Following a decisive 30-minute phone call between the two leaders on February 2, 2026, the United States has officially reduced its reciprocal tariff rate on India from 25% to 18%, effective immediately. This move effectively scraps the 25% "punitive duty" previously linked to India’s Russian oil purchases, signaling a major de-escalation in trade tensions. However, the deal comes with explosive claims from the White House. President Trump stated on Truth Social that PM Modi has agreed to HALT all future purchases of Russian oil, pivoting instead toward US and potentially Venezuelan energy. While PM Modi hailed the tariff cut as a victory for "Made in India," the Indian side has yet to explicitly confirm the Russian oil exit or the staggering $500 Billion purchase commitment claimed by Washington.
03 February,2026 06:08 PM IST
A new transatlantic rift is emerging as President Donald Trump openly warns the United Kingdom against strengthening business ties with China, calling the move dangerous for national and strategic security. The warning comes just as Prime Minister Keir Starmer concludes a high profile visit to Beijing aimed at resetting UK-China relations after years of diplomatic strain. Rather than backing down, Britain appears to be pushing forward. Starmer has defended engagement with China as a matter of national interest, arguing that economic cooperation can coexist with firm security safeguards.
31 January,2026 01:41 AM IST
India and the European Union have signed a landmark free trade agreement after nearly 18 years of stop-start negotiations, in what European leaders are calling the “mother of all trade deals.” The timing is critical. India is currently facing steep 50 per cent tariffs on key exports to the United States, while Europe is under fresh tariff threats from President Donald Trump amid disputes involving Greenland and wider security concerns. Who benefits from the trade deal the most? Here is all you need to know.
28 January,2026 12:48 AM IST
India and the European Union are on the verge of sealing a landmark Free Trade Agreement, marking a historic shift in global trade dynamics. However, the deal has triggered sharp criticism from the United States, with Trump aide Bessent accusing the EU of double standards. In a recent interview with ABC News, Bessent claimed that the US has made larger sacrifices than Europe in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, pointing to 25% tariffs on India for Russian oil purchases while Europe negotiates a major trade deal with India. WATCH
27 January,2026 11:01 PM ISTADVERTISEMENT
