On Independence Day in Melbourne, a group of Khalistani sympathisers attempted to disrupt celebrations at the Indian consulate. As the Indian community gathered to hoist the tricolour, protesters raised anti-India slogans, but were drowned out by patriotic songs like “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata ki Jai.” A video of the confrontation has gone viral. The incident highlights growing Khalistani activity in Australia, including hate graffiti on temples and restaurants, and recent assaults targeting Indians. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar previously urged nations like Australia, Canada, and the UK to curb extremist ideologies. Despite the protest, the flag was hoisted with pride and unity, reinforcing the community’s resilience abroad.

China has recognised the ties with India as “dragon and elephant” partnership, signaling a diplomatic thaw amid US tariff threats. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized mutual trust, cooperation, and coordination on platforms like the SCO. With Trump imposing 50% tariffs on Indian exports over Russian oil purchases, PM Modi has leaned toward BRICS allies, including China. India-China ties are warming, with direct flights resuming, border trade reopening, and China easing urea exports. Talks include cooperation in pharmaceuticals and rare earths. China’s ambassador criticized US tariff tactics and backed India’s sovereignty. Modi reaffirmed support for farmers, rejecting US demands. Analysts warn Trump’s tariffs may push India closer to China and Russia, reshaping regional dynamics. (PC: xinhuanet)

On India’s 79th Independence Day, PM Narendra Modi reaffirmed his unwavering support for farmers amid escalating trade tensions with the US. Responding to US President Trump’s 50% tariff on Indian exports that imposed over India’s continued Russian oil purchases, Modi declared India would never compromise on the interests of farmers, dairy workers, and fishermen. He emphasized readiness to pay a “heavy personal price” to protect domestic agriculture. The tariffs, which target pharmaceuticals, auto parts, and steel, have strained US-India relations. Modi’s speech underscored food sovereignty, religious norms, and economic self-reliance. India rejected US demands for deeper market access, especially in dairy and GM crops, calling the tariffs “unjustified and unreasonable.”

IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers has highlighted India’s underperformance in attracting international tourists, especially compared to China and Thailand. While China offers visa-free access to citizens from 70 countries and Thailand to 90, India allows it only for Bhutan, Nepal, and the Maldives. Elbers cited bureaucratic hurdles, poor travel infrastructure, and a cumbersome visa process—including payment failures and excessive documentation—as key barriers. Despite India’s rich cultural and natural attractions, these challenges limit its competitiveness in the global tourism market, causing the country to miss out on significant international visitor potential and revenue.  

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi will visit New Delhi on August 18 for border talks with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, possibly meeting external affairs minister S Jaishankar. Days later, from August 21-23, Jaishankar will travel to Moscow for discussions with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov and to co-chair the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation. The visits come amid strained India-US ties over tariffs and Russian oil imports. Talks with China will focus on confidence-building along the border, while Moscow discussions will address trade imbalance, rupee-ruble settlement, and preparations for President Vladimir Putin’s planned India visit. (PC: HT)

The Greenwood BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Indiana, US, was vandalised with anti-India and anti-Modi graffiti, allegedly by pro-Khalistan extremists, marking the fourth attack on a Hindu temple in the US this year. The Hindu American Foundation and Coalition of Hindus of North America condemned the act as a hate crime and urged accountability. The Indian Consulate in Chicago denounced the desecration, calling it “reprehensible,” and pressed for strict action by local authorities. Volunteers described the graffiti as “a message of hate against Hindus.” Similar attacks have targeted BAPS temples in California, New York, and Sacramento over the past year. (PC: India Today)

New York City’s 44th Annual Battery Dance Festival will mark India’s Independence Day on August 15 with ‘India Day,’ celebrating ‘Shakti – Divine Energy.’ Running from August 12-16, the festival will feature seven groups performing Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, and more. Curated by founder Jonathan Hollander, the programme pays homage to the feminine essence in creativity and life. Artists from India and the US, including Kolkata’s Subhajit Khush Das, will perform works on themes like Goddess Kali. Supported by the Consulate General of India and State Bank of India, the event draws over 22,000 annual in-person and virtual viewers. (PC: NDTV)

The UK has expanded its ‘deport now, appeal later’ policy to include 15 more countries, raising the total to 23, with India among the new additions. Announced by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, the scheme allows foreign criminals to be removed before their asylum or deportation appeals conclude, participating remotely from their home country. India’s inclusion is significant as 320 Indian nationals are currently in UK prisons. The move aims to ease prison overcrowding, free up space, and cut costs, with over 10,700 foreign offenders in England and Wales. Critics warn it could spark diplomatic tensions, particularly with New Delhi. (PC: Instagram)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will visit Moscow on August 20–21 to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, days after the US imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods over continued Russian oil purchases. The move follows Prime Minister Modi’s recent call with President Putin, where both discussed the Ukraine conflict and bilateral ties. The new US tariffs, to be implemented in two phases, will raise duties on Indian imports to 50% by August 27 unless resolved. India’s Foreign Ministry condemned the tariffs as “unfair” and vowed to defend its economic sovereignty against what it called Washington’s double standards. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump has raised tariffs on Indian goods to 50% over India’s purchase of Russian oil. This has strained ties between the two countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is now moving closer to China. Reports say direct flights between India and China may resume next month. Modi could announce the deal during his visit to China for the SCO meet on August 31. China has also eased curbs on urea exports to India. Experts say Trump’s move may push India towards stronger ties with both China and Russia, changing regional power dynamics. (PC: HT)