US President Donald Trump has called America’s trade relationship with India a “one-sided disaster.” He said India sells large amounts of goods to the US but blocks American companies with high tariffs. Trump also criticized India for buying most of its oil and weapons from Russia instead of the US. He added that New Delhi recently offered to cut tariffs to zero but said it was “getting late.” His comments came days after Washington imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods. Trump’s criticism follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meetings with Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin at the SCO summit. (PC: X)

Russian President Vladimir Putin waited nearly 10 minutes for Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China. The two leaders then travelled together in Putin’s Aurus limousine for their bilateral meeting. During the 45-minute ride, they spoke privately on key issues, and even after reaching the venue, continued their talks inside the car. Kremlin officials later said their conversation lasted about an hour. Commentators in Moscow suggested it was their most important confidential dialogue. Later, in formal talks, PM Modi told Putin it was humanity’s call to end the Ukraine conflict at the earliest. (PC: @narendramodi/X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged full humanitarian support to Afghanistan following a devastating 6.0 magnitude earthquake near Jalalabad, which has claimed over 800 lives. In a heartfelt post, Modi expressed sorrow and solidarity, assuring “India stands ready to provide all possible humanitarian aid”1. Rescue operations continue amid difficult terrain, with many still trapped under debris. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar echoed India’s commitment, emphasizing assistance and prayers for the injured. The quake was followed by a 4.7 magnitude aftershock, deepening the crisis. Modi’s pledge came after his return from high-level engagements in China, including the SCO Summit, reinforcing India’s regional leadership in humanitarian outreach. (PC: X)

India scored a diplomatic win at the 2025 SCO summit in Tianjin as member nations condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. This marks a reversal from the Qingdao summit two months prior, where India’s walkout over the omission of the attack in the joint statement made headlines. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s firm stance pushed SCO members including China and Pakistan to acknowledge the incident. The Tianjin declaration emphasized zero tolerance for terrorism, rejected double standards, and called for justice for victims. It also reinforced the role of sovereign states in countering extremist threats, aligning with India’s strategic autonomy and its uncompromising position on cross-border terrorism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin made headlines at the SCO Summit in Tianjin by sharing a ride in a Russian-made Aurus sedan. Modi later posted on X, calling their conversation “insightful.” The warm gesture followed a hug earlier in the day, highlighting strong India-Russia ties. Their bilateral talks focused on energy, defence, and global trade, amid US tariffs on Indian goods. Modi was also seen with China’s Xi Jinping, exchanging smiles and handshakes. In his address, Modi urged joint action against terrorism and called for fair, trust-based connectivity projects. (PC: X )

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China. Modi emphasized India-Russia partnership, stating both nations "have always stood shoulder to shoulder even in difficult situations." Their cooperation remains crucial for global peace, stability, and prosperity. Modi addressed the ongoing Ukraine conflict, welcoming recent peace efforts and urging all parties to move forward constructively to establish lasting peace quickly, calling it "humanity's call." Separately, Putin revealed he would share details from his Alaska meeting with US President Trump during bilateral sessions, claiming the Ukraine crisis resulted from a Western-supported coup in Kyiv rather than invasion, suggesting Trump summit understandings could enable Ukrainian peace. (PC: X & India TV News)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping shared warm handshakes and smiles at the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China. Modi and Putin also exchanged a hug, highlighting friendly ties despite global tensions. Modi wrote on X that it is “always a delight to meet” Putin and shared pictures of their interaction. The three leaders were later seen conversing together, echoing scenes from the 2018 BRICS Summit. This comes as Modi held bilateral talks with Xi to resolve border differences and with Putin to strengthen India-Russia ties. Over 20 leaders attended the Summit. (PC: X)

At the 2025 SCO Summit in Tianjin, China, India secured a major diplomatic win as all member states issued a unified condemnation of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir. The Tianjin Declaration expressed deep condolences to the victims’ families and emphasized the need to hold the perpetrators, organizers, and sponsors accountable. This strong language marks a significant shift in regional consensus on terrorism, aligning with India’s long-standing demand for collective action. The declaration reinforces India’s position within the SCO and signals growing support for its counterterrorism stance. The summit outcome is seen as a strategic boost for India’s global narrative on security and sovereignty.

At the 25th SCO Summit in Tianjin, China, Russian President Vladimir Putin defended Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, blaming the West and NATO for provoking the conflict. He cited the 2013–2014 Ukrainian revolution and NATO’s push to include Ukraine as key triggers. Putin rejected ceasefire calls and reiterated demands for Ukraine to cede territory and abandon Western alliances. He praised peace efforts by India, China, and other strategic partners, while calling for a new global system beyond Eurocentric models. Despite pressure from leaders like Donald Trump, peace talks remain stalled. Putin’s remarks underscore deepening geopolitical divides and Russia’s pivot toward Asian-led alliances like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

In a controversial interview with Fox News, former Trump trade advisor Peter Navarro accused sections of Indian society, specifically Brahmins of profiteering from discounted Russian oil, allegedly at the expense of ordinary citizens. Navarro questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s engagement with Russia and China, despite leading “the biggest democracy in the world.” He claimed India’s oil imports from Russia surged post-Ukraine invasion, with refined crude being re-exported to Africa, Europe, and Asia. Navarro argued this trade “fuels Russia’s war machine” and criticized India’s tariff policies, calling the country the “Maharaja of tariff.” His remarks sparked backlash for their communal undertone and raised concerns over politicizing India’s energy strategy amid global tensions. (PC: CNN)