The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has informed a New York federal court that it remains unable to serve legal summons to Gautam Adani, his nephew Sagar Adani, and the Adani Group, citing delays by Indian authorities despite six months of attempts under the Hague Service Convention . The civil lawsuit, filed in the Eastern District of New York in November 2024, accuses them of orchestrating a $265 million bribery scheme tied to solar power contracts, alleged securities fraud, and misleading U.S. investors . The delay in formal service has brought the legal proceedings to a standstill, prompting questions about cross-border legal cooperation and enforcement protocols. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to travel to New York in September 2025 for the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), with his speaking slot scheduled for the morning of September 26 . On the sidelines, a bilateral meeting with President Donald Trump is anticipated, aimed at resolving escalating trade tensions, especially the newly imposed 50% U.S. tariffs on Indian goods tied to its Russian oil imports . High-level conversations may also include Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy, highlighting the diplomatic stakes amid strained India–U.S. relations . This visit follows Modi’s February 2025 White House meeting with Trump and represents a strategic effort to mend friction and advance a bilateral trade agreement before end-of-October targets. (PC: AFP)

India and China are poised to restart direct passenger flights as early as September 2025, ending a suspension that began with the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 . Indian carriers, including Air India and IndiGo, have been instructed to prepare for short-notice service launches . The decision is expected to be formally announced during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit at the end of August in Tianjin, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi may engage with President Xi Jinping . This move is seen as a significant diplomatic overture aimed at resetting relations between the two populous nations. (PC: AFP)

India is closely watching the upcoming meeting between former US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, as the US prepares to impose an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports. The tariffs, announced in retaliation for India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, are set to take effect soon. New Delhi hopes the talks will lead to progress in resolving the Russia-Ukraine war, easing geopolitical tensions and trade pressures. Officials fear the duties could hit key export sectors, including textiles and engineering goods, and are exploring diplomatic channels to avert the economic blow while safeguarding energy security. (PC: News18)

Irish President Michael D Higgins has strongly condemned the recent surge in violent attacks against the Indian community, calling them “despicable” and contrary to Ireland’s values. His statement followed the assault of a six-year-old Indian girl, one of several racist incidents reported in recent weeks. Higgins praised the Indian diaspora for its “immense contribution” to Irish society in healthcare, culture, business, and more, calling their presence a “source of enrichment.” He urged unity against ignorance and malice. Ireland’s Deputy PM Simon Harris also condemned the violence, as the Indian embassy issued advisories and helplines amid the rising hate crimes. (PC: HT)

The Indian government has instructed Air India and IndiGo to prepare for the resumption of direct flights to China by next month, according to Bloomberg. The move signals a thaw in diplomatic ties, which had soured following the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes and pandemic-related suspensions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Tianjin on August 31 for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, marking his first China visit in seven years. An official flight announcement may coincide with the summit. Before the suspension, over a dozen weekly flights connected major cities in both countries. The resumption is expected to boost trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges amid shifting global alliances. (PC: CNBC TV18 & NDTV)

Pakistan has asked India to restart the Indus Water Treaty, which New Delhi suspended in May after a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam. The request came days after war threats from Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir and politician Bilawal Bhutto. Pakistan’s Foreign Office welcomed a Court of Arbitration ruling that India must let water flow from the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers. India says it does not recognise the court’s proceedings. The treaty, signed in 1960, gives India rights over three eastern rivers and Pakistan over three western rivers. India suspended it citing Pakistan’s support for terrorism. (PC: NDTV)

A viral video from Peterborough, Ontario, shows Canadian teenagers harassing an Indian couple in a mall parking lot, shouting “Go back to India” and other racial slurs. The teens blocked the couple’s car, hurled abuse, and one threatened to kill the man. The July 29 incident went viral after being widely shared online. Police arrested an 18-year-old from Kawartha Lakes, charging him with uttering death threats. He was released on bail and will appear in court on September 16. Police Chief Stuart Betts said the behaviour was “unacceptable in any community.” The accused’s hockey team has suspended him indefinitely. 

Pakistan’s Army chief General Asim Munir has reportedly threatened to strike Reliance’s Jamnagar refinery in Gujarat if war breaks out with India. Speaking at a private event in Florida, he also hinted at nuclear action in case of an “existential threat.” Munir referred to a Quranic verse, suggesting an aerial strike, and named RIL chairman Mukesh Ambani as a symbol of India’s economic strength. India’s foreign ministry rejected the threats, saying it will not bow to nuclear blackmail. It accused Pakistan’s military of working with terrorist groups. The Pakistani Foreign Office dismissed India’s response as “immature.” (PC: Hindustan Times)

China will build a new railway linking Tibet and Xinjiang, passing through Aksai Chin near the Line of Actual Control with India. Aksai Chin is Indian territory under Chinese control since 1950. The route will allow China to move troops and equipment to the border faster. It will also extend towards Nepal and the sensitive Chumbi Valley, where the 2017 Doklam stand-off took place. The project revives a 2008 plan and is seen as a strategic move. India has not yet reacted. Experts say it could increase tensions and pose a serious security challenge for New Delhi. (PC: AFP)