Intimissimi. In 2022, Heidi and Leni starred together in a lingerie campaign for the Italian brand, which received mixed reactions. Their latest red carpet moment is seen as an extension of that partnership, bringing the lingerie-inspired designs into a high-profile international film setting.
For Heidi, the event underlined her ongoing relevance in fashion, while for Leni it marked another high-profile step in her rising career. Their joint appearance shows the generational handover in the modelling world, with Leni carving her own identity while still closely linked to her mother’s legacy.
Which other stars were spotted at the Venice Film Festival?
The 82nd Venice Film Festival, which runs from 27 August to 6 September, attracted global stars to Italy’s most glamorous red carpet. Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton and Julia Roberts were also photographed arriving for premieres, with Roberts making headlines for her quirky cardigan covered in portraits of Italian director Luca Guadagnino.
The festival opened with the premiere of Paolo Sorrentino’s La Grazia, a drama exploring political and personal dilemmas in Italy. With its combination of star power, fashion statements and cinematic showcases, Venice once again affirmed its position as one of the world’s most influential cultural events.
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Garavi Gujarat
Publications Ltd and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.
Ahaan Panday says years of blind optimism kept him going before Saiyaara
Ahaan Panday opens up on being ‘wronged’ before his Bollywood debut
Actor admits he spent years in ‘blind optimism’ waiting for launch
Saiyaara has become the highest-grossing love story in Indian cinema history
The Mohit Suri directorial collected £53 million (₹563 crore) worldwide
Bollywood newcomer Ahaan Panday has revealed that he felt “wronged” by people in the industry before finally making his long-awaited debut with Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara. The 27-year-old actor, who comes from the well-known Panday family, said he lived in “blind optimism” for four to five years as projects kept falling through. Despite setbacks, Ahaan maintained that he never became bitter and channelled his struggles into his performance.
Ahaan Panday says years of blind optimism kept him going before Saiyaara Instagram/ahaanpandayy
Why was Ahaan Panday’s debut delayed for so long?
Ahaan was initially expected to be launched much earlier under Yash Raj Films, but several projects were shelved before they could take off. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter India, he admitted:
“Have I felt wronged by people? Yes, I have. It wouldn’t be right for me to get personal about that, but as an actor, that’s where you take inspiration from. I just kept putting myself into different things. The first four-five years, I was entirely delusional, and people around me could sense it.”
The actor revealed he worked as an assistant director on The Railway Men while waiting for his break, using the experience to keep his morale intact.
Ahaan Panday revealed he worked as an assistant director before landing his debut role Instagram/ahaanpandayy
Did personal struggles affect Ahaan Panday’s journey?
Alongside professional delays, Ahaan also dealt with a personal tragedy; the passing of his grandmother, whom he called his “backbone.” He said she was the only person who called him a hero every day at home and losing her left him shattered.
He recalled: “My confidence started to break after that. The only way I could deal with it was to keep working. To even be on a film set was a privilege. I was never bitter because millions dream of this opportunity.”
This resilience, he said, helped him stay focused until the right opportunity arrived.
How did Yash Raj Films and Mohit Suri shape his launch?
Eventually, YRF head Aditya Chopra reached out to Ahaan’s parents, assuring them he would be launched under the banner. That led to Saiyaara, directed by Mohit Suri and co-starring fellow newcomer Aneet Padda.
For Ahaan, joining YRF was also deeply personal. His grandmother, who nicknamed him “Raj,” had dreamed of him becoming a Yash Raj hero. “It was instinctive for me to say yes. I grew up on this cinema. My Hindu name is Yash, my sister’s name is Chandni, we were filmy YRF lovers. Somewhere, I did this for her,” he explained.
Released earlier this year, Saiyaara has become a record-breaking success. The romantic drama is now the highest-grossing film headlined by newcomers and the biggest love story in Indian cinema history.
The film has grossed an estimated £53 million (₹563 crore) worldwide, making it the second-highest-grossing Indian film of 2025 so far. Its success has firmly established Ahaan as one of Bollywood’s most promising new actors.
Though the actor has not announced his next project yet, industry watchers believe Ahaan’s grand debut has positioned him strongly for future big-ticket films. With Saiyaara breaking records and his candid reflections on the struggles behind the glamour, Ahaan has become a name audiences are eager to follow.
Keep ReadingShow less
Jio Platforms includes India’s largest telecom operator, Reliance Jio Infocomm, with more than 500 million users. (Photo: Reuters)
RELIANCE Industries plans to take its telecom and digital arm, Jio Platforms, public by mid-2026, chairman Mukesh Ambani said on Friday. The announcement sets a new timeline for the long-awaited IPO of a business analysts value at over $100 billion.
At its annual general meeting (AGM), Reliance also announced the launch of an artificial intelligence unit in partnership with Google and Meta.
Ambani had first indicated plans in 2019 to list Jio within five years. On Friday, he told shareholders the company is preparing to file for an IPO next year.
Reuters reported in July that Jio decided against launching an IPO in 2025. Analysts at the time valued the company at over $100 billion.
Jio Platforms includes India’s largest telecom operator, Reliance Jio Infocomm, with more than 500 million users. Backed by investors such as Meta, Google and KKR, the business is central to Ambani’s move to diversify Reliance beyond oil and chemicals into retail, consumer and technology. AI and international expansion are now key areas of growth.
Reliance is also investing $8.8 billion in its chemicals business. It expects retail to grow sales by nearly 10 per cent a year on a like-for-like basis and plans to add 2,000–3,000 new stores annually.
“Jio is not being fully valued within Reliance's broader petrochemicals and retail portfolio, and a separate listing would help unlock higher value for the telecom and digital unit,” said Saurabh Parikh, senior analyst at ICRA Ltd.
AI Unit with Meta and Google
Reliance and Meta announced a new AI joint venture with an initial investment of around $100 million. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg told the AGM the venture will provide Meta’s open-source AI models to Indian businesses.
Google will partner with Reliance to deploy AI across energy, retail, telecom and financial services. It will also set up a Jamnagar Cloud region dedicated to Reliance, Google CEO Sundar Pichai said at the meeting.
The partnerships come as India-US relations face tensions following US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose 50 per cent tariffs on Indian exports in response to India’s purchase of Russian oil.
Reliance runs the world’s largest refining complex in Gujarat and is India’s biggest buyer of Russian oil.
(With inputs from agencies)
Keep ReadingShow less
Agha scored 53 not out from 36 balls, hitting three sixes and three boundaries, as Pakistan posted 182-7 in their 20 overs. (Photo: Getty Images)
SALMAN AGHA’s unbeaten half century and Haris Rauf’s four wickets guided Pakistan to a 39-run win over Afghanistan in the opening T20 match of the tri-series in Sharjah on Friday.
Agha scored 53 not out from 36 balls, hitting three sixes and three boundaries, as Pakistan posted 182-7 in their 20 overs.
Rauf took 4-31 while Shaheen Afridi (2-21), Mohammad Nawaz (2-23) and Sufiyan Muqeem (2-25) combined to dismiss Afghanistan for 143 in 19.5 overs in front of a 16,000-strong crowd.
Afghanistan’s chase was led by opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who made 38 off 27 balls with a six and three boundaries, adding 51 runs for the second wicket with Sediqullah Atal (23).
Rauf shifted the momentum in the 12th over, dismissing Atal and Karim Janat without conceding a run.
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan kept his side in the game with 39 off 16 balls, including five sixes and a four, but was eventually removed by Rauf to seal Pakistan’s win.
Earlier, Pakistan’s innings was steadied by Agha after Sahibzada Farhan struck 21 off 10 balls at the top of the order, with two sixes and a boundary.
Agha added 53 for the fifth wicket with Nawaz, who scored 21 off 11 balls with two sixes and a boundary, helping Pakistan collect 51 runs in the last five overs.
Pakistan face hosts United Arab Emirates on Saturday. Each team will play the others twice, with the top two qualifying for the final on September 7.
(With inputs from agencies)
Keep ReadingShow less
The top model could match the PS5 Pro at around £699.99
Reports suggest Sony is planning three versions of its next console
One model, codenamed Canis, could function as both a handheld and a docked console, similar to Nintendo Switch
The flagship version, Orion, is expected to be the main high-spec console
Pricing speculation indicates the top model could match the PS5 Pro at around £699.99
Fresh rumours claim Sony is preparing a dockable handheld version of its next-generation console, the PlayStation 6. The device, reportedly codenamed Canis, is said to target the same hybrid market as Nintendo’s Switch and the expected Switch 2.
Details of the rumour
The information comes from YouTube channel Moore’s Law is Dead (via Push Square), which suggests Sony will release three versions of the PS6:
orion – the flagship high-powered console
canis (handheld) – a portable system that can be docked to play on a television
canis (console) / ps6 s – a smaller console variant sharing much of the handheld’s specifications
Both canis models are rumoured to be closer in performance to the PS5 and PS5 Pro, with incremental improvements rather than a major leap in hardware power.
Strategy and market positioning
If accurate, the move would signal a shift in Sony’s approach, focusing less on raw power and more on flexibility between console and handheld play. Analysts suggest this could help Sony compete directly with Nintendo’s hybrid systems, while also offering lower-cost alternatives alongside the premium model.
Price speculation
According to reports, the flagship orion may be priced similarly to the PS5 Pro, at around £699.99. If so, cheaper handheld and compact versions could be critical in attracting wider consumer interest.
Still early days
It remains early in development, and no official details have been confirmed by Sony. Industry insiders caution that such rumours should be treated carefully until the company announces concrete plans.