Chinese President Xi Jinping began a three-day visit to the United States, meeting President Donald Trump amid tensions over trade, technology, Taiwan and the Iran war. Xi’s visit comes just two weeks after his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the BRICS summit in New Delhi, highlighting India’s growing strategic relevance in the US-China relationship. Washington and Beijing have also extended their trade truce by two months. Experts cited by India Today say China’s improving ties with India could influence its wider strategy toward the US, while New Delhi continues balancing relations with both major powers. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump’s address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly has triggered fresh friction in India-US relations by reviving two contentious issues. Trump warned Iran that it must accept a new deal or face “annihilation”, while saying a major decision could follow the US midterm elections. His remarks came as India has raised concerns over Washington’s new sanctions law targeting countries buying Russian energy, including India. Trump said the law gives him tariff powers over Russian-oil buyers. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar conveyed India’s economic and strategic concerns to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during UNGA talks. Both sides discussed Middle East developments and reaffirmed their strategic partnership. (PC: Reuters)

Bangladesh has resumed significant wheat purchases from India after a four-year gap, as Russia-Ukraine war-related attacks disrupt grain shipments through the Black Sea. Wheat flour prices in Dhaka have risen by around 17% in the past month, increasing pressure on consumers. Supplies from Australia, Canada and other distant markets have become more expensive, making Indian wheat attractive because of lower transport costs and shorter delivery times. Since India relaxed its wheat export restrictions in August, Bangladeshi buyers have booked at least 200,000 tonnes. India’s record 2025–26 harvest is also expected to boost exports substantially in 2026–27. (PC: AP)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a new Russia-Iran sanctions law gives President Donald Trump power to impose tariffs on countries buying Russian oil and gas. He said the tariffs could be used to influence the Russia-Ukraine war and Iran-related issues. The law allows duties of up to 100% on certain major buyers of Russian energy. Rubio spoke after meeting External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at the UN General Assembly in New York. Jaishankar said he raised India’s “interests and concerns” about the law. The legislation also allows national security waivers in individual cases.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia is using citizens from 47 countries in its war against Ukraine, naming India, Nepal, Ghana, Tajikistan, Yemen, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Cuba, Belarus, Sudan and South Africa. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, Zelenskyy accused Moscow of bringing foreigners to Russia through deception and tricks and sending them to the battlefield. He urged governments to protect their citizens and prevent recruitment. India has previously been identified among countries whose nationals joined Russian forces. Ukraine has alleged that some foreigners were lured by job offers, financial incentives or benefits. Zelenskyy also highlighted Russia’s military cooperation with North Korea and called for greater pressure on Moscow’s war capabilities.

An Indian sailor was killed after the commercial vessel MV Cape Dao came under attack while sailing towards India near Oman, the Indian Embassy in Muscat said. The embassy said 19 Indian nationals were aboard the vessel and 18 fellow Indian crew members were rescued. The Indian Embassy is coordinating with Omani authorities and the recruitment and placement agency to ensure the crew’s safety and support the deceased sailor’s family. The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack and called for an end to attacks on commercial ships and seafarers. The Forward Seamen’s Union of India identified the deceased as Suraj Yadav from Uttar Pradesh. (PC: India Today)

Australia has announced stricter migration rules that will prevent most international students and graduate visa holders from bringing family members into the country. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced the changes on September 17 as the government seeks greater control over migration. Students already in Australia are exempt, while some Pacific and ASEAN students and those in certain courses, including PhDs, are also excluded from the restriction. Students will generally be allowed to move only to higher qualifications, with fresh visa applications required for some course changes. Australia also plans limits on working holiday visas and aims to reduce net overseas migration to 245,000 in 2026-27. (PC: HT)

Russia defended its crude oil exports to India, saying energy cooperation helped cushion the impact of the war in West Asia. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko called Moscow a “reliable exporter” able to meet partners’ needs even under difficult geopolitical conditions. His remarks came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged India, China and Turkey to stop energy trade with Russia, arguing that such purchases support Moscow’s war economy. Zelenskyy’s comments followed a US law allowing President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian oil. India has maintained that its energy import decisions are guided by energy security, availability, affordability, market conditions and commercial viability. (PC: X)

An Indian seafarer, Wiper Suraj Yadav from Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, was killed after Antigua and Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier MV Cape Dao came under attack while sailing towards India. The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) said the vessel was struck by two torpedoes, with one hitting the port-side C-deck accommodation area and another striking the port-side hull near the engine room. The ship had 28 crew members, including 20 Indian nationals. Surviving crew members were evacuated to safety in Oman, while another Indian crew member reportedly sustained a minor injury. FSUI demanded accountability, safe passage for seafarers and justice for Yadav, amid continuing security risks around the Strait of Hormuz.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Jaishankar said he reiterated India’s concerns regarding the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act (SRIA), while discussing the Gulf and Ukraine. The meeting came after the US Congress passed legislation authorising Donald Trump to impose sanctions and tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian oil and gas. India has continued to emphasise energy security amid potential tariff pressures. Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra said energy security remains guided by availability, affordability, market conditions and viability. Rubio said Washington and New Delhi were coordinating on regional priorities. (PC: News18)