New York, Sep 12 (IANS): The New York Times has launched an English-language web site called "India Ink" to offer news and analysis about Indian politics, culture, business, sports and lifestyle.

The site, nytimes.com/indiaink, provides a distinct perspective on the news and events that matter most to Indians and those who follow news about India, both on the subcontinent and abroad, the influential US daily announced Sunday.

Initially, access to India Ink will be exempt from the Times's digital subscription packages.

India Ink is edited by the Times in India and the International Herald Tribune (IHT) in Hong Kong, led by lead writer Heather Timmons, who has covered business in India for the daily for the last four years.

It features contributions from the journalists based in New Delhi and Mumbai as well as contributions from top writers in India and the Indian diaspora, the Times said.

"India is a vibrant country with a wealth of urgent news and compelling stories," said Jill Abramson, executive editor of the New York Times. "India Ink is an exciting expansion of The Times's global reach."

"Expanded coverage of India is a natural fit for The New York Times and its Global Edition, the IHT," said Stephen Dunbar-Johnson, publisher of the International Herald Tribune. "We are delighted to better serve our readers and advertisers in India and abroad who care deeply about news in the region."