Digest for 06 September, 2025
Canadian Government Report Confirms Khalistani Groups Receive Funding from Canada for Violence in India
A new report from Canada's Department of Finance has officially acknowledged that several Khalistani violent extremist groups, including Babbar Khalsa International, receive financial support originating from Canada. The assessment on money laundering and terrorist financing risks states these groups use funding networks, including non-profits, for politically motivated violence in India. This confirms long-standing concerns raised by New Delhi about Canadian soil being used as a base for anti-India activities, further straining diplomatic relations between the two nations.
US-India Relations Strained Over Tariffs and Geopolitics Amid Mixed Signals from Trump
Tensions between the US and India are high following US President Donald Trump's imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian goods, partly due to India's continued purchase of Russian oil. Trump made conflicting remarks, stating he would "always be friends" with PM Modi while also lamenting that the US has "lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China." Prime Minister Modi reciprocated the positive sentiments, but the underlying friction over trade and India's strategic autonomy continues to challenge the bilateral relationship.
Chief of Defence Staff Identifies China Border Dispute and Pakistan's Proxy War as Top Security Challenges
India's Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Anil Chauhan, has identified the unresolved border dispute with China as the nation's foremost security challenge. The second major threat is Pakistan's long-standing proxy war and its strategy to 'bleed India by a thousand cuts'. In a comprehensive assessment, Gen Chauhan also highlighted regional instability, the need to prepare for technology-driven future warfare, and the complexities of dealing with two nuclear-armed adversaries as other critical challenges facing the country's armed forces.
India Defends Russian Oil Purchases Amid US Pressure; GST Reforms to Boost Economy
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that India will continue buying Russian oil based on economic considerations, as it is the costliest item in the country's import bill. She asserted that the recent GST rate cuts, which simplify the tax structure to two slabs, would spur domestic demand and growth, offsetting the adverse impact of US tariffs on exports. An SBI research report estimates the GST reforms will cause a minimal revenue loss of ₹3,700 crore, far less than government projections.
Noida Man Arrested for Sending Hoax Terror Threat to Mumbai Police
Mumbai police have arrested a 50-year-old man from Noida, Uttar Pradesh, for sending a hoax terror threat. The accused, Ashwinikumar Supra, allegedly sent a WhatsApp message to the traffic police helpline claiming 14 terrorists with 400 kg of RDX had entered Mumbai to carry out blasts. The threat, received during the Ganesh festival, triggered a high alert. The Mumbai Crime Branch traced the sender's location and apprehended him within 24 hours. The motive behind the hoax is currently under investigation.