China has come out in support of India after the US imposed tariffs of up to 50% on Indian goods. Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong said the US was acting like a “bully” and warned that silence would only make it stronger. He stressed that China firmly opposed the tariffs and would stand by India. Xu also said China would welcome more Indian goods, especially in IT, software, and biomedicine. He urged India to give Chinese businesses a fair market in return. The US tariffs, which include penalties for buying Russian oil, will take effect on August 27. (PC: India Today)

Bhanu Attri, a 39-year-old from Himachal Pradesh, has become the first Hindu and non-Christian chaplain in the British Royal Navy. Attri grew up in Solan, Himachal Pradesh, before moving to the UK, where he served as a Hindu priest in London. He completed tough naval training, including survival exercises and time aboard HMS Iron Duke, before graduating from Britannia Royal Naval College. As a chaplain, he will provide spiritual support and conduct Hindu prayers for personnel. His appointment has been welcomed by the Hindu Council UK and praised by Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu as a proud moment for India. (PC: X)

Cindy Rodriguez Singh, 40, one of the FBI’s “Ten Most Wanted Fugitives,” has been arrested in India for the murder of her 6-year-old son, Noel. Singh fled the US in March 2023 with her husband and six children, leaving Noel behind. She later lied that he was in Mexico. Interpol issued a Red Notice in 2024, and the FBI placed her on its list, offering a $250,000 reward. Singh was captured with help from Indian authorities and brought back to the US. She faces charges of capital murder and unlawful flight. The FBI said “justice has no borders.” (PC: NDTV)

Former U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has urged President Trump to rapidly repair the strained relations with India, cautioning that losing such a key democratic ally would mark a “strategic disaster.” Writing in Newsweek, she emphasized India’s critical importance as a counterbalance to China, particularly in supply chain diversification. Haley highlighted that while China—as a Communist state—faces fewer trade barriers, India, a democratic partner, is being penalized with tariffs. She underscored that undermining 25 years of U.S.–India strategic momentum would not just be unwise—it would severely damage American credibility in Asia. (PC: X)

India’s state-run refiners—Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL)—have restarted buying Russian crude for September and October cargoes, following a pause in July. The decision was prompted by steeper discounts on Russia’s Urals grade—roughly $3 per barrel—making imports economically compelling despite political scrutiny from Washington. Previously, both firms halted Russian oil purchases amid U.S. criticism and looming tariff threats. Besides Urals, IOC has secured other grades like Varandey and Siberian Light. The companies emphasized that procurement decisions remain grounded in economic rationale.

India has dismissed Nepal’s protest against the reopening of border trade through the Lipulekh Pass, which India and China agreed to revive as part of renewed proximity following COVID disruptions . The Ministry of External Affairs called Nepal’s territorial claims “unjustified,” “untenable,” and “not based on historical facts” . India reaffirmed that trade via the pass has existed since 1954 and maintained its position has been “consistent and clear” . Nonetheless, New Delhi expressed openness to “constructive interaction” with Nepal to address outstanding boundary issues through diplomacy. (PC: PTI)

Russia anticipates India will keep purchasing its oil despite escalating U.S. sanctions and tariffs, citing profitability driven by a special payment mechanism in rupees and a 5–7% discount . Russian officials highlight that Russian crude now constitutes approximately 35% of India’s oil imports—a sharp rise from 0.2% pre-Ukraine war . Simultaneously, Russia wants to revive trilateral talks with India and China in pursuit of a “greater Eurasian partnership” and confirms plans for President Putin to visit India by year-end. (PC: Reuters)

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking in Moscow at the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission, called for boosting bilateral trade while addressing a rising imbalance. He noted that trade between the two nations has grown five-fold in four years, from USD 13 billion in 2021 to USD 68 billion in 2024–25. However, India’s trade deficit with Russia has also widened sharply to nearly USD 59 billion. Jaishankar described India-Russia ties as “time-tested” but stressed the need for “contemporary cooperation” in energy, technology, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. He said both nations must build on complementarities and adapt to global uncertainties. (PC: PTI)

India has rejected Nepal’s objection to the reopening of India-China trade through the Lipulekh Pass. Nepal claims the Kalapani region, including Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura, as its territory. India’s Ministry of External Affairs said these claims are “untenable” and “not based on historical facts.” It noted that border trade with China has taken place through Lipulekh since 1954, only stopping due to Covid. Nepal had warned India against activities in the area, including road building. India, however, said it is open to dialogue and resolving boundary issues through diplomacy while continuing trade with China. (PC: PTI)

India has rejected Bangladesh’s allegation that the banned Awami League has opened offices in New Delhi and Kolkata. The caretaker government in Dhaka, led by Muhammad Yunus, warned such activity could harm ties. It also accused ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and party leaders in India of planning events against Bangladesh’s interests. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India was “not aware of any anti-Bangladesh activities” and added, “The press statement by the interim government of Bangladesh is thus misplaced.” Ties remain tense as Bangladesh seeks Hasina’s extradition and India calls for free and fair elections. (PC: PTI)