A New Trade Flashpoint In a dramatic shift in US trade policy, President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping 26% reciprocal tariff on Indian imports, a move that has sent ripples through global markets. The announcement, made on April 2, 2025, was framed by Trump as a crucial step in reclaiming American economic strength. While this decision comes amid ongoing US-India negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement, Indian officials have downplayed its impact, calling it a “mixed bag” rather than a setback. The Indian commerce ministry has now launched an…
Category: Geo Politics
US Revokes Hundreds of International Student Visas Amid National Security Concerns
A Controversial Crackdown In a move that has sparked widespread debate, the United States government has revoked the visas of hundreds of international students, including some from India, citing concerns over national security. The crackdown is primarily focused on students allegedly involved in campus protests and online activities deemed supportive of Hamas, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government. While the administration argues that these measures are necessary to safeguard the country, critics contend that the policy infringes on free speech and academic freedom, leaving many…
Trump’s New Trade Tariffs: Which Countries Will Be Hit the Hardest?
A New Era of Trade Restrictions In a move set to shake global trade dynamics, U.S. President Donald Trump is poised to impose a fresh round of tariffs starting April 2, a date he has labeled “Liberation Day” for America. These new duties will specifically target nations that levy high tariffs on U.S. goods or maintain restrictive trade policies that the White House deems unfair. While the specific details of the tariffs remain closely guarded, Trump’s administration has been vocal about its dissatisfaction with existing trade agreements. The new measures…
ED Probes USAID Funding Over Alleged Soros Links
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has come under scrutiny in India as part of an ongoing investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The probe is centered around alleged foreign exchange violations linked to hedge fund billionaire George Soros. The investigation involves three Bengaluru-based companies that reportedly received significant funding from Soros’ Economic Development Fund (SEDF) between 2021 and 2024. Adding to the controversy, one of these firms also received financial support from USAID, raising concerns about the nature and intent of these transactions. The ED Probe: Uncovering…
India-China Relations: Xi Jinping Calls for a ‘Dragon-Elephant Tango’ Amid Lingering Tensions
Cracks in the India-China Relationship India and China have shared a complex relationship shaped by historical ties, border disputes, and economic engagements. As the two Asian giants mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, their interactions remain clouded by the unresolved military standoff in eastern Ladakh since 2020. Despite ongoing efforts to restore normalcy, geopolitical tensions, economic rivalries, and strategic posturing continue to define their ties. Against this backdrop, Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for a “dragon-elephant tango,” emphasizing peaceful coexistence and mutual development. However, the underlying factors influencing…
China-Bangladesh Relations: Yunus’ Remarks and India’s Response
Shifting Alliances in South Asia The relationship between India and Bangladesh has historically been one of cooperation, mutual respect, and shared economic and cultural ties. India played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s liberation in 1971, and over the years, the two nations have collaborated on trade, security, and infrastructure. However, recent geopolitical developments indicate a shifting dynamic, with Bangladesh exploring deeper economic ties with China. During a recent visit to China, Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus made a statement suggesting that India’s northeastern states being landlocked could present an economic…
Rising Tensions: Iran Poised for Missile Launch After Trump’s Bombing Threat
A Fragile US-Iran Relationship on the Brink The longstanding tensions between the United States and Iran have once again escalated following former U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest warning of potential bombings if Tehran refuses to strike a nuclear deal. Iran, in response, has reportedly armed its underground missile sites, signaling a readiness to retaliate. U.S.-Iran relations have been fraught for decades, with the nuclear issue at the center of diplomatic and military confrontations. In 2018, Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as…
Trump’s Ultimatum to Putin: End Ukraine War or Face Harsh Oil Tariffs
Trump’s Tough Stance on Russia and Global Tariffs Former U.S. President Donald Trump has once again taken a hardline stance on global conflicts, this time issuing a stark warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin over the ongoing war in Ukraine. Trump has threatened severe economic measures, including secondary tariffs on Russian oil, if Putin does not cooperate in negotiations to end the war. This move comes amid Trump’s broader geopolitical strategy, which has previously included imposing trade tariffs and using economic leverage to influence international affairs. His latest statements have…
Trump Praises PM Modi Amid India-US Tariff Talks: ‘A Smart Man & Great Friend’
In February, Trump announced plans to impose reciprocal tariffs on countries like India and China, arguing that the US should charge the same tariffs those nations impose on American goods. United States President Donald Trump praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a “very smart man” and a “great friend,” as both nations engage in negotiations over tariffs. Trump’s remarks came during an interaction with reporters at the swearing-in ceremony of U.S. attorney for New Jersey, Alina Habba, on Friday. “Prime Minister Modi was here just recently, and we’ve…
Earthquake in Myanmar: India Responds with 15 Tonnes of Relief Supplies
Myanmar earthquake: Even before a powerful 7.7-magnitude quake hit Myanmar, over 3 million people had been displaced, and hundreds of thousands were cut off from vital food and health programmes as a result of a destructive four-year civil war. Myanmar earthquake: India sent over 15 tonnes of relief material to Myanmar following a series of powerful earthquakes. India sent the relief materials to Myanmar aboard an Indian Air Force (IAF) C-130J aircraft from Air Force Station Hindon. The flight has landed in Yangon, and relief material is being handed over…