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Trump Imposes Tariffs on India to End Russia-Ukraine War, Says White House

Published

4 weeks ago

August 20, 2025

In a dramatic move that has stirred global markets and diplomatic circles, the White House confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed fresh tariffs on India, citing the need to pressure Moscow into ending the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday (August 19, 2025), White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the U.S. President is using sanctions and trade measures “as powerful leverage” to bring the war to a close. The announcement has deepened tensions between Washington and New Delhi, coming just days after U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accused India of “profiteering” by reselling Russian oil.

White House: Tariffs Meant to Force Moscow’s Hand

“The President has put tremendous public pressure to bring this war to a close. He has taken actions, including sanctions on India, and made it clear that he wants to see this war end,” Leavitt told reporters.

The new tariffs amount to 50% on Indian exports to the U.S., including a 25% levy specifically tied to India’s purchases of Russian crude oil, which comes into effect on August 27. According to officials, the move is designed to disrupt what Washington views as India’s growing role in keeping Moscow’s war machine afloat through energy revenues.

India’s Russian Oil Imports Under Scrutiny

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, speaking earlier on CNBC, drew a sharp comparison between China and India’s energy policies.

China: Oil imports from Russia have risen only 3% since the Ukraine war began, from 13% pre-war to 16% now.
India: Imports have skyrocketed from less than 1% before 2022 to nearly 42% of total oil imports today.

“India is just profiteering,” Bessent alleged. “They’re buying cheap Russian oil, refining or reselling it, and making around $16 billion in excess profits. This arbitrage sprung up only during the war—it’s unacceptable.”

Critics note that Washington has so far been more lenient on Beijing’s imports, citing China’s “diversified inputs,” while India faces disproportionate pressure, something New Delhi has described as “unjustified and unreasonable.”

Strain in U.S.-India Relations

The tariffs have triggered unease in New Delhi, which has consistently defended its energy trade with Moscow as a matter of national interest and economic security. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has stated that energy diversification is essential and that “no foreign government has the right to dictate India’s sovereign decisions on oil sourcing.”

International analysts warn that Trump’s move could strain ties with one of Washington’s key Indo-Pacific partners, especially at a time when the U.S. is also navigating tense relations with China and Russia.

Trump’s Claim: Ending the India-Pakistan Conflict

In a surprising twist, the White House also credited President Trump with brokering peace between India and Pakistan, claiming his trade policies and diplomatic interventions averted a potential nuclear escalation.

Leavitt said Trump’s leadership had helped close “seven global conflicts,” including the long-standing hostility between New Delhi and Islamabad.

“We’ve seen it with the end of the conflict between India and Pakistan, which could have resulted in a nuclear war if we had not had a President who believed in the strength and leverage that comes with the job,” Leavitt told reporters.

Trump himself has repeatedly claimed that a Washington-mediated ceasefire ended recent border hostilities between India and Pakistan, boasting that he “helped settle” tensions over 40 times since May.

India’s Response: Denial of U.S. Mediation

However, India has firmly denied any U.S. role in ending the conflict. Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Parliament that the ceasefire understanding with Pakistan was reached directly between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries, without external intervention.

“Operation Sindoor was an Indian initiative. No leader of any country asked India to stop it,” Modi said, dismissing Trump’s claims of mediation.

Global Fallout and What Lies Ahead

The U.S. tariffs are likely to impact India’s $80+ billion annual exports to America, reducing demand and hitting key sectors like textiles, pharmaceuticals, and IT services. Economists, including Moody’s Analytics, have already warned that the steep levies will “substantially reduce demand” for Indian goods in the American market.

Diplomatic observers believe India will seek to balance relations with Washington while maintaining its energy lifeline with Russia. The move also raises questions about how far Trump is willing to go in using trade as a weapon—not just against adversaries, but also against long-standing allies.

Conclusion

Trump’s tariffs on India mark one of the most aggressive U.S. policy moves against New Delhi in decades. While Washington frames it as a strategy to weaken Russia, India views it as an attack on its sovereignty and economic independence.

With Trump simultaneously claiming credit for ending the India-Pakistan conflict, the episode reflects his administration’s preference for “deal-making through pressure.” But whether this approach truly ends the Russia-Ukraine war—or instead creates new global fault lines—remains to be seen.

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PM Modi in Mizoram & Manipur: Historic Railway Launch, Development Push, and First Visit Since Manipur Violence

Published

3 days ago

September 13, 2025

Veer Rana

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated Mizoram’s first railway station at Sairang, marking the completion of the ₹8,070 crore Bairabi–Sairang Rail Line, a project that finally connects Aizawl to the Indian Railways network. Despite bad weather preventing him from addressing a rally at Aizawl’s Lammual Ground, PM Modi spoke virtually from Lengpui Airport, describing the day as “historic for Mizoram.”

Mizoram: First Rajdhani Express and New Railway Era

Historic Connectivity: Until now, Mizoram’s rail link was limited to the Silchar–Bairabi route in Assam. The new 51 km Bairabi–Sairang line brings Aizawl onto the national railway map for the first time.
Engineering Marvel: The project comprises 45 tunnels, 55 major bridges, and 88 minor bridges, built through challenging hilly terrain.
Flagged Off Services: PM Modi launched Mizoram’s first Rajdhani Express connecting Sairang to Delhi’s Anand Vihar. Two more services—Sairang–Kolkata Express and Sairang–Guwahati Express—were also inaugurated.
Boost for Growth: The line is expected to cut transport costs, boost trade, tourism, and generate jobs while integrating Mizoram with India’s mainstream economy.

PM Modi said, “This is not just a railway line, it is a lifeline that will transform lives in Mizoram.”

PM Modi on Vote Bank Politics in Northeast

During his speech, the Prime Minister also touched upon the political neglect of the Northeast in the past:

Manipur Visit: First Since Ethnic Violence

After Mizoram, PM Modi headed to Manipur, making his first visit since the ethnic violence of May 2023, which displaced thousands and led to President’s Rule being imposed in February 2025.

Churachandpur Visit: Modi is expected to meet internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Churachandpur, a Kuki-majority district.
Imphal Programmes: In the Meitei-dominated capital, Imphal, he will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for projects worth over ₹3,600 crore, including roads, highways, IT infrastructure, working women’s hostels, and the Ima Markets (the world’s largest all-women-run market).
Symbolic Visit: His visit to both Kuki and Meitei areas is being seen as a strong message of reconciliation and inclusive development.

PM Modi posted on X:
“I will be attending programmes in Churachandpur and Imphal tomorrow. We are fully committed to inclusive and all-round development of Manipur.”

₹71,000 Crore Push for Northeast

The PM’s three-day tour across five Northeastern states includes projects worth over ₹71,000 crore, spanning railways, highways, power, digital infrastructure, and social development initiatives. Officials call it one of the biggest-ever development drives in the region.

Why This Visit Matters

First railway connectivity for Mizoram’s capital.
First Prime Ministerial visit to Manipur since ethnic conflict.
Strong message of inclusive growth and ending neglect of the Northeast.
Massive development boost across five states.

This moment marks both a historic leap in connectivity and a politically significant outreach to one of India’s most sensitive regions.

News

PM Modi Inaugurates Mizoram’s First Railway Station: Key Details of the Bairabi–Sairang Rail Project

Published

3 days ago

September 12, 2025

Veer Rana

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Mizoram’s first-ever railway station at Sairang, marking a historic milestone in India’s connectivity drive. The launch of the Bairabi–Sairang New Rail Line Project, valued at over ₹8,070 crore, officially brings Mizoram’s capital onto the Indian Railways map for the first time.

🚉 Historic Railway Inauguration

On Saturday, PM Modi flagged off the first trains from the Sairang railway station, situated about 12 km from Aizawl. This fulfills a long-standing national vision to connect all state capitals in India’s Northeast by rail.

The inauguration was hailed as a landmark moment of inclusive development, aimed at strengthening integration of the Northeast with the rest of the country.

📌 Key Details of the Bairabi–Sairang Project

Length & Route: 51.38 km of railway line built through rugged, hilly terrain of Mizoram.
Engineering Marvel: The project includes 48 tunnels, 142 bridges (55 major, 87 minor), road overbridges, and underbridges.
- Highlight: Bridge No. 196, standing 104 meters tall, is taller than Delhi’s Qutub Minar, making it the highest bridge in Mizoram and the second-highest pier bridge in Indian Railways.
Cost & Timeline: Conceived in 1999, the line was completed at a cost of ₹8,070 crore after decades of engineering challenges including landslides and difficult weather.

🌏 Connectivity & Socio-Economic Impact

Regional Link: Aizawl is now the fourth northeastern capital (after Guwahati, Agartala, and Itanagar) connected to the national railway grid.
Trade & Tourism: The line will reduce dependence on roadways, cut travel costs, and make Mizoram more accessible for business, tourism, and employment.
Future Prospects: Plans are underway to extend the line further toward the Myanmar border, tying in with the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Project, opening new international trade opportunities.

🚄 Inaugural Train Services

Mizoram’s First Rajdhani Express: Connecting Sairang directly to Anand Vihar Terminal (Delhi), covering 2,510 km in 43 hours.
New Express Trains: Direct links to Kolkata and Guwahati, ensuring faster and more reliable connectivity for residents.

🏗️ Symbol of Inclusive Growth

Mizoram Governor and Railway Minister hailed the project as a symbol of inclusive national development, bridging geographic isolation with modern infrastructure.

PM Modi emphasized that such projects embody India’s vision of ensuring equal progress in every corner of the country, no matter how remote.

📖 Conclusion

The inauguration of the Bairabi–Sairang rail line is more than a transport milestone—it represents integration, opportunity, and growth for Mizoram and the entire Northeast. From cutting travel time to enhancing economic prospects, the project is poised to transform the lives of lakhs of people, while also showcasing India’s engineering prowess in one of the country’s most challenging terrains.

News

Delhi Police Busts ISI Spy Module: Nepali Man Held for Sending Indian SIM Cards to Pakistan

Published

5 days ago

September 10, 2025

Veer Rana

The Delhi Police Special Cell has busted a major espionage racket linked to Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI and arrested a 43-year-old Nepali citizen, Prabhat Kumar Chaurasia, for supplying Indian SIM cards that were being used in Pakistan.

According to officials, Chaurasia had procured 16 Indian SIM cards (Airtel and Jio) using his Aadhaar card. Out of these, 11 SIM cards were traced as active on WhatsApp in Pakistan, in cities like Lahore and Bahawalpur. The SIM cards were smuggled through Nepal to ISI handlers, who used them to attempt contact with Indian Army officials.

Attempts to Extract Sensitive Defence Information

Police investigations revealed that Chaurasia had been in touch with ISI operatives since 2024. The Pakistani agency allegedly lured him with promises of a US visa and a career in journalism abroad in exchange for his services.

Through the WhatsApp accounts registered on these Indian SIMs, attempts were being made to extract sensitive defence-related information. Delhi Police has registered a case under sections 61(2)/152 of the BNS at the PS Special Cell and further interrogation of the accused is underway to uncover wider links.

Pakistan’s Continued Espionage Attempts

This case adds to a long list of espionage attempts by Pakistan that Indian security agencies have foiled over the years. By exploiting loopholes in telecom systems and targeting vulnerable individuals with financial or career incentives, ISI has repeatedly tried to infiltrate Indian defence communications.

Officials pointed out that routing SIM cards through Nepal is a known ISI tactic to bypass direct detection. The fresh module’s bust highlights how Pakistan continues to adopt underhanded methods to destabilise India and gather intelligence.

Timing Amid Strained India-Pakistan Relations

The incident comes against the backdrop of tense India-Pakistan ties, particularly after the recent Pahalgam terror attack, where India publicly exposed Pakistan’s role before the international community. This exposure has reportedly irked Islamabad, prompting renewed espionage efforts.

Indian agencies, however, remain vigilant. The arrest of Chaurasia and the exposure of this spy module is seen as a major success in neutralising Pakistan’s covert operations.

Significance of the Bust

Prevented possible leaks of defence information.
Exposed ISI’s recruitment tactics using false promises of foreign visas and careers.
Highlighted the use of telecom loopholes (routing SIMs via Nepal).
Strengthened India’s counter-espionage operations at a sensitive time in regional security.