India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval confirmed in Moscow that Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India later this year. While he did not disclose an exact date, Reuters reported that the visit is scheduled for the end of the year.

Following discussions with Russian NSA Sergei Shoigu, Doval said Delhi is pleased and enthusiastic about Putin’s upcoming visit, noting that it will be a significant milestone in bilateral relations.

This will be President Putin’s first visit to India since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. Last year, Prime Minister Modi visited Moscow to attend the 22nd India-Russia summit, where Russia awarded him its highest civilian honor. Sources also revealed that Doval discussed arms and energy procurement during his Moscow visit.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated he will not compromise on the interests of farmers, livestock rearers, and fishermen, even if it means facing heavy personal or national costs. His statement came after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods in response to India’s continued import of Russian crude oil. India’s foreign ministry condemned the move as unjust and reiterated its commitment to national energy security and protecting the livelihoods of 1.4 billion citizens.

The Jammu and Kashmir Home Department has banned 25 books, citing allegations of promoting separatist ideologies. Prominent authors on the banned list include Booker Prize-winning writer Arundhati Roy, constitutional expert A.G. Noorani, Hafsa Kanjwal, Anuradha Bhasin, and historian Sumantro Bose.

Authorities claim these publications “spread false narratives, promote secessionist sentiments, and encourage a sense of victimhood and militancy among youth.” Among the banned titles are Al-Jihad fil Islam by Jamaat-e-Islami founder Maulana Abul A'la Maududi and Mujahid’s Call by Muslim Brotherhood founder Hassan al-Banna.

The move has reignited debates around freedom of expression and democratic space in India.

While football took center stage on the pitch, the gallery at the Durand Cup match between East Bengal and a team called "Namdhari FC" witnessed a powerful protest. Bengali-speaking East Bengal supporters unveiled a large protest TIFO in response to being labeled “Bangladeshi” simply for speaking Bengali. The display condemned the pushback of Bengali speakers to Bangladesh, the Delhi police referring to Bengali as a "Bangladeshi language," and BJP leader Amit Malviya’s controversial claim that “there is no language called Bengali.” This sparked widespread anger among the Bengali community. Previously, East Bengal fans had protested against NRC and CAA with the message: “This land is paid for with blood, not documents.” The current TIFO echoed that sentiment. East Bengal’s name itself carries historical ties to undivided Bengal.

India has condemned the United States for imposing an additional 25% tariff on its exports over alleged continued oil imports from Russia. The executive order, issued by Donald Trump, adds to previous sanctions.

In a statement, New Delhi called the move “unjust, unreasonable, and unacceptable,” adding that India’s energy policies are guided by the need to ensure security for its 1.4 billion citizens. “Several nations are importing oil from Russia in their national interest—singling out India is regrettable,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi is set to visit China later this month. No trade deal has yet been signed with the U.S.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit China for the first time in over seven years to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. The move signals efforts to ease strained ties with Beijing amid escalating U.S.-India tensions. Washington has imposed steep tariffs on Indian goods and warned of further sanctions over Russian oil purchases. Modi’s visit follows a thaw in relations after talks with Xi Jinping. Top Indian officials are also engaging with Russia on defense and energy cooperation.

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a new executive order imposing an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods, bringing the total tariff to 50%. The decision is reportedly in response to India's continued direct and indirect import of Russian oil.

This additional tariff adds to a previously announced 25% duty, doubling the pressure on India. Trump had earlier warned of harsher economic penalties if President Putin failed to take meaningful steps toward ending the war in Ukraine. The new tariffs are expected to strain U.S.-India relations further.

The development comes shortly after reports from Indian government sources indicated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is planning to visit China later this month—his first visit in nearly seven years.

After heavy rainfall in India’s Uttarakhand, a devastating flash flood has swept away an entire village.
At least four people have been confirmed dead, while over 150 are missing, including 11 Indian soldiers.
Locals reported a cloudburst near the Kheer Ganga river basin, which led to the disaster.
Military rescue operations began swiftly, but helicopters couldn’t be deployed due to poor weather. Search and rescue missions are still ongoing.

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.