Geopolitics expert Einar Tangen criticized US President Donald Trump’s 50% tariffs on India, calling it an attempt to "force India into submission." He said, “Belittling a country like India does not make sense,” and urged New Delhi to stand up to the “bully.” Tangen added that Washington fears India’s leadership in the non-aligned world. His remarks came as PM Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin, vowing to strengthen India-China ties. Modi noted troop disengagement after the Galwan clashes created stability. Tangen said India now has a chance to show leadership against US pressure. (PC: NDTV)

World leaders posed for the traditional family photo at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China. Chinese President Xi Jinping, the host, stood at the centre with Russian President Vladimir Putin on his right and his wife Peng Liyuan on his left. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stood in the front row alongside Xi, Putin, Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was also in the front row. This marks Modi’s first SCO summit in China in seven years, where he will also hold bilateral talks. (PC: X)

In a significant development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Tianjin during the SCO Summit on August 31, 2025—marking a notable thaw in India–China relations. Modi emphasised that cooperation should proceed on “mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity,” noting the impact of their partnership on 2.8 billion people and global welfare . Xi described India and China as the “elephant and dragon” whose unity can promote peace, prosperity, and a multipolar world. The extended, substantive talks went beyond diplomacy for symbolism, reflecting real intent toward improved ties.

At the 25th SCO Summit in Tianjin (August 31–September 1, 2025), China’s Xi Jinping greeted both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with red-carpet welcomes, underscoring Beijing’s ambition to forge a multipolar world order . Modi’s first visit to China in seven years featured discussions on bolstering economic ties, easing long-standing border tensions, and advancing strategic autonomy from Western influence . Putin emphasized the need for a “fairer multipolar world,” while China projected regional solidarity among Global South nations amid shifting geopolitical currents .    

The United States has introduced a $250 “visa integrity fee,” effective October 1, 2025, raising total visa costs for non–Visa Waiver Program nations, including India, to around $442—among the highest globally. Indian students, tourists, and business travelers are expected to be particularly impacted, as India is one of the largest sources of U.S.-bound visitors. The move comes amid a 3.1% drop in U.S. international arrivals in July 2025, marking a fifth consecutive monthly decline. Travel industry leaders warn the higher costs could discourage Indian visitors, threatening U.S. tourism ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympics. (PC: Reuters)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin, emphasizing commitment to strengthening India-China relations through "mutual trust, respect and sensitivity." Modi highlighted that border disengagement has created "peace and stability" with Special Representatives reaching understanding on border management. He mentioned resumption of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and direct flights between nations. Modi stressed that cooperation serves 2.8 billion people's interests and benefits humanity. Xi Jinping welcomed Modi, calling for countries to be "friends and good neighbours," describing the partnership as "dragon and elephant coming together." Both leaders emphasized strategic, long-term perspective and shared responsibility for developing nations' solidarity and global peace. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, marking his first China visit in seven years. Modi emphasized commitment to improving bilateral relations based on "mutual trust, respect and sensitivity," noting that border disengagement has created "peace and stability." He highlighted that cooperation serves 2.8 billion people's interests and mentioned resumption of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and direct flights. Xi Jinping called for India-China to be "friends and good neighbours," describing the relationship as "dragon and elephant coming together." The meeting occurs amid strained India-US ties following Trump's 50% tariffs on Indian goods, signaling potential realignment in regional partnerships and strategic cooperation. (PC: X & India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's latest "Mann Ki Baat" episode urged Indians to embrace Swadeshi products, responding to Trump's 50% tariffs on Indian exports imposed August 27. Modi's "vocal for local" call during festival season has triggered nationwide anti-American sentiment. Union Ministers and leaders advocated boycotting US brands like McDonald's, Pepsi, Coca-Cola, KFC, and Subway. Yoga guru Ramdev demanded complete boycotts, while AAP MP Ashok Kumar Mittal warned Trump that 146 crore Indians could severely impact American multinationals. The movement targets companies generating significant Indian revenue - McDonald's earned Rs 2,390 crore and PepsiCo Rs 8,200 crore in fiscal 2024. Modi emphasized "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" as the path to developed India during upcoming festivals. (PC: X & India Today)

US President Donald Trump has abandoned plans to visit India for the Quad Summit later this year, according to The New York Times citing sources familiar with his schedule. The report, titled "The Nobel Prize and a Testy Phone Call: How the Trump-Modi Relationship Unraveled," reveals Trump previously committed to traveling to India in fall but has since changed course. Neither the US nor Indian governments have officially responded to these claims. India remains scheduled to host the Quad summit this year. The development follows the Trump administration's Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting in January, held just one day after Trump's second presidential inauguration, suggesting deteriorating US-India diplomatic relations under current leadership. (PC: Bloomberg & The New York Times)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin on August 31, 2025, during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit marking his first visit to China in seven years. The meeting comes as both nations seek to mend relations frozen after deadly Himalayan clashes five years ago, now thawing under Washington's economic pressure. Key outcomes include border management agreements, resumption of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, and restoration of direct flights. Modi emphasized that India-China relations will progress through mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity. The meeting signals both nations' strategic response to US trade policies and their desire to compartmentalize economic cooperation from border disputes.