Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal urged calm over India-US trade tensions, asserting "no need to panic" despite Trump's punitive 50% tariffs on Indian goods. Goyal emphasized India maintains "very good relations" with Washington and expressed confidence in reaching an "equitable, fair and balanced agreement." The tariffs doubled from 25% to 50% as penalty for India's Russian oil trade. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent previously called India "recalcitrant" in negotiations, initially targeting October completion. However, scheduled August talks were deferred indefinitely. Goyal stressed patience in trade negotiations, noting there's "never a timeline" for such complex discussions. Multiple negotiation rounds have occurred recently as both nations seek resolution amid escalating trade disputes and geopolitical tensions. (PC: X)

Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton declares the Trump-Modi friendship "gone now" amid escalating trade tensions. Bolton warns that personal relationships with Trump offer no real protection from his unpredictable policies, citing the deteriorating India-US ties as evidence. Trump has imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods while Modi has been seen with Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping in Beijing, signaling shifting priorities. Bolton, who served as Trump's NSA from 2018-2019, criticizes Trump's tendency to view foreign policy through personal relationships rather than strategic interests. The former aide warns other leaders, including UK's Keir Starmer, that even strong personal bonds won't shield them from Trump's worst decision-making, marking the end of the much-publicized Trump-Modi "bromance". (PC: Bloomberg & The New York Times)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a joint telephone conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa, focusing on EU–India relations and pressing global issues. Key topics included the ongoing Ukraine war and the need for India’s role in supporting peace efforts, alongside progress on the long-pending India–EU Free Trade Agreement, which both sides are eager to finalize by the end of 2025. They also discussed preparations for a joint strategic agenda to be formalized at the next India–EU Summit in early 2026. (PC: News 18)  

The Trump administration has asked the US Supreme Court to uphold tariffs on India, saying they are vital for Ukraine peace. India faces a 50% duty on exports to the US after refusing to cut Russian oil trade. Solicitor General John Sauer told the court that removing tariffs would risk economic disaster and weaken America’s defense base. A lower court had ruled the tariffs unlawful. Trump’s team argues the 1977 law allows such emergency powers. Officials claim the tariffs protect US trade and push countries into new deals. India’s trade talks with Washington remain stalled. (PC: X)

US Congressman Gregory Meeks has warned that Donald Trump’s new 50% tariffs on India are “arbitrary” and risk harming the decades-old US-India partnership. After meeting Indian Ambassador Vinay Kwatra in Washington, Meeks said, “I reaffirmed our commitment to deeper ties, our shared hope for peace in Ukraine, and my alarm at Trump’s arbitrary tariffs that threaten this vital relationship.” India has defended its purchase of Russian oil, saying it is driven by national interest and market realities. Ambassador Kwatra thanked Meeks for his support and discussed trade, energy, and Indo-Pacific strategy with other US lawmakers. (PC: AP)

Amit Kshatriya, a seasoned 20-year NASA veteran, has been named Associate Administrator—NASA’s top civil-service role—by Acting Administrator Sean P. Duffy on September 3, 2025 . Previously deputy head of the Moon-to-Mars Program in the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, he played a central role in planning and executing Artemis missions toward lunar and Mars expeditions . A Caltech and University of Texas alumnus, Kshatriya is among just ~100 individuals ever to serve as a mission control flight director. His accolades include the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal and the Silver Snoopy, both recognizing leadership and flight safety excellence. (PC: NASA)

US President Donald Trump has asked the Supreme Court to uphold his tariffs on India, calling them “a crucial aspect of our push for peace” in Ukraine. His administration argued that penalties on India’s Russian oil imports support efforts to end the war. In August, tariffs were doubled to 50%, half linked to Russian trade and half under Trump’s “America First” policy. A federal appeals court had earlier ruled many tariffs illegal but allowed them to remain for now. Trump said tariffs make America strong and vowed to fight on with Supreme Court backing. (PC: AFP)

Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong called ties with India “important” in a world of “great uncertainty and turbulence.” Speaking in New Delhi with PM Narendra Modi, Wong stressed that the partnership is built on “shared values, mutual respect and trust.” He noted Singapore is India’s largest foreign investor, accounting for nearly a quarter of FDI inflows. Wong also pointed to future growth in frontier areas like space. “We can draw strength from our shared history and friendship,” he said. More than 20 Singapore-made satellites have already been launched by India, showing strong collaboration that will continue to expand. (PC: X/@MEAIndia)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned the US against using tariffs and sanctions to pressure India and China. Speaking after the SCO Summit in China, he said Washington’s actions reflect “colonial era” thinking. Putin called India and China powerful economies with their own systems and leaders who cannot be treated with threats. He stressed the colonial past still shapes their political instincts. His comments came as US President Donald Trump announced new sanctions on India for buying Russian oil and hinted at more to come. Putin also praised India’s role in efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict. (PC: India Today)

At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a sharp rebuke at the Trump administration’s tariff strategy, particularly targeting India and China. He insisted these nations are sovereign, powerful partners—not subjects of economic coercion—asserting, "The colonial era is now over" and emphasizing that such heavy-handed diplomacy is outdated. Putin said the tariffs aim to weaken the leadership of these giant economies, warning that any show of weakness could imperil political careers . He also expressed appreciation for India’s efforts, alongside China and other strategic allies, in seeking a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine crisis. (PC: India Today)