Shweta Desai

It comes after the Indian government retracted a previous proposal mandating phone manufacturers to pre-install a state-run app that would have allowed surveillance of users.

Rights groups have accused India of using digital surveillance tools such as Israeli software Pegasus to target opposition figures, journalists and critics.

The Indian government did not respond to requests for comments.

For NPR News, I'm Shweta Desai in Mumbai.

The nightclub is in the Goan town of Arpora.

Like much of the state, it is a popular party destination for Indians and tourists.

The fire appeared to be triggered by an exploding gas cylinder, according to Goa's police chief.

Local media are reporting the club's location made rescue efforts more difficult.

It is surrounded by marshy lands and only accessible by a single narrow road.

Fire engines had to park a few dozen feet away from the blaze.

Village council members also wrote on social media they believe the club was illegally built and did not have basic safety features in place.

For NPR News, I'm Shweta Desai.

Putin's visit comes at a time when India is facing 50% tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, in part because India is one of the world's largest buyers of cheap Russian oil.

The Trump administration accuses India of fueling the war in Ukraine.

India accuses Washington of a double standard because other major buyers like China have not been treated in the same way.

Despite the tariffs and new sanctions on Russia, India has only curbed its purchases of Russian oil.

Analysts say Putin's visit is partly to affirm the Russia-India bond amid those pressures.

The relationship between the two countries is decades old and India sees it as strategically important.

For NPR News, I'm Shweta Desai in Mumbai.

Putin's visit comes at a time when India is facing 50% tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, in part because India is one of the world's largest buyers of cheap Russian oil.