The US House of Representatives has passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by 262–159, sending it to President Donald Trump for approval. The legislation would give Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods from major buyers of Russian oil and gas, including India and China, although the bill does not automatically impose such tariffs. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal warned India and China to buy energy elsewhere. India’s External Affairs Ministry said it would protect the country’s trade and economic interests while maintaining energy security through diversified oil sourcing. 

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wished Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his birthday, calling him her “friend” and extending wishes for his health, energy and success. In a post on X, Meloni said Italy and India would continue strengthening their “deep bond of friendship” and work together towards cooperation and prosperity. She also expressed hope that Modi would continue leading India towards a bright future. The message comes as India and Italy continue efforts to deepen their strategic partnership. Modi later thanked Meloni for her warm wishes and said he looked forward to further strengthening the friendship between the two countries. (PC: X)

India-US trade ties have faced repeated tariff changes since February 2025, largely linked to Washington’s concerns over India’s trade policies and Russian oil purchases. The US first announced reciprocal tariffs in February 2025, followed by a 26% tariff in April, later paused at 10%. In July, Trump raised duties on Indian imports to 25%, before increasing them to 50%. In February 2026, tariffs were lowered to 18% under a proposed trade framework linked to reducing Russian oil purchases. After further changes, the US House in September approved legislation allowing tariffs of up to 100% on major Russian oil buyers, including India. (PC: HT)

Around 80 Indian employees of US-based digital banking firm Bluevine were reportedly laid off during a five-minute Google Meet call, according to a post by an affected worker. The employee said the customer support team had been asked to work from home for “operational reasons” before management called them into the meeting at around 9.30 pm during their shift. They were then told that the entire Indian customer service team had been terminated. The employee said the company cited concerns over the team’s expected output. The claims were shared on Reddit and have not been independently verified. Bluevine has not been quoted in the report. (PC: NDTV)

Saudi Aramco has stopped supplying crude oil to some Indian refiners until further notice, the Economic Times reported, citing people familiar with the matter. The halt comes as global crude prices surge past $105 a barrel, adding pressure on Indian refiners already facing higher shipping costs and supply disruptions. Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline was reportedly shut after an attack, while discounts on Russian crude have narrowed, reducing its price advantage for India. Aramco continues selling some cargoes in the spot market, meaning limited Saudi crude may still reach India, though supply will likely be less predictable and costlier. (PC: News18)

Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump have extended birthday wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as India faces fresh pressure from Washington over its Russian oil purchases. Putin praised Modi’s contribution to strengthening the “special and privileged” India-Russia strategic partnership and highlighted his authority on the global stage. Trump’s birthday message was conveyed through the US Embassy, which wished Modi health and happiness. The greetings came as the US House passed a Russia sanctions bill that could allow tariffs of up to 100% on countries continuing to buy Russian oil.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday dismissed social media reports claiming that several world leaders fell sick after attending the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The MEA’s fact-checking unit called the reports “fake” and warned against “malicious” posts. The rumours surfaced after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was advised to rest following his return from India. Unverified reports also claimed Chinese President Xi Jinping had left the summit early for medical reasons. However, reports said Xi skipped the leaders’ dinner because he was tired after a long day of engagements. The BRICS Summit was held in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. (PC: HT)

Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce was among 64 investors defrauded in a $35 million Ponzi scheme operated by Indian-origin investment adviser Siddharth Jawahar, US prosecutors said.   Jawahar, founder of Texas-based Swiftarc Capital, pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud and was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison. He was also ordered to pay $31.35 million in restitution. Prosecutors said Jawahar used new investors’ money to repay earlier investors and fund a lavish lifestyle. Only about $10 million of the money raised was invested. Details of Kelce’s investment and losses have not been publicly disclosed. (PC: India Today)

India on Thursday said it would take all necessary steps to protect its trade and economic interests after the US Congress passed a sweeping bill targeting Russia and Iran. The legislation gives US President Donald Trump the power to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that continue significant trade with Russia, including Russian oil and gas.   India’s External Affairs Ministry said the government remains committed to securing energy supplies for its 1.4 billion people. It said India would continue sourcing energy based on market conditions and through diversified suppliers, while assessing the impact of the US measures. (PC: India Today)

A unit of Adani Power’s Godda thermal plant in Jharkhand, which supplies electricity to Bangladesh, shut down on September 10 after a boiler fault, halving supplies. The unit was restored on September 13, while Bangladesh was facing a power deficit of around 2,500 MW and outages lasting three to 10 hours in several regions. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Secretary-General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi alleged the shutdown was linked to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman skipping the Brics Summit in New Delhi. Speaking outside Dhaka’s Jatiya Press Club, Rizvi accused India of creating a “web of conspiracy” against Bangladesh and said Rahman’s decision upheld Bangladesh’s “independence and sovereignty,” according to Bangladeshi media reports. (PC: BNP/Social Media)