Rolex Watches, Gold Biscuits & Bhagavad Gita: A Sneak Peek Into MEA's ‘Toshakhana' News18
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
15 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Despite Trump statements, Russia oil buys seen still on
New York/Washington : US President Donald Trump claimed on Saturday he had heard India would no longer purchase Russian oil, calling it a 'good step', days after opening an unexpected salvo at New Delhi for its close trade and military ties with Moscow. US President Donald Trump(REUTERS) 'Well, I understand India no longer is going to be buying oil from Russia. That's what I heard. I don't know if that's right or not, but that's a good step. We'll see what happens,' Trump told reporters on Friday. His remarks bear significance due to his threats of punitive measures against nations that purchase oil from Russia, which is seen as being crucial to Moscow's war on Ukraine. However, new reports on Saturday cited senior Indian officials as saying there had been no change in policy, with one stating the government had 'not given any direction to oil companies' to cut back imports from Russia. India has become one of Russia's largest oil customers since Western sanctions drove down prices, helping Moscow maintain crucial export revenues whilst providing New Delhi with cheaper energy to fuel its growing economy. Earlier in the week, Trump formalised 25% tariffs on Indian exports through an executive order covering around 70 nations, though the document notably omitted the additional 'penalty' he had previously threatened over India's Russian energy purchases – a measure that America could still take. Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, when asked at Friday's weekly briefing about reports claiming Indian oil companies had stopped buying Russian oil, said: 'As far as sourcing India's energy requirements is concerned, we take decisions based on the price at which oil is available in the international market and depending on the global situation at that time.' The US president has repeatedly criticised India's energy ties with Russia whilst announcing punitive trade measures. Declaring a 'massive trade deficit with India,' Trump argued that while 'India is our friend, we have, over the years, done relatively little business with them because their tariffs are far too high, among the highest in the world.' He described India as having 'the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary Trade Barriers of any country,' while noting that 'they have always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russia's largest buyer of energy, along with China, at a time when everyone wants Russia to stop the killing in Ukraine.' New reports on Saturday stated India will keep purchasing oil from Russia despite Trump's threats of penalties. Two Indian government sources told Reuters on Saturday, not wishing to be identified, that: 'These are long-term oil contracts. It is not so simple to just stop buying overnight.' Russia is the leading supplier to India, the world's third-largest oil importer and consumer, accounting for about 35% of its overall supplies. India imported about 1.75 million barrels per day of Russian oil from January to June this year, up 1% from a year ago, according to data provided to Reuters by sources. Justifying India's oil purchases, a second government source said India's imports of Russian grades had helped avoid a global surge in oil prices, which have remained subdued despite Western curbs on the Russian oil sector. Unlike Iranian and Venezuelan oil, Russian crude is not subject to direct sanctions, and India is buying it below the current price cap fixed by the European Union, the source said. However, sources told Reuters this week that Indian state refiners stopped buying Russian oil after July discounts narrowed to their lowest since 2022—when sanctions were first imposed on Moscow—due to lower Russian exports and steady demand. Indian Oil Corp, Hindustan Petroleum Corp, Bharat Petroleum Corp and Mangalore Refinery Petrochemical Ltd have not sought Russian crude in the past week or so, four sources told Reuters.
News18
43 minutes ago
- News18
Prominent Anti-Khalistan Activist Sukhi Chahal Dies 'Mysteriously' In US
Last Updated: Friends confirmed that Chahal had been receiving frequent death threats from pro-Khalistan groups but remained resolute in his advocacy The sudden and mysterious death of Sukhi Chahal, a notable US-based businessman and social activist known for his strong opposition to Khalistani separatism, has deeply impacted the Indian diaspora and anti-Khalistani communities, according to a Times of India report. Chahal's unexpected demise in California has raised numerous questions among his friends and associates. Jaspal Singh, a close friend, revealed that Chahal attended a dinner at an acquaintance's home on Thursday. 'Shortly after the meal, his health rapidly declined, and he passed away on the spot," Singh explained on Saturday, noting that Chahal had been in good health before the incident. Police are currently investigating the incident, and an autopsy report is awaited to determine the precise cause of death. Chahal's passing has brought a wave of grief to pro-India communities worldwide, who regarded him as a brave voice against extremism. He consistently advised Indian immigrants to follow US laws and avoid criminal activities, highlighting the legal consequences for foreign visitors who break the law in the United States. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Makes Big 'Swadeshi' Pitch Amid Tariff Tests, Global Uncertainties
Curated By : Last Updated: August 03, 2025, 05:35 IST PM Modi addressing a rally in Varanasi. (Image: ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi passionately urged traders and shopkeepers nationwide on Friday to embrace 'Swadeshi" by committing to selling only 'Made in India" products. The appeal comes at a pivotal time, with the Prime Minister highlighting that 'the world is going through uncertainty". He emphasised that 'promoting made-in-India goods will be the truest service to the country", connecting economic choices directly to national pride and resilience. Delivering his plea during a public address in Varanasi, the Prime Minister's words mirror India's renewed focus on self-reliance, embodied in the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. This initiative aims to strengthen domestic manufacturing, reduce dependency on imports, and enhance India's economic stance amid a fluctuating global environment. His remarks also came in the wake of recent global economic shifts, including contentious tariff decisions by the US, underscoring the need for India to prioritise its economic interests as it strives to become the world's third-largest economy. Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Swadeshi concept has historical roots in India's freedom struggle, symbolising self-sufficiency and national empowerment. By urging traders to stock and promote locally made products, the government aims to boost local industries, create extensive employment opportunities, particularly for the youth, and ensure that wealth circulates within the Indian economy. The Prime Minister also encouraged citizens to be mindful consumers, urging them to consider the origins of their purchases. 'Whatever we buy, we should ask ourselves, has an Indian toiled to make this? If it has been made by the sweat of our people, with their skills, that product is Swadeshi for us. We must adopt the mantra of 'Vocal for Local'," he said. This initiative seeks to create a strong bond between consumers and domestic producers, turning buying decisions into acts of national service. Observers say that with the festive and wedding seasons approaching, this appeal is particularly timely, promoting greater support for locally produced goods. News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More Stay updated with all the latest business news, including market trends, stock updates, tax, IPO, banking finance, real estate, savings and investments. Get in-depth analysis, expert opinions, and real-time updates—only on News18. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments News business Prime Minister Narendra Modi Makes Big 'Swadeshi' Pitch Amid Tariff Tests, Global Uncertainties Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Read More
