Morning Brief: India, China Hold Talks, Doval-Wang Meeting Planned; Canada Points Finger At India Yet Again; Trump Signs Order To Overhaul US Elections; And More

Kick-start your morning with Swarajya’s Morning Brief – your news fix, curated for clarity and insight.

India, China Hold Talks, Doval-Wang Meeting Planned

India and China held diplomatic talks in Beijing in a “positive and constructive” atmosphere, focusing on effective border management and maintaining peace along the LAC. The discussions also set the stage for a meeting between India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi in India later this year. Both sides reviewed the implementation of past agreements and explored measures to advance bilateral cooperation, including cross-border exchanges and river management. While China is keen on resuming direct flights, India remains cautious, with technical teams working on an updated framework. The talks come after the December 2024 Special Representatives' meeting in Beijing, which followed the resolution of the Ladakh standoff and the first Modi-Xi meeting in five years.

Canada Points Finger At India Yet Again

Canada, the nation perpetually terrified of waking up as America’s 51st state, has once again pointed fingers at India, listing it among countries like China, Russia, and Pakistan that might meddle in its April 28 elections. Vanessa Lloyd, deputy director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, claimed India has the "intent and capability" to influence Canada’s elections, though she singled out China as the likely AI-wielding culprit. The accusations come as new PM Mark Carney, facing a tariff war with the US, calls snap polls for a “strong mandate” in what he deems “the most significant crisis of our lifetimes.” Tensions with India had briefly cooled after ex-PM Justin Trudeau’s claims of New Delhi’s involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Trump Signs Order To Overhaul US Elections

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order requiring proof of citizenship for voting and limiting states from accepting mail-in ballots after election day. The order, which threatens to cut federal funding for non-compliant states, claims to protect election integrity despite experts warning it could disenfranchise millions. Legal challenges are expected, as US states have significant autonomy in running elections, and federal law already prohibits non-citizens from voting. Trump, who has long pushed claims of election fraud, said the move would help end such issues, though previous voter ID efforts have failed in Congress. Critics argue the order seeks to centralize power over elections and will likely face judicial scrutiny.

Other Developments

Probe Begins Into Justice Yashwant Varma Case

A three-judge committee, constituted by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna to probe allegations against Delhi High Court judge Yashwant Varma, commenced its investigation on Tuesday (March 25). The panel, comprising the Chief Justices of the Punjab & Haryana and Himachal Pradesh High Courts, along with a Justice from the Karnataka High Court, inspected Justice Varma’s official residence in Delhi, where burnt currency notes were allegedly found. The committee is expected to expedite its probe and will examine the judge’s phone call records from the past six months. Meanwhile, the Allahabad High Court Bar Association has launched an indefinite strike opposing Justice Varma’s transfer to the Allahabad High Court, as recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium.

Banks Likely To Cut Deposit Rates starting April

India-US To Begin Trade Pact Talks As Trump Hints At Tariff Relief

As US President Donald Trump hinted at easing reciprocal tariffs for several countries on April 2, India’s Commerce Ministry prepared for US demands on market access in automobiles, whisky, and agriculture. While Trump’s stance on trade policy remains uncertain, his comments boosted global market sentiment, including in India. Formal trade talks, initially set for Tuesday, were postponed to Wednesday as officials worked on drafting the terms of reference. The US is expected to push for greater access to India’s automobile, whisky, and genetically modified agricultural markets, while India will seek tariff concessions and visa relaxations for professionals. Data localisation is also likely to be a contentious issue, with the US pushing for access to Indian data, a long-standing friction point between the two nations.

Chinese Spy Network Targets Laid-Off US Officials

A suspected Chinese intelligence-linked recruitment network has been attempting to lure US government employees recently laid off by the Trump administration into jobs that could expose sensitive information. The network, consisting of fake consulting firms has been posting deceptive job listings targeting former federal workers, particularly those with security clearances. Investigations by Reuters found that these firms had fake addresses, disconnected phone numbers, and digital ties to a Chinese internet services company. US intelligence agencies have warned that China has previously used similar tactics to exploit financially vulnerable individuals for espionage purposes.

From The States

Tamil Ndu: AIADMK-BJP Talks Begin For 2026 Polls

AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami met Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi on Tuesday for the first formal talks on a potential alliance for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. While AIADMK has been hesitant to rejoin the NDA, political compulsions and pressure from Delhi are reportedly pushing Palaniswami toward a tie-up. Sources indicate that multiple rounds of discussions are expected before a final decision is made. AIADMK leaders have signaled a willingness to compromise, with one leader suggesting the party is even ready to "play second fiddle" if BJP addresses their concerns. The AIADMK had previously aligned with the BJP after J Jayalalithaa’s death but distanced itself following the DMK’s electoral victories in 2019 and 2021, formally breaking ties in September 2023.

​Chhattisgarh: CBI Raids Former CM Baghel In Mahadev Betting Scam Case

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday (26 March) raided the residences of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and IPS officer Arif Sheikh in connection with the Mahadev betting app case. The Mahadev betting app, operated by Saurabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal from Dubai, facilitated illegal online gambling on various games, reportedly generating approximately Rs 200 crore daily.  The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has alleged that Baghel received Rs 508 crore in kickbacks from the app's promoters, a claim he has denied.  The CBI's actions follow the Chhattisgarh government's transfer of the case to the agency in August 2024. ​

You’re all caught up—until next time.