Siddharth Zarabi

Group Editor, Business Today, India Today Group

[Arun Bothra 🇮🇳 @arunbothra]

I worked in Punjab as a journalist during the peak of militancy. Later in my career, I headed the Punjab Cell in the CBI, which had, in its past, investigated cases of fake encounters as well as the assassination of Sardar Beant Singh.

Those experiences gave me a rare opportunity to see both sides of that tragic period. They taught me that any honest account of those years must acknowledge both sides of the story.

And that is exactly my concern with Satluj: not what it shows, but what it leaves out. It tells only half the truth; the other half is left unsaid, deliberately, and with a purpose.

The film decontextualizes Jaswant Singh Khalra and the human rights debate from the Pakistan-backed, brutal Khalistani insurgency. This omission is neither an innocent creative choice nor an inadvertent one. And, in my view, the intent behind such a selective portrayal should matter to every Indian.

[Ron Varghese @Curse0fMedusa]

Let me explain the Kashmir conflict using a direct American parallel:

Imagine if, after the Civil War, the US permanently split into 2 nations: the progressive, secular Union in the North (India), and a regressive, hostile society of slave owners in the South (Pakistan). (1/8)

[prathosh A P @prathoshap]

A 15-year-old dream has come true today. I started a PhD with the dream of creating a system that chants any Sanskrit shloka perfectly.

And here I am opening sourcing 𝐕𝐚𝐠𝐝𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐮 - 𝐀 𝐯ṛ𝐭𝐭𝐚 (𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫) 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞 ś𝐥𝐨𝐤𝐚-𝐭𝐨-𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐞𝐱𝐭-𝐭𝐨-𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐜𝐡 (TTS) 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐤𝐫𝐢𝐭. This is the world's first vrutta-aware, open-source TTS for Sanskrit Chanting.

[Bhupender Yadav @byadavbjp]

In conversation with @szarabi from @business_today during the Most Sustainable Companies Summit

[Business Today @business_today]

‘G7 Will Be Replaced By E7’: UAE Minister Predicts The New Global Order

At the UIBC-UAE Chapter “Strength in Resilience” Fireside Chat, Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE’s Minister of Foreign Trade, makes a bold prediction: the future belongs to the E7 economies, not the G7. Speaking with Siddharth Zarabi, Dr. Thani explains how countries like India, Brazil, Indonesia, Turkey, Mexico, South Korea, and South Africa are driving the next wave of global growth. He also discusses how COVID, geopolitical conflicts, and global disruptions have permanently changed trade systems and forced nations to become more resilient and adaptive. A sharp and insightful take on the future of global economics, trade alliances, and emerging powers.

Watch: https://t.co/BhE80gmeuY | #G7 #E7 #BusinessToday #ThaniBinAhmedAlZeyoudi #MinisterOfForeignTrade #UAE

@szarabi | @ThaniAlZeyoudi

[Siddharth Zarabi @szarabi]

I recently interviewed @ThaniAlZeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade.

Here are some of the key highlights from the conversation:

* UAE-India non-oil trade has crossed $76 billion, while total trade has already crossed the $100-billion mark, ahead of target. The next milestone in sight: $200 billion.

* The India-UAE vision now goes far beyond bilateral trade. Plans are underway for Indian and UAE businesses to jointly expand into Africa and other high-growth regions through strategic investments and infra partnerships.

* “G7 will be replaced by the E7 — the Emerging 7.”
The future global economy, he says, will be led by India, Brazil, Indonesia, Turkey, Mexico, South Korea and South Africa.

*Multilateral systems are changing fast. Old systems are being replaced by new learnings. “We have to be ready for the unknown. Crisis shows who your real friends are.”

*UAE is expanding supply chain and port infrastructure aggressively, with renewed focus on logistics connectivity, data centres, food security systems and pharmaceutical capabilities.

* UAE also plans to ensure that no single country accounts for more than 50% of any critical commodity supply chain — signalling a major diversification strategy amid geopolitical instability.

@DoC_GoI
@PiyushGoyal

[Business Today @business_today]

UAE-India Partnership Set For Massive Growth: Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi At UIBC Chat

At the UIBC-UAE Chapter Fireside Chat “Strength in Resilience,” Business Today’s Siddharth Zarabi speaks with Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, UAE on the future of the UAE-India economic partnership. From the success of the India-UAE CEPA to the rise of the E7 economies, the conversation highlights how both nations are reshaping global trade, investment, logistics, and supply chains amid rising geopolitical uncertainty. Dr. Thani shares insights on UAE’s resilience strategy, infrastructure expansion, diversification of supply chains, investments in ports, data centers, food security, and Africa-focused growth opportunities with Indian businesses. He also explains why the UAE sees India as a trusted long-term strategic partner in a rapidly changing world. Watch this exclusive conversation on trade, resilience, global growth, and the next phase of UAE-India collaboration.

Watch: https://t.co/BhE80gmeuY | #BusinessToday #UAEIndiaRelations #DrThaniBinAhmedAlZeyoudi #ForeignTrade #GlobalTrade

@szarabi

[Business Today @business_today]

UAE-India Partnership Set For Massive Growth: Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi At UIBC Chat

At the UIBC-UAE Chapter Fireside Chat “Strength in Resilience,” Business Today’s Siddharth Zarabi speaks with Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, UAE on the future of the UAE-India economic partnership. From the success of the India-UAE CEPA to the rise of the E7 economies, the conversation highlights how both nations are reshaping global trade, investment, logistics, and supply chains amid rising geopolitical uncertainty. Dr. Thani shares insights on UAE’s resilience strategy, infrastructure expansion, diversification of supply chains, investments in ports, data centers, food security, and Africa-focused growth opportunities with Indian businesses. He also explains why the UAE sees India as a trusted long-term strategic partner in a rapidly changing world. Watch this exclusive conversation on trade, resilience, global growth, and the next phase of UAE-India collaboration.

Watch: https://t.co/BhE80gmeuY | #BusinessToday #UAEIndiaRelations #DrThaniBinAhmedAlZeyoudi #ForeignTrade #GlobalTrade

@szarabi

[Siddharth Zarabi @szarabi]

Even though PM Modi’s speech today did not explicitly mention a petrol or diesel price hike, the message was unmistakable: the current situation cannot continue indefinitely.

The Modi government has not hiked petrol and diesel prices since April 2022.

In fact, there was a Rs 2/litre cut in March 2024.

Today, PM Modi clearly signalled that a new approach may now be necessary.

The broader objective appears to be preparing the public psychologically for higher energy costs amid the West Asia supply crisis, while encouraging voluntary conservation before tougher measures become unavoidable.

So far, the government has tried to shield consumers from the full global crude shock.

That explains the repeated appeals to use petrol, diesel and gas “with restraint”, alongside calls for:

. Work-from-home and virtual meetings - a revival of Covid-style austerity and efficiency measures

. Greater use of public transport and carpooling

. avoid non-essential gold purchases for one year

. Reduce chemical fertiliser use by 50%

. Avoid overseas vacations, cut down on foreign travel

. Prefer weddings and celebrations within India

. Greater use of railways for freight

. Adoption of electric vehicles

[Siddharth Zarabi @szarabi]

West Bengal Legislative assembly dissolved.

Once the term of a Legislative assembly is over, it really is over!

The Constitution does not brook disregard or defiance.

#WestBengalLegislativeAssemblyelection2026

[Dr Arvind Virmani @dravirmani]

@business_today @szarabi In the next 3-5 years one can double and triple exports, just by assembling IPads, laptops, and a host of related electronics items. Backward integration is happening, & will continue to happen, as volumes are built

[Ambassador Sergio Gor @USAmbIndia]

The Indian trade delegation will be arriving in Washington this week. A great step to finalize our bilateral trade deal. A win-win for both nations!

[Siddharth Zarabi @szarabi]

Behind the scenes, the India-Russia economic relationship is deepening further.

Past 24-hours news flow:

First, #SBERBank, Russia’s largest lender with assets of around $390 billion, is among 16 entities cleared to import gold into India. Why this is important: India will source gold from Russia, with the bank’s 14-year-old India branch facilitating the payments.

Second, a related development: the same bank has acquired two office towers (about 500,000 sq ft) in South Delhi for roughly ₹2,000 crore via e-auction.

Meanwhile, in a related development, the US has reversed course, issuing a fresh 30-day license allowing India and others to continue buying Russian oil till mid-May.
This even as the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and whether it will sustain is being watched closely.
In the past 30-days, India is estimated to have purchased over $6 billion worth of 33 million barrels of Russian crude oil.

Will the waiver be extended a third-time? We will have to wait for whether #Hormuz remains open and the ceasefire endures.

[Siddharth Zarabi @szarabi]

Two key developments impacting global crude oil supply and prices overnight:

1. US reverses course, issues a fresh 30-day license allowing India and others to continue buying #Russian oil.

2. Iran’s Speaker signals #StraitOfHormuz won’t stay open amid ongoing #US blockade.

Meanwhile, #crudeoil prices plummet record sharp drop. #Brent #WTI

[Shail Bhatnagar @shail_bhatnagar]

Mark Mobius, market’s most well dressed investor, dies.

Mobius, 89, was an eternal India Bull. He taught the world the grandeur of emerging markets over the past five decades.

Supremely fit and forever bald Mobius traversed the globe in his private plane, hopping from one country to another.

His plane had a fully equipped gym and the investing giant put it to full use.

Mobius’ investing chops matched his six-pack.

Mark stood out not only because of his fabulous investing career but also his impeccably tailored linen suits.

He’s now busy reading Heaven’s balance sheet and questioning God on what the future holds.

Farewell!
@business_today @szarabi

[Siddharth Zarabi @szarabi]

#Breaking

US central command says no ships made it past the U.S. blockade in the first 24 hours, adds that six merchant vessels complied with direction from U.S. forces to turn around.

[U.S. Central Command @CENTCOM]

More than 10,000 U.S. Sailors, Marines, and Airmen along with over a dozen warships and dozens of aircraft are executing the mission to blockade ships entering and departing Iranian ports. During the first 24 hours, no ships made it past the U.S. blockade and 6 merchant vessels complied with direction from U.S. forces to turn around to re-enter an Iranian port on the Gulf of Oman.

The blockade is being enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. U.S. forces are supporting freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports.

[Siddharth Zarabi @szarabi]

India calls for the Strait of Hormuz to be “open and secure”.

PM Narendra Modi received a phone call from President Donald Trump and the two leaders spoke for 40-minutes.

Reports suggest that President Trump struck a personal note during the conversation, telling PM Modi, “I just want you to know we all love you.”

[Narendra Modi @narendramodi]

Received a call from my friend President Donald Trump. We reviewed the substantial progress achieved in our bilateral cooperation in various sectors. We are committed to further strengthening our Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership in all areas. We also discussed the situation in West Asia and stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and secure.

@POTUS

@realDonaldTrump