Xi Jinping, China’s president, has been in power for more than a decade and shows little sign of stepping back. He was born in Beijing in 1953, but his early life was far from comfortable. When his father, Xi Zhongxun, a senior revolutionary, fell out of favor, the family faced years of political trouble. Xi himself was sent as a teenager to a rural village in Shaanxi province, where he lived in caves and did farm work. He often says those years taught him toughness.
After returning to Beijing, Xi studied engineering at Tsinghua University. His political career started slowly, with administrative roles in Hebei and later Fujian and Zhejiang. Colleagues describe him as cautious and disciplined, careful not to make mistakes that could derail his path upward.
By 2012 he had risen to the top of the Communist Party, becoming general secretary. The following year he was named president. Soon after, he launched a sweeping anti corruption drive that punished both senior officials and low level cadres. For many citizens it was proof that corruption was finally being tackled. For critics, it was also a way to remove rivals and secure his own grip on power.
Xi’s rule has since been marked by big projects like the Belt and Road Initiative and a push for China to dominate advanced technology. He promotes what is called “Xi Jinping Thought,” now taught in schools and universities.
Supporters see him as a strong stabilizer. Opponents worry about how much power is centered on one man. Either way, Xi has left a mark that will shape China’s future.
This edition of India First reports on the conclusion of Prime Minister Modi's five-nation diplomatic tour across Europe and the Gulf, focusing on strategic agreements in defence, energy, and technology.
The Congress party has selected VD Satheesan as the next Chief Minister of Kerala, following the United Democratic Front's assembly election victory. The six-time MLA will take the oath of office on May 18.
US President Donald Trump's high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing concluded with optics of warmth but no major breakthroughs on the West Asia war, Taiwan, or trade.
The Congress high command has named six-time legislator, VD Satheesan, as the new Chief Minister of Kerala following an 11-day deadlock.
Addressing the United States delegation during President Donald Trump's visit to China. President Xi Jinping said achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and making America great again can go hand in hand.
The latest edition of Statecraft covers major geopolitical shifts as US President Donald Trump arrives in Beijing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. The visit, occurring amid the ongoing West Asia conflict and the Strait of Hormuz blockade, focusses on trade, tariffs, and the Iran war.
Ten days after securing a massive mandate in the Kerala assembly elections, the Congress party has yet to finalise its Chief Minister.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay on Wednesday won the crucial floor test in the state assembly with the support of 144 MLAs.
The Central Bureau of Investigation has intensified its probe into the NEET paper leak, arresting five individuals and tracing distribution networks across several states.
US President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for a state visit during which he will discuss a host of global issues, including the Iran war, with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari's aide was shot at point-blank range near Kolkata on Wednesday. The BJP alleged a targeted political revenge killing by the Trinamool Congress, while the TMC denied involvement and sought a CBI investigation.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for the Kremlin and Press Secretary to President Putin, clarified that Russia is not a participant in the war but condemned the aggression against Iran, emphasising the need to restore international law.
US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Tehran, claiming Iranians are 'only alive today to negotiate' and accusing them of 'short-term extortion' via the Strait of Hormuz.
President Donald Trump revealed at his first cabinet meeting after the Iran attack that Iran gave the United States 10 oil tankers as a gift.
US President Donald Trump on Monday said that there will be no strikes on Iranian energy sites for five days after “productive” talks with Tehran.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, Professor Jeffrey Sachs, world-renowned economist and public policy analyst, accused US President Donald Trump of either lying or being delusional about Iran deal negotiations.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, Finland President Alexander Stubb highlighted India’s growing influence in global affairs, supporting a permanent UN Security Council seat for the country. On the Russia-Ukraine conflict, he said Russia is unlikely to win, noting Ukraine’s recent territorial gains.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday that India and the US are expected to finalise and sign a joint statement on the first tranche of the bilateral trade agreement within 4-5 days.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and held a discussion on advancing bilateral economic partnership and strategic cooperation,
On this edition of India Today Global, Geeta Mohan examines the shifting global alliances as US President Donald Trump’s 'confrontational trade and foreign policies' push traditional allies toward China. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has arrived in Beijing for a three-day visit to revive economic engagement, marking the first such trip by a UK leader since 2018. The programme also highlights India’s growing diplomatic footprint as New Delhi prepares to host over 10 Arab foreign ministers for the second India-Arab Foreign Ministers Meeting on January 30-31. Discussions are expected to cover regional stability, the Palestinian issue, and the launch of the India and Arab Countries Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, the report covers the strengthening of India-Canada energy ties during India Energy Week in Goa and the escalating tensions between the Trump administration and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney over tariff threats and economic sovereignty following the US capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
