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.

At least 15 people have been killed in lightning strikes across West Bengal, India. The fatalities include 9 in Bankura, 5 in East Burdwan, and 1 in West Midnapore. Many victims were working in fields during thunderstorms when struck. Separate incidents occurred in Kotulpur, Onda, Indas, and Joypur. Several others were injured and are currently being treated at local hospitals. Police have sent the bodies for autopsy at Ghatal Subdivisional Hospital.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in London to sign a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United Kingdom, described as a turning point in bilateral ties. The deal, finalized after legal reviews, promises increased market access, job creation, and economic growth for both countries. It includes tariff reductions on key goods like textiles, leather, cars, and whisky, and features a social security pact. The agreement also paves the way for £6 billion in new investments and expanded operations by British companies in India.

Hindutva activist Kajal Hindustani has stirred controversy in New York after delivering a speech filled with Islamophobic rhetoric. She referred to Muslims as “Abdul,” “zombies,” and “enemies of Hindus,” comparing them to demons from Hindu mythology. She also accused Muslim men of "mass-producing children for war" and claimed actors Salman Khan and Saif Ali Khan are part of a conspiracy to convert Hindus. Despite calls from U.S.-based religious groups to cancel her tour, Kajal refused. Her remarks received support from segments of the Indian diaspora, reflecting a worrying rise in anti-Muslim sentiment. Previously, the New York mayor canceled participation in one of her events, and she was arrested in Gujarat in 2023 over similar remarks. Kajal’s social media followers include Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Following the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad, two British families have alleged they received the wrong bodies of their deceased relatives. DNA tests confirmed that the remains sent were not those of their loved ones, sparking grief and outrage. Air India has acknowledged the claims and is investigating the matter seriously. Only one passenger out of 242 survived the crash. The Tata Group has announced compensation for the victims' families, who are demanding a transparent probe and accountability.

Police in Gurugram, Haryana, have detained six Muslim laborers from Malda, West Bengal, suspecting them of being Bangladeshi nationals. According to family members and rights activists, the men are being forced to work at the police station and are only being fed once a day. There are fears they may be forcibly pushed into Bangladesh. In response, the Migrant Workers' Solidarity Platform and several departments of the West Bengal government have called for immediate intervention. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condemned the incident, saying, “Speaking Bengali alone is becoming a reason for harassment under the label of ‘Bangladeshi’.”

India’s Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has resigned, citing health concerns and medical advice as the reason. He submitted his resignation to the President, bringing his tenure to an early end. Dhankhar, elected in August 2022, was previously the Governor of West Bengal. In March, he was hospitalized due to a heart condition. In his letter, he thanked Prime Minister Modi and other ministers for their support and expressed gratitude for witnessing India’s development and economic progress during his term.

Indian Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has resigned from his post citing health issues. On Monday night, July 21, he submitted his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu. On the opening day of the Parliament’s monsoon session, he abruptly suspended Rajya Sabha proceedings amid controversy surrounding the Pahalgam incident and did not return. In his resignation letter, Dhankhar thanked the President, Prime Minister, ministers, and MPs for their support. He had served as Vice President since 2022 and previously held the post of Governor of West Bengal.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic crash of a Bangladesh Air Force trainer aircraft in Uttara that left many dead and injured, including students. In a condolence message, he extended his sympathies to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. Modi also pledged full support to Bangladesh and offered all possible assistance. The aircraft crashed into the school just 12 minutes after takeoff, injuring more than 160 people, including 164 students.