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)

India has unexpectedly emerged as a central factor in the Trump-Putin Alaska summit, with U.S. President Donald Trump using steep tariffs on Indian imports of Russian oil as leverage to pressure Moscow into Ukraine ceasefire talks. The 50% tariffs, effective from August 27, target Russia’s second-largest oil customer India, potentially disrupting global energy flows. Trump claims the move helped push Putin to the negotiating table. Despite rising U.S. imports, India calls the tariffs “unjustified,” stressing its strategic autonomy and balanced energy sourcing. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned of further escalation if talks fail. India’s role, though indirect, underscores its growing influence in global diplomacy and the risks of being caught in great-power rivalry. (PC: Firstpost & NDTV)

As Donald Trump meets Vladimir Putin in Alaska to push for a Ukraine ceasefire, India watches closely amid rising tariff threats. The U.S. has already imposed a 25% penalty on India’s Russian oil imports, with potential hikes to 50% if talks fail. These tariffs could impact nearly 1% of India’s GDP, especially in textiles and jewellery. PM Modi, in his Independence Day speech, urged self-reliance and announced tax cuts to counter global protectionism. Despite tensions, India’s defence ties with the U.S. remain intact, with joint exercises like Yudh Abhyas scheduled. A breakthrough in Alaska may soften Washington’s stance, while failure could deepen economic pressure on New Delhi. (PC: Mint & India Today)

For the first time in 18 years, S&P Global Ratings has upgraded India’s sovereign credit rating from BBB to BBB with a stable outlook, citing robust fiscal consolidation and sustained 8.8% GDP growth from FY22 to FY24 (Asia-Pacific’s highest). The move counters President Trump’s claim that “India is a dead economy.” S&P praised India’s infrastructure push, improved spending quality, and policy stability. Risks include weakening political commitment or economic slowdown. Despite Trump’s 50% tariffs on Indian exports, S&P and India’s Chief Economic Advisor say the impact will be minimal. The Finance Ministry welcomed the upgrade, reaffirming its commitment to reforms and inclusive growth toward achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047. (PC: Financial Times & NDTV)

In his Independence Day speech from the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as the world’s largest NGO, celebrating its 100-year journey. He praised the organization’s century-long commitment to nation-building through personal development and discipline. Modi emphasized the RSS’s role in societal welfare, calling it an inspiration for the country. With thousands of dedicated volunteers, the RSS has shaped individual character with the goal of serving Maa Bharati. The organization, considered the ideological parent of the BJP, will mark its centenary on Vijayadashami, October 2. Modi’s tribute highlighted the RSS’s enduring legacy and its contribution to India’s social and cultural fabric. (PC: X)

On Independence Day in Melbourne, a group of Khalistani sympathisers attempted to disrupt celebrations at the Indian consulate. As the Indian community gathered to hoist the tricolour, protesters raised anti-India slogans, but were drowned out by patriotic songs like “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata ki Jai.” A video of the confrontation has gone viral. The incident highlights growing Khalistani activity in Australia, including hate graffiti on temples and restaurants, and recent assaults targeting Indians. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar previously urged nations like Australia, Canada, and the UK to curb extremist ideologies. Despite the protest, the flag was hoisted with pride and unity, reinforcing the community’s resilience abroad.

China has recognised the ties with India as “dragon and elephant” partnership, signaling a diplomatic thaw amid US tariff threats. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized mutual trust, cooperation, and coordination on platforms like the SCO. With Trump imposing 50% tariffs on Indian exports over Russian oil purchases, PM Modi has leaned toward BRICS allies, including China. India-China ties are warming, with direct flights resuming, border trade reopening, and China easing urea exports. Talks include cooperation in pharmaceuticals and rare earths. China’s ambassador criticized US tariff tactics and backed India’s sovereignty. Modi reaffirmed support for farmers, rejecting US demands. Analysts warn Trump’s tariffs may push India closer to China and Russia, reshaping regional dynamics. (PC: xinhuanet)

On India’s 79th Independence Day, PM Narendra Modi reaffirmed his unwavering support for farmers amid escalating trade tensions with the US. Responding to US President Trump’s 50% tariff on Indian exports that imposed over India’s continued Russian oil purchases, Modi declared India would never compromise on the interests of farmers, dairy workers, and fishermen. He emphasized readiness to pay a “heavy personal price” to protect domestic agriculture. The tariffs, which target pharmaceuticals, auto parts, and steel, have strained US-India relations. Modi’s speech underscored food sovereignty, religious norms, and economic self-reliance. India rejected US demands for deeper market access, especially in dairy and GM crops, calling the tariffs “unjustified and unreasonable.”

IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers has highlighted India’s underperformance in attracting international tourists, especially compared to China and Thailand. While China offers visa-free access to citizens from 70 countries and Thailand to 90, India allows it only for Bhutan, Nepal, and the Maldives. Elbers cited bureaucratic hurdles, poor travel infrastructure, and a cumbersome visa process—including payment failures and excessive documentation—as key barriers. Despite India’s rich cultural and natural attractions, these challenges limit its competitiveness in the global tourism market, causing the country to miss out on significant international visitor potential and revenue.  

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi will visit New Delhi on August 18 for border talks with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, possibly meeting external affairs minister S Jaishankar. Days later, from August 21-23, Jaishankar will travel to Moscow for discussions with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov and to co-chair the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation. The visits come amid strained India-US ties over tariffs and Russian oil imports. Talks with China will focus on confidence-building along the border, while Moscow discussions will address trade imbalance, rupee-ruble settlement, and preparations for President Vladimir Putin’s planned India visit. (PC: HT)