Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit India from August 18 to 20, 2025, for the 24th round of Special Representatives talks on the India–China boundary dispute. He will meet National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and hold bilateral discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The visit comes amid cautious diplomatic thaw since the 2020 Galwan clash, with both nations exploring confidence-building measures. It is also a precursor to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s planned trip to China for the SCO summit later this month, where he may meet President Xi Jinping after seven years. (PC: Reuters)  

The U.S.–India relationship faces a sharp downturn as President Trump ramps up tariffs—doubling duties on Indian goods to 50%—and bolsters ties with Pakistan, prompting concerns over America's shifting priorities in Asia . This reversal jeopardizes bilateral trade worth nearly $190 billion, inflates India’s economic risk, and beckons New Delhi toward deeper alignment with Russia and China . Analysts liken the rupture to strategic missteps of past eras, warning that erratic U.S. diplomacy could erode decades of progress and may undermine regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. (PC: AP)  

U.S. President Donald Trump, in an interview aboard Air Force One ahead of a summit with Vladimir Putin, stated: “If I have to do it, I’ll do it” regarding potential secondary tariffs targeting India’s ongoing oil imports from Russia—though he added, “maybe I won’t have to do it.” The Ministry of External Affairs swiftly condemned the prospect, labeling the U.S. action “unjustified and unreasonable” and reaffirming that India will “take all actions necessary to protect its national interests.” (PC: PTI)

In a Fox News interview after his Alaska summit with Vladimir Putin, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that he will not impose secondary sanctions—for now—on nations importing Russian oil, offering temporary relief to major buyers like India and China. India, already hit with a 50% tariff on exports to the U.S. due to its Russian oil trade, could benefit from this pause. Trump emphasized the decision might be reviewed within two to three weeks, keeping pressure on Moscow while avoiding immediate disruption to global energy markets. The move signals a strategic wait-and-watch approach. (PC: Reuters)  

India’s Russian oil imports surged to a record 2 million barrels per day in August, accounting for 38% of total crude intake. This rise came despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s 50% tariff threat over India’s continued purchases from Moscow. Refiners prioritized economic logic, shifting away from Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Indian Oil Corporation and BPCL confirmed no government directive to reduce Russian volumes, calling it “business as usual.” Discounts on Russian crude narrowed to $1.5 per barrel but rose slightly in August. While refiners explore alternatives from the U.S., West Africa, and Latin America, experts say this reflects flexibility not a pivot. Russian oil remains central to India’s energy strategy unless sanctions are imposed. (PC: European Council & Shutterstock)

India is deepening trade ties with Singapore and ASEAN nations to counter the impact of newly announced U.S. reciprocal tariffs on Indian exports. The Commerce Ministry hosted the 4th India-Singapore Joint Working Group on Trade & Investment, marking 60 years of diplomatic relations and 20 years of CECA. Talks focused on investment promotion, supply-chain resilience, and regulatory streamlining. Simultaneously, India held the 10th ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) joint committee meeting to modernize the 15-year-old pact. With exports to ASEAN falling 5.45% and imports rising 5.64% in FY25, India aims to diversify trade and strengthen regional connectivity. Singapore remains India’s top ASEAN trade partner and second-largest FDI source. (PC: NDTV & Lowy Institute)

India has unexpectedly emerged as a central factor in the Trump-Putin Alaska summit, with U.S. President Donald Trump using steep tariffs on Indian imports of Russian oil as leverage to pressure Moscow into Ukraine ceasefire talks. The 50% tariffs, effective from August 27, target Russia’s second-largest oil customer India, potentially disrupting global energy flows. Trump claims the move helped push Putin to the negotiating table. Despite rising U.S. imports, India calls the tariffs “unjustified,” stressing its strategic autonomy and balanced energy sourcing. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned of further escalation if talks fail. India’s role, though indirect, underscores its growing influence in global diplomacy and the risks of being caught in great-power rivalry. (PC: Firstpost & NDTV)

As Donald Trump meets Vladimir Putin in Alaska to push for a Ukraine ceasefire, India watches closely amid rising tariff threats. The U.S. has already imposed a 25% penalty on India’s Russian oil imports, with potential hikes to 50% if talks fail. These tariffs could impact nearly 1% of India’s GDP, especially in textiles and jewellery. PM Modi, in his Independence Day speech, urged self-reliance and announced tax cuts to counter global protectionism. Despite tensions, India’s defence ties with the U.S. remain intact, with joint exercises like Yudh Abhyas scheduled. A breakthrough in Alaska may soften Washington’s stance, while failure could deepen economic pressure on New Delhi. (PC: Mint & India Today)

For the first time in 18 years, S&P Global Ratings has upgraded India’s sovereign credit rating from BBB to BBB with a stable outlook, citing robust fiscal consolidation and sustained 8.8% GDP growth from FY22 to FY24 (Asia-Pacific’s highest). The move counters President Trump’s claim that “India is a dead economy.” S&P praised India’s infrastructure push, improved spending quality, and policy stability. Risks include weakening political commitment or economic slowdown. Despite Trump’s 50% tariffs on Indian exports, S&P and India’s Chief Economic Advisor say the impact will be minimal. The Finance Ministry welcomed the upgrade, reaffirming its commitment to reforms and inclusive growth toward achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047. (PC: Financial Times & NDTV)

In his Independence Day speech from the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as the world’s largest NGO, celebrating its 100-year journey. He praised the organization’s century-long commitment to nation-building through personal development and discipline. Modi emphasized the RSS’s role in societal welfare, calling it an inspiration for the country. With thousands of dedicated volunteers, the RSS has shaped individual character with the goal of serving Maa Bharati. The organization, considered the ideological parent of the BJP, will mark its centenary on Vijayadashami, October 2. Modi’s tribute highlighted the RSS’s enduring legacy and its contribution to India’s social and cultural fabric. (PC: X)