Renowned U.S. economist Jeffrey Sachs has condemned President Donald Trump’s 50% tariffs on Indian imports, calling them “stupid,” “delusional,” and damaging to the U.S. economy. In an interview with ANI, Sachs argued the move stems from hostility toward the BRICS bloc and violates international law. He warned the tariffs would fail economically and politically, describing them as unconstitutional and a breakdown of U.S. foreign policy. Sachs urged India not to rely on the U.S. for strategic security or trade, emphasizing that Washington’s interests diverge from New Delhi’s. He identified China, Russia, and Brazil as India’s real partners and dismissed the idea of India replacing China in global supply chains. (PC: Al Jazeera)

India’s knitwear hub Tiruppur faces a severe crisis after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs on Indian exports. With 20,000 factories and 30 lakh jobs at risk, Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin has urged PM Modi for urgent intervention. Tiruppur contributes 68% of India’s knitwear exports, with 40% going to the U.S. Exporters, especially those reliant on American buyers, are struggling to absorb the 25% tariff, and fear a proposed 50% hike. Orders have been halted, and shipments are restricted post-August 27. Stalin warned that Tamil Nadu’s high dependency on U.S. trade could lead to disproportionate economic damage and mass unemployment.(PC: India Today & News18)

U.S. President Donald Trump signaled that Washington may hold off on imposing secondary tariffs on India for continuing Russian oil imports. While India already faces steep duties—raised from 25% to 50%—Trump indicated no immediate escalation, saying the issue could be reconsidered in “two or three weeks.” The statement follows high-level U.S.–Russia talks in Alaska and comes amid ongoing global pressure over Moscow’s energy exports. Analysts view the pause as a temporary reprieve, giving India space for diplomatic engagement while the U.S. balances strategic ties, energy market stability, and its broader sanctions policy toward Russia. (PC: Reuters)  

India’s Ministry of External Affairs welcomed the recent Alaska summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, lauding their pursuit of peace as "highly commendable" and affirming that the only viable path forward is through dialogue and diplomacy. While the summit concluded without a formal ceasefire or agreement on the Ukraine conflict, New Delhi emphasized the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement as the most effective means to end hostilities. India echoed this sentiment by reiterating its longstanding support for multilateral dialogue over conflict resolution. (PC: AP)

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit India from August 18 to 20, 2025, for the 24th round of Special Representatives talks on the India–China boundary dispute. He will meet National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and hold bilateral discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The visit comes amid cautious diplomatic thaw since the 2020 Galwan clash, with both nations exploring confidence-building measures. It is also a precursor to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s planned trip to China for the SCO summit later this month, where he may meet President Xi Jinping after seven years. (PC: Reuters)  

The U.S.–India relationship faces a sharp downturn as President Trump ramps up tariffs—doubling duties on Indian goods to 50%—and bolsters ties with Pakistan, prompting concerns over America's shifting priorities in Asia . This reversal jeopardizes bilateral trade worth nearly $190 billion, inflates India’s economic risk, and beckons New Delhi toward deeper alignment with Russia and China . Analysts liken the rupture to strategic missteps of past eras, warning that erratic U.S. diplomacy could erode decades of progress and may undermine regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. (PC: AP)  

U.S. President Donald Trump, in an interview aboard Air Force One ahead of a summit with Vladimir Putin, stated: “If I have to do it, I’ll do it” regarding potential secondary tariffs targeting India’s ongoing oil imports from Russia—though he added, “maybe I won’t have to do it.” The Ministry of External Affairs swiftly condemned the prospect, labeling the U.S. action “unjustified and unreasonable” and reaffirming that India will “take all actions necessary to protect its national interests.” (PC: PTI)

In a Fox News interview after his Alaska summit with Vladimir Putin, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that he will not impose secondary sanctions—for now—on nations importing Russian oil, offering temporary relief to major buyers like India and China. India, already hit with a 50% tariff on exports to the U.S. due to its Russian oil trade, could benefit from this pause. Trump emphasized the decision might be reviewed within two to three weeks, keeping pressure on Moscow while avoiding immediate disruption to global energy markets. The move signals a strategic wait-and-watch approach. (PC: Reuters)  

India’s Russian oil imports surged to a record 2 million barrels per day in August, accounting for 38% of total crude intake. This rise came despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s 50% tariff threat over India’s continued purchases from Moscow. Refiners prioritized economic logic, shifting away from Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Indian Oil Corporation and BPCL confirmed no government directive to reduce Russian volumes, calling it “business as usual.” Discounts on Russian crude narrowed to $1.5 per barrel but rose slightly in August. While refiners explore alternatives from the U.S., West Africa, and Latin America, experts say this reflects flexibility not a pivot. Russian oil remains central to India’s energy strategy unless sanctions are imposed. (PC: European Council & Shutterstock)

India is deepening trade ties with Singapore and ASEAN nations to counter the impact of newly announced U.S. reciprocal tariffs on Indian exports. The Commerce Ministry hosted the 4th India-Singapore Joint Working Group on Trade & Investment, marking 60 years of diplomatic relations and 20 years of CECA. Talks focused on investment promotion, supply-chain resilience, and regulatory streamlining. Simultaneously, India held the 10th ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) joint committee meeting to modernize the 15-year-old pact. With exports to ASEAN falling 5.45% and imports rising 5.64% in FY25, India aims to diversify trade and strengthen regional connectivity. Singapore remains India’s top ASEAN trade partner and second-largest FDI source. (PC: NDTV & Lowy Institute)