Pakistan has urged India to immediately resume the Indus Waters Treaty, suspended by New Delhi following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Islamabad welcomed the August 8 ruling by the Court of Arbitration, which directed India to “let flow” the waters of the Western Rivers like Chenab, Jhelum, and Indus for Pakistan’s unrestricted use. India, however, rejected the court’s legitimacy, calling its formation a violation of the treaty. Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir threatened to target future Indian dams and issued a nuclear warning: “If we go down, we’ll take half the world down.” India maintains that “terror and talks cannot go together,” and insists Pakistan must renounce terrorism before treaty operations resume. (PC: The Leaflet & ET Infra)

Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stance against US tariffs on Indian imports of Russian oil, calling it a “historic moment” in US-India relations. Rubin said Modi’s defiance will be remembered as the point when the US learned “you cannot kick India around.” He criticized President Donald Trump’s policy as hypocritical, noting America’s own purchases of Russian strategic minerals. Rubin predicted that once this episode passes, bilateral ties will strengthen. He also warned that Pakistan, under Army Chief Asim Munir, poses a nuclear threat and has lost legitimacy as a state. Rubin urged future US administrations to secure Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal to prevent catastrophic consequences.

A viral video featuring two Black men in Canada has sparked outrage after they made derogatory remarks about the Indian community. Interviewed by Instagram user Hermes, one man claimed Indians “need to go” because they “s*** on beaches,” walk in large groups, and “turn a first-world country into a third-world country.” The video, captioned “Friendly fire,” ignited fierce backlash online. Social media users condemned the irony of immigrants criticizing other immigrants, with many defending Indians as generous, smart, and economically vital. Canada has seen a surge in Indian immigration, with over 320,000 permanent residents and 225,000 students contributing billions annually to the economy through education, housing, and retail.

Ahead of his Alaska summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, US President Donald Trump declared that the 50% tariff imposed on India’s imports of Russian oil has delivered a “big blow” to Moscow’s economy. Trump cited India as Russia’s largest or second-largest oil buyer and claimed the tariffs have “very well disturbed” Russia’s economic stability. India condemned the move as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.” Trump said he would know “within the first two minutes” of the meeting whether a peace deal is possible. He also plans talks with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and European leaders, asserting the war wouldn’t have occurred under his presidency and calling it “Joe Biden’s war”. (PC: LA34 & Council On Foreign Relations)

Actor-turned-BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty issued a fiery response to Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s war threats over the Indus Waters Treaty. Speaking in Kolkata, Mithun warned that if India’s patience snaps, “humari khopdi sanak gayi toh…” BrahMos missiles would be launched one after another. He sarcastically added that India could build a dam where 140 crore people would urinate, triggering a tsunami. His remarks came after Bilawal accused India of attacking Pakistan’s culture and civilization by diverting Indus waters, threatening war if the treaty is altered. India suspended the treaty in April following a terror attack. The Ministry of External Affairs condemned Pakistan’s nuclear rhetoric, reaffirming India’s resolve against nuclear blackmail and threats to national security. (PC: AFP, PTI & NDTV)

Pakistan’s Bilawal Bhutto warned India of possible war if it continues suspending the Indus Water Treaty, following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. Speaking in Sindh, the former foreign minister accused India of “aggressions” and urged Pakistanis to unite, vowing to reclaim “all six rivers.” His remarks came a day after army chief Asim Munir threatened nuclear war, warning Pakistan could “take half the world down” if threatened. Munir also vowed to destroy any dams built on Indus channels. India condemned the threats as “nuclear sabre-rattling,” affirming it will not yield to “nuclear blackmail.” (PC: NDTV)

US President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on India’s imports of Russian oil, calling it a “big blow” to Moscow’s economy. He emphasized India’s role as one of Russia’s largest oil buyers and claimed the tariffs have severely disrupted Russia’s economic stability. India condemned the move as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.” Trump is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15, expecting “constructive conversations.” He also plans to engage with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy afterward. Trump reiterated his claim of resolving five wars during his second term, including the India-Pakistan conflict though India denies his involvement in that resolution. (PC: ABC & DD News)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging India to back Ukraine’s peace initiative and sanctions against Russian energy exports. The call came as India faces a 50% US tariff for purchasing Russian oil, with President Donald Trump accusing New Delhi of “fuelling the war machine.” Modi reiterated India’s consistent stance on an early, peaceful resolution and commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Ukraine. Defending India’s energy policy, Modi said the country would not compromise on farmers’ interests despite economic costs. Zelensky stressed that any Ukraine-related decision must include Kyiv’s participation for meaningful results. (PC: HT)

New Delhi saw high drama on Monday as nearly 300 Opposition MPs, led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, marched to the Election Commission over alleged ‘vote chori’ and poll body-BJP collusion. The march, joined by leaders like Akhilesh Yadav, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Derek O’Brien, was blocked by Delhi Police at Transport Bhavan, sparking clashes. Several MPs climbed barricades, while Trinamool MPs Mahua Moitra and Mitali Baugh fainted during the chaos, with Baugh hospitalised. Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and others were detained. “This fight is to save the Constitution,” Rahul Gandhi said, as Opposition leaders vowed to continue their agitation. (PC: India Today)

A Pakistani man was arrested by the Border Security Force (BSF) on Monday after trying to enter India illegally in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district. BSF said the man crossed the International Border and moved aggressively toward the fence despite warnings. Troops fired at his legs, injuring him before taking him into custody. He was later taken to a hospital for treatment. Officials said his identity and motive are under investigation. A protest has been lodged with Pakistani Rangers over the incident. Earlier, a Chinese man was caught trying to enter India from Nepal without valid documents. (PC: PTI/Representational)