Russia anticipates India will keep purchasing its oil despite escalating U.S. sanctions and tariffs, citing profitability driven by a special payment mechanism in rupees and a 5–7% discount . Russian officials highlight that Russian crude now constitutes approximately 35% of India’s oil imports—a sharp rise from 0.2% pre-Ukraine war . Simultaneously, Russia wants to revive trilateral talks with India and China in pursuit of a “greater Eurasian partnership” and confirms plans for President Putin to visit India by year-end. (PC: Reuters)

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking in Moscow at the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission, called for boosting bilateral trade while addressing a rising imbalance. He noted that trade between the two nations has grown five-fold in four years, from USD 13 billion in 2021 to USD 68 billion in 2024–25. However, India’s trade deficit with Russia has also widened sharply to nearly USD 59 billion. Jaishankar described India-Russia ties as “time-tested” but stressed the need for “contemporary cooperation” in energy, technology, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. He said both nations must build on complementarities and adapt to global uncertainties. (PC: PTI)

India has rejected Nepal’s objection to the reopening of India-China trade through the Lipulekh Pass. Nepal claims the Kalapani region, including Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura, as its territory. India’s Ministry of External Affairs said these claims are “untenable” and “not based on historical facts.” It noted that border trade with China has taken place through Lipulekh since 1954, only stopping due to Covid. Nepal had warned India against activities in the area, including road building. India, however, said it is open to dialogue and resolving boundary issues through diplomacy while continuing trade with China. (PC: PTI)

India has rejected Bangladesh’s allegation that the banned Awami League has opened offices in New Delhi and Kolkata. The caretaker government in Dhaka, led by Muhammad Yunus, warned such activity could harm ties. It also accused ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and party leaders in India of planning events against Bangladesh’s interests. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India was “not aware of any anti-Bangladesh activities” and added, “The press statement by the interim government of Bangladesh is thus misplaced.” Ties remain tense as Bangladesh seeks Hasina’s extradition and India calls for free and fair elections. (PC: PTI)

Russia reaffirmed its commitment to continue supplying oil to India at a 5%–7% discount, declaring the arrangement “very profitable” and highlighting a “very, very special mechanism” designed to bypass U.S. pressure . The discounted oil—now accounting for around 35% of India’s imports—offers New Delhi economic relief and supports domestic fuel affordability . Meanwhile, despite U.S. tariffs targeting India’s exports over its reliance on Russian energy, Indian refiners including Indian Oil Corp and BPCL are resuming purchases amid widening discounts of about $3 per barrel. (PC: NDTV)

India and China are preparing to resume direct flights, suspended since early 2020 due to COVID-19 and border tensions. The decision followed Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to New Delhi. Both sides agreed to update the Air Services Agreement and ease visas for tourists, businesses and media. Airlines like IndiGo and Air India are ready to restart services, while Chinese carriers also plan to return. Lack of direct flights has caused high fares and long travel times. The move is expected to boost travel and trade between the two countries. (PC: X)

Russia on Wednesday strongly defended India after US President Donald Trump announced fresh tariffs and sanctions targeting New Delhi’s purchase of discounted Russian oil.  Russian Embassy official Roman Babushkin in New Delhi said such “unjustified and unilateral” steps would not deter Moscow-India ties. “India matters very much for Russia,” the official declared, stressing cooperation in defense, energy, and trade. Moscow also pointed to joint projects in nuclear energy and space as evidence of deepening trust. The remarks come as India faces Western criticism but continues balancing strategic relations with both Russia and the US. (PC: India Today)

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, NSA Ajit Doval, and EAM S. Jaishankar in New Delhi to strengthen bilateral ties. Both nations stressed that peace along the LAC is essential for stability and growth. Key takeaways include resumption of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra from 2026, enhanced border trade, hydrological data sharing, and greater military-level dialogue. India also accepted President Xi Jinping’s invite to attend the SCO Summit in Tianjin (Aug 31–Sept 1, 2025). Both sides pledged to back each other’s upcoming BRICS summits, signaling cautious but constructive engagement. (PC: X)  

Pakistani school textbooks systematically depict Hindus—and by extension India—as oppressors and untrustworthy, reinforcing religious and societal division. Texts from early grades make explicit claims, such as “Honesty for non-Muslims is merely a business strategy,” while praising Islamic ideology and promoting jihad, often ignoring co-existence or multicultural history . This ideological framing dates back to General Zia-ul-Haq’s 1979 Islamisation policy, which drastically reshaped curricula toward religious indoctrination . Observers and reports note that this narrative fosters historical bias, anti-Hindu prejudice, and a siege mentality, prompting calls for educational reform. (PC: AFP)

Russia has strongly backed India after US President Donald Trump doubled tariffs to 50% on Indian goods over Russian oil imports. Roman Babushkin, a senior Russian diplomat in New Delhi, called the US pressure “unjustified and unilateral.” He said India is a trusted friend and Russia will never impose sanctions, unlike the West, which has “weaponised the economy.” Babushkin added that if Indian exports face problems in the US, Russia will welcome them. He praised recent phone calls between PM Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin and confirmed Putin will visit India later this year. (PC: HT)