US President Donald Trump claimed on Friday that India and Russia have moved toward China after a summit hosted by President Xi Jinping in Tianjin. Trump shared a photo of Xi, Vladimir Putin, and Narendra Modi, expressing frustration over New Delhi and Moscow aligning with Beijing. India and China declined to comment, while the Kremlin was unreachable. Trump, who has criticized India’s trade practices and expressed disappointment with Putin, said he plans to speak with the Russian leader soon.

Former President Donald Trump has stated that he is in deep discussions with Hamas regarding a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages. “I would tell Hamas to release the hostages. It will lead to positive outcomes,” Trump said, warning that failure to act could worsen the situation.

Trump highlighted the challenge posed by the small number of hostages still in Hamas’ hands, emphasizing that efforts to retrieve them must be swift and decisive. Meanwhile, protests in Israel continue, demanding both a ceasefire and the release of hostages.

White House economic advisor Kevin Hassett has described President Donald Trump and his trade team as “frustrated” over India’s crude oil imports from Russia, while expressing hope for a positive resolution soon.

When questioned about Trump’s recent social media posts concerning India, Russia, and China, Hassett said, “We certainly want this to improve.” Earlier, Trump commented that the U.S. seems to have “lost India and Russia to the deepest hand of China,” wishing them a prosperous future.

The U.S. has criticized India for profiting from Russian oil, while Indian officials argue that singling out India is unfair since the EU continues to import Russian gas. China remains the largest importer of Russian crude. The U.S. will impose a 50% tariff on certain Russian imports starting September 27.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will participate virtually in the upcoming BRICS summit, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed. The videoconference is expected to take place in the coming days. Reports indicate that Brazil is organizing a special online BRICS meeting on September 8. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva plans to discuss with other member nations coordinated responses to challenges facing the multipolar world order, including U.S. tariffs and sanctions, highlighting the bloc’s collective diplomatic and economic strategy.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that international recognition of Palestine would “only create more problems” and jeopardize ongoing ceasefire efforts.

Speaking after a meeting with Ecuador’s leadership, Rubio dismissed such recognition as “fake and unrealistic.” While refraining from commenting directly on Israel’s West Bank annexation plans, he called them “entirely predictable.”

Rubio accused moves to strengthen the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank of emboldening Hamas in Gaza. His remarks came just days after French President Emmanuel Macron announced at the UN that France would formally recognize a Palestinian state.

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Western troops deployed in Ukraine, even after a peace agreement, would be targeted by Moscow. Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, he criticized Western plans for an international force to guarantee Ukraine’s postwar security. French President Emmanuel Macron had earlier said 26 countries pledged such commitments. Putin insisted that NATO expansion attempts sparked the war and argued that troop deployment after peace talks would undermine any agreement.

Honda is introducing the Fastport E-Quad, a four-wheeled pedal-powered vehicle with electric assistance, designed for urban delivery in congested cities like New York and Los Angeles. The lightweight quadracycle carries more cargo than bicycles or scooters, navigates traffic easily, and comes in two sizes, with the larger model carrying up to 295 kg. Developed by Honda’s U.S. startup lab, the E-Quad aims to support logistics and delivery services, with small-batch production starting in Ohio and full-scale rollout planned next summer.

U.S. President Donald Trump has reduced tariffs on Japanese car imports from 27.5 percent to 15 percent, cutting them by nearly half. The deal, reached after months of negotiation, also includes Japan committing $550 billion in U.S. investments and gradually opening its markets to American products, including cars and rice. The 15 percent tariff will apply to almost all Japanese imports, including vehicles and pharmaceuticals, easing uncertainty for major automakers like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan.

The United States has sanctioned three Palestinian human rights organizations—Al-Haq, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR), and the Al-Mezan Centre for Human Rights—accusing them of assisting the International Criminal Court (ICC) in actions against Israeli citizens. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the move protects US sovereignty, military, and allies. The groups have long documented alleged Israeli abuses in Gaza and the occupied territories. Similar sanctions were imposed under the Trump administration after ICC warrants against Israeli leaders.

U.S. President Donald Trump is set to rename the Department of Defense as the Department of War through an executive order. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth would be titled “Secretary of War,” and his deputy “Deputy Secretary of War.” The move reverses a 1949 decision meant to signal restraint in nuclear-era conflicts. Critics warn the change could cost billions as documents, signage, and systems are updated. Trump has also reversed other renamings, including restoring bases once stripped of Confederate-linked titles.

During a military parade in Beijing, Presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, along with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, were spotted walking together. Reports suggest Putin discussed how modern biotechnology, including organ transplants, could extend human lifespan. Xi’s interpreter added that humans could potentially live over 150 years this century. The parade also included 24 other world leaders. Analysts suggest the joint appearance may send a message to Western nations, while former U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the meeting.

Austrian NATO committee member Gunther Fellinger has ignited outrage by calling for the breakup of India along religious, linguistic, and regional lines. Posting a map on social media, he suggested North India as Khalistan and proposed separate states for other regions. He claimed discussions with Sikh activists focused on achieving Khalistan’s independence and freeing India from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s influence. The remarks have drawn sharp criticism, highlighting tensions over foreign interference and divisive narratives targeting India’s sovereignty and unity.

Russia’s Deputy Security Council Chairman Dmitry Medvedev reacted strongly after Western countries transferred seized Russian assets to Ukraine. He stated that even if legal recovery fails, Russia will reclaim the assets “in kind” through land, property, and other resources. Medvedev criticized Britain’s $1.3 billion transfer to Kyiv as supporting “neo-Nazis” and claimed it gives Russia a legal right to demand compensation. He clarified this excludes Donbas and Novorossiya, which he said are already Russian territories.

Russia has announced the expulsion of an Estonian diplomat in Moscow after Estonia declared a Russian envoy persona non grata last month. The Russian Foreign Ministry said Estonia’s chargé d’affaires Marek Uhtegi was summoned and informed of the decision. The ministry condemned Tallinn’s “hostile” step, stressing that any unfriendly actions would draw reciprocal measures. The move marks the latest escalation in tense relations between the two countries, as both sides continue to trade diplomatic expulsions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared that single dominance in world politics will no longer continue, indirectly pointing at the United States. Speaking in Beijing, he stressed equal rights for all nations and balance in international relations. Putin cautioned against punishing powers like India and China, recalling the West’s colonial past. His comments coincide with Donald Trump’s administration imposing double tariffs on Indian goods over Russian oil imports, drawing criticism from New Delhi and heightening tensions in U.S.–India relations.