Prominent Indian-American attorney Neal Katyal has publicly challenged US President Donald Trump’s plan to raise global import tariffs to 15%, arguing the move lacks a solid legal basis and contradicts the Department of Justice’s earlier position in court. Katyal, who recently won a Supreme Court case that struck down Trump’s previous tariffs, said on X that if sweeping tariff powers are truly justified, Trump should seek approval from the US Congress as required by the Constitution. He noted that the administration’s own DOJ previously acknowledged Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 doesn’t clearly apply. The debate follows the Supreme Court ruling that limited executive tariff authority.

Neal Katyal is the Indian-origin lawyer who argued against Donald Trump’s global tariffs in the US Supreme Court. A former Acting Solicitor General, he challenged Trump’s use of emergency powers under a 1977 law to impose sweeping import duties. After the court ruled that only Congress can impose taxes, Katyal said, “Presidents are powerful, but our Constitution is more powerful still.” He added, “Only Congress can impose taxes on the American people.” Born in Chicago to Indian immigrant parents, Katyal has argued more than 50 cases before the Supreme Court and has handled several major constitutional matters. (PC: NDTV)

In its first response, India said it is reviewing the US Supreme Court ruling that struck down former President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs. The Commerce Ministry said it has noted both the court’s judgment and Trump’s later remarks. “We have noted the US Supreme Court judgement on tariffs. We are studying all these developments for their implications,” the ministry said. The US court ruled 6–3 that emergency powers cannot be used to impose broad global tariffs. Soon after, Trump announced a new 10% global tariff. He said the trade framework with India would remain unchanged. Officials from both countries will meet in the US from February 23. (PC: X)

Following a US Supreme Court ruling that struck down most of former President Donald Trump’s broad global tariffs as unlawful, the United States has announced a revised trade move affecting India. The court decided Trump exceeded his authority under emergency powers, invalidating tariffs that had been hitting Indian exports. In response, the Trump administration imposed a temporary 10 per cent import tariff on goods from all countries, including India, effective from February 24 under a different legal authority. This replaces previous higher levies that had been reduced as part of India-US trade discussions, potentially altering export costs and ongoing negotiations. (PC: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil reaffirmed stronger economic ties during high-level talks in New Delhi, aiming to raise bilateral trade above $20 billion in the next five years, up from about $15 billion in 2025. They described the relationship as a “win-win partnership” covering critical minerals, technology, defence and pharmaceuticals, with expanded cooperation and business delegations underscoring mutual trust. Both leaders highlighted opportunities in strategic supply chains and broader India-MERCOSUR trade engagement to fuel growth. (PC: X)

India is planning to expand defence ties with Israel, including joint work on anti ballistic missile defence systems. The move comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel on February 25-26. Officials said both sides are likely to sign an MoU on security cooperation. No defence deal will be signed during the trip. Israel is known for systems such as Arrow, David’s Sling and Iron Dome. India wants to boost Mission Sudershan to guard against long range missile threats. Talks may also include laser weapons, long range missiles and drones. (PC: HT)

After the U.S. Supreme Court struck down key aspects of his tariff regime, U.S. President Donald Trump insisted there would be no change to the trade deal with India. Trump said India will continue to pay tariffs while the United States will not, describing the arrangement as a “fair deal”. He praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and reiterated the agreement remains intact despite the court’s decision that invalidated broad reciprocal tariffs imposed under emergency powers. Trump also noted that a 10% global tariff has been introduced under a different authority until further changes are made. (PC: Reuters)

UK Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy, speaking exclusively to Times Now, addressed questions about the extradition of Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya, stressing that such matters are subject to independent judicial processes free from political interference. Lammy cautioned he must avoid commenting on specific cases given his dual role. He confirmed extradition, illicit finance and extremism concerns are taken "extremely seriously" in India-UK discussions. Lammy was in India for the AI Summit 2026, praising it as a great success and highlighting that 150 UK businesses are partnering with 250 Indian organisations. He also condemned anti-India extremist activities in the UK and commented on the Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrest, emphasising no one is above the law. (PC: Times Now)

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, in an exclusive interview with India Today TV, said India and Brazil can conduct bilateral trade in their own currencies without relying on the US dollar, though cautioned the shift would take time. Lula firmly dismissed speculation about a BRICS common currency, stating no such proposal or internal discussion exists. He described BRICS as a vital voice for the Global South, representing more than half of humanity. Lula set an ambitious target of $30–40 billion in India-Brazil bilateral trade, praised India's technological ecosystem, and announced that Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer will establish a manufacturing plant in India, reducing dependence on US and Chinese supply chains. (PC: X/@Shorts91) 

Bangladesh has resumed full visa services for Indian citizens at its High Commission in New Delhi, three days after Tarique Rahman was sworn in as Prime Minister, signalling a diplomatic thaw between the two neighbours. Visa services had been suspended for nearly two months following a sharp deterioration in bilateral ties in December 2025, triggered by the assassination of student leader Sharif Usman Haid and subsequent unrest targeting Hindu minorities. All visa categories, including tourist visas, are now fully operational. India has reciprocated, with senior consular official Aniruddha Das confirming New Delhi is prioritising medical and double-entry visas for Bangladeshi nationals. Diplomatic focus now turns to Rahman's first official foreign visit, with India extending a formal invitation. (PC: X)