Conservative activist Charlie Kirk triggered a firestorm on X by declaring, “America does not need more visas for people from India,” arguing it displaces American workers . His remarks, made amid speculation that future US-India trade negotiations could include expanded visa quotas, have sparked widespread outrage, particularly given the reliance of critical sectors—technology, healthcare, engineering—on Indian talent . Critics warn that limiting access to Indian professionals risks dampening US innovation, shrinking STEM enrolments, and encouraging skilled individuals to migrate to more welcoming countries. The episode underscores policy confusion and the looming threat to America’s global competitiveness. (PC: The Economic Times)

Canada, once known for its openness to global students, is now tightening its borders significantly. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reports a record-breaking 62% of student visa applications were denied in 2025, compared to 52% in 2024 and an average of 40% in earlier years . Indian applicants have been impacted most severely, facing a staggering 80% rejection rate . In response, Canada has cut study permit quotas, doubled proof of funds requirements, and terminated the Student Direct Stream fast-track channel .

US President Donald Trump said India and Russia appear to be “lost” to China, following the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin. Sharing a photo of PM Modi, Xi Jinping, and Putin, Trump wrote, “May they have a long and prosperous future together!” The remark comes amid rising tensions between the US and India, after Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50%. Former US officials blame Trump for pushing India closer to China. Experts say China now appears more responsible in the eyes of global allies, while the US brand suffers. (PC: X)

Donald Trump shared a photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping from the SCO Summit in Tianjin. He wrote, “Looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China.” This comes after Trump imposed 50% tariffs on India over its purchase of Russian oil. The Ministry of External Affairs refused to comment on Trump’s post. Experts say Trump’s tariff actions are pushing India closer to Russia and China. Xi and Modi agreed to improve ties, marking a possible shift in India-China relations after years of hostility. (PC: India Today)

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reaffirmed India’s strategic decision to continue importing Russian oil, stating that energy choices are driven by national interests—including cost and logistics—rather than external pressures. She also emphasized that the newly introduced GST 2.0 reforms will significantly neutralize the impact of steep 50% U.S. tariffs, helping industries remain competitive. The revamped tax structure, featuring simplified slabs and relief for consumers and businesses, is expected to boost domestic demand, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen resilience amid global trade tensions. (PC: Money Control)    

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will represent India at the BRICS Leaders’ Summit hosted virtually by Brazil on September 8. Convened by President Lula da Silva, the summit aims to address punitive tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on India and Brazil. India faces a 25% tariff for purchasing Russian oil, while Brazil’s exports, including coffee, are hit with 50% duties amid political tensions over Jair Bolsonaro’s trial. The summit also seeks to reinforce multilateralism among emerging economies. This follows the SCO Summit in Tianjin, where Modi, Xi, and Putin met. Trump warned the U.S. has “lost India and Russia to China,” amid BRICS efforts to reduce dollar dependence. (PC: Brinnica)

President Trump declared America has "lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China" after the SCO summit in Tianjin, sarcastically wishing the trio a "prosperous future together." Trump's comments mark his sharpest acknowledgment of deepening ties between the three nations, all at odds with Washington on Ukraine and trade. The summit featured Modi's first China visit in seven years since the 2020 Galwan clash, signaling India's strategic autonomy over US alignment. Trump has imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods, targeting Russian oil imports, while criticizing India's "one-sided" trade relationship. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar countered that the US applies different standards to China and EU regarding Russian energy purchases, highlighting growing diplomatic tensions. (PC: Mint & X)

Pakistan accuses India of "weaponising water" amid catastrophic monsoon floods killing 884 people nationally, with Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal claiming deliberate dam releases caused Punjab flooding. However, water experts dismiss these allegations as "oversimplification," noting India's own severe flooding with 100+ deaths. King's College professor Daanish Mustafa explains India would flood itself before Pakistan due to geography. The crisis intensified after India withdrew from the six-decade Indus Waters Treaty following the Pahalgam attack. Climate change and obsolete dam infrastructure compound the problem, with melting glaciers and intense monsoons exceeding designed capacities. Former Pakistani IWT representative Shiraz Memon calls flood accusations against India "natural phenomenon," urging focus on climate adaptation over political blame-shifting between nuclear neighbors. (PC: Al Jazeera)

India banned Austrian economist Gunther Fehlinger-Jahn's X account after he posted "dismantle India into ExIndia" with a Khalistan map, calling PM Modi "Russia's man." The Ministry of Home Affairs and Electronics & IT flagged the viral post, directing X to block Indian access. Fehlinger-Jahn serves as President of the Austrian Committee for NATO Membership and sits on Southern Balkans economic integration boards. A senior MEA source dismissed raising the matter with Vienna, calling him "a loony" with "no official position." The post sparked angry social media reactions. This follows PM Modi's historic July 2024 Austria visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 41 years, marking 75 years of diplomatic relations. (PC: NDTV)

President Trump questioned Apple CEO Tim Cook about US investments during a White House tech dinner, referencing Apple's India operations as Cook announced $600 billion commitment. Trump pressed other CEOs too: Zuckerberg pledged $600 billion for Meta, Pichai committed $250 billion over two years for Google, while Nadella announced $75-80 billion for Microsoft this year. The questioning follows Trump's May warning to Cook against building in India, despite Apple's plans to manufacture 25% of global iPhones there. Apple reportedly told Indian officials it won't slow expansion, planning $2.5 billion investment to boost production from 40 million to 60 million units annually. The dinner included prominent tech leaders discussing AI advancement and US manufacturing priorities. (PC: India Today & CNN)