India and Canada continue rebuilding diplomatic ties following appointment of new high commissioners Dinesh Patnaik (Ottawa) and Christopher Cooter (New Delhi). The diplomatic reset gained momentum after Canadian PM Mark Carney met PM Modi at June's G7 summit in Kananaskis. Track 1.5 dialogue between Asia-Pacific Foundation of Canada and Ananta Aspen Centre provides ice-breaking platform after October 2024 diplomatic crisis when both countries expelled six diplomats each. Relations had deteriorated since September 2023 when former PM Justin Trudeau alleged Indian agents' involvement in Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing. Potential meetings between foreign ministers at UN General Assembly and G20 Johannesburg summit are being watched as relationship indicators. (PC: DD News)

Trump administration proposes up to 200% tariffs on imported medicines under national security provisions, potentially ending duty-free drug imports. Officials cite COVID-19 pandemic shortages and import dependence as strategic vulnerabilities requiring domestic manufacturing boost. Analysts warn of 10-14% drug price increases even with 25% tariffs, particularly affecting low-income households and generics comprising 90% of US prescriptions. India, a major generic medicine supplier, currently remains "excluded" from immediate enforcement due to crucial role in affordable American healthcare. Legal challenges emerge as appeals court rules Congressional approval needed for sweeping measures. While pharmaceutical giants invest billions in US operations, experts warn rebuilding domestic supply chains will be expensive and slow, ultimately raising patient costs significantly. (PC: Hindustan Times)

US President Donald Trump’s trade adviser Peter Navarro criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the SCO summit. Calling it “a shame,” Navarro said, “Modi needs to be with us and not Russia.” He accused India of helping Moscow by buying cheap Russian oil and reselling it abroad, calling India a “Kremlin laundromat.” Navarro also repeated his “Maharaja of tariffs” jibe, saying India’s trade policies were unfair. India has defended its oil purchases, arguing they are vital to keep energy costs low. (PC: AFP)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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