Despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that India has halted Russian oil imports, Indian officials confirmed no change in policy. Trump called the alleged move a “good step” amid threats of punitive tariffs targeting nations buying Russian oil. However, India continues sourcing crude from Russia, citing long-term contracts and economic necessity. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized decisions are based on global market conditions and national interest. India, now one of Russia’s top oil customers, imported 1.75 million barrels per day from January to June. While Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Indian exports, further penalties remain possible. Officials insist India’s energy strategy supports price stability and complies with international norms. (PC: Reuters & TRT Global)

In a heartfelt diplomatic gesture, the Iranian Embassy in India extended warm Friendship Day wishes to the Indian government, celebrating centuries of cultural and civilizational ties. The message highlighted the enduring bond between the two nations, transcending dynasties, faiths, and rulers, and emphasized shared values in literature, language, philosophy, and art. Hours later, the Indian Embassy in Tehran reciprocated with equal warmth, affirming the millennia-old friendship and mutual respect between the peoples of India and Iran. Both embassies exchanged messages on social media, reinforcing the spirit of cooperation and historical connection. The exchange was widely appreciated as a symbol of enduring diplomacy and cultural affinity. (PC: BBC & News 18)

Stephen Miller, a top aide to Donald Trump, has accused India of financing Russia’s war in Ukraine by continuing to purchase oil from Moscow. Speaking on Fox News, Miller called India’s near-parity with China in Russian oil imports “astonishing” and “not acceptable.” The Trump administration recently imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods and threatened further penalties unless India halts its energy and arms trade with Russia. Despite mounting pressure, Indian officials reaffirmed their commitment to sourcing oil based on national interest and energy security. Miller acknowledged Trump’s “tremendous” relationship with Prime Minister Modi but emphasized that all diplomatic and financial options remain on the table to end the war. (PC: Mint & CNN)

Just 90 days after India’s Operation Sindoor dismantled terror infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Pakistan has rebuilt over 15 terror camps and launchpads with direct support from its intelligence agency ISI. These camps, located in areas like Kel, Shardi, Athmuqam, and Chakothi, now use advanced tech including drones, radar camouflage, and satellite masking to evade Indian surveillance. Four launchpads along the International Border, including a drone center in Shakargarh, have also been reactivated. Camps now house fewer militants and include women and children as shields. Intelligence reports warn of renewed cross-border threats, with ISI allocating over PKR 100 crore to revive terror networks destroyed during India’s precision strikes. (PC: PBS & The Economic Times)

Sara Tendulkar, daughter of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, has been appointed brand ambassador for Tourism Australia’s $130 million “Come and Say G’day” campaign. Targeting Indian travelers, Sara will feature in TV, digital, and social media promotions showcasing Australia’s culture, nature, and adventure. The campaign launches first in China on August 7, then rolls out globally. Other ambassadors include Robert Irwin (US), Nigella Lawson (UK), Yosh Yu (China), and Abareru-kun (Japan), alongside mascot Ruby the Roo. This marks the second phase of the campaign, raising total investment to $255 million since 2022. Tourism Australia aims to boost international visits and economic growth through this star-powered initiative.

Indian-origin lawyer Mathura Sridharan has been appointed as Ohio's 12th solicitor general by Attorney General Dave Yost. A graduate of MIT and NYU School of Law, Sridharan previously served as deputy solicitor general and led the Tenth Amendment Center. Despite her accomplishments, Sridharan faced racist trolling online for her Indian heritage and wearing a bindi. Critics questioned her “Americanness,” prompting Yost to defend her, stating she is a U.S. citizen and fully qualified. “If her complexion or name bother you, the problem is not with her,” Yost wrote. Sridharan successfully argued at SCOTUS last year. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump has again claimed he stopped a war between India and Pakistan using trade talks. He said both countries agreed to a ceasefire after US mediation. Trump added that he used trade pressure to stop many wars. India strongly denied this. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said there was no third-party role in the ceasefire. PM Modi also confirmed that no foreign leader told India to stop its military action after the April 22 terror attack. Trump’s comments come after he announced new tariffs on Indian goods and praised his peace efforts worldwide. India stands by its position. (PC: @WhiteHouse/X)

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has debunked reports claiming India is reviewing US goods exempted from tariffs or reconsidering bilateral deals in response to US President Donald Trump’s 25% tariff. The MEA’s fact-check unit called the reports false and misleading. Trump’s tariffs, effective August 1, penalize India for BRICS ties and trade with Russia. Despite this, sources confirmed that both countries remain engaged in talks to reach a trade agreement, with the sixth round of negotiations scheduled in New Delhi on August 24. Trump accused India of having “obnoxious” trade barriers and slammed its ties with Russia. (PC: X)

The funeral of Habib Tahir, a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist killed in Operation Mahadev in Jammu & Kashmir, turned chaotic in PoK’s Kuiyaan village. Local residents resisted the presence of LeT commander Rizwan Hanif, who arrived with armed men despite being barred by Tahir’s family. Tensions escalated when Hanif’s nephew allegedly threatened mourners with a gun, sparking outrage. The group was eventually forced to leave. Tahir was involved in the Pahalgam attack that killed 26, including a Nepali national. Pakistan denies active LeT links, but the US recently designated its offshoot, The Resistance Front (TRF), a terrorist group. (PC: NDTV)

India has officially denied issuing any directive to its oil refiners to stop purchasing Russian crude, amid mounting international scrutiny and tariff threats from the U.S. Although some state-run companies have paused spot purchases due to shrinking discounts, the government emphasized that these are commercial decisions based on price dynamics—not political orders. Russian oil still accounts for about 35% of India’s total crude imports. Despite pressure from U.S. President Trump, Indian officials reaffirmed their commitment to energy security and strategic autonomy in sourcing decisions, maintaining that purchases remain guided by global economics and contracts. (PC: Bloomberg)