India keeping close watch on upcoming Trump-Putin meet in Alaska after tariff blow
With the tariff implementation deadline approaching, New Delhi is hoping for an early resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war.Donald Trump will meet Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15. Trump made the announcement last week on social media after saying the parties, including Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, were close to a ceasefire deal that could end the three-and-a-half-year conflict.Meanwhile, Indian negotiators are working hard to get Washington to roll back the duties but are careful not to make premature assumptions. The government does not want to pass on the tariff burden to the public, especially small businesses.Meanwhile, government sources dismissed the perception that India does not understand Trump's leadership style in his second term, adding that officials are well aware of how he operates. However, they noted that the current term has seen a weakening of institutional checks and balances in the US, with turmoil affecting universities, the judiciary, police, and other institutions due to Trump's policies. They also acknowledged that Trump has achieved successes in the past eight months, facing little widespread pushback even on contentious measures like immigration.Sources said Indian officials are preparing for a full four-year Trump term but are also aware that 'there are things we cannot agree to that other countries might offer him.' They stressed that a heavily transactional approach does not align with India's interests, especially if it affects the country's people or resources.'We cannot give up autonomy over crypto, oil reserves, or mines. These are principled positions. That doesn't mean we don't understand what he wants,' government sources said.The sources added that India's ties with European Union nations have improved, with major powers like France and Germany backing India's right to self-defence during Operation Sindoor.As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to travel to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, attention is also on the revitalised BRICS grouping. Apart from this, Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to meet PM Modi soon, with his visit to India scheduled for later this year.- EndsMust Watch
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