Facing steep U.S. tariffs and pressure over Russian oil imports, India is ramping up crude oil trade with Brazil, another country targeted by President Trump. Imports from Brazil surged 75% year-on-year in early 2025, making it India’s ninth-largest supplier. As Russian oil remains politically sensitive, Indian refiners are diversifying, with Brazil emerging as a key non-OPEC alternative. Diplomatic efforts between PM Modi and President Lula da Silva signal deeper energy ties, including collaboration on offshore exploration. Despite logistical hurdles and competition from West Asia and China, Brazil’s growing output and India’s strategic pivot may reshape global oil flows amid tariff tensions.

A tour bus returning to New York City from Niagara Falls crashed on Interstate 90 near Pembroke, about 40 km east of Buffalo, killing at least five and injuring several others. The bus carried 54 passengers, including individuals of Indian, Chinese, and Filipino descent, as well as children. The vehicle veered into the median and landed in a roadside ditch, ejecting passengers as windows burst. Authorities confirmed the driver survived and is cooperating with the investigation. Officials believe they understand the cause of the crash. The incident has sparked concern over highway safety and the vulnerability of international tourists traveling across U.S. roadways.(PC: X)

White House Personnel Director Sergio Gor has been nominated by Donald Trump as the next US Ambassador to India and Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs. Gor, 38, expressed deep gratitude, calling it the “honour of my life.” Born in Soviet-era Uzbekistan, Gor moved to Malta, studied in the US, and rose through Republican ranks, working with Senator Rand Paul and Trump’s campaigns. Trump praised Gor’s loyalty and record-setting staffing achievements. Endorsements came from VP JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The nomination coincides with Trump’s imposition of a 50% tariff on India, including a 25% penalty for purchasing Russian oil. (PC: CNBC)

US President Donald Trump has appointed Sergio Gor as the next ambassador to India and special envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs. Gor, currently the White House personnel director, is a longtime Trump ally. He co-founded Winning Team Publishing with Donald Trump Jr. and has managed Trump’s campaign projects and Super PACs. Trump called Gor a “great friend” and said he trusted him to advance his agenda in the world’s most populous region. Gor thanked Trump for the honor, saying it would be the proudest moment of his career. He will succeed Eric Garcetti, pending Senate confirmation. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Japan from August 29 to 30 at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. This will be Modi’s eighth visit to Japan and his first summit with Ishiba. Both leaders will review defence, trade, technology, and regional cooperation under the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. From August 31 to September 1, Modi will travel to Tianjin, China, to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit on President Xi Jinping’s invitation. The SCO Summit will see 20 world leaders, and Modi is expected to hold key bilateral meetings during the event. (PC: HT)

Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday said Islamabad is ready to hold talks with India on “all issues,” including Kashmir. Speaking to reporters in Islamabad, Dar said discussions must cover trade, counter-terrorism, and cultural ties, not just Kashmir. He repeated a similar statement made in July, stressing the “ball is now in India’s court.” India has rejected Pakistan’s call, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stating that New Delhi will not talk with nations that glorify terrorism. Singh said dialogue is possible only with “civilised nations, not those driven by hatred and extremism.” (PC: X)

The FBI raided the home of John Bolton, former US national security adviser, a day after he criticised Donald Trump’s India tariff policy. Sources said the search was linked to classified documents, though Bolton was not detained or charged. Earlier, Bolton called Trump an “aberrational president” and slammed his decision to impose steep tariffs on India while sparing China and Russia. He warned that such actions could push India closer to Moscow and Beijing. FBI Director Kash Patel posted, “No one is above the law,” shortly after the raid, fueling political debate in Washington. (PC: India Today)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday responded to Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir’s remark comparing India to a “shining Mercedes” and Pakistan to a “dump truck full of gravel.” Singh said the statement was not just trolling material but a confession of Pakistan’s failed policies and weak leadership. He noted that both nations gained independence at the same time, yet India advanced like a Mercedes while Pakistan remained stuck. Singh warned against ignoring Munir’s comments, calling them a “serious warning.” Munir’s analogy drew heavy criticism in both countries, sparking ridicule on social media. (PC: X)

Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong condemned Washington’s decision to impose up to 50% tariffs on Indian goods, calling the US a “bully” that misuses tariffs as bargaining tools. Speaking in Delhi, Xu urged closer cooperation between India and China, describing them as “double engines” of Asian growth. His remarks follow US penalties tied to India’s purchase of Russian crude and weapons. Amid strained US–India trade ties, Beijing seeks warmer relations, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Xu stressing partnership over rivalry. Xu also invited Indian investment in China and pledged joint defense of WTO-led trade rules. (PC: X)

Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong condemned the U.S. for imposing steep tariffs on India, calling Washington a “bully” exploiting trade as a bargaining chip. He criticized the 50% tariffs and additional penalties linked to India’s Russian oil and arms purchases, warning that silence only empowers such tactics. Amid strained U.S.-India trade ties, Xu urged stronger India-China cooperation, praising both nations as “double engines” of Asian growth. He invited Indian enterprises to invest in China and called for fair treatment of Chinese firms in India. Xu affirmed China’s support for multilateral trade under the WTO and expressed optimism about PM Modi’s upcoming visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit.(PC: BBC)