U.S. President Donald Trump reignited trade tensions by imposing a 25% tariff on Indian exports, citing “obnoxious” trade barriers and India’s defense ties with Russia. He labeled India the “Tariff King,” but WTO data reveals U.S. duties can reach 350% on tobacco, 200% on dairy, and over 130% on produce, exposing American protectionism. The new tariffs, effective August 1, target auto parts, electronics, textiles, and processed foods, with an undefined penalty. Economists warn this could reduce India’s GDP by 0.2–0.5 percentage points. The move adds strain to already fragile trade relations, prompting calls for transparency and fairness amid accusations of hypocrisy in U.S. tariff policy. (PC: The Print)

U.S. President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on India and Russia, calling them “dead economies” amid rising trade tensions. Following a 25% tariff on Indian imports due to its defense and energy ties with Russia, Trump posted on Truth Social that he doesn’t care what India does with Russia. He criticized India’s high tariffs and minimal trade with the U.S., while warning former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to “watch his words.” India responded diplomatically, reaffirming its commitment to a fair bilateral trade agreement and protecting domestic interests. The remarks have intensified geopolitical friction and cast uncertainty over future India-U.S. trade negotiations. (PC: X)

India and the United Kingdom have unveiled a landmark Vision 2035 roadmap, a 10-year defence industrial partnership focusing on the joint development of complex weapons systems, jet engines, and warship propulsion technology . The agreement deepens bilateral defence cooperation by promoting co‑design, co‑development, and co‑production across emerging strategic sectors. It builds on earlier discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK PM Keir Starmer and aligns with broader collaboration via the Technology and Security Initiative, advancing cooperation in defence, energy, and emerging technologies through 2035. (PC: The Times of India)

On July 30–31, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a new trade agreement with Pakistan, centered on joint development of Pakistan’s purportedly “massive” oil reserves. Although no oil company has been formally selected yet, Trump suggested that Pakistan might sell oil to India someday. Pakistan’s finance ministry confirmed the deal “will result in lower reciprocal tariffs,” particularly benefiting Pakistani exports to the U.S. This move coincides with Trump’s imposition of 25% tariffs on Indian imports, intensifying strategic economic shifts in South Asia. (PC: AP)

In a fiery Truth Social post, former U.S. President Donald Trump lashed out at India and Russia, stating they can “take their dead economies down together.” This comes after Trump announced a 25% tariff on Indian imports, criticizing India’s high tariffs and close trade ties with Russia, particularly over energy and defense. He also dismissed claims of significant U.S.-Russia business, calling it “almost none.” Trump further warned former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to “watch his words.” India responded by saying it has “taken note” and is evaluating implications while reaffirming its trade commitment with the U.S. (PC: NDTV)

A Moneycontrol analysis based on UN COMTRADE data reveals that Vietnam may be competitive in 25% of product lines overlapping with India in U.S. exports, though these account for just 5% of India’s $91 billion exports in 2024. Indonesia and the Philippines similarly hold advantages in smaller shares—covering approximately 1.5% of India’s export value. Reduced U.S. tariffs (around 20%) on these nations versus 25% on Indian goods boost their competitiveness. However, the real economic impact remains limited due to the concentrated value in select categories. (PC: Money Control)

The U.S. government has imposed sanctions on six Indian firms for allegedly purchasing, marketing, and facilitating the shipment of Iranian petroleum and petrochemical products, violating sanctions under Executive Order 13846. The accused companies—Alchemical Solutions, Global Industrial Chemicals, Jupiter Dye Chem, Ramniklal S. Gosalia, Persistent Petrochem, and Kanchan Polymers—reportedly handled transactions worth over $220 million. The sanctions freeze all U.S.-linked assets and bar American entities from doing business with them. The move is part of broader efforts by the U.S. to curb revenue supporting Iran’s destabilizing activities across the Middle East and beyond. (PC: News 18)

US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff plus penalties on Indian imports starting August 1, citing India’s continued oil and defense trade with Russia and what he called “strenuous and obnoxious” non-monetary trade barriers. Posting on Truth Social, Trump said India is a “friend” but maintains high tariffs and a massive trade deficit with the US. He claimed India's actions contradict global efforts to isolate Russia. The announcement follows stalled trade talks between the two countries. Indian ministers S. Jaishankar and Piyush Goyal met shortly after. Trump earlier imposed a 26% tariff in April, which was later paused. (PC: India Today)

Air New Zealand has named Nikhil Ravishankar as its new CEO. He will take over on October 20, after current CEO Greg Foran steps down. Ravishankar has been the airline’s Chief Digital Officer for nearly four years. Before that, he worked at Vector and Accenture. The airline is dealing with engine issues and global supply delays. It also faces tough competition from Qantas and Virgin Australia. Air New Zealand’s Chair, Dame Therese Walsh, said Ravishankar brings a fresh view and strong experience. She added that airlines face big tests like climate change, rising costs, and fast-changing technology in the years ahead. (PC: LinkedIn/Nikhil Ravishankar)

India and the UK have signed a 10-year defence roadmap to work together on weapons, engines, and security. The plan, part of Vision 2035, focuses on making complex weapons, jet and warship engines, and building strong supply chains. Both countries will also do joint research and share new defence ideas. A new maritime security centre will be set up to help Indian Ocean nations. Military training and exercises will increase. They will also work on cyber security, underwater systems, and energy weapons. The deal aims to boost defence ties and ensure safety and peace in the region for years ahead.