National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met Russian President Vladimir Putin and Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu in Moscow, reaffirming the “very special relationship” between India and Russia. Amid growing global uncertainty and US President Trump’s doubling of tariffs on India over Russian oil imports, both nations emphasized strengthening their strategic partnership. Shoigu highlighted "time-tested ties of friendship" and a shared commitment to a fairer world order. Doval conveyed PM Modi’s thanks for Russia’s support after the Pahalgam terror attack. Discussions also focused on Putin’s upcoming India visit and enhancing cooperation in defence, multilateral forums, and counterterrorism. (PC: X)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it would be “in the interest of both India and the United States” to resolve the ongoing tariff dispute after President Trump imposed 50% duties on Indian goods over Russian oil imports. Netanyahu, speaking to Indian journalists, also expressed his wish to visit India soon. He met Indian Ambassador JP Singh in Jerusalem to discuss bolstering bilateral cooperation in security, intelligence sharing, and counterterrorism. India slammed the tariffs as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable,” defending its oil imports as essential for energy security. The additional US duties will take effect from August 27.

India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to strengthen energy and defence ties, as US President Donald Trump threatened harsher tariffs on India for importing Russian oil. Doval confirmed Putin’s upcoming visit to India, calling the strategic partnership “special” and “highly valued.” Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu echoed that Russia and India share “time-tested ties” and urged a full-scale Modi-Putin dialogue. This would be Putin’s first visit to India since the Ukraine war began. Trump, meanwhile, warned Putin of increased sanctions if aggression in Ukraine continues, hinting at a summit in the UAE. (PC: X)

AAP MP Ashok Mittal wrote an open letter to US President Donald Trump after the US raised tariffs on Indian goods to 50%. He warned that if 146 crore Indians boycotted US companies, the impact would be huge. Mittal called the tariff move “disappointing” and said India’s economy is strong and growing fast. He reminded Trump that many US firms earn billions from India and that much of America’s tech runs on Indian code. He urged the US to choose peace and talks, not pressure. India has called the tariff hike unfair and said it will protect its own interests. (PC: ANI)

More than 25 gunshots were fired at comedian Kapil Sharma’s cafe in Surrey, Canada—the second such attack less than a month. Two gangs, led by Goldy Dhillon and Lawrence Bishnoi, claimed responsibility in social media posts. A video of the shooting has surfaced, where a voice warns of more action if their "target" doesn't respond. “Next action will be in Mumbai,” the voice says. The attack has raised serious concerns. Mumbai Police and other security agencies are now investigating the threat. Kapil Sharma has not commented yet. The reason behind the attacks is still unclear, but police believe it may involve extortion.  (PC: @thekapscafe_/Instagram)

A large crowd marched from City Hall to the Dáil in Dublin to protest a racially motivated assault on an Indian man in Tallaght, which has been widely condemned as a hate crime. The 40‑year‑old victim was violently attacked by a group of youths—stripped and beaten—despite evidence disproving the perpetrators’ false allegations. The migrant community, supported by activists and residents, held a silent vigil outside the Department of Justice and submitted a petition urging stronger hate crime protections and enforcement. Organisers highlighted under‑reporting of such attacks and growing fears among migrants.  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India will protect its farmers, even if it means facing high US tariffs. His comments came after President Trump raised tariffs on Indian goods to 50% due to India buying oil from Russia. Modi said, “India will not compromise on farmers’ interests. I’m ready to pay the price.” India called the US move unfair and said it will take all steps to protect national interests. The tariff hike has strained US-India ties. Talks on a trade deal have also failed. Sectors like textiles and food exports could be hit if the issue continues. (PC: AFP)

Thousands of Goans who recently relocated to Ireland—drawn by new opportunities and relaxed migration norms compared to the UK—now face growing anxieties. A brutal assault on a 40-year-old Indian man in Tallaght, where he was beaten and stripped by teenagers, has shocked the diaspora community. Multiple such attacks are being investigated by the Gardaí as potential hate crimes. In response, hundreds of Indian-origin residents, including Goans, rallied in Dublin to demand accountability, justice, and increased security amid rising anti-immigrant threats. (PC: O Heraldo)

US President Donald Trump's sweeping new tariffs on imports from over 90 countries took effect Thursday, reshaping global trade. India faces a 50% tariff hike starting August 27, as Trump demands it stop buying Russian oil. He also threatened a 100% tariff on foreign-made semiconductors to boost domestic production. Nations like Laos, Myanmar, and Switzerland face some of the steepest levies. The European Union, Japan, and South Korea secured reduced rates through last-minute deals. Markets across Asia remained steady, but India and Australia saw declines. Delhi called the India-specific tariff "unfair" and vowed to defend its energy trade policy. (PC: BBC)

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has urged the Indian government to retaliate against US tariffs if no changes are seen within three weeks. Highlighting a “hidden message” in the Biden administration’s approach, Tharoor noted that China—despite buying more oil from Russia—was granted 90 days’ relief, while India only got three weeks. He questioned the “reciprocal” nature of Trump’s 25–50% tariffs, calling them unfair and economically damaging. Tharoor warned of major trade losses for India’s $90 billion US market and urged calm but firm action. He also called on Indian-origin Americans and leaders like Nikki Haley to push for fair treatment. (PC: HT)