Here are the latest breaking news updates from India today (September 17, 2025):

 Here are the latest breaking news updates from India today (September 17, 2025):

📰 Top Headlines

1. Trump rings PM Modi on his 75th birthday amid thaw in India–US ties

U.S. President Donald Trump placed a birthday call to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a surprising easing after months of trade friction over Russian crude and tariffs. 

The conversation reportedly focused on advancing bilateral trade talks, resolving pending tariff disputes, and deepening defense and Quad-related strategic cooperation. 

2. Maoist leader signals possible surrender

India’s government is investigating a letter purportedly from a top Maoist figure hinting at surrender. Authorities are currently verifying its authenticity. 

3. Punjab floods imperil basmati exports

Last month’s catastrophic flooding in Punjab has devastated rice fields, threatening basmati rice exports and displacing thousands. 

4. Partial solar eclipse visible in parts of India

A partial solar eclipse occurred on September 17 2025, casting a moon-shaped "bite" across the Sun's disk. Some regions experienced clear visibility. 

5. Shooters who targeted Disha Patani’s home killed

Two accused gunmen who fired outside actor Disha Patani’s house in Bareilly have been killed in a police encounter near Ghaziabad. Investigations continue. 

6. India’s participation in Russian war games draws EU concern

India sent 65 troops to Russia’s Zapad military exercises, prompting European Union officials to question the optics of such involvement amid broader EU–India trade negotiations. 

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📝 Additional Highlights

FBI director Kash Patel sparred with Senator Booker at a Senate hearing. He stated there was no credible evidence implicating others in Jeffrey Epstein’s trafficking network. 

World leaders extend birthday wishes to PM Modi, including Russian President Putin and the Gates Foundation, praising his leadership and initiatives on global development. 

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📋 Summary Table

Topic Key Points

India–US relations Birthday call from Trump signals renewed diplomacy and trade engagement.

Domestic security Possible Maoist surrender letter under verification by authorities.

Environment Floods in Punjab severely impact the basmati export sector.

Astronomy Partial solar eclipse visible across select regions in India.

Crime & policing Encounter kills two accused in the Disha Patani attack case.

Foreign policy India’s involvement in Russian war games draws scrutiny from the EU.

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Let me know if you'd like deeper insight into any of these stories, such as business implications of the US-India trade thaw, detailed flood re

lief efforts in Punjab, or eclipse viewing regions across India.