India has officially welcomed the upcoming meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15, viewing it as a potential breakthrough in ending the Ukraine conflict. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the summit “holds the promise of bringing to an end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and opening up the prospects for peace.” Citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s consistent stance that “this is not an era of war,” India emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy. The meeting is expected to focus on ceasefire negotiations and long-term peace strategies, with global attention on whether the two leaders can forge a viable path toward resolution. (PC: ABC & Fox News)

China has warmly welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, scheduled from August 31 to September 1. This marks PM Modi’s first visit to China since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. The summit, expected to be the largest in SCO history, will host leaders from over 20 countries and 10 international organizations. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun called it a “gathering of friendship,” signaling a thaw in bilateral ties. The visit follows Modi’s 2024 meeting with Xi Jinping in Kazan and comes amid rising U.S.-India trade tensions. The summit will focus on regional security, economic cooperation, and geopolitical coordination among member states.

Former U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton warned that President Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on Indian goods could backfire geopolitically. Intended to penalize India for buying Russian oil and military equipment, the tariffs may instead push India closer to Russia and China. Bolton criticized Trump’s leniency toward China and argued that favoring Beijing over New Delhi undermines decades of U.S. diplomatic efforts. He called the move “entirely counterproductive,” noting that India faces harsher trade penalties despite being a strategic partner. Bolton emphasized that the White House’s approach risks eroding trust and long-term alliances. The Indian government is currently studying the implications of the tariffs and potential retaliatory measures. (PC: BBC & The Times Of India)

Laxman Das, a 51-year-old Indian-origin hotel chef and Irish citizen, was brutally assaulted and robbed by three men in Dublin’s Charlemont Place while cycling to work. The attackers stole his phone, cash, and electric bike, leaving him with injuries to his legs, shoulder, arm, and eye socket. He was hospitalized and discharged the same evening. The incident, though not confirmed as racially motivated, comes amid a surge in attacks on Indians in Ireland, including assaults on children and cab drivers. The Indian Embassy has issued a safety advisory urging citizens to avoid deserted areas and remain vigilant. Das, who has lived in Ireland for 22 years, expressed shock and concern over rising violence. (PC: India Today & Get Your Guide)

As of August 9, 2025, Operation Akhal—launched on August 1 in Kulgam’s dense Akhal Devsar forests—enters its ninth day amid sustained gunfights with entrenched terrorists. The Indian Army confirmed that Lance Naik Pritpal Singh and Sepoy Harminder Singh were killed during intense overnight firing, with two additional soldiers injured. The Chinar Corps paid tribute to the fallen heroes, pledging continued resolve. Security forces have also neutralised one militant and recovered weapons from a hideout in nearby Baramulla. The operation remains underway, with forces employing drones, helicopters, para commandos, and tight cordons to flush out militants. (PC: India Today)

India’s decision to withdraw from the RCEP in 2019—driven by farmers’ and dairy cooperatives’ backlash—now mirrors its current stance in stalled India–US trade negotiations . The United States is pressing India to open its market to American corn, soyabean, ethanol, and dairy products, but New Delhi remains firm, labelling these as “red lines” . With no compromise foreseen in these politically sensitive and livelihood-linked sectors, trade talks have reached a standstill, underscoring India’s commitment to protecting its agricultural and rural stakeholders from external pressures. (PC: AP)  

Kapil Sharma’s Surrey-based Kap’s Café was attacked for the second time in less than a month, with 9–25 shots fired, leaving bullet holes and shattered windows but no injuries. Canadian police are investigating. Soon after, a social media post from gangster Goldy Dhillon, linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, claimed responsibility and warned “Mumbai next” if Sharma didn’t respond to calls. An audio threat from gang member Harry Boxer also surfaced, targeting anyone collaborating with Salman Khan and vowing to “ruin Mumbai’s atmosphere.” Authorities in both Canada and India are on alert amid heightened security concerns. (PC: AP)

Former U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton criticized President Trump's steep tariffs—totaling over 50%—on Indian goods tied to its purchase of Russian oil, calling the policy an “enormous mistake.” He argued that such heavy-handed measures, especially when contrasted with leniency toward China, risk reversing decades of U.S. efforts to pull India away from Russia and China, potentially driving New Delhi closer to both . Meanwhile, analysts warn the move could destabilize fragile U.S.–India relations and alter regional geopolitics. (PC: NDTV)

On August 9, 2025, Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh confirmed that during Operation Sindoor in May, the IAF successfully shot down five Pakistani fighter jets and an additional large military aircraft, highlighting the mission’s effectiveness and India’s aerial dominance . He emphasized that the IAF operated without any restrictions, underscoring the force’s strategic freedom during the operation . Singh also lauded India’s advanced S-400 air defense system as a “game changer” in such high-stakes aerial combat scenarios . Meanwhile, Defence Secretary RK Singh refuted claims of Rafale jet losses, asserting that no Rafales were downed, and that the operation inflicted significantly greater losses on the adversary. 

Former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell strongly criticized President Trump’s decision to impose a 50% tariff on Indian imports, warning that it jeopardizes "America's most important relationship in the 21st century" . In an interview with CNBC International, Campbell urged Prime Minister Modi not to “bend the knee” to Trump’s demands, cautioning that forcing India to choose between relations with Russia and the U.S. could provoke a strategic backlash . His remarks underscore growing concern among U.S. policy veterans over the diplomatic fallout from the tariff escalation. (PC: AP)