A Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) report claims U.S. President Donald Trump attempted to contact Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi four times via phone, but the calls went unanswered—highlighting growing friction between the two leaders over trade policy. FAZ suggests Modi’s silence signals both deep irritation and strategic caution, particularly in response to U.S. demands for Indian market access and Trump's aggressive tariff posture. India has not publicly commented. The gambit reflects an escalating diplomatic standoff, with India pushing back on pressure tactics and asserting its autonomy in foreign policy. (PC: Reuters)  

U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated claims during a White House meeting that he personally intervened to avert a potential nuclear clash between India and Pakistan earlier this year, by warning both countries of “tariffs so high, your head’s going to spin” if hostilities persisted. He recounted pressing Prime Minister Modi and Pakistani leaders, asserting that the threat prompted a rapid ceasefire within hours. India, however, dismissed the claim, stating the de-escalation was achieved through direct military diplomatic channels. The assertion comes amid escalating U.S.–India tensions marked by fresh tariff escalations and strained diplomatic ties. (PC: NDTV)

A German newspaper has reported that US President Donald Trump tried to call Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi four times in recent weeks, but Modi refused to speak. The report said this showed both Modi’s anger and caution after the US imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods, the highest after Brazil. Washington also penalized India for buying oil from Russia. Trump earlier called India’s economy “dead,” which Modi countered by saying India was moving towards being a top 3 economy. Analysts suggest Trump’s actions may push India closer to China as ties between New Delhi and Washington face strain. (PC: India Today)

Chinese President Xi Jinping will host more than 20 world leaders at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit China for the first time in over 7 years, while Russian President Vladimir Putin will also attend. The summit is seen as a strong show of Global South unity and a challenge to US influence. Experts say India and China may announce small steps to reduce border tensions. The European-Asian security bloc now has 10 members and continues to expand its influence. (PC: NDTV)

The U.S. is set to impose a 50% tariff on certain Indian products starting August 27, 2025, but exporters can avoid this duty if specific conditions are met. Goods must have been loaded onto vessels and in transit before the deadline, and they should be entered for consumption or withdrawn from U.S. warehouses by September 17, 2025. Additionally, importers are required to certify eligibility using HTSUS code 9903.01.85 to U.S. Customs. Meeting these criteria ensures Indian exports remain tariff-free, mitigating the impact of new trade restrictions. (PC: Bloomberg)

Chinese President Xi Jinping will host Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and other leaders at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1. Experts say the summit will focus on bloc expansion and act as a message to the United States, highlighting a shift toward a multipolar world order. Analysts suggest India and China may announce troop withdrawals and ease trade restrictions. The summit is expected to project unity against US policies while also strengthening ties among member nations. (PC: India Today)

From August 27, 2025, the US will enforce steep new tariffs on Indian goods, doubling duties to 50% on several key sectors. The move, tied to Washington’s concerns over India’s surging Russian oil imports, threatens over 55% of India’s $87 billion exports to the US. Exporters warn shipments could drop 20–30% starting September, while the rupee and stock markets have already declined. New Delhi is preparing relief measures for exporters and urging diversification into China, Latin America, and the Middle East. Economists caution the tariffs could cut India’s annual GDP growth by 0.8 percentage points. (PC: Reuters)

The US has imposed a 50% tariff on Indian shrimp, pushing total duties beyond 60%, threatening India’s $8-billion shrimp export sector. Prices have already fallen by $0.60–0.72 per kilo and are expected to dip further, hitting farmers during the peak season for US buyers. With over 500,000 farmers directly and 2.5 million indirectly dependent on the industry, livelihoods are at stake. Hatchery operators report reduced shrimp larvae output due to uncertainty. Meanwhile, India-US trade talks remain stalled, with Washington criticizing New Delhi over ties with China and Russia, worsening the diplomatic and economic impasse. (PC: BBC)

The US has issued a notice imposing an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods from August 27, raising the overall duty to 50 per cent. The move targets India’s purchase of Russian crude oil. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking in Ahmedabad on Monday, said India will not bow to pressure. “No matter how much pressure comes, we will keep increasing our strength to withstand it,” he said. Modi assured that small entrepreneurs, farmers, and shopkeepers will be protected. NDTV reported that he also criticised global “politics of economic self-interest,” calling it unfair and short-sighted. (PC: NDTV)

Russia plans to hire more Indian workers beyond construction and textiles, where most Indians currently work. According to India’s Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, companies in the machinery and electronics sectors are now seeking Indian talent. The rising demand has also increased the need for consular services like passport renewals and registrations. Kumar also defended India’s energy trade with Russia, saying it is guided by national interest and energy security for 1.4 billion people. He rejected U.S. criticism of India’s oil imports, stressing that many Western nations also continue trading with Russia despite sanctions. (PC: Business Today)