India news: PM Modi embarks on two

Here are the latest developments from India on Saturday, June 27:

Trump likely to visit India in early 2027, Rubio tells IANS

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that Washington was seeking to arrange President Donald Trump's visit to India early next year as a bilateral trade agreement between the two countries is in the works, Indian news agency IANS reported on Saturday, citing an exclusive interview.

"We're hoping. That's what we're working towards sometime early next year to have the President come," Rubio told IANS on being asked if Trump's visit could take place in 2027.

Rubio himself is likely to travel to India this ​year to prepare for Trump's visit, ​he told IANS.

"I look forward to returning before the end of the year and setting up a Presidential visit in the early parts of next year," IANS quoted the Secretary of State as saying.

Ties between New Delhi and Washington hit a rocky patch in the past year after the US slapped high tariffs on Indian goods as a punitive measure over India's purchase of Russian oil.

Rubio told IANS that said the US-India relationship is "very strong" as he spoke of last week's meeting between Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of theG7 summit.

"I think it's going fantastic. I mean, it's very strong," Rubio said in the interview.

"We had a great meeting with the Prime Minister. The President did at the G7," he added.

Rubio also said that the US ⁠hoped ​to conclude the US-India trade deal which has been in the making for months, with negotiations currently underway.

"We're ​on the last inches of getting it done and it's very ​positive," he tolds IANS.

Japan Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi slated to visit India

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will visit New Delhi on July 1 to 3 for the 16th edition of the India-Japan Annual Summit.

The visit marks Takaichi’s first official trip to India.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold bilateral talks with Takaichi.

The two leaders are expected to take stock of and strengthen the full spectrum of cooperation between New Delhi and Tokyo, according to India's foreign ministry.

8 more bodies from Qatar gas blast repatriated to India

The last of the bodies of the Indian victims from Qatar's Ras Laffan gas explosion have been repatriated to India.

The mortal remains of 8 Indian nationals were sent to India a day after 4 bodies were repatriated, the Indian embassy in Doha said early on Saturday.

A total of I2 Indian nationals were among the 13 people killed in the June 21 blast that occurred at the Barzan gas processing facility.

Qatar described the explosion as a "technical accident".

The Indian embassy said on Saturday that the Indian nationals injured in the incident have all received appropriate medical attention.

Ireland leaves India stumped with historic T20 win

India's men's cricket team suffered a shocking loss at Friday's opening T20 international in Belfast as Ireland etched its first ever win over the reigning world champions.

India stood all out for 148 with seven balls remaining and were defeated by 34 runs.

It was Ireland's first-ever victory over India in any format.

The setback also marked India's first T20 defeat since lifting the World Cup trophy in March.

Ireland was put to bat first. It quickly recovered from 51-4 to knock out 182 runs for 9 wickets at Stormont.

India was all out for 148 with seven balls remaining and lost by 34 runs.

Two Ireland debutants took a total of five wickets.

Indian-born Jai Moondra took home two wickets in his four over rally and also put an end to a 35-run partnership between India's Shivam Dube and Axar ​Patel.

Medium-pacer Matt Hollard dismissed Ishan Kishan in his second delivery on debut.

He also picked up the wicket of new India captain Shreyas Iyer, who was playing his first T20 since 2023.

Hollard wrapped up for 3-28 with Washington Sundar's wicket.

"We are not going to forget what happened and there's a lot to learn from this game," Iyer said after India's defeat.

All eyes had also been on a record-shattering debut of India's wonderkid Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

But the 15-year-old batting sensation was held in reserve.

India and Ireland are set to meet again on Sunday for the second game of the two-match series.

Modi leaves for Seychelles, visit expected to boost bilateral ties

India's Prime Minister Narendrai Modi on Saturday embarked on an official visit to Seychelles as New Delhi looks to bolster relations with its key partner in the Indian Ocean.

Modi will participate in the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the country's National Day during the two-day trip which comes at the invitation of Seychelles President Patrick Herminie.

India's longstanding diplomatic ties with Seychelles are also marking 50 years, having been established following the East African nation's independence on June 29, 1976.

"Seychelles is a valued maritime neighbour and a key partner in our Vision MAHASAGAR, as well as in advancing the interests of the Global South," Modi said on X ahead of his departure, referring to New Delhi's Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions initiative — its crucial maritime policy in the Indian Ocean.

India and its geopolitical rival China are competing for influence in the Indian Ocean.

Tracking the tense relationship between India and China

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Modi will hold bilateral talks with Herminie on the full spectrum of cooperation between the two nations, according to a statement from India's foreign ministry.

The Indian leader is also expected to address the National Assembly of Seychelles.

Modi, who last visited the country in 2015, has been made the Guest of Honor for the jubilee.

A contingent of the Indian defense forces and two Indian Navy ships will take part in the celebrations.

"The visit will reaffirm the strong and enduring friendship between India and Seychelles and reinforce the shared commitment of both countries to enhance the bilateral relationship across all sectors," the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi said earlier this week.

This is Dharvi Vaid Dhulia from DW's studio in New Delhi, bringing you all the biggest news and events that are creating a buzz in India today.

Cricket lovers in the country are still reeling from the astounding outcome of the India vs Ireland T20 match that saw the Indian men's team lose to Ireland for the first time in any format.

The question remains whether India's beloved 'men in blue' can spring back from the defeat in their next face-off against the Irish on Sunday.

Meanwhile, monsoon rains in the capital seem to be playing a game of tag! Delhi has recorded a slight rise in minimum temperature amid forecasts of rains in the next few days.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has jetted off to the scenic archipelago of Seychelles to attend the golden jubilee celebrations of that country's National Day,

Upon his arrival back in India, Modi is set to host Japan's Prime Minister Sanae ​Takaichi for a bilateral summit.

Stay with us as we bring you all this and more.