U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance defended the Trump administration’s steep tariffs on Indian imports—25% baseline plus a 25% surcharge tied to purchases of Russian crude—arguing they are “aggressive economic leverage” designed to make it harder for Moscow to finance its war in Ukraine, not punish New Delhi. He said Washington is coupling economic pressure with diplomacy and would recalibrate sanctions if Russia meaningfully shifts its posture, framing the move as part of a broader push …

India’s chairmanship of BRICS will prioritize the interests of the Global South, focusing on equitable growth and addressing global financial imbalances that hinder emerging economies, as stated by Ambassador Vinay Kumar. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s vision for a “people-centric” approach, emphasizing sustainable development, public health, and technology innovation. Concurrently, India and Russia are enhancing bilateral ties, including simplifying payment processes for travelers to bolster cultural and commercial exchanges. The strategic partnership underscores …

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar firmly rejected US President Trump’s claims of American mediation in the recent India-Pakistan conflict, reiterating India’s long-standing policy against third-party involvement in bilateral matters. He emphasized the government’s commitment to safeguarding national interests, including those of Indian farmers and strategic autonomy, during his address at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum 2025. Jaishankar’s remarks come amid renewed US-Pakistan relations, marked by high-level meetings focusing on trade and security, highlighting India’s …

Russia and Ukraine successfully exchanged 146 prisoners of war from each side, facilitated by mediation from the United Arab Emirates, according to the Russian defense ministry. The freed Russian prisoners are currently in Belarus for psychological and medical support, while Ukraine returned eight Russian citizens from the Kursk region. This exchange highlights ongoing diplomatic efforts to ease tensions and foster dialogue between the two nations amidst the ongoing conflict. Such steps, while small, indicate a …

India and Thailand are set to conduct the 14th edition of the Joint Bilateral Military Exercise, MAITREE, from September 1-14 at Umroi, focusing on enhancing operational capabilities in joint counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban terrains under a UN mandate. This exercise, held in India after a five-year hiatus, underscores the strong defense ties between the two nations, complementing India’s ‘Act East’ policy with Thailand’s ‘Act West’ approach. The collaboration also involves joint maritime patrols and extensive …

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has dismissed Lieutenant General Jeffrey Kruse, head of the Defense Intelligence Agency, along with two other senior military commanders, in a move interpreted as part of the Trump administration’s ongoing purge of Pentagon officials. The reasons behind these firings remain unclear, raising concerns about the politicization of intelligence roles. Senator Mark Warner criticized this trend, suggesting that it jeopardizes national security by prioritizing loyalty over expertise. This situation reflects broader …

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has expressed serious concerns over leaks that he believes distort the activities of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza, arguing that such information undermines military operations and provides false hope to adversaries. Katz made these remarks during a tour in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the potential negative impact of these leaks on the morale and effectiveness of Israeli soldiers. This highlights the critical balance between transparency and operational security …