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Trump slaps 25% tariff and penalty on India over trade barriers, Russia oil ties

President Donald Trump has announced a new 25% tariff and penalty on India over non-monetary trade barriers and Russian defence links, potentially straining ongoing Indo-US trade talks.

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In a sharp escalation of trade tensions, US President Donald Trump has announced a 25% tariff along with an additional penalty on Indian imports, effective August 1. While terming India a “friend”, Trump accused New Delhi of imposing “obnoxious non-monetary trade barriers” and maintaining excessively high tariffs, which he claimed had contributed to a “massive trade deficit” for the United States.

High tariffs, Russia ties cited as key reasons

The announcement, made via a social media post, came amid ongoing negotiations between India and the US for a proposed bilateral trade agreement. Trump alleged that India continues to procure most of its military hardware and energy supplies from Russia, even as global pressure mounts on Moscow over the Ukraine war.

He wrote, “While India is our friend, we have done relatively little business with them because their tariffs are among the highest in the world and they have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary trade barriers.”

Trump further criticised India’s strong trade relations with Russia, stating that India remains one of Russia’s largest energy buyers, alongside China. This, he said, undermines global efforts to isolate Russia diplomatically and economically.

Bilateral talks under strain

The announcement comes at a delicate moment. A US delegation is set to visit India next month to continue negotiations on the long-pending bilateral trade deal. Last week, the two countries concluded the fifth round of talks in Washington, led by India’s Special Secretary in the Department of Commerce, Rajesh Agrawal, and US Assistant Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, Brendan Lynch.

So far, India has not issued an official response to the tariff declaration.

Trump’s latest tariff directive risks derailing progress made in trade talks and could complicate bilateral relations, especially in the areas of defence and energy cooperation.

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PM Modi marks Operation Sindoor anniversary, calls it India’s firm stand against terrorism

PM Modi said Operation Sindoor showcased India’s firm response against terrorism while paying tribute to the armed forces on the operation’s first anniversary.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s firm response against terrorism and highlighted the country’s commitment to national security.

Marking one year of the operation, the Prime Minister praised the courage, precision and professionalism of the Indian armed forces. He said the military action was carried out in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that had claimed the lives of 26 civilians in 2025.

Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, as a calibrated tri-services operation targeting terror infrastructure linked to cross-border terrorism. Reports said the operation showcased coordinated action by the armed forces and was seen as a major counter-terror response by India.

On the anniversary of the operation, PM Modi also changed the display pictures across his social media platforms, including X, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. The image carried the text “Operation Sindoor” along with the Indian tricolour design.

The Indian Air Force also shared visuals and messages recalling the operation and highlighting India’s military response. A video released by the force described the operation as a strong message against terrorism and referred to the precision strikes carried out during the mission.

Operation Sindoor was launched following the Pahalgam terror attack, after which India carried out strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, according to official statements and reports published at the time.

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Vijay meets Tamil Nadu Governor again as TVK pushes to prove majority

TVK chief Vijay held another meeting with Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar as the party intensified efforts to secure majority support after emerging as the single-largest party in the Assembly elections.

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Actor-turned-politician Vijay met Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar again on Thursday as his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), continued efforts to prove it has enough support to form the next government in the state.

TVK emerged as the single-largest party in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly after winning 108 seats, but it remains short of the majority mark of 118.

The Congress has extended support to TVK, adding five MLAs to Vijay’s side. However, the alliance still needs additional backing from other parties or independents to comfortably cross the halfway mark.

According to reports, the Governor has not yet been fully convinced that TVK currently has the required numbers to form a stable government. This has delayed clarity over the swearing-in ceremony and the formal invitation to form the government.

Political activity intensified after reports emerged that some AIADMK legislators were moved to a resort in Puducherry amid speculation over possible support to TVK. AIADMK leaders, however, publicly denied any internal crisis.

TVK sources have expressed confidence that the party will be able to demonstrate majority support during discussions with the Governor.

The Tamil Nadu election results marked a major political shift in the state, with TVK breaking the long-standing dominance of the DMK and AIADMK in its first Assembly election contest.

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PM Modi changes social media profile pictures to mark Operation Sindoor anniversary

PM Modi changed his social media profile pictures to commemorate one year of Operation Sindoor, with several NDA leaders following the move.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday updated the display pictures of his social media accounts to mark the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor. The new image was seen across his profiles on X, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp channels.

The updated profile picture carries the text “Operation Sindoor” on a black background along with elements of the Indian tricolour. One of the letters in the word “Sindoor” has been stylised using vermilion, commonly associated with married Hindu women.

Operation Sindoor was launched a year ago by Indian defence forces and the Border Security Force along the western border. The anniversary was also marked by several Union ministers and NDA leaders, who changed their social media profile pictures in a similar manner.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and other senior leaders were among those who adopted the commemorative display image on social media platforms, according to reports.

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