The India-US trade negotiations are at an advanced stage and a consensus on an interim deal is within reach, a key official told NDTV on Tuesday, adding that Washington’s demands on agricultural products are proving to be a hurdle.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that the Quad ministerial meeting on Tuesday was very productive and will strengthen stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

The BJP has strongly criticized TMC after a state minister, Manas Bhuniya, seemingly downplayed the alleged gang rape of a law student in Kolkata. Bhuniya’s remarks, where he referred to the incident as a ‘small’ one, sparked outrage. BJP leaders accused TMC of normalizing sexual violence. Bhuniya later clarified, condemning the incident and claiming his words were misrepresented.