Digest for 08 July, 2025
US Nears India Trade Deal While Imposing New Tariffs on 14 Nations
U.S. President Donald Trump announced new tariffs, some as high as 40%, on 14 countries including Japan, South Korea, and Bangladesh, effective August 1. While imposing these measures to correct what he calls unsustainable trade deficits, Trump stated that the U.S. is "close to making a deal with India." He also repeated claims that he had previously averted a major conflict between India and Pakistan through trade leverage, a statement New Delhi has not corroborated.
Trump Reverses Stance, Says US Must Send More Weapons to Ukraine
In an apparent policy reversal, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. must send more weapons to Ukraine so it can defend itself. This comes just days after his administration ordered a pause on deliveries of critical weapons, including air defense missiles and precision-guided artillery, citing concerns over depleting U.S. stockpiles. During a dinner with Israel's Prime Minister, Trump also expressed his growing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the protracted conflict.
India Abstains from UN Vote on Afghanistan, Citing Need for Nuanced Approach
India abstained from a UN General Assembly resolution on Afghanistan, arguing that a "business as usual" approach focused solely on punitive measures is unlikely to succeed. India's envoy stated that any policy must blend incentives for positive behavior with disincentives for harmful actions. New Delhi reiterated its call for coordinated efforts to ensure groups like LeT and JeM cannot use Afghan territory for terrorism, while highlighting its own significant humanitarian aid and development projects in the country.
Adani Power Acquires Vidarbha Industries, Boosting Capacity to 18,150 MW
Adani Power Ltd. has completed its acquisition of Vidarbha Industries Power Ltd. (VIPL), which operates a 600 MW coal-fired plant in Maharashtra. The acquisition, part of a corporate insolvency resolution process, increases Adani Power's total operating capacity to 18,150 MW. The company stated the move is a key step in its strategy to turn around stressed assets and support India's energy needs, with a goal of reaching over 30,000 MW in operational capacity by 2030.
Israeli PM Netanyahu Nominates Trump for Nobel Peace Prize
During a White House dinner, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu formally nominated U.S. President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. Netanyahu presented Trump with the nomination letter, praising his leadership in forging peace, particularly highlighting the recent joint U.S.-Israeli military strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities. The nomination comes as the two leaders discuss a U.S.-backed proposal for a 60-day ceasefire in the ongoing Gaza conflict, underscoring a period of intense diplomatic and military coordination.