Imposition of 25% US duty not to impact India much; agriculture, dairy, GM food no go area in trade pact
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The Sun
21 minutes ago
- The Sun
Trump hints at Putin meeting amid Ukraine crisis talks
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump indicated he may meet Russian leader Vladimir Putin 'very soon' following discussions between his envoy and Moscow officials. The announcement came after Trump described talks between US special representative Steve Witkoff and Russian leadership as highly productive. Trump revealed the possible summit during a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which reportedly included NATO chief Mark Rutte and leaders from Britain, Germany, and Finland. 'There's a good chance that there will be a meeting very soon,' Trump told reporters at the White House. No location was specified for the potential Putin meeting, though US media reports suggest it could happen as early as next week. The New York Times and CNN cited sources claiming Trump seeks a three-way discussion involving Putin and Zelensky. The diplomatic push follows Witkoff's Moscow visit, where Kremlin officials labelled the talks 'productive.' Trump faces a Friday deadline to impose additional sanctions if Russia fails to show progress toward peace in Ukraine. 'Great progress was made!' Trump posted on Truth Social, noting he briefed European allies afterward. Despite optimism, a senior US official confirmed secondary sanctions would still take effect in two days unless Russia alters course. Trump previously vowed to resolve the conflict swiftly upon taking office but has set Friday as a new deadline for Moscow to act. Russia continues intensifying attacks on Ukraine, reaching record levels of drone and missile strikes while advancing on the battlefield. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov called the Witkoff meeting 'useful and constructive,' though details of exchanged positions remain undisclosed. Zelensky acknowledged the call with Trump and European leaders without naming participants. Meanwhile, Trump expressed frustration over Putin's ongoing offensive, warning of tougher sanctions targeting Russia's trade partners, including China. The US recently increased tariffs on Indian goods due to New Delhi's Russian oil purchases, a move risking global economic disruption. Trump stated he would decide on sanctions after assessing Moscow's response. Russia condemned threatened tariffs as 'illegitimate' without directly naming Trump. The war has devastated Ukraine, displacing millions and killing tens of thousands since 2022. Moscow insists Ukraine surrender territory and abandon Western alliances for peace, while Kyiv demands an immediate ceasefire. Zelensky recently urged allies to pursue 'regime change' in Russia. Tensions escalated further as Trump deployed nuclear submarines following a spat with ex-Russian president Dmitry Medvedev. Russia responded by lifting restrictions on intermediate-range missiles, citing alleged US provocations. Ukrainian officials reported fresh casualties after Russian shelling hit a holiday camp in Zaporizhzhia, killing at least two and injuring twelve. - AFP
Indian Express
23 minutes ago
- Indian Express
UK steps up anti-visa fraud drive in Punjab, Haryana with chatbot
The British High Commission has expanded its 'Visa Fraud Ton Bacho' campaign across Punjab and Haryana, launching a Punjabi-language WhatsApp chatbot and partnering with local authorities to raise awareness about visa scams and promote legal routes to the UK. The campaign, which began earlier this year in key areas of Punjab, including Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and Chandigarh, uses social media, posters, and direct community engagement to warn people about common scam tactics. Recognising its early success, the British High Commission plans to deepen collaboration with Indian authorities and grassroots stakeholders over the coming months. Unveiling a new QR code that connects users to its WhatsApp chatbot, the UK government aims to make official guidance on identifying and avoiding visa fraud more accessible. The chatbot provides information in both Punjabi and English and can be reached via +91 70652 51380. 'We are pleased to be continuing our 'Visa Fraud Ton Bacho' campaign in Punjab, making it more accessible with the launch of our WhatsApp chatbot QR code,' said Daniel Sherry, political counsellor at the British High Commission. 'Working with partners in Chandigarh and Punjab, and with the Government of India, we will continue to protect those vulnerable to visa fraud.' Amandeep Grewal, deputy head of mission in Chandigarh, added, 'Our mission is clear — to protect innocent people from visa fraud. As we expand this campaign across Punjab and Haryana, we will continue raising awareness and promoting safe, legal travel to the UK.' To engage the public directly, the British High Commission has organised photo exhibitions at Elante Mall (August 6, 2:30–5:00 pm) and Sector 17 Underpass (August 7, 4:30–7:00 pm). These events aim to highlight the emotional and financial costs of irregular migration and inform visitors about legal alternatives. As part of the ongoing campaign, UK teams have held village-level meetings, particularly in rural Punjab, involving elders and women to spread awareness. Discussions cover the UK visa application process, associated costs, and how to identify fraudulent practices. According to British High Commission data, Indian nationals now receive nearly a quarter of all UK visas globally, making India one of the largest visa applicant pools.
Time of India
23 minutes ago
- Time of India
Won't be Trumped
GOI has called out Trump's extra tariffs for what they are. He was wrong to think hegemony will work Three weeks from now, India will be the most heavily tariffed seller in the US market besides Brazil. Yesterday, through an executive order, Trump imposed an additional ad valorem duty of 25% on India for 'directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil', taking the total to 50%. GOI probably saw this coming from the time Trump's tone changed from friendly to brusque a week ago. Where he had talked up the chances of a trade deal with India on July 8 – 'We are close to making a deal with India' – on July 30 he slapped a 25% import duty along with the threat of an unspecified penalty. Now, the suspense is over. It's impossible to fathom Trump's logic. From the start, China was the presumed target of his tariff war. US runs its largest goods trade deficit with Beijing – worth $295bn in 2024. At one point, Trump raised tariffs on China to 145%, but China's retaliation with a rare earths supply freeze made him see reason. Now, China is tariffed at 30%. If Russian oil triggers Trump, China and Türkiye are also big buyers, yet they have not been 'penalised'. It may be that Trump's acting in frustration. He had boasted he would end the Ukraine war within 24 hours of taking office, but six months have passed and Putin remains defiant. Perhaps, Trump believes stopping oil revenues will bring Putin to the table. And since he seems unable to touch China for now, India possibly seems like a softer target to him. But this is a huge mistake. For almost 80 years, India has refused to be cowed by hegemons. Yesterday, it termed Trump's action 'unfair, unjustified and unreasonable' and made it clear it will 'take all actions necessary to protect its national interests'. As TOI has said before, the current discount on Russian oil is so little that India saves not more than $2bn a year. It could easily pivot to West Asian oil, but the resultant increase in crude prices would hurt all. Besides, if India chooses to pivot, it won't be on Trump's terms. While negotiations with US will continue, Indian exporters are under pressure, so deals with other countries must be prioritised. India should also look beyond goods exports – tourism, for instance – to increase forex earnings. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email This piece appeared as an editorial opinion in the print edition of The Times of India.
