India’s suspension of visas for Bangladeshis since August 2024 has severely impacted Kolkata’s tourism-dependent economy. Areas like New Market and Free School Street—popular among Bangladeshi visitors—have suffered most. Businesses in these zones report over ₹5,000 crore in combined losses. Hotels, restaurants, transport, and currency exchanges face closures and layoffs. Informal workers are also struggling. The visa halt followed the fall of Bangladesh’s previous government and rising diplomatic tensions. Local businesses now hope for renewed bilateral ties and quick resolution.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly criticized Delhi Police for referring to Bengali as the "language of Bangladesh." Describing the act as "insulting, anti-national, and unconstitutional," Mamata expressed outrage:
"How can Delhi Police—under the direct control of the Union Home Ministry—refer to Bengali, my mother tongue, as a Bangladeshi language? This is an affront to all Bengalis."

She added, “Bengali is not only my native language but also the language of Rabindranath Tagore and Swami Vivekananda. Both India’s national anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’ and national song ‘Vande Mataram’ were written in Bengali. Millions across India speak and write in this language, which is officially recognized by the Constitution.”

The controversy stems from a letter by Delhi Police requesting a Bengali translator to assist in a case involving eight suspected Bangladeshi nationals. The letter referred to Bengali as the "national language of Bangladesh."

India will continue importing oil from Russia despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats of imposing a 25% tariff and penalties over India’s energy and defense ties with Moscow. Trump recently claimed India might stop these imports, but Indian officials denied any such plan. They emphasized India’s long-term contract with Russia and said trade cannot be halted overnight. Russia supplies about 35% of India’s oil. The Indian government asserts that these purchases comply with global regulations and are not subject to direct sanctions.

The Trump administration has imposed a 25% tariff on Indian imports, potentially reducing India’s GDP by up to 0.2%—an estimated ₹3.3 trillion loss. India has pushed back, refusing to allow U.S. agricultural and dairy imports due to domestic and religious concerns. The government remains firm on protecting farmers and small businesses. With agriculture employing nearly half the population, policy sensitivity is high. Bilateral trade reached $132 billion in 2024–25, but tensions have now escalated between the two economic partners.

Following US President Donald Trump’s decision to slash tariffs on Bangladeshi textile products from 35% to 20%, shares of several major Indian textile companies plummeted. The move is expected to make Bangladesh even more competitive in the US market. According to Upstox, KPR Mills fell by 5%, Welspun Living by 2%, Alok Industries by 0.8%, Pearl Global by 3.7%, Gokaldas Exports by 2.6%, Kitex Garments by 3.21%, and Bardhaman Textiles by 2.8%. The new tariff structure has caused concern among Indian exporters, especially in labor-intensive sectors such as textiles and electronics, with the US being India’s largest export destination.

West Bengal opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari stirred controversy by declaring that "Joy Bangla" is not an Indian slogan but a Bangladeshi one, and should not be used in India. The incident unfolded when a Trinamool Congress worker chanted “Joy Bangla” near Adhikari’s convoy, prompting a heated exchange. Adhikari responded with "Jai Shri Ram" and labeled the worker a “Rohingya,” sparking a sharp retort. He further stated, “Say ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ if you're Indian. If you're Hindu, say ‘Jai Shri Ram.’ Muslims don’t need to say it.” He also accused CM Mamata Banerjee of being anti-Hindu.

India has officially declined the U.S. proposal to purchase F-35 stealth fighter jets, citing concerns over recent crashes and a renewed emphasis on defense self-reliance. The offer was made during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the U.S., but India has now informed Washington of its disinterest. Additional concerns stem from a British F-35’s emergency landing in Kerala and continued technical issues. India’s rejection comes amid strained trade relations following U.S. tariffs on Indian goods.

Kashmir’s pencil industry is on the brink of collapse as widespread felling of poplar trees has caused a severe shortage of raw materials. The Lasipora industrial area in Pulwama district supplies wood to major Indian brands like Hindustan Pencils, which produces Nataraj and Apsara pencils. Despite a 2020 court suspension on tree felling, cutting continues while new planting declines. Experts warn this trend threatens both production and the environment in the region.

India’s state-owned oil refineries have stopped purchasing Russian crude following a reduction in price discounts and stern warnings from Donald Trump. Reuters reported that Indian companies made no purchases from Russia in the past week, turning instead to alternatives like Murban oil from the UAE and West African crude. However, private firms like Reliance Industries and Nayara Energy—partly owned by Russian entities—continue sourcing under annual contracts. On July 14, Trump warned of a 100% tariff on countries buying oil from Russia if no major peace deal is reached with Ukraine.

Reacting to former U.S. President Donald Trump's criticism of India's economy, Rahul Gandhi said, "I'm glad President Trump told the truth—something everyone knows except Modi and his Finance Minister." Trump recently said, “India and Russia can sink their dying economies together for all I care,” and pointed out India's high tariff rates and limited trade relations with the U.S. Rahul accused Prime Minister Modi of destroying India's economy. However, his comments have drawn strong criticism, even from within his own party.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that a 25% tariff could be imposed on Indian exports if a trade agreement with the United States is not finalized soon.

Despite five rounds of negotiations, no deal has yet been reached, increasing pressure on New Delhi. A senior Indian official confirmed that a U.S. delegation is scheduled to visit India by mid-August for further talks. “We’ve made significant progress,” the official said, but acknowledged that Trump could still order steep tariffs via executive action.

Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal stated that talks with the U.S. are “progressing well,” noting that India has proposed reducing tariffs on several products and is working to ease non-tariff barriers. Meanwhile, Trump announced plans to notify nearly 200 countries about a new "global tariff" structure his administration intends to introduce.

A four-member Indian medical team from New Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia and Safdarjung Hospitals returned to India after aiding in the treatment of victims of the July 21 plane crash at Dhaka’s Milestone School and College. During their stay, they worked closely with Bangladeshi doctors at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, offering expert advice and sharing experiences in burn treatment. India also expressed readiness to provide further assistance, including advanced care in India, highlighting strong bilateral cooperation.

In Assam’s border areas, Bengali Muslims—many born and raised in India—face mass eviction and accusations of being illegal immigrants from Bangladesh ahead of state elections. Over 50,000 have been displaced since 2021, with homes demolished under government orders. Assam’s BJP-led government claims to combat “Muslim infiltration,” fueling fears of religious and ethnic polarization. Human rights groups warn these actions target a vulnerable community, intensifying social unrest in a politically charged environment.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) President Asaduddin Owaisi has strongly criticized the detention of Bengali-speaking Muslims, calling it "illegal." He alleged that the central government is engaging in a systematic campaign to oppress minorities and marginalized communities.

Owaisi stated, "This government is strong against the weak and weak against the strong. Most of those detained are Indian citizens—construction workers, sanitation workers—poor people who cannot afford to fight back legally. The administration is exploiting their vulnerability."

He further added, “Arresting someone merely for speaking Bengali is unacceptable and illegal. Language-based arrests have no place in a democratic society.”
Owaisi also condemned the practice of deporting Indian Bengali Muslims under the guise of repatriating illegal Bangladeshi migrants, stating, “Sending thousands of Indian citizens away based on isolated incidents is not just unlawful—it’s inhumane.”

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has warned that if necessary, another language movement will be launched to protect the Bengali language. Speaking at an event commemorating actor Uttam Kumar’s death anniversary, she highlighted the ongoing “language terrorism” faced by Bengali speakers. Mamata emphasized the cultural importance of Bengali, noting its global rank as the fifth most spoken language. She called for unity among languages and urged society to stand against oppression targeting Bengali, promising to fight for the language’s dignity.