A 36-year-old Delhi IT professional with 20 lakh savings was denied a US tourist visa along with his elderly parents under Section 214(b), despite strong financial documentation. The family, planning a Christmas vacation to New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, faced an abrupt interview termination when the consular officer questioned language inconsistencies after requesting a Hindi translator. Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized India as a "bad actor" for Russian oil purchases while dismissing the SCO summit as "performative." Despite acknowledging shared democratic values and expressing confidence in resolving bilateral strains, Bessent argued India's discounted crude imports and refined product resales effectively fund Russia's Ukraine war effort, complicating US-India relations. (PC: BTW Visa Services)  

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized India as a "bad actor" for purchasing Russian oil while expressing confidence in resolving bilateral tensions. Despite concerns over PM Modi's SCO summit participation with Putin and Xi Jinping, Bessent dismissed the meeting as "largely performative." He argued India's discounted Russian crude imports and refined product resales effectively finance Moscow's Ukraine war effort. While acknowledging shared democratic values and optimism that "two great countries will get this solved," Bessent stressed slow trade negotiations justified Washington's tariff hikes. Trump separately claimed India offered zero tariffs after imposing 50% duties, calling the relationship a "totally one-sided disaster" due to India's historically high tariffs preventing American businesses from accessing Indian markets. (PC: Hindustan Times)

US President Donald Trump said India has offered to cut tariffs on American goods to “nothing,” but called the trade relationship “one sided.” Writing on Truth Social, Trump claimed India sells large amounts to the US but buys little in return, blaming high tariffs. His comments came as Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the SCO summit in China. The three leaders showed solidarity amid tensions with Washington. Trump also criticised India’s oil and defence imports from Russia, saying the tariff offer came “too late.” (PC: Bloomberg, Reuters)

Former US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has accused President Donald Trump of weakening US-India relations for his family’s business with Pakistan. “He has thrown the India relationship over the side. That is a huge strategic harm,” Sullivan said in an interview. He warned that the move could make other allies doubt America’s word. Sullivan stressed that India, the world’s largest democracy, is vital for trade, technology, and countering China. Meanwhile, Trump has signed crypto and trade deals with Pakistan and announced plans to help develop its oil reserves, while threatening new tariffs on India. (PC: Reuters)

Afghan migrants in Delhi spent a night full of anxiety after a devastating earthquake in eastern Afghanistan killed more than 800 people and injured around 2,800, officials say. Many living in the city have been unable to reach family members in the hardest-hit areas like Kunar and Nangarhar provinces. Calls go unanswered, leaving Samar, 20, sleepless and worried for his grandmother in Jalalabad. Residents say the quake has brought back painful memories and heightened feelings of helplessness. With communications down and rescue teams battling rough terrain, Afghans in Delhi are left trapped between hope and heartbreak—waiting for any news from home. (PC: NDTV)

Former US President Donald Trump has criticized India’s trade approach, saying New Delhi’s offer of zero tariffs came “too late.” His remarks followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Tianjin. Trump called India’s trade practices “a disaster” and accused the country of delaying fair deals with Washington. He also linked the issue to global alliances, warning of shifting partnerships. The comments highlight Trump’s tough trade stance as he targets key economic powers. Indian officials have not responded. Observers see the remarks as political messaging before US elections. (PC: X)

India has sent relief material to Afghanistan after a deadly earthquake killed hundreds and injured thousands. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar spoke with Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi and expressed condolences. He said India delivered tents for 1,000 families in Kabul and sent 15 tonnes of aid from Kabul to Kunar. More relief material will leave from India starting tomorrow. Dr. Jaishankar prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and assured that India stands with Afghanistan in this difficult time. The aid includes essential supplies to help families affected by the widespread destruction caused by the quake. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump has called America’s trade relationship with India a “one-sided disaster.” He said India sells large amounts of goods to the US but blocks American companies with high tariffs. Trump also criticized India for buying most of its oil and weapons from Russia instead of the US. He added that New Delhi recently offered to cut tariffs to zero but said it was “getting late.” His comments came days after Washington imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods. Trump’s criticism follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meetings with Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin at the SCO summit. (PC: X)

Russian President Vladimir Putin waited nearly 10 minutes for Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China. The two leaders then travelled together in Putin’s Aurus limousine for their bilateral meeting. During the 45-minute ride, they spoke privately on key issues, and even after reaching the venue, continued their talks inside the car. Kremlin officials later said their conversation lasted about an hour. Commentators in Moscow suggested it was their most important confidential dialogue. Later, in formal talks, PM Modi told Putin it was humanity’s call to end the Ukraine conflict at the earliest. (PC: @narendramodi/X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged full humanitarian support to Afghanistan following a devastating 6.0 magnitude earthquake near Jalalabad, which has claimed over 800 lives. In a heartfelt post, Modi expressed sorrow and solidarity, assuring “India stands ready to provide all possible humanitarian aid”1. Rescue operations continue amid difficult terrain, with many still trapped under debris. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar echoed India’s commitment, emphasizing assistance and prayers for the injured. The quake was followed by a 4.7 magnitude aftershock, deepening the crisis. Modi’s pledge came after his return from high-level engagements in China, including the SCO Summit, reinforcing India’s regional leadership in humanitarian outreach. (PC: X)