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Trump says US close to striking major trade deal with India

July 8, 2025, 9:06 pm

India and the United States are near to finalizing a trade agreement, US President Donald Trump said on Monday, despite the fact that his government sent letters to 14 nations warning them of tariffs.

Trump Mentions India Deal in Netanyahu Meeting

“We’ve made a deal with the United Kingdom, we’ve made a deal with China, we’re close to making a deal with India,” Trump told reporters during a meeting with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

New Delhi and Washington have been in hard negotiations to seal a trade agreement while America’s retaliatory tariffs – postponed by 90 days in April – were extended from July 9 to August 1.

Indian Delegation Holds Crucial Talks in Washington

A delegation headed by special secretary Rajesh Agrawal departed America last week after having crucial talks with the Office of the United States Trade Representative.

“I think they basically sewed up what is likely to be an agreement in principle but not a legally binding agreement in which the two sides issue a statement highlighting what is what has been agreed so far,” Mark Linscott, senior advisor at the Asia Group and former Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asian Affairs, told HT.

Deal to Focus on Tariffs, Market Access, Digital Trade

“Based on what we’ve heard and read and the conversations we’ve had, I think it will be substantial. I think it will go further than the other two agreements that have been announced so far with the UK and Vietnam, I think there will be benefits for both sides and concessions that have been agreed on both sides. I think it will be substantial on tariffs. It won’t cover the full tariff schedules for each country, but I think it will be substantial in terms of what we call market access. I think it will include a number of priority non-tariff barriers. I think it will at least start to put together the pieces of some complicated areas like digital trade,” added Linscott, who was involved in US-India trade talks during the first Trump administration.

Trump, Modi Kickstarted Trade Talks During February US Visit

The bilateral negotiations for a US-India trade agreement were unveiled in February this year when Prime Minister Narendra Modi traveled to America.

New Delhi and Washington agreed to negotiate the first tranche of a bilateral trade agreement by September this year. America has looked at increased exports of US industrial products to India while New Delhi has lobbied for enhanced access for its labour intensive exports to US markets.

Enhancement of bilateral trade in farm products and lowering non-tariff trade barriers have also been at the centre of their priorities. In their bilateral sit-down, Trump and Modi laid out intentions to double bilateral trade to about $500 billion by 2030.

Rs. 1 Crore Gets You Just a Mercedes in India But a Visa & Merc in Dubai

July 7, 2025, 4:30 pm

Indians now also have an easier route to the UAE’s highly sought-after Golden Visa without having to invest crores in real estate or business. Indians can now gain permanent residency under the nomination-based model by paying AED 1,00,000 (roughly Rs. 23.30 lakh), a huge change from the previous requirement of a minimum AED 2 million (or rs. 4.66 crore) real estate investment or share in businesses.

This new, cheaper pathway has generated excitement among Indians looking to build a life in the UAE. On Twitter, a user smartly pointed out that an Indian could either buy a high-end car costing Rs. 1 crore in India or spend the same amount to obtain a Golden Visa for Dubai and purchase the same car there.

Mercedes E-Class: India vs Dubai Prices

X user Abhinav Kukreja juxtaposed the cost of owning a Mercedes E-Class in the two nations. In India, the cheapest model begins at Rs. 81.50 lakh (ex-showroom), while on-road prices in Delhi are around Rs. 95 lakh, according to Carwale.

Meanwhile, in Dubai, the identical Mercedes E-Class comes with a price tag of AED 321,900, which is roughly Rs. 75 lakh. Kukreja pointed out that with Rs. 1 crore, one could either drive away in an E-Class here, or alternatively, spend Rs. 23 lakh on a Golden Visa, then buy the same car in Dubai for Rs. 75 lakh essentially getting both the car and residency within the same budget.

If you have 1Cr, now you can either:

1. Buy Mercedes E Class in India
Or

2. Get Dubai Golden Visa for Life + Buy Mercedes E Class in Dubai pic.twitter.com/xJ79S6s7Qk

— Abhinav Kukreja (@kukreja_abhinav) July 6, 2025

Social Media Responds

Kukreja’s comment soon went viral on X, generating debate on taxes, lifestyle, and wise spending.

“Dubai government understands middle class Indians problems more than the Indian government… anticipate some businessmen and remote working professionals to migrate there to avoid taxes and enjoy improved quality of life,” said X user Hrishikesh Shinde.

Another commenter praised the math, stating, “I like this maths and comparison – well done! Drives the point home beautifully.”

Some were even stunned by the news of the cheaper visa. “Wow. For real ? Dubai golden visa is now less than 25 lac ? There will be a stampede to get it,” one commenter wrote.

Why Reuters’ X Account Was Withheld in India: Centre Responds

July 6, 2025, 2:10 pm

The Indian government on Saturday clarified that it had no role in the withholding of international news agency Reuters’ official X (formerly Twitter) handle in India, saying no such directive was issued and that it is actively working with the platform to resolve the matter.

Reuters’ X handle goes dark in India

Reuters’ primary handle on X became inaccessible to Indian users this week, triggering widespread concern. A notice on the social media platform stated the account was withheld “in response to a legal demand.”

Amid speculation, a government spokesperson said, “There is no requirement from the Government of India to withhold Reuters, and we are continuously working with X to resolve the problem.”

Delayed action on old legal request suspected

Sources suggest the block may be the result of an outdated request that X may have implemented recently in error. Officials believe the handle may be restored shortly.

According to a PTI report, the Indian government had indeed issued a blocking order on May 7 during Operation Sindoor that included Reuters among hundreds of social media handles. However, Reuters’ account had not been actioned at the time, and it now appears X acted on that order belatedly — a “mistake on their part,” an official source said.

Reuters not alone in restriction

While Reuters’ main and world handles remain inaccessible, several other official accounts of the news organisation — including Reuters Tech News, Reuters Asia, and Reuters Fact Check — continue to function normally in India. The UK-based news agency has not yet released an official statement on the matter.

India asks X to explain, lift restrictions

The government has reportedly asked X to clarify the circumstances surrounding the block and requested that it revoke the restriction, citing the irrelevance of the original request in the current context.

Under its content policy, X complies with legal demands such as court orders or local laws, and may withhold content in specific jurisdictions accordingly.

Reuters X Account Blocked in India After ‘Legal Demand’, No Clarification Yet

July 6, 2025, 11:10 am

The X account of the news agency Reuters has been withheld in India. The site mentions a “legal demand” behind the blocking. No official reason has come from Reuters or the government of India so far.

This step denies Indian users access to @Reuters. But affiliate accounts such as @ReutersAsia, @ReutersBiz, and @ReutersScience continue to be accessible. Reuters’ primary website is also still accessible in India.

No Clarity on the Legal Grounds

X normally suspends content in a nation only after it has received a legal request. Such requests typically come from courts or state authorities. In this situation, however, neither Reuters nor the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has made public statements on who ordered this action and for what reason.

The site shows an ordinary notice:

“@Reuters has been withheld in India in response to a legal demand.”

There is no court filing or public order associated with this takedown. Users and reporters are left in the dark about whether a certain post, article, or trend set something in motion.

This is not the first time such a step has been taken. India instructed X earlier this year to ban thousands of accounts and posts. They involved political content, satire, and, in a few instances, media handles. X blocked them under protest and sued the government’s content removal portal in March 2025. This incident adds to existing tensions between global tech platforms and Indian officials.

Reuters Silent, Government Unresponsive

To date, Reuters has not released a statement. The agency, with more than 2,600 journalists employed across 165 countries, hasn’t mentioned the blocking on its other sites either. The Indian government, the Ministry of IT and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting included, has remained quiet.

The silence is making media observers, free speech activists, and digital rights defenders worry.

What’s Next?

Unless and until Reuters makes a statement or the government issues an official clarification, nobody knows. If the block is a result of a legal infraction, there needs to be transparency. If it involves particular content, there needs to be a clarification.

Until then, the curb on the Reuters X account remains a secret—and an increasing issue for the world media.

PM Modi and President Milei Forge Stronger India-Argentina Strategic Partnership

July 6, 2025, 8:36 am

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Argentine President Javier Milei held important talks in Buenos Aires on Saturday night. Their meeting focused on expanding ties across several critical areas, including defence manufacturing, space, critical minerals, shale gas, pharmaceuticals, digital payments, and telemedicine.

This marked the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Argentina in 57 years. Modi had last visited Argentina in 2018 during the G20 Summit. On his arrival at Ezeiza International Airport earlier in the day, he received a warm ceremonial welcome.

Delegation-Level Talks and Tribute

Following his arrival, PM Modi paid tribute to General Jose de San Martin, a national hero of Argentina. Afterwards, he and President Milei held delegation-level discussions, followed by a lunch hosted in Modi’s honour.

Agreements Across Multiple Sectors

Both sides agreed to set up a joint working group on agriculture and look into cooperation in drones and defence production. India also offered technical help in maintaining Argentina’s military helicopters and proposed new military platforms for collaboration.

Trade and Market Access

In the area of trade, PM Modi urged Argentina to support expanding the India-MERCOSUR trade pact. MERCOSUR includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Modi also asked for better access for Indian medicines in the Argentine market.

To support this, India recommended that Argentina upgrade India’s status from Annex II to Annex I in its pharmaceutical classification system. In response, Argentina shared details of its fast-track approval system for Indian medicines.

Digital and Financial Collaboration

Digital cooperation also took center stage. PM Modi highlighted the success of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI). President Milei showed strong interest in adopting UPI. He believed it could help Argentina’s central bank manage monetary policy more effectively.

Clean Energy and Critical Minerals

Both leaders discussed the importance of lithium, a vital resource for India’s clean energy goals. India and Argentina had already signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on this in August 2022. The first meeting under this MoU took place in January.

A Growing Partnership

India and Argentina officially upgraded their ties to a strategic partnership in 2019, during then-President Mauricio Macri’s visit to India. Since then, the relationship has grown steadily.

Bilateral trade has more than doubled from 2019 to 2022, peaking at $6.4 billion. In 2024, total trade stood at $5.23 billion, making India Argentina’s fifth-largest trading partner.

Modi Honoured in Buenos Aires

After the talks, Modi received the Key to the City of Buenos Aires from Mayor Jorge Macri, recognising the deepening ties between the two nations.

In a post on X, Modi wrote, “Excellent meeting with President Javier Milei of Argentina. We are marking 75 years of India-Argentina diplomatic relations and 5 years since we elevated our relationship to a Strategic Partnership. We have covered significant ground, but we agree the journey ahead is even more promising!”

Excelente reunión con el Presidente Javier Milei de Argentina. Se cumplen 75 años de relaciones diplomáticas entre la India y Argentina y 5 años desde que elevamos nuestra relación a Asociación Estratégica. Hemos avanzado considerablemente en nuestras relaciones bilaterales, pero… pic.twitter.com/KA76k0lUra

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 5, 2025

How India Quietly Shaped America’s Independence | TDG Explainer

July 5, 2025, 12:21 pm

As the United States celebrated its 249th Independence Day on July 4, few remembered India’s surprising role in that historic revolution. While the war for freedom unfolded in America, events in India silently affected Britain’s ability to hold on to its colonies.

America’s Fight for Freedom

In 1775, tensions between Britain and its 13 American colonies exploded into war. George Washington took command of the Continental Army. His troops were outnumbered and under-equipped, but he kept the cause alive.

By July 4, 1776, the colonies had declared independence. Washington’s leadership proved vital. His major victories, including the Battle of Trenton and the final blow at Yorktown in 1781, forced General Charles Cornwallis to surrender. The Treaty of Paris in 1783 officially recognized America as a free nation.

Meanwhile, India Was Also at War

Thousands of miles away, India was resisting British rule too. In 1780, Hyder Ali of Mysore launched the Second Anglo-Mysore War. After his death, Tipu Sultan continued the fight.

India’s powerful Mysore-Maratha alliance, with help from the French, challenged Britain’s dominance in the region. The French, who supported the Americans as well, helped stretch the British military across two continents.

Trade Tied the Two Revolutions

America and India didn’t fight side by side—but they shared an enemy and a trade system.

Colonial America relied heavily on Indian textiles like cotton and calico. These goods came through British trade routes. However, the British imposed high tariffs to protect their own textile industry.

These tariffs made Indian goods expensive and scarce. Americans began to protest. They wore homespun clothes to reject British imports. This economic resistance became a powerful symbol of freedom.

Tariffs Hurt Both India and America

British tariffs affected India and America differently—but both suffered. In India, the East India Company suppressed local industries. In America, colonists saw the tariffs as unfair taxation.

As a result, both regions grew restless. In the U.S., economic frustration added fuel to the independence movement. In India, anger against British trade policies helped push local rulers like Tipu Sultan into open conflict.

Did Indian Resistance Help America?

Indirectly, yes. Britain was forced to divide its troops and attention. While fighting Washington in America, they also had to defend their much larger interests in India.

Historians believe that this two-front war weakened British strength. The British saw India as more valuable than the American colonies. That shift in focus may have helped the U.S. gain the upper hand.

Echoes in Today’s Trade Wars

Interestingly, tariffs are still shaping global politics. Under Donald Trump, the U.S. revived aggressive tariff policies. These moves affected India, China, and even long-time allies.

In May 2025, India and the UK signed a free trade agreement to reduce these trade barriers. The parallels are clear—just like in the 1700s, tariffs continue to strain and shape international relations.

A Shared Past, Forgotten

Although India wasn’t on America’s battlefield, it was still part of the revolution. Indian textiles played a daily role in American life. Indian rulers fought British forces at the same time Americans did. And British trade decisions harmed both nations.

The stories of Washington and Tipu Sultan may seem worlds apart, but they were connected through commerce, colonialism, and resistance.

India Sticks to Its Terms in Trade Deal Talks with US, Says Piyush Goyal

July 5, 2025, 9:06 am

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said India will not rush into a trade deal. He stressed that India will sign only when the terms match its interests. His remarks came ahead of July 9, when the US pause on retaliatory tariffs ends.

India Will Decide on Its Own Terms

Goyal explained that India negotiates based on national interest, not deadlines. “Whether it is the European Union, New Zealand, Oman, the United States, Chile, or Peru, negotiations for agreements are underway with many countries. A free trade agreement happens only when there is mutual benefit,” he said.

He added, “When the deal is made while safeguarding India’s interests, keeping in mind that national interest will always remain paramount, then India is always ready to make deals with developed countries… India never makes a trade deal based on a timeline; when the deal is good, fully matured, and in the national interest, then we accept it.”

Indian Delegation Returns from US

India’s trade team recently came back from Washington. They held high-level talks with the Trump administration.

Chief negotiator Rajesh Agrawal said, “Indian team is back from Washington. Negotiations will continue. There are certain issues which need to be resolved in agriculture and auto sectors.”

Negotiations Focus on Key Sectors

Talks have now entered the sixth day. Both sides are trying to agree on sensitive issues. The US wants duty-free access to parts of India’s agricultural market. India is pushing for lower tariffs on its exports.

India wants relief for goods like:

Textiles
Gems and jewellery
Leather and garments
Plastics and chemicals
Shrimp and oilseeds
Grapes and bananas

The US wants lower duties on:

Automobiles
Wines
Petrochemical products

Tariff Pause Ends Soon

On April 2, the US announced a 26% reciprocal tariff on Indian goods. It paused enforcement for 90 days. But a 10% base tariff still applies. India wants full exemption from these extra duties.

Trump Signals a New Type of Deal

Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump said the deal is close. He promised a new approach with fewer tariffs.

Trump said, “I think we are going to have a deal with India. And that is going to be a different kind of a deal. It is going to be a deal where we are able to go in and compete. Right now, India does not accept anybody in. I think India is going to do that, and if they do that, we are going to have a deal for much less tariffs.”

Who is Jane Street, the US Trading Giant Under Scrutiny in India?

July 4, 2025, 12:38 pm

In a rare action against a foreign trading company, India has prohibited Jane Street, a leading quantitative trading firm in the world, from its securities market. The move comes after India’s markets watchdog, SEBI, concluded an investigation and determined that Jane Street had gained ‘unlawful gains’. During the crackdown, SEBI also froze $567 million of the U.S.-based company. Jane Street, though, has said it “disputed the findings.

What is Jane Street?

Established in 2000, Jane Street is a force to be reckoned with in the international trading space, with over 3,000 employees working for it in offices in the United States, Europe, and Asia.

The company recorded a revenue of $20.5 billion annually last year and is growing fast in Asia, most specifically by expanding more office space in Hong Kong.

On its website, Jane Street uses “advanced quantitative analysis and a detailed understanding of market mechanics” to ensure price stability. It brags as “a firm of puzzle solvers on and off the clock.”

How Jane Street Works in India

Jane Street ventured into the Indian market when it set up its very first local entity in December 2020. In total, it operates its India business via four group entities—two of which are registered within India and the remaining two in Hong Kong and Singapore, operating as foreign portfolio investors.

The Size of its India Exposure

Between January 2023 and March 2025, these four entities collectively earned $5 billion in profits by trading equity options in India, as highlighted in SEBI’s order. Jane Street’s substantial role in India first drew widespread attention last year, when it filed a lawsuit in the U.S. against Millennium Management.

The firm accused its rival of misappropriating a valuable proprietary trading strategy. During court proceedings, it emerged that this strategy centered on Indian options and had delivered $1 billion in profits for Jane Street in 2023. The dispute was settled in December.

SEBI’s Allegations and India’s Tough Stance

SEBI argues that Jane Street cornered the market by first aggressively buying banking stocks and futures, which temporarily boosted the banking index. The company subsequently sold significant quantities of the same securities. SEBI argues that such activity pushed retail investors to buy in and thus skewed the market.

Black Sea Corridor: India’s Eurasian Strategy to Counter China and Turkey?

July 2, 2025, 4:40 pm

India has gained a strategic partner in Armenia, which is supporting India’s initiative for a Black Sea Corridor that will be able to realign the regional balance in Central and West Asia. While China increases its reach into Azerbaijan and Georgia, Armenia is pinning its bets on India to put paid to this influence.

The suggested Black Sea Corridor would link India, Iran, Armenia, and Georgia, providing a new overland route to Europe without traversing hostile or fragile areas. This alliance has the potential to reshape India’s Eurasian aspirations.

Armenia: India’s Strongest Ally

India-Armenia relations have strengthened over the last ten years. India has become Armenia’s biggest arms supplier, pushing Russia in 2022. When India undertook Operation Sindhu to evacuate its citizens in the Iran-Israel conflict, it employed Armenia’s airspace and infrastructure, as Iranian and Pakistani corridors were cut off.

Armenia also supported India after the Pahalgam terror attack, backing India’s Operation Sindoor, where Indian troops attacked nine terror camps in Pakistan. Armenia’s participation in these missions, strategic analysts in Yerevan term a “clear demonstration of India-Armenia relations in action.”

Deterring the Pakistan-Azerbaijan-Turkey Axis

Armenia is steadfast in supporting India against the “three brothers” coalition — Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Turkey. Armenia, not recognized by Pakistan, has spoken out against Pakistan’s move in Kashmir. Meanwhile, Turkey and Azerbaijan have developed close ties with Pakistan militarily as well as diplomatically.

India’s increasing relationship with Cyprus and Greece, also supporting Armenia, is strengthening this strategic bloc in the region.

India Overtakes Russia, But Doesn’t Replace It

India has increased arms sales to Armenia, such as artillery units, air defense units like the Akash 1S, and NATO-standard 155mm howitzers. These assisted Armenia in upgrading its old Soviet-era machinery.

Although India has taken the volume from Russia, Armenia continues to look at Russia as its official security guarantor. Indian analysts encourage India to surpass defence commerce and sign a strategic partnership accord to advance collaboration.

Black Sea Corridor: India’s Reply to China’s BRI?

China has made significant investments in Azerbaijan and Georgia under the Belt and Road Initiative. Armenia, however, is shut out. Experts contend this provides a natural opening for India. The hypothetical Black Sea Corridor — connecting India, Iran, Armenia, and Georgia to Europe — provides New Delhi with a non-Turkey, non-Azerbaijan gateway to the West.

With the old routes cut off by the war in Ukraine, India now requires trusted alternatives. Armenia provides just that — a land bridge to Europe via friendly and stable allies. Not only does the corridor serve economic interests, but it also positions India as a counter to China in the Caucasus.

Strategic Moment for New Delhi

Armenian analysts have urged deeper military drills, foreign ministry cooperation, and planning for long-term infrastructure. A formal India-Armenia strategic agreement, they contend, is the natural follow-up.

If India acts now, the Black Sea Corridor can become more than a proposal and a geopolitical game-changer, opening new horizons for trade, defense, and diplomacy.

Trump Eyes 500% Tariffs on India, China Over Russia Dealings

July 2, 2025, 2:56 pm

US President Donald Trump has signed into law a Senate bill that would impose 500% tariffs on countries such as China and India for buying Russian oil and energy products.

Speaking to ABC News Sunday, US Senator Lindsey Graham said that Trump urged him to bring the sanctions bill to a vote. Graham, the leader of this effort for tough new sanctions on Russia, characterized Trump’s support as ‘a big breakthrough’.

Graham told ABC News, “Big breakthrough here. So what does this bill do? If you’re buying products from Russia and you’re not helping Ukraine, then there’s a 500% tariff on your products coming into the United States. India and China buy 70% of Putin’s oil. They keep his war machine going.”

He. said the bill is aimed at putting pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate for Ukraine and would also provide Trump with ‘a tool’ by which to do so. Still, Graham said Trump would have the choice whether to sign it into law or not if Congress passes it, saying, “I’ve got 84 co-sponsors on a Russian sanctions bill that is an economic bunker buster against China, India, and Russia for Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine. I think that bill’s going to pass.”

Recent statistics show India playing a leading role in the purchase of Russian fossil fuels. India ranked the second biggest importer of Russian fossil fuels in May 2025, with an estimated import value of €4.2 billion, 72% of which was crude oil.

In the meantime, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reacted on Monday to comments made by Graham, that Russia is well aware of the senator’s attitude. “The views of the senator are widely known to us, widely known to the entire world. He is part of a coterie of inveterate Russophobes. If he had his way, these sanctions would have been imposed long ago,” Peskov explained.

He also asked if the brutal move would even benefit the peace process, saying, “Would that have helped the (Ukraine) settlement (process)? That is a question that those who initiate such events should ask themselves.”

Trump Backs Bill Imposing 500% Tariffs on Russian Oil Buyers Like India, China

July 2, 2025, 10:49 am

US President Donald Trump has endorsed a Senate bill that could introduce up to 500% tariffs on countries such as India and China that continue to import Russian oil and energy products. The proposed legislation aims to target nations financially supporting Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Senator Lindsey Graham, who is sponsoring the sanctions legislation, revealed in an interview with ABC News on Sunday that Trump had asked him to push the bill forward for a vote.
“Big breakthrough here. So what does this bill do? If you’re buying products from Russia and you’re not helping Ukraine, then there’s a 500% tariff on your products coming into the United States. India and China buy 70% of Putin’s oil. They keep his war machine going,” Graham told ABC.

Graham Says Tariff Bill Will Pressure Putin and Aid Ukraine

Graham described Trump’s backing of the bill as a “big breakthrough”, noting that the measure would serve as a strategic tool to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin into negotiations over Ukraine.
“I’ve got 84 co-sponsors for a Russian sanctions bill that is an economic bunker buster against China, India, and Russia for Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine. I think that bill’s going to pass,” Graham had said in an earlier statement.

Although Trump supports the legislation, Graham clarified that the final decision to sign it into law will rest with Trump if and when the bill passes through Congress, as he holds the authority to issue a waiver.

India, China Major Buyers of Russian Fossil Fuels

According to data from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, India ranked as the second-largest buyer of Russian fossil fuels in May 2025, with purchases worth an estimated €4.2 billion. Of that, crude oil accounted for 72%. China and India combined purchase nearly 70% of Russia’s oil exports, according to Graham—fueling the country’s ongoing military campaign.

Kremlin Criticizes Graham’s “Russophobic” Remarks

In response to Graham’s statements, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticized the senator’s position, saying Russia had taken note of his views.
“The senator’s views are well known to us, they are well known to the whole world. He belongs to a group of inveterate Russophobes. If it were up to him, these sanctions would have been imposed long ago,” said Peskov.

He further questioned whether such punitive measures would actually advance peace in Ukraine.
“Would that have helped the (Ukraine) settlement (process)? That is a question that those who initiate such events should ask themselves,” he added.

Bill Signals Tighter Economic Pressure Amid Ukraine War

The proposed legislation marks a dramatic escalation in US efforts to deter countries from supporting Russia economically. If passed, it would allow the US to impose crippling import tariffs on any nation that continues business with Russia while staying neutral or silent on the Ukraine conflict.

Trump’s endorsement of the bill may significantly impact US trade relations with key partners like India and China, both of whom have avoided condemning Russia outright and have increased their energy imports from Moscow since the invasion of Ukraine began.

As the bill gains momentum with bipartisan support, all eyes are on how affected countries—and Moscow—will respond if it passes into law.

Trump Eyes Trade Deal with India, Snubs Japan Amid Global Power Shift

July 2, 2025, 3:06 am

The United States may be able to reach a trade agreement with India which will enable American businesses to compete in the Indian subcontinent and leave India with much lower tariffs, President Donald Trump told reporters on Tuesday, while expressing skepticism about reaching an agreement with Japan.

India Ready to Roll Back Trade Barriers

Trump informed journalists on board Air Force One that he thought India was prepared to roll back obstacles for U.S. businesses, which would set the stage for a deal avoiding the 26% tariff he announced on April 2, then suspended until July 9.

“Right now, India doesn’t accept anybody in. I think India is going to do that, if they do that, we’re going to have a deal for less, much less tariffs,” he said.

Progress in U.S.-India Trade Talks

Previously, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has informed Fox News that the U.S. and India are close to agreeing on a deal that will reduce tariffs on imports from America into the South Asian nation and keep India from facing levies from exploding next week.

“We are very close with India,” Bessent told Fox News in response to a question about progress on trade negotiations.

Indian officials prolonged a visit to Washington last week until Monday to attempt to come to terms on a trade agreement with President Donald Trump’s government and iron out outstanding issues on both sides, Indian government sources said.

U.S. Prioritizes India Over Japan for Trade Deal

A White House aide privy to the negotiations told that the Trump administration intends to give priority to obtaining trade agreements with nations such as India over Japan in the final days before the July 9 deadline.

India is among more than a dozen nations actively in the process of negotiating with the Trump administration to attempt to prevent a sharp jump in tariff rates on July 9, when a 90-day tariff lull comes to an end. India might experience its new “reciprocal” tariff rate increase to 27% from the present 10%.

U.S.-India negotiations have stalled due to differences over import tariffs for auto parts, steel, and agricultural products, prior to Trump’s deadline to impose retaliatory tariffs.

Jaishankar Hopes for Successful Outcome

“We are in the middle hopefully more than the middle of a very intricate trade negotiation,” Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar told an event in New York on Monday.

“Obviously, my hope would be that we bring it to a successful conclusion. I cannot guarantee it, because there’s another party to that discussion,” said Jaishankar, who is in the U.S. for a meeting of the China-focused Quad grouping.

He said there “will have to be give and take” and both sides will need to meet in the middle.

Trump Doubtful About Japan Deal

Bessent explained to Fox News that each nation has an agenda for trade agreements, such as Japan, which Trump vented about on Monday and Tuesday.

Trump indicated that he was not considering extending the July 9 deadline and would just send letters announcing to nations the tariff rate they would receive.

“We’ve dealt with Japan. I’m not sure we’re going to make a deal. I doubt it,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One as he returned to Washington from a trip to Florida.

Trump Threatens Tariffs on Japanese Goods

Trump threatened to apply a tariff of 30% or 35% on Japanese imports – much higher than the 24% tariff rate Trump unveiled on April 2 and subsequently delayed until July 9.

He complained Japan was refusing to buy U.S.-grown rice, a Washington demand he called “an easy one,” and selling millions of automobiles in the United States.

“So what I’m going to do, is I’ll write them a letter saying we thank you very much, and we know you can’t do the kind of things that we need, and therefore you pay a 30%, 35% or whatever the numbers that we determine,” he said. So far, only Britain has negotiated a limited trade deal with the Trump administration, accepting a 10% U.S. tariff on many goods, including autos, in exchange for special access for aircraft engines and British beef.

Trump Threatens Japan With Tariffs Over Rice Imports Despite Data Ongoing Imports

July 1, 2025, 11:42 pm

In the midst of ongoing trade talks, US President Donald Trump had blamed Japan for not purchasing American rice, threatening tariffs unless Tokyo imports more. According to trade data released by the US Census Bureau, though, Trump’s accusation was contrary to facts as Japan bought $298 million worth of US rice in the last year and $114 million in January through April 2025.

In a Monday post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “They won’t take our RICE and yet they have a massive rice shortage,” suggesting retaliatory trade action. His remark comes as negotiators seek to finalize an accord before July 9, when a temporary suspension of tit-for-tat tariffs is set to expire, leaving Japanese exports subject to a nominal 10% tariff, from the previous 24%.

Japan’s Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi refused to discuss details of the trade talks but reaffirmed Japan’s devotion to “honest and sincere” negotiations. Economy Minister Ryosei Akazawa reaffirmed Japan’s strong stance in defending its agricultural industry, particularly rice cultivation, which has a lot of political influence in rural regions that are poor but loyal to the Liberal Democratic Party.

Aside from US pressure, Japan has been resistant to offering concessions in agriculture. Trump has also threatened Japan’s auto exports, issuing a threat of a potential 25% tariff. The director of the White House’s National Economic Council, Kevin Hassett, indicated negotiations were still under way and might extend beyond a framework agreement.

Following domestic pressure, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba unveiled a new policy on Tuesday to aid rice production, in an effort to gain stable supply and farmer revenue. Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi stated the reforms would reassure farmers who are willing to expand rice paddy production in the face of trade uncertainties.

The discussions represent wider tensions in US-Japan trade, where agriculture and autos are key hotspots.

White House Praises India as Key Indo-Pacific Partner

July 1, 2025, 8:05 am

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt praised India as an important US partner in the Indo-Pacific on Monday. She also highlighted the strong bond between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

India is a Strategic Ally

While responding to a question about China’s influence in the region, Leavitt stated, India remains a very strategic ally in the Asia Pacific, and the President has a very good relationship with Prime Minister Modi, and he will continue to have that.”

Jaishankar Visits US for QUAD Meeting

At the same time, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is visiting the United States. He is attending the QUAD Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. On Monday, he also opened a UN exhibition titled The Human Cost of Terrorism. This event aims to raise global awareness about state-sponsored terrorism.

QUAD’s Role and Background

The QUAD is a group formed by the United States, India, Australia, and Japan. It focuses on maintaining a free, peaceful, and stable Indo-Pacific region. The group started in 2004 after the Indian Ocean tsunami as a coordinated humanitarian response.

Trump Accepts Modi’s Invitation to QUAD Summit

Earlier, on June 18, Trump accepted Prime Minister Modi’s invitation to attend the upcoming QUAD Summit in New Delhi. The two leaders had a phone conversation during the G7 Summit in Canada.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed this in a video message. He said, “For the next meeting of QUAD, PM Modi invited President Trump to India. While accepting the invitation, President Trump said that he is excited to come to India.”

Trade Deal Discussions Continue

Leavitt also addressed a question about a possible trade deal between India and the US. She confirmed that both sides are close to an agreement.

“Yes, the President said that last week (that the US and India are very close to a trade deal), and it remains true. I just spoke to our Secretary of Commerce about it. He was in the Oval Office with the President. They are finalising these agreements, and you’ll hear from the President and his trade team very soon when it comes to India,” she said.

Trump Refuses to Extend Tariff Pause as India Seeks Relief

June 30, 2025, 1:01 pm

President Donald Trump confirmed that he will not extend the 90-day pause on global tariffs beyond July 9. This decision adds urgency to the ongoing India-US trade negotiations in Washington.

India Extends Stay to Finalize Deal

Although trade talks between the two nations were originally scheduled to end on June 27, Indian officials extended their visit by a day. They hope to reach an interim deal before the tariff deadline, Bloomberg reported.

India Demands Full Tariff Exemption

India is asking for complete exemption from the 26% reciprocal tariff that the US had announced on April 2. The US had paused this tariff temporarily, but a 10% base tariff still remains in place. If talks fail by July 8, India could face new tariff pressure.

Trump Warns of New Tariffs

In an interview with Fox News, Trump said, “I don’t think I’ll need to [extend the pause]. I could, no big deal.” He added that countries will soon receive letters about the new tariffs. “We’ll look at how a country treats us — are they good, are they not so good — some countries we don’t care, we’ll just send a high number out.”

He explained those letters would say, “Congratulations, we’re allowing you to shop in the United States of America, you’re going to pay a 25 per cent tariff, or a 35 per cent or a 50 per cent or 10 per cent.”

US Focuses on Market Access

The US wants India to open its markets further, especially in agriculture, dairy, and energy. Washington also wants India to lower tariffs on products like soybeans, corn, ethanol, wheat, and apples—goods that the US once sold in large volumes to China.

The US is also urging India to allow genetically modified (GM) crops, but India has refused, citing risks to farmers and food security.

India Pushes Back on US Demands

India has made it clear that it won’t sign a deal unless the US addresses two major concerns:

Zero-duty access for Indian exports like textiles, leather goods, pharmaceuticals, engineering items, and auto parts
Protection against future US tariffs

Additionally, India is unwilling to reduce duties in agriculture and dairy—two areas considered politically and economically sensitive.

US Unwilling to Offer Zero Tariffs

While American negotiators have shown interest in a deal, they informed India that zero-duty access is not possible right now. However, discussions remain active.

Why This Deal Matters

India wants to protect its domestic sectors while entering the US consumer market, which is the largest globally. On the other hand, the US wants to boost exports, cut its trade deficit, and deepen ties with India, especially as tensions with China grow.

Trump Remains Optimistic

Despite sticking to the tariff deadline, Trump expressed confidence in a possible deal with India. Last week, he said a trade pact with India is “a very big” deal and likely to happen soon.

India Lost Jets in Early Strikes Due to Political Limits, Says Navy Official

June 30, 2025, 10:46 am

India’s Defence Attaché to Indonesia, Captain Shiv Kumar, recently revealed that the country lost some fighter jets on the first day of its latest military clash with Pakistan. He said the government had initially restricted Indian strikes to terrorist targets, not Pakistani military assets.

Remarks Made During Jakarta Seminar

Captain Kumar made the statement on 10 June during a seminar in Jakarta. The event was titled “Analysis of the Pakistan-India Air Battle and Indonesia’s Anticipatory Strategies from the Perspective of Air Power.” These remarks were not known to the public or media before now.

He responded to an Indonesian aerospace expert who claimed that India lost five fighter jets—three Rafales, one MiG-29, one Sukhoi-30—and a tactical drone.

Operation Sindoor Was India’s Retaliation

India launched Operation Sindoor in response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22 April. In that attack, Pakistan-backed militants killed 26 people, most of them tourists.

Government Told Forces Not to Hit Military Targets

Captain Kumar explained that the initial strategy was limited due to orders from the top. He said, “I may not agree with him that India lost so many aircraft. But I do agree that we did lose some aircraft, and that happened only because of the constraint given by the political leadership not to attack the military establishments and their air defences.”

According to him, these instructions affected India’s ability to defend its aircraft in the early stage.

India Quickly Changed Its Strategy

After suffering early losses, India shifted its military approach. Captain Kumar explained how the Air Force responded.

He said, “After the loss, we changed our tactics and went for their military installations. We first achieved suppression of enemy air defences and destruction of enemy air defences (known as SEAD and DEAD in military parlance), and that’s why all our attacks could easily go through using surface-to-air missiles and surface-to-surface missile. On 8, 9 and 10 May, there was complete air superiority by India.”

This shift allowed Indian forces to break through Pakistan’s defences and regain control.

Defence Ministry Silent, Embassy Issues Clarification

India’s Ministry of Defence did not respond to Kumar’s remarks. However, the Indian Embassy in Jakarta issued a clarification.

The statement said the media took his comments “out of context.” It added “The media reports misrepresented the purpose and focus of the presentation. The presentation explained that the Indian Armed Forces operate under civilian political leadership, unlike some neighbouring countries. It also clarified that the objective of Operation Sindoor was to target terrorist infrastructure, and that India’s response was not meant to escalate the conflict.”

General Chauhan Previously Admitted Air Losses

One month earlier, India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, spoke at an event in Singapore on 31 May. He confirmed that India lost fighter jets on 7 May due to tactical errors. He also said the Air Force quickly corrected those mistakes and returned with more jets for precision strikes deep into Pakistan.

Government Yet to Address Losses Officially

Despite several high-level admissions, the Indian government has not officially confirmed or denied aircraft losses during the conflict.Captain Kumar also shared that the armed forces had received strict instructions from the government.

He stated, “No military installations, no civilian sites… nothing unrelated to terrorists was to be targeted.” This order shaped India’s early response and influenced its military decisions during Operation Sindoor.

‘Land of Jugaad’: American in India Lauds Cheap Repair Services

June 29, 2025, 7:00 pm

India’s renowned ‘jugaad’ attitude applauded for its ingenuity and stingy fixes remains entrancing to locals as well as foreigners. Jessica Kumar, an American expatriate in India, made a viral video praising this society where almost anything can be cheaply repaired rather than discarded.

Jessica’s video highlights the way India’s repair stores give new life to products that most Indians elsewhere would throw away. From sandals to costly gowns, she highlights the way India’s repair work provides a cost-effective means of giving life to such common goods. Citing her personal experience, she narrated how her $45 Converse and $60 Crocs were fixed for 40 rupees.

One of my favorite things about India forever is this: get anything like anything repaired. Sandals, get repaired. $100 shoes, an electric device, a cracked bucket, cheap sweatpants, an expensive dress, get repaired,” Jessica states in her video.

Her video resonated with people on the web, and there were conversations about how good repair culture is and the ecological price of throwaway consumerism. Her Hindi accent was also complimented by a lot of viewers, with one of them saying, “My jaws hit the table when you spoke Hindi. You speak Hindi better than I!!!”

Others hailed her positive perspective towards India. “Good to see someone enjoying these good things about India. It was becoming very monotonous and repetitive to see the movie makers (Indians or overseas) coming out with non-stop Indian poverty porn,” said one user.

Others also pointed out the extent to which this attitude extends beyond objects. “We use things until it’s last breath,” one said, and another, “Why throw ’em when we can fix. With things and people.”

India Rejects Pakistan’s Claim Over Deadly Waziristan Suicide Bombing

June 29, 2025, 8:11 am

India has strongly denied Pakistan’s accusation that it was involved in a recent suicide bombing in North Waziristan, which killed 16 Pakistani soldiers. The Indian government condemned the allegation and called it completely false.

In a sharp response on Saturday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated, “We have seen an official statement by the Pakistan Army seeking to blame India for the attack in Waziristan on 28 June. We reject this statement with the contempt it deserves.”

India Accuses Pakistan of Shifting Blame

India said that blaming others has long been a habit of Pakistan, especially its military. According to India, the Pakistani Army often uses such claims to cover up its own failures.

India also highlighted that Pakistan continues to mistreat its own people. For example, it has long exploited the Baloch population by denying them basic resources. Similarly, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains one of the most underdeveloped and ignored provinces in the country.

India pointed out that while Pakistan accuses others, it also uses terrorism as a tool against India. However, when terror strikes its own soil, it refuses to take responsibility.

Suicide Bombing Kills Soldiers and Civilians

Earlier on the same day, a suicide bomber drove a vehicle packed with explosives into a military convoy in North Waziristan, located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. According to a local official cited by AFP, the explosion killed 16 soldiers. Ten more soldiers and 19 civilians were injured in the attack.

The Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, which is associated with the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed responsibility for the bombing.

Violence Escalates in Tribal Regions

In recent years, violence has sharply increased in Pakistan’s tribal areas. Since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021, border areas in Pakistan have seen more frequent attacks.

Pakistan often accuses the Afghan Taliban of sheltering the militants responsible for these attacks. However, Kabul has repeatedly denied these allegations.

According to AFP, nearly 290 people—mostly security forces—have been killed in attacks by anti-government groups this year in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan alone.

Overall, India has firmly rejected Pakistan’s attempt to link it to the deadly attack in North Waziristan. As internal violence rises, Pakistan continues to shift blame abroad rather than face its own deep-rooted security and political issues.

India Rejects Hague Court Ruling on Kashmir Hydropower Projects

June 28, 2025, 7:09 am

India firmly rejected a ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague concerning two hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday. The Indian government said it does not recognise the framework used to resolve disputes with Pakistan over water-sharing.

India Rejects Supplemental Award

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) dismissed the ruling, calling it a “so-called supplemental award.” The case involves Pakistan’s objections to the Kishenganga and Ratle hydropower projects.

In its decision, the Court of Arbitration stated that India’s move in April to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) does not affect the court’s authority. It said the ruling remains binding for both countries.

India Calls It a Political Move Backed by Pakistan

India condemned the ruling. The MEA said, “This latest charade at Pakistan’s behest is yet another desperate attempt by it to escape accountability for its role as the global epicenter of terrorism.”

It added, “Pakistan’s resort to this fabricated arbitration mechanism is consistent with its decades-long pattern of deception and manipulation of international forums.”

India Has Never Accepted the Court’s Legitimacy

India clarified that it has never recognised the arbitration process started by Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistan had raised concerns about specific design features of the Kishenganga and Ratle projects.

The MEA stated, “Today, the illegal Court of Arbitration, purportedly constituted under the Indus Waters Treaty 1960, albeit in brazen violation of it, has issued what it characterizes as a ‘supplemental award’ on its competence concerning the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects in the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.”

It further declared, “India has never recognised the existence in law of this so-called Court of Arbitration.”

India Says the Arbitration Breaches the Treaty

According to India, setting up this arbitral body violates the treaty itself. The MEA argued that all actions, rulings, or awards issued by the court are illegal.

It said, “India’s position has all along been that the constitution of this so-called arbitral body is in itself a serious breach of the Indus Waters Treaty and consequently any proceedings before this forum and any award or decision taken by it are also illegal for that reason.”

India Suspends Treaty After Terror Attack

India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty on April 22, the day after a terror attack in Pahalgam. The government linked the action to Pakistan’s continued support for cross-border terrorism.

The MEA explained, “Following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, India has in exercise of its rights as a sovereign nation under international law, placed the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.”

It added, “Until such time that the treaty is in abeyance, India is no longer bound to perform any of its obligations under the treaty.”

India Says Court Has No Right to Interfere

India also said no international court, especially this “illegally constituted” one, has the authority to question its decisions as a sovereign nation.

The MEA said, “No court of arbitration, much less this illegally constituted arbitral body which has no existence in the eye of law, has the jurisdiction to examine the legality of India’s actions in exercise of its rights as a sovereign.”

Final Rejection of the Ruling

Overall, India completely rejected the recent award, just as it had rejected all previous decisions from this court.

The MEA stated, “India, therefore, categorically rejects this so-called supplemental award as it has rejected all prior pronouncements of this body.”

Jaishankar Points to ‘Irony’ as India Rejects SCO Statement: ‘No Mention of Terror’

June 27, 2025, 2:08 pm

India has stood firm at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declined to sign the final joint statement. He objected to the fact that the document made no reference to terrorism, especially the April 22 Pahalgam attack that claimed the lives of 26 individuals, who were largely tourists. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar subsequently supported Rajnath Singh’s move, disclosing one member nation insisted on deleting any mention of terrorism.

That position directly contradicted the SCO’s core purpose, as member states established the group to fight terrorism. Consequently, the meeting concluded without a joint statement.

Terrorism Was Left Out

Addressing the issue, S. Jaishankar referred to the fundamental contradiction. He stated that the SCO was established with a central aim — combating terrorism. But one member nation demanded that the outcome document did not mention it at all. He did not specify the nation, but the denial broke the whole consensus.

India considered this exclusion unacceptable. Rajnath Singh, who represented India at the meeting in Qingdao, China, openly protested signing an agreement that did not mention the urgent matter of terrorism. The reason for his protest was the recent Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, terrorist attack that took the lives of 26 individuals.

SCO Runs on Unanimity

S. Jaishankar recalled the media that the SCO operates exclusively on unanimous decisions. India did not concur with the omission of terrorism, so the members could not approve the statement. Lack of consensus prevented the launch of a joint declaration by the defence ministers.

Who is the Blockage?

While S. Jaishankar did not specifically mention the country, the circumstances indicate China as the possible mover. The meeting has been held in China. And with Pakistan being a member as well, both nations have generally stood in the way of India‘s moves to name and shun terror organizations in multilateral settings.

This firm denial is a message. India will not sign any joint statements watering down the international vow to combat terrorism. New Delhi drew a clear line: terrorism cannot be glossed over — not even in diplomacy.

Bumrah Likely to Miss Second Test as India Manages His Workload

June 27, 2025, 7:53 am

Jasprit Bumrah may sit out the second Test against England, starting July 2 at Edgbaston. According to reports, this is part of a planned workload management strategy.

Bumrah Stands Out Despite Loss

Recently, Bumrah returned to Test cricket after a long back injury. He bowled 24.4 overs in the first innings at Leeds and took five wickets. However, India lost the match by five wickets. The defeat came mainly due to poor fielding and weak bowling support.

Other Pacers Struggle

Meanwhile, Bumrah remained sharp. In contrast, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, and Shardul Thakur lacked control and consistency. Moreover, Bumrah’s efforts were let down by fielders. They dropped three catches off his bowling. One of those was Harry Brook, who survived three chances before scoring 99.

Team Chooses to Be Cautious

Despite the loss, the team wants to protect Bumrah’s fitness. Earlier, head coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed Bumrah wouldn’t play every Test. “If we leave out Bumrah and Siraj, there is not much experience in the line-up but we need to back them as they have got talent,” Gambhir said after the Leeds loss. “This pace attack comprises of one bowler who has played four Tests, another who has played two, and one who hasn’t played a Test.”

Focus Shifts to Third Test

Since the third Test at Lord’s begins only four days after the second, resting Bumrah now seems wise. Still, his absence will leave a gap. Siraj, who had a quiet match in Leeds, may lead the bowling. In addition, India could bring in Arshdeep Singh or add Kuldeep Yadav as a spinner.

Gill Faces Extra Pressure

At the same time, captain Shubman Gill faces questions. Many criticised his bowling changes and field placements. Now, with India trailing 0–1 in the series, the team must regroup quickly. The pressure is on to bounce back in Birmingham.

India Signs ₹1,981 Cr Emergency Defence Deals to Boost Counter-Terror Strength

June 25, 2025, 1:16 pm

India has inked 13 emergency defence deals worth ₹1,981.90 crore to swiftly enhance the Army’s counter-terror strength. The agreements cover state-of-the-art systems such as drones, loitering munitions, anti-drone systems, radars, and Very Short-Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADs). The Ministry of Defence sanctioned and signed these agreements under the Emergency Procurement (EP) scheme.

This emergency procurement push follows Operation Sindoor in which Indian military attacked nine terror camps within Pakistan. It also follows cross-border hostilities in the high-intensity manner before a tenuous ceasefire came into effect. These purchases, sealed under tight deadlines, are intended to enhance situational awareness, firepower, and defense for Indian soldiers.

Emergency Procurement Moves Into Sixth Phase

This new round of emergency buys is the sixth round of India’s EP mechanism. The Defence Ministry provided ₹2,000 crore for the current round, and it has already committed ₹1,981.90 crore.

Unlike the conventional defence procurement process, which takes months or even years, the Emergency Procurement (EP) mode ensures fast delivery. Rising operational demands along the border and the need for quick-response systems to tackle terrorism have driven this urgency.

What India Is Purchasing?

The 13 agreements signed encompass a vast array of cutting-edge equipment. These include:

Remotely Piloted Aerial Vehicles (RPAVs)
Loitering munitions with Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) capability
Integrated Drone Detection and Interception Systems (IDDIS)
Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) systems — launchers and missiles
Low-Level Lightweight Radars (LLLR)
Night sights for assault rifles

India also ordered Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicles (QRFVs) in medium and heavy versions, bulletproof jackets, and ballistic helmets.

Operation Sindoor and Strategic Timing

This acquisition push comes after Operation Sindoor, where India attacked several Pakistani terror training camps. The attacks evoked three days of retaliatory firing between the nations. Indian troops inflicted major damage upon Pakistani installations and infrastructure. The Ministry of Defence accelerated purchases to keep operational tempo and readiness going in the face of these tensions.

The Defence Ministry ensured that all the deals were signed in a hurry to make the deployment on time. The systems will provide greater mobility, accuracy, and survivability to troops in enemy terrain. India is equipping its troops with the capability to master future anti-terror operations by embracing new-age technologies.

Pahalgam Attack: India Says Lashkar Militants From Pakistan Behind Kashmir Killings

June 24, 2025, 3:45 pm

Pahalgam attack suspects have now all been confirmed as Pakistani nationals, Indian investigators revealed, as the probe into April’s deadly assault in Kashmir continues. India’s National Investigative Agency (NIA) announced that all three attackers belonged to Lashkar-e-Taiba, a group banned by the UN.

Earlier, police believed two were Pakistani and one local. After arresting two locals who allegedly sheltered the militants, the NIA said all attackers were from Pakistan.

“The arrested men knowingly harboured the three armed terrorists at a seasonal dhol (hut) before the attack,” NIA stated. Officials did not share when the arrests took place, and the suspects have not made public statements yet. Pakistan has not responded to these new claims, but earlier denied any role in the attack.

The Resistance Front (TRF), linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, first claimed responsibility but later withdrew the claim. The 22 April incident increased tensions between the two nuclear-armed countries by killing 26 tourists in Baisaran, a well-known location in Kashmir. Despite controlling separate areas of the territory, both India and Pakistan claim Kashmir.

India-Pakistan Tensions Rise Ahead of Pahalgam Attack

India revoked the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan shortly after the attack. Pakistan responded by withdrawing from the 1972 Simla Agreement, which sought to settle conflicts amicably. India then launched air and missile attacks on what it described as “terror infrastructure” within Pakistan and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir on May 7.

The US President Donald Trump had declared a truce to halt the escalating hostilities on May 10. Although Pakistan has denied that India hit any terror camps, and replied with its missile strikes and drone missions into Indian territory.

Following the Pahalgam attack, the Indian security forces launched a large search across Kashmir, questioning thousands. Despite the extensive operation, the three attackers remain on the run, which keeps the tensions at an all-time high between the two countries.

India Evacuates 290 Nationals and 1 Sri Lankan from Iran Amid Escalating Tensions

June 24, 2025, 3:30 am

India on Monday repatriated 290 Indian citizens and one Sri Lankan national from Iran in the wake of increasing tension between the Persian Gulf nation and Israel after the US airstrike on three Iranian nuclear facilities.

With the new evacuees, India has repatriated 2003 Indians from Iran to date.

Special Flight from Mashhad Lands in New Delhi

Two-hundred-ninety Indian nationals and one Sri Lankan were evacuated from Mashhad on a special flight that arrived in New Delhi at 1915 hours on Monday, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a social media post.

With this, 2003 Indian nationals have been brought back safely from Iran so far, he added.

Operation Sindhu: More Indians to Arrive from Jordan

A group of 161 Indians is also coming by a special flight in New Delhi from Amman after they were shifted to the Jordanian capital city from Israel as part of New Delhi’s evacuation operation Operation Sindhu.

The Indian nationals are likely to arrive at the national capital around midnight tonight, from sources familiar with the development.

India Launches Operation Sindhu Amid Iran-Israel Conflict

India initiated Operation Sindhu last week to evacuate Indians from Iran and Israel in light of rising tensions between the two countries.

Israel and Iran have launched hundreds of missiles and drones at each other’s cities and military and strategic installations since the hostilities erupted a week ago.

The tensions increased greatly after the US bombing of three key Iranian nuclear installations on Sunday morning.

India Uses Charter Flights from Multiple Locations for Evacuation

India has repatriated its citizens on chartered flights flown from the Iranian city of Mashhad, the Armenian capital Yerevan and Turkmenistan capital Ashgabat since Wednesday.

Iran removed airspace restrictions on Friday to allow three chartered flights from Mashhad.

The first flight arrived in New Delhi late on Friday with 290 Indians, and the second flight arrived in the national capital on Saturday afternoon with 310 Indians.

Yet another flight came in from Armenia’s capital city, Yerevan, on Thursday. A special evacuation flight from Ashgabat also came to New Delhi early morning on Saturday.

India-US Trade Talks Stall Over GM Crop Demands, Tariff Deadline Looms

June 23, 2025, 6:35 pm

India-US trade talks are stalled in a serious setback. The talks started last month in Delhi but have since come to a halt, as Indian authorities have charged the US with making unilateral, extractive demands without significant returns on offer. Genetically modified crop imports, dairy standards, digital services, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices dominate the list of contentious issues.

Unless the two countries reach a settlement by July 8, the US will impose steep tariffs of up to 26 per cent on India, ending the earlier reprieve under the “reciprocal tariffs” policy.

GM Crops and Farmers at the Centre of the Dispute

The Trump administration has asked India to reduce tariffs on US maize and soybean imports. India has declined, raising strong concerns regarding the effect on domestic farmers and public health risks due to genetically modified food. Official sources worry that the imports could overwhelm the market, dampen prices, and radically alter rural livelihoods.

The GM crop controversy is at the centre of India’s resistance, with policymakers fearing allowing foreign agribusiness interests to control domestic food and agriculture policy.

US Offers Little, Demands a Lot

India, in turn, had wanted zero-duty access to American markets for major exports such as textiles, leather, pharma, engineering goods, and auto components. But US negotiators rejected the demand, terming zero tariffs “not immediately possible.” Besides, the US desires India to eliminate price controls on medical devices and relax its digital data localisation regime—two extremely contentious areas in India’s regulatory and political ecosystem.

Bloomberg further indicated that Washington has requested India to open up its dairy industry. But India has strongly resisted, insisting that the US must first transform its animal feed habits, including the inclusion of non-vegetarian additives—something not tolerated under Indian dietary standards.

‘Take-It-Or-Leave-It’ Diplomacy

Indian negotiators characterise the US stance as one-sided and stiff. “The negotiations were supposed to be two-way, as decided. But the US side insisting on opening some key sectors does sound like a take-it-or-leave-it proposal,” said a senior official to Mint. Such an attitude has caused serious strain and held up the progress.

India is now facing the pressure to protect national interests without allowing the talks to go completely off the rails. Nevertheless, Trump’s latest pro-Pakistani actions, Kashmir statements, and acceptance of West Asian jihadist sympathisers have already put bilateral relations under strain.

Clock Ticking Towards Tariff Hike

With the July 8 deadline fast approaching, India has to either seek a compromise or prepare for a new tariff blow. Currently, the US seems in no mood to relent. If Washington persists with its attitude, the India-US trade relationship could go into a freeze for a long time, damaging business and further straining diplomatic relations.

For now, New Delhi is taking a tough line. But with no real give-and-take, a breakthrough seems unlikely.

Private Banks Outpace PSBs in Deposit Growth Across India

June 23, 2025, 1:54 pm

Private banks in India have steadily increased their share of total bank deposits over the past five years, while public sector banks (PSBs) have seen a consistent decline, according to data shared by Union Bank of India.

PSBs Lose Ground in Deposit Market Share

In March 2019, PSBs held 63.2% of total deposits in the country. However, by March 2025, their share dropped to 56.3%, marking a fall of nearly 600 basis points. The report said, “PVBs continue to increase market share in total deposits while PSBs lost approximately 600 bps in share during the last 5 years.”

Private Banks Gain Across Regions

Meanwhile, private sector banks (PVBs) increased their deposit share from 28.6% to 34.8% in the same period. Other banks kept a stable share, hovering between 8.1% and 8.8%.

Interestingly, private banks have grown faster even in semi-urban and rural regions—areas that were once strongholds of PSBs. This shift indicates a broader acceptance of private banks across all regions.

Regional Differences in Banking Trends

In metro cities, private banks have almost matched PSBs in terms of deposit share. Though PSBs still lead in Current Account Savings Account (CASA) deposits in rural and semi-urban regions, private banks are closing the gap.

Moreover, private banks dominate CASA deposits in metros and are gaining ground in urban centres. The report highlighted that private banks are expanding faster in urban areas than their public sector counterparts.

Deposit Growth Patterns and CASA Ratio

Even though PSBs saw better growth in current accounts in metro areas, private banks posted higher overall deposit growth—mainly driven by term deposits.

However, the CASA ratio (the proportion of deposits in current and savings accounts to total deposits) of private banks is falling faster than that of PSBs in every region.

Year-on-Year Growth: Private Banks Lead

Private banks continue to outperform in yearly deposit growth. In March 2024, they posted the highest growth at 20.1%, whereas PSBs grew at 9.4%. This trend remained in March 2025 as well—private banks grew 12%, compared to 9.3% for PSBs and 10.3% for scheduled commercial banks (SCBs).

PSBs Lose Dominance as Private Banks Expand

Overall, the data confirms that private banks are consistently attracting more deposits and expanding their market presence. In contrast, PSBs are steadily losing their traditional dominance in the Indian banking sector.

India leads holistic health revolution through yoga

June 22, 2025, 1:52 am

Yoga unites the world, promoting peace, health, and global well-being through ancient Indian traditions.

NEW DELHI: The world practiced yoga together for the 11th time on June 21. The simple meaning of yoga is “to unite,” and it is heartening to see how yoga has united the entire world. Unfortunately, today the whole world is experiencing various forms of stress. In many regions, unrest and instability are increasing. In such times, yoga provides us with a direction toward peace. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision is not mere imagination or a dream. Yoga is not just a practice – it is a movement for national health, inner peace, and global wellbeing.

The theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health” lies at its core. The 2025 theme highlights yoga’s role in promoting physical, mental, and environmental wellbeing, aligning with a global call for sustainability and unity. This is based on a decade of success since the United Nations recognised June 21 as International Yoga Day following India’s proposal in 2014. Society and the world should focus on such issues, setting aside politics. India’s traditional medical system is now gaining global recognition.

On May 20, a major agreement was signed between the Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Under this agreement, traditional medical practices will receive international recognition and be documented scientifically. A special “Traditional Medicine Module” will be added to WHO’s International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI). Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO’s Director-General, expressed happiness over the agreement and welcomed India’s commitment to health with a contribution of $3 million towards WHO’s work on traditional medicine and ICHI.

The ICHI is a global system that records the treatments and medical procedures provided to patients. Now, traditional Indian medical systems like Ayurveda’s Panchakarma therapy, yoga therapy, Unani regimens, and Siddha practices will be recorded according to international standards. With global recognition, AYUSH-related medical systems will now receive a scientific and standardised identity worldwide. Inclusion in health insurance plans will become easier, and hospitals will be better equipped to maintain records, conduct research, and document medical data scientifically.

AYUSH practices will be adopted with greater trust and acceptance not only in India but also in other countries. Ayurveda is gaining popularity as an alternative medical system in the UK, Germany, and the US. Although its roots are deep in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, its reach is expanding globally, as people are increasingly drawn to its holistic approach to health and wellness.

This trend is driven by rising awareness of lifestylerelated diseases and the desire for long-term health solutions. The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) has begun the formal process of integrating Ayurveda. The UK’s all-party parliamentary group has recognised Ayurveda as an effective and superior medical system and recommended its adoption in healthcare. Under this initiative, approximately 10,000 Ayurvedic doctors will be recruited in the UK over the next five years. This could be a significant opportunity for Indian Ayurvedic doctors.

The number of Ayurvedic educational, beauty, and healthcare institutions in the UK is expected to increase from 100 to 500 within five years. Enrollment in the British College of Ayurveda has increased by 70% this year, with students from France and Germany ranking second and third after British students. Both government and private sectors in the UK are actively promoting Ayurveda. Ayurveda’s formal inclusion in the NHS could bring it global recognition, establishing the system worldwide and offering international opportunities for Indian doctors and students. This will also aid in scientific record-keeping, research, and data documentation in hospitals.

Ayurveda’s growing popularity in the UK is well justified. Modern lifestyles often cause stress, lack of exercise, and related health problems, prompting people to adopt alternative treatments like Ayurveda. Ayurveda focuses on holistic healing involving diet, lifestyle adjustments, and herbal therapies, attracting those who seek long-term wellbeing and preventive care rather than just symptom relief.

There is growing recognition of how Ayurvedic principles can complement modern medicine, especially in managing chronic diseases and promoting overall health. The number of qualified Ayurvedic practitioners, clinics, and spas is increasing in the UK, making Ayurveda more accessible. The global Ayurveda market, including the UK, is experiencing substantial growth, with significant expansion expected in the coming years. It is estimated that Ayurveda will generate revenue exceeding Rs 1 lakh crore by 2025.

Interest in yoga and traditional medicine is rising worldwide. A large number of young people are embracing yoga and Ayurveda as excellent means of health. For example, Ayurveda is rapidly gaining popularity in Chile, South America. During his visit to Brazil, Modi discussed Ayurveda’s popularity with the Chilean president. Recently, discussions about Ayurveda cooperation have also taken place with Cyprus. Recognising the fast-growing global popularity of AYUSH systems and the contributions of key stakeholders, the Prime Minister said, “I learned about a team called ‘Somos India’— which means ‘We are India’ in Spanish.

This team has been promoting yoga and Ayurveda for nearly a decade, focusing on treatment as well as educational programmes. They are also translating yoga and Ayurvedarelated knowledge into Spanish.” The Indian Embassy in New York, in collaboration with the Times Square Alliance, organised a special yoga session on the Summer Solstice day at Times Square. India is strengthening the science of yoga through modern research to promote its global spread. Major medical institutions across the country are engaged in yoga research. Efforts are underway to integrate the scientific aspects of yoga with modern medicine. Evidence-based therapy in the field of yoga is also being encouraged in medical and research institutions.

AIIMS Delhi has shown remarkable results in its research, demonstrating yoga’s crucial role in treating heart and neurological disorders and protecting women’s health. The mantra “Heal in India” is becoming quite popular globally. India is emerging as the best destination for healing, with yoga playing a significant role. I am pleased that a Common Yoga Protocol has been developed. Over six and a half lakh volunteers, around 130 recognised institutions, and medical colleges are conducting 10-day yoga modules. These efforts are creating a holistic ecosystem.

Across the country, AYUSH health temples are being established where trained yoga teachers are deployed. Special e-AYUSH visas are being issued to allow people worldwide to benefit from India’s wellness ecosystem.

‘Now or Never’ Moment for Israel, Says PM Netanyahu Advisor On War With Iran

June 21, 2025, 5:15 pm

Priya Sahgal, the Editorial Director at NewsX (iTV Network), recently interviewed George Eli Birnbaum, an American political consultant on Israel-Iran war, China’s global rise and other significant geopolitical issues. Birnbaum worked on the United States congressional and senatorial races. In 1998, he moved to Israel to work as a consultant to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, became his chief of staff, and afterwards formed a partnership with political consultant Arthur Finkelstein. Here are some excerpts of the interview:

Q. He is, it’s good to have you here, George, on the show, and you know, you have really one person who can give us an insight to the man of the moment. You’ve been an advisor to the Israeli Prime Minister, and first of all I’d like to begin with, you know, what is happening, what is he thinking, what is going on in his mind?

A. So as of today, the Prime Minister is really focused on one thing and one thing only, and that is eliminating an existential threat, not just to the Jewish people and to Israel, but for the world. He’s always believed that the Prime Minister of Israel, whoever it is, has a responsibility to ensure that what happened in the late 30s and 1940s to the Jewish people in Nazi Germany never happens again.

And I’ve said recently that had Israel been around in 1936, 1937, it would have taken out Nazi Germany and prevented World War II. I believe firmly that the Prime Minister and his cabinet and most of the Jewish people around the world believe that what Israel is doing now will be looked at as having prevented World War III.

Q. But, you know, the conflict, the timing of the conflict, there is a lot of speculation as to, you know, is this to take, deviate from his domestic pressures? Why now? I mean, can you, you know, pinpoint as to the timing of the attack?

A. So, the timing is clearly linked to the uranium enrichment program of the Iranians. There is a point of no return at which you have enough critical mass to make a weapon. And Iran was getting very close to reaching that critical mass. And so there was no choice. The choice was to either let Iran develop enough uranium, enriched uranium, to have nuclear warheads that could not just reach Jerusalem or Tel Aviv, but put on ballistic missiles that could reach Europe and eventually the United States as well, or stop that from ever being able to happen. I think it was a very clear choice. The time was either now or never.

And the Prime Minister had to make a very difficult decision. I can tell you that these types of decisions where you know you’re putting not just soldiers’ lives in harm’s way, but civilians’ lives at risk as well, is not an easy decision. It is a decision that only one person makes.

He has to live with it. And it’s a very difficult one. And it’s one that Prime Ministers such as Prime Minister Netanyahu and your Prime Minister Modi make almost on a daily basis.

This is, of course, at a much greater scale than, let’s say, a small military operation. This is a very large-scale military operation. But nonetheless, it is a life-and-death decision that the Prime Minister had to take and did not take easily.

Q. In fact, I would like to talk to you a bit about the decision-making process of the Prime Minister. But before that, what is exactly his endgame? I mean, we’ve heard him talk of a regime change. We’ve heard Donald, the U.S. president, in fact, try and spell out what that regime change means in a post-untruth social. There have been threats. They literally all have been calling out for a threat to a leader. It’s not just issuing threats to a world leader at the end of the day. So, what is, I mean, in terms of, what are they both hoping to achieve with that?

A. Well, I think the endgame is a very simple one. It is preventing a country like Iran from having nuclear weapons. Remember, Iran is not standing alone in terms of its desire to bring harm not just to the little Satan, which is Israel, but the great Satan, which is America and other Western democracies through their proxies such as Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis in Yemen.

If Iran had a nuclear weapon, these proxies would have nuclear weapons as well. So the endgame is a very simple one. It’s to prevent fundamentalist Islamic radical regimes and their proxies from being able to turn their regular missiles into nuclear weapons.

Q. And with that, they’re talking about a regime change. Do they have any plans for what happens?

A. A regime change would be nice. It would be a nice benefit. Listen, the Iranian people, of whom I know many around the world, are all eager to see the Ayatollahs and Mullahs reign of Islamic fundamentalism come to an end in Iran. And so regime change would be a nice benefit. I don’t know that it’s the endgame.

The endgame is certainly just the elimination of Iran’s weaponized nuclear program. Regime change would be a wonderful benefit, an added benefit to that endgame.

Q. You know what strikes me a bit odd about the timing is that this also happened at a time when the U.S. had approached Iran, and there were talks for some dismantling of the Iranian nuclear program. They were making some headway over there. This is the time when Israel chooses to strike.

A. So listen, without divulging information, I think your viewers are well aware that the U.S. and Israel share intelligence on a daily basis.

And Donald Trump, who is an expert at negotiating deals, I think also understood that what the Iranians were doing was not negotiating in good faith, but negotiating to buy time, stretching out that time. Because every day that went by in those negotiations was another day that the Iranians were able to enrich more and more uranium. I think Donald Trump recognized that.

I think he recognized that the Iranians were not negotiating in good faith, that the Iranians were negotiating just as a means to buy more time to enrich more uranium. And given the intelligence that Israel had regarding the capacity of that enriched uranium, that the strike wasn’t done without the knowledge of the U.S. president and the U.S. administration, but with the full understanding that this had to happen, and there was no choice.

Q. And if the United States, or even if Israel is successful in, quote unquote, taking out the Ayatollah, have they ever thought, and I again repeat my question, what next? There will be a vacuum. There will be another Ayatollah somewhere. Do they want the Shah back? What do you think would be the best-case scenario?

A. Well, the best-case scenario would bring back some form of liberal democracy to the Iranian people, or even with the Shah, some sort of freedom that the people of Iran enjoyed prior to the Islamic Revolution. I mean, if you look at what Iran was like in the 1960s and 1970s, it was a haven for education and for culture.

I think that’s what everyone would like to see, is a return to that type of Iran, where the Iranian people are free to pursue their dreams, where women can dress freely, where people can express themselves freely, and where literature and arts and culture can thrive as opposed to be stymied and stifled by Islamic fundamentalists.

Q. But my next question is, you know, you’ve talked about Donald Trump being good at striking deals. Is he so good at striking deals? Because as of now, all he’s doing is really issuing threats. If he was good at striking deals, he would have worked out some deal between Israel and Iran. Why has he not been able to do that?

A. Well, you know, in order to make a deal, you have to have two parties that operate and negotiate in good faith. And so the fact of the matter is that there was no good faith on one side of the negotiation. You really can’t make a deal when there is only one side at the negotiating table that’s operating in good faith.

It’s impossible to make a deal that way. So I think that was clear, and Donald Trump understood that there was no deal to be had because he only had one side that was negotiating in good faith.

Q. But will Trump and Netanyahu, you know, if Trump wants to negotiate a deal with Netanyahu, listen to Trump? Is that also, you know, part of the problem?

A. No, no, listen, they have a very strong relationship. They know each other very well. When you say listen, I mean, they will listen and to a point. At the end of the day, the Israeli prime minister has to operate with the Israeli citizens’ best interests in mind, and the American president has to operate with the American people’s best interests in mind.

Most of the time, those two things converge. When they do diverge, then the two sides have to understand and respect each other and say, OK, you have to do what you have to do for your people. I have to do what I have to do for my people. But like I said, 99 percent of the time between the U.S. and Israel, those two ideas are converging, not diverging ideas.

Q. This is also a time, you know, where we’ve seen some kind of a peace in the region. We’ve seen the Abraham Accords being signed. We’ve seen even the U.S. has strategic interests over there also. This confrontation and regime change in the past hasn’t also worked very well. You know, whether you take Iraq or you take Africa, how, I mean, the benefits of this is not going to be as smooth as, you know, the democracy may come back, the people of Iran will be better off without the Ayatollah. It never works out like that on ground?

A. Listen, the idea that democracy or the idea of American democracy is the absolute solution to the problem is it is a wrong idea to pursue. I’ve worked in countries around the world where sometimes, you know, you need strong leadership in order to make sure that you have stability.

I’m not suggesting that by simply bringing back the Shah or by bringing democracy to Iran that you’ll solve all of the Iranian people’s problems. What I am suggesting, what I think most people do believe, is that the Iranian people deserve to choose their future and the path that they go on, as opposed to the Ayatollahs and the Islamic fundamentalists. And I think if you were to poll the Iranian people, most of them would not choose the So, I’m all for self-determination among the people of a country.

I am not suggesting that, you know, by instantly bringing democracy to Iran that you will solve all of Iran’s problems. But by allowing the people to have self-determination as to what the course of their future is, then I think you start on a path that will allow the people of Iran and, quite frankly, the region to live in a way that they haven’t for many, many decades.

Q. And what about the people of Israel? You know, there are those who claim that the Israeli prime minister has gone rogue. You know, how would you react to that?

A. Gone rogue in which way?

Q. In this action against Iran, in, you know, in stepping up, escalating the action, opening up another front, as it is you were, you know, dealing with Gaza.

A. Listen, again, this was a matter of time. It was not a matter of choice. I believe and I am not privy to the exact intelligence that the prime minister was looking at, but I do believe that the Israeli intelligence community came to the conclusion that Iran was just way too close to having that critical mass of enriched uranium and was leaving Israel and its leadership with no choice. And in fact, if you look at one of the prime minister’s biggest critics, the opposition leader, Yair Lapid, who has been a very, very vocal opponent of the prime minister, even throughout the Gaza conflict, he the other day came out and said, based on the intelligence that he saw as the opposition leader in his conversation with the prime minister, that the prime minister had no choice but to act in this way. So the voices in Israel are unified, even at the political level and even with some of the prime minister’s most outspoken critics.

They do agree that this was the thing that had to happen and that there was really no choice left for the prime minister.

Q. You worked with the prime minister, you know, I think in the 96 campaign, his first campaign. Can you give us some insights into him, some anecdotes, because he is really the man of the moment that we are looking at, trying to figure out what he’s thinking, what he’s all about. So maybe can you help us decode him?

A. Yeah, he comes, his background, his family, very, very strong Zionist. And what I mean by Zionist is very strong understanding that as Israel goes, so goes the fate of the Jewish people worldwide and that Israel was born out of the ashes of the Holocaust and that Israel’s main purpose is to prevent that from ever happening again. That is probably the largest driving force within the prime minister, is that he sees Israel, the strength of Israel and Israel’s ability to protect itself and the people within Israel as a way of protecting the Jewish people around the world.

And quite frankly, I think he also is feeling that Israel is not only doing the Jewish people a service by taking out the Iranian nuclear threat, but quite frankly, Western civilization. He’s always been driven by this idea that Israel has to be strong, not just for the Jewish people in Israel, but worldwide. And he’s completely focused on making sure that any existential threats to Israel are eliminated and never allowing a Holocaust to happen outside of Israel or inside Israel.

But in terms of in terms of the prime minister himself, I can tell you that he is a probably the most intelligent political leader I’ve ever worked with. His capacity for intellect at every level. And it doesn’t matter the topic.

I always say that he could walk through the halls of Oxford or Cambridge or Harvard and walk in any classroom and have a very, very serious and in-depth conversation no matter what the topic in that classroom was. He also has an enormous capacity for humor and a sense of humor. And he’s quite he’s just quite an amazing leader.

And by the way, I think it’s one of the reasons him and your prime minister Modi get along so well. I think they have a deep respect for each other at an intellectual level, not just because they both are the elected leaders of their respective countries.

Q. We’ve seen a most significant turn in the world order. I think perhaps after World War Two, this has been the most in terms of destabilizing and there have been a new world order is now going to be coming together. How do you see how do you envisage that? And where do you really see India’s role, for instance, in that?

A.I think India has become already an enormous leader in terms of geopolitics, not just because of the population of India or the fact that India has nuclear weapons or a strong military, but India is leading the world in many ways in terms of economic growth and in terms of leadership.

And the Prime Minister, your Prime Minister Modi has really stepped into that role and embraced it. I think India plays a unique role in that it has relationships that are very broad. It has relationships with Israel. It has relationships with China. It has a relationship with Russia. It has relationships with the US.

And I believe that India can play an enormous role as a as a as an interlocutor, if you will, for geopolitical conflict. I’ve been advocating for a long time that I think India could play a big role in the Iranian-Russian conflict and bringing that to an end. I see India as a real honest broker when it comes to world conflict and world issues because of the relationships that India has built internationally with other governments around the world.

So I’m happy to see it. I don’t like a simple bipolar world where we saw the US and Russia as the two global powerhouses and no one else mattered. Other countries matter, India being one of the major countries that matter in the world in geopolitics.

And I really see India growing into that. And Prime Minister Modi has done a wonderful, masterful job of embracing it and playing that role. And I look forward to seeing India grow even more in terms of being a geopolitical player when it comes to world conflict and the global economy in general and global manufacturing and industry, export, import.

India is going to be a wonderful place for world leadership.

Q. Yes, that is what we actually want to do is to consolidate ourselves economically and focus on that story. But there is always Pakistan trying to distract and try and derail us. Given the Iran conflict happening right now, has that increased Pakistan’s utility for the US? We saw Donald Trump reach out to, sorry, President Trump reach out to Field Marshal Asif Munir. He never, you know, that was really thumbing his nose at the civilian leadership in Pakistan, but he needs something from Pakistan. Pakistan has always been a client state for the US, whether it was in terms of Afghanistan and now vis-a-vis Iran. So how do you see that as a stumbling block?

A. You know, I’m not sure exactly. President Trump, he will he will utilize those relationships as is necessary when it comes to this particular conflict. I think if you look at Pakistan’s vocal or outgoing position in regard to this conflict, it’s been relatively muted given some of the ties to Iran.

And so I think there’s been a really good job in terms of keeping Pakistan from being too vocal in this conflict and fairly muted. And by the way, you know, when you talk about, you know, new world order, what’s fascinating to see is how countries like Saudi Arabia and Bahrain and Kuwait and other Jordan, if you will, even Syria now really not being too vocal in terms of the rhetoric against Israel going after Iran. I mean, let’s remember, this is not the first time that Israel has done something like this.

In 1981, Israel took out the nuclear reactors in Iraq that were clearly being built for weaponization. In 2007, Israel did the same thing in Syria. Israel is doing it now in 2025 in Iran.

You know, if you look at the new world order, as you put it, had those countries been allowed to develop their nuclear programs, Saudi Arabia would be nuclear, Kuwait would probably be nuclear, the UAE would probably be nuclear, Qatar would probably be nuclear. And so, you know, we’re really looking at a world in which by doing what Israel has done, not just in 2025, but going back to 1981, 2007, is preventing more and more countries in the region, in the Middle East. And, you know, quite frankly, you know, it’s not a very large step to go from the Middle East to Pakistan and India, preventing the whole region from being a nuclear region.

And so I think there’s a lot of credit that has to be given to Israel that it has prevented this new order from being a new nuclear world order.

Q. Fair enough. But, you know, let’s not talk about the role of China. There’s also the role of Russia. President Putin has just offered to mediate. You know, how do you see that going?

A. Well, I mean, you know, I think President Putin has to first mediate his own conflict and bring it into the Russia-Ukraine war in which, you know, quite frankly, Russia has been targeting the civilian population in Ukraine relentlessly for year after year.

And so I think it’s a little laughable that President Putin would be offering to mediate a ceasefire on this conflict when he has his own war that he started and has not been willing to take the steps to bring to an end. So I would suggest respectfully to President Putin to first mediate his own ceasefire before he worries about mediating another ceasefire.

Q. But do you think also the one reason why Russia has not really come to Iran’s aid is the energy issue, you know, because they do have an energy tariff competition or whatever you want to call it between Russia and Iran?

A. Listen, the fact of the matter is, and we have to be honest, that as the prices of oil goes up, that helps Russia in terms of its economy and being able to continue to fight this war.

Every dollar that a barrel of oil goes up, Russia’s economy is able to survive a little longer through this war. So, you know, looking at it from that point of view, Russia is, I think, quite happy to allow the attacks on Iran’s energy sector and on its oil refineries and anything else because that will just help Russia’s economy in the short term. Long term, of course, that’s another story.

But this is certainly an economic benefit to Russia at the current moment.

Q. But isn’t it a time where each nation is really looking after its own self-interest? I mean, who’s looking at the larger picture over here?

A. Yeah, listen, I mean, that’s the nature of geopolitics. It’s generally that you look out for your own interests first.

Q. The United States used to play that role, but with Trump, I don’t see that role happening anymore. The U.S. was the one that used to play the big brother role, so to say, but that is not happening anymore. Trump is trying to, but he’s also going by his own vested interest, America’s vested interest, rather than looking for a larger role of world peace or whatever.

A. Sure. Listen, I think the U.S. overextended itself for many years and getting involved in too many areas and being trying to get involved in too many places. But that goes back to the comment we spoke about briefly, where this is really an opportunity for countries like India and Prime Minister Modi to step up and step in and play a very vital role. You do have a US president who absolutely, very clearly before the election and after the election, put an America first agenda at the forefront. His goal is not to get involved in global conflicts.

His goal is not to insert the U.S. into every negotiation, every conflict. And the American people voted for that, whether you agree with it or not. However, again, that does create an opportunity.

And I would like to see a country like India and Prime Minister Modi step into that vacuum, certainly much more than I’d like to see China or Russia or any other of those types of countries get involved.

Q. Now, let’s talk about China, you know, China is also watching this and everybody is now repositioning themselves. China is, of course, looking to see whether it can. Is there some kind of tacit understanding that, you know, China between the U.S. will play a role here, China will wait and watch and then put its stake where it wants it?

A. China has its eyes on Taiwan, for sure. Now, that’s a little different situation because of the security agreements that the U.S. has with Taiwan and in the region. And so it’s a little bit of a different animal when you look at it.

But certainly, the president of China is watching very closely and he’s watching everyone’s movements very, very closely and analyzing them very, very closely. And so I think we have to watch China very carefully.

China has invested an enormous amount of money in their military infrastructure, an enormous amount of money. And that’s a dangerous thing for the Indo-Pacific, to be sure. Whether or not they use that military in the near future to be more aggressive, I think we’ll have to wait and see. But they are definitely watching and taking notes.

And so every action that whether it’s the U.S. takes or India takes or anyone else, the Chinese are watching and taking notes.

Q. But, you know, once again, China is watching and taking note. Again, we also have to deal with China in our own immediate neighborhood. India, in that sense, has been isolated because China is now, you know, co-opting Pakistan. They’re also reaching into Nepal, Sri Lanka. How do you see, in the sense, how should India proceed forward to fill into the role that you see for India?

A. So the Chinese, and I see this across the African continent and even in Latin America, the Chinese have been very, very involved in going aggressively after natural resources in the countries, whether it be gold or lithium or other rare earths.

They go after infrastructure projects like building ports and highways. If I were advising Prime Minister Modi, I would suggest that India compete with the Chinese at that level. Because a lot of these countries, whether it be African nations or Latin American nations, they are looking for alternatives.

They are looking for someone other than the Chinese to come and invest and help them grow, whether it’s through their natural resources or infrastructure. Here’s a place where I think India could counter the Chinese like no other nation. America is too slow to move on these issues sometimes.

But the Indian nation, I believe, could play a big counterbalance role if they were to start getting a little more aggressive in competing with the Chinese in these types of big projects. It would be a way for India to assert itself, not just within a country. But remember, the influence then flows over to things like in the United Nations and in other types of international organizations.

And it allows India to have a much louder voice when it comes to geopolitics. So that would be my advice to the Prime Minister. If you were listening to me, it would be, compete with China.

Compete at that level. Go after the natural resources in Africa. Go after the natural resources in Latin America.

Help these countries build their infrastructure and become a large, influencing country in these regions, which are the future, quite frankly. Africa has a huge potential if their natural resources are exploited properly and fairly. Same thing in Latin America.

And this is a place I really do believe where India could act as a counterbalance to the Chinese globally.

Q. That was going to be my question to you because you also have been a political consultant and have advised many global leaders. So in terms of a dominant narrative, that’s your advice to the Indian Prime Minister, something. But if you would just sum it up, and also the art of the political campaign, the political narrative in today’s world of social media and of, it’s now, it’s a world without borders. So in that sense, if you can just give us just a summation of your advice.

A. Yeah, I mean, social media has made, yes, a world without borders. But at the end of the day, personal relationships matter. Face to face matters. And what I see the Chinese doing around the world is putting boots on the ground, keep on the ground and aggressively taking over many of these areas in which I do believe India is one of the few countries that could compete.

And so while India has an enormous amount of influence currently, they could grow their influence exponentially by creating a much stronger global footprint by going around the world and competing one on one against the Chinese to offer an alternative that many of these countries are looking for, but haven’t been given yet.

Q. So our focus should be China more than Pakistan?

A. I believe so.

Q. Also, in the recent conflict with Pakistan Operation Sindhu, there is a feeling that while we may have won the war militarily, we did lose it in terms of narrative building. We did send delegations abroad to 33 countries to give a point of view. But also at a point when there is a conflict in Gaza, I think people are dying all over. I don’t know how much of a resonance that had. So how should India take this narrative forward?

A. Well, yeah, I think you’re right. I think it got lost in other global events. And so not a lot of people were paying attention to it. But the thing that I see India being able to do is have a moral high ground and take the moral high ground. And I’ll go back to the China issue, because if you can go and compete with China and go into countries and show we’re not going to do the same thing that the Chinese are doing, we’re not going to bring in our own people.

We’re going to train the local people. We’re not going to exploit the resources and then leave. We’re going to invest in the country.

We’re going to stay there. India has a much different culture than the Chinese culture. And I do believe that the way you change the perception of India long term globally is by showing the contrast between you and other global superpowers.

And I believe that that would happen very quickly, because when you would come into a country, whether it be an African nation or Latin American nation or any other nation around the world, and show how you take an approach to a natural resource or infrastructure, it would be such a different and stark contrast to the way the Chinese do. You would immediately start to help people look at India very differently and with affection and with a desire to create a much stronger global connection. So I think it goes back to that. I think India has an enormous opportunity to change its global perception. But it goes back, I think, to competing with the Chinese and showing the contrast between.

Iran Urges India and Global South to Condemn Israeli Strikes

June 21, 2025, 11:24 am

A top Iranian diplomat has called on India and other like-minded nations to condemn Israel’s ongoing military actions against Iran, calling them a clear violation of international law. On Friday, Mohammad Javad Hosseini, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi, said that Iran expects support from countries like India, which lead the Global South.

“We believe every country including India should condemn it (Israeli military actions), not because of their relations with Iran but because these actions are in breach of global norms,” Hosseini said during a media briefing.

India Seen as Moral Leader of the Global South

Hosseini emphasised that India’s voice matters on the global stage and expressed hope that New Delhi would speak out against the Israeli strikes. According to him, Israel’s recent attacks on Iranian soil have violated international law by targeting a sovereign state. Iran believes this is a moment for countries with influence—especially India—to stand by global legal norms and principles.

Caution on Pakistan’s Role Amid US Talks

When asked about recent reports that Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir met US President Donald Trump in Washington, Hosseini shared Iran’s concern. There is growing speculation that the US could consider using Pakistani military bases if it chooses to escalate action against Iran.

While Hosseini did not confirm this possibility, he said Iran hoped that “Pakistan would not do anything that will harm Iran’s interests.”

No Clear Answer on Strait of Hormuz, But Options Remain

On the issue of whether Iran may consider closing the Strait of Hormuz—a vital shipping route for global oil—Hosseini avoided giving a direct answer. However, he acknowledged that Tehran is considering various possibilities depending on how the situation unfolds.

“We have many things on the table, but it doesn’t mean that we are going to do it now. It depends on the situation and how the other players want to go,” he explained. “If they want to solve the problem, definitely some of these things will be put aside.”

The Strait of Hormuz handles nearly 30% of the world’s daily oil trade. Even a short disruption there could have major consequences for global energy markets, according to the International Energy Agency.

Concerns Over Chabahar Port and Broader Regional Impact

When questioned about whether the ongoing conflict with Israel could affect the strategic Chabahar port project—jointly developed by India and Iran—Hosseini didn’t provide a detailed answer. However, he warned that any further escalation would impact more than just Chabahar.

“It is not just a matter of Chabahar, it’s a matter of the whole region,” he said. “If it escalates, it will definitely affect many things, definitely the flow of oil, shipments and commodities which are going through these channels will be affected.”

Hosseini urged nations likely to be impacted economically to act quickly. “Because of this, those countries who will be affected, it is better for them to think and to start stopping this aggression, to avoid any kind of negative effects on the economy of the region, which will definitely spread out to the whole world,” he said.