Russian crude oil has become cheaper for Indian refiners, with discounts widening to $3–$4 per barrel for September and October cargoes, according to a Bloomberg report. This comes as US President Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs on Indian goods, citing New Delhi’s rising oil imports from Moscow. Trump’s adviser Peter Navarro accused India of indirectly funding Russia’s war. India now sources nearly 40% of its oil from Russia, compared to less than 1% before 2022. New Delhi defended its trade, saying crude imports are not under sanctions. Trump called US-India trade “a one-sided disaster” and demanded lower Indian tariffs. (PC: AP)

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized India's principled approach to trade negotiations, rejecting deadline-driven agreements with the US. "We never negotiate trade deals with a deadline, we only negotiate good trade deals which are mutually beneficial," Goyal stated. India remains in active bilateral trade agreement discussions with Washington, having completed five negotiation rounds since March. However, talks stalled after the US imposed 50% duties on Indian goods from August 27, causing postponement of the sixth round scheduled for August 25. Separately, Goyal highlighted India's renewable energy leadership, delivering 24-hour clean power at ₹4.60-5 per kilowatt hour, unmatched globally. Solar tariffs have dropped from ₹7-8 to just above ₹2 per unit since 2014.(PC: ET Retail)

Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held crucial one-hour talks at the SCO summit in Tianjin, focusing on LAC disengagement progress since their October 2024 Kazan breakthrough. The leaders acknowledged successful disengagements in Depsang and Demchok plains, which restored patrolling rights and reduced border tensions. Over 11 months, extensive bilateral, military, and diplomatic discussions have built momentum toward LAC normalization. Four areas including Pangong, Galwan's PP-14, Gogra, and Hot Springs have completed disengagements, though patrolling hasn't resumed everywhere. Both sides reaffirmed commitments to prevent disputes from escalating and maintain peace essential for bilateral relations. The meeting signals renewed focus on Corps Commander-level dialogue to address remaining issues and restore pre-Galwan status quo along the disputed border. (PC: X)

Russia is considering manufacturing fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jets in India amid escalating US tariffs on Indian exports. Russian agencies are "assessing investment levels required" for Indian production as Trump's 50% tariffs strengthen Moscow-New Delhi defense cooperation rather than driving them apart. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, which produces Su-30 MKI aircraft in Nashik, emerges as potential manufacturing hub. India previously withdrew from Russia's Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft program but sources suggest revival given current global scenario. The country needs two-three fifth-generation fighter squadrons, with Russian Su-57 and American F-35 as contenders. India simultaneously develops indigenous fifth-generation aircraft expected to fly by 2028 and enter service by 2035, while maintaining deep defense partnerships including S-400 and S-500 systems. (PC: X)

Ten Indian-origin men in Singapore were charged on Monday for rioting with deadly weapons after a violent brawl at a coffee shop in Toa Payoh Industrial Park on August 24. A Chinese-origin man, 34-year-old Roy Tan, was also charged. The group allegedly attacked two men, leaving a 21-year-old with arm stab wounds and a 30-year-old with a back injury. Police arrested the accused soon after the fight. Each faces up to 10 years in jail and caning if convicted. The incident has raised concerns about gang violence in Singapore’s industrial estates, where workers often gather in large groups. (PC: iStock)

India and Canada continue rebuilding diplomatic ties following appointment of new high commissioners Dinesh Patnaik (Ottawa) and Christopher Cooter (New Delhi). The diplomatic reset gained momentum after Canadian PM Mark Carney met PM Modi at June's G7 summit in Kananaskis. Track 1.5 dialogue between Asia-Pacific Foundation of Canada and Ananta Aspen Centre provides ice-breaking platform after October 2024 diplomatic crisis when both countries expelled six diplomats each. Relations had deteriorated since September 2023 when former PM Justin Trudeau alleged Indian agents' involvement in Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing. Potential meetings between foreign ministers at UN General Assembly and G20 Johannesburg summit are being watched as relationship indicators. (PC: DD News)

Trump administration proposes up to 200% tariffs on imported medicines under national security provisions, potentially ending duty-free drug imports. Officials cite COVID-19 pandemic shortages and import dependence as strategic vulnerabilities requiring domestic manufacturing boost. Analysts warn of 10-14% drug price increases even with 25% tariffs, particularly affecting low-income households and generics comprising 90% of US prescriptions. India, a major generic medicine supplier, currently remains "excluded" from immediate enforcement due to crucial role in affordable American healthcare. Legal challenges emerge as appeals court rules Congressional approval needed for sweeping measures. While pharmaceutical giants invest billions in US operations, experts warn rebuilding domestic supply chains will be expensive and slow, ultimately raising patient costs significantly. (PC: Hindustan Times)

US President Donald Trump’s trade adviser Peter Navarro criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the SCO summit. Calling it “a shame,” Navarro said, “Modi needs to be with us and not Russia.” He accused India of helping Moscow by buying cheap Russian oil and reselling it abroad, calling India a “Kremlin laundromat.” Navarro also repeated his “Maharaja of tariffs” jibe, saying India’s trade policies were unfair. India has defended its oil purchases, arguing they are vital to keep energy costs low. (PC: AFP)

A 36-year-old Delhi IT professional with 20 lakh savings was denied a US tourist visa along with his elderly parents under Section 214(b), despite strong financial documentation. The family, planning a Christmas vacation to New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, faced an abrupt interview termination when the consular officer questioned language inconsistencies after requesting a Hindi translator. Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized India as a "bad actor" for Russian oil purchases while dismissing the SCO summit as "performative." Despite acknowledging shared democratic values and expressing confidence in resolving bilateral strains, Bessent argued India's discounted crude imports and refined product resales effectively fund Russia's Ukraine war effort, complicating US-India relations. (PC: BTW Visa Services)  

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized India as a "bad actor" for purchasing Russian oil while expressing confidence in resolving bilateral tensions. Despite concerns over PM Modi's SCO summit participation with Putin and Xi Jinping, Bessent dismissed the meeting as "largely performative." He argued India's discounted Russian crude imports and refined product resales effectively finance Moscow's Ukraine war effort. While acknowledging shared democratic values and optimism that "two great countries will get this solved," Bessent stressed slow trade negotiations justified Washington's tariff hikes. Trump separately claimed India offered zero tariffs after imposing 50% duties, calling the relationship a "totally one-sided disaster" due to India's historically high tariffs preventing American businesses from accessing Indian markets. (PC: Hindustan Times)