Political leaders in India have united to denounce a warning from U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened increased tariffs on Indian goods in response to the country’s continued import of Russian oil.

The threat follows a recent announcement in July where Trump imposed 25% tariffs on Indian products. U.S. authorities have cited geopolitical disagreements as a major obstacle to finalizing a trade deal with India.

Responding to the remarks, Manish Tewari, an opposition lawmaker, criticized Trump’s tone and approach.

“Disparaging remarks hurt the dignity and self-respect of Indians,”
“The time has come to call out this constant bullying and hectoring.”

A prominent figure from India’s ruling party also reacted on social media, referencing a notable Cold War-era diplomat.

“To be an enemy of America can be dangerous, but to be a friend is fatal.”

India’s Foreign Ministry expressed concern about what it described as double standards from Western countries. It pointed out that several Western powers, including the U.S. and European nations, continue to engage in trade with Russia despite the war in Ukraine.

“It is revealing that the very nations criticising India are themselves indulging in trade with Russia,”
“It is unjustified to single out India.”

The ministry emphasized that the European Union had recorded over 67 billion euros in trade with Russia in 2024, including record volumes of liquefied natural gas imports. The U.S., the statement added, still buys materials such as uranium hexafluoride, palladium, fertilizers, and chemicals from Russia.

When contacted, diplomatic offices representing the U.S. and EU did not immediately issue any formal response.

Although both the U.S. and EU have reduced trade with Russia since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, India has maintained strong energy links with Moscow. From January to June this year, India brought in approximately 1.75 million barrels of Russian crude oil per day — a slight increase compared to the same period last year.

India has defended its continued energy imports, citing historical relations and the importance of stable energy access for its growing economy. Despite pressure from Western allies, New Delhi has refrained from severing ties with Moscow.

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is expected to visit Russia soon as part of a pre-planned official trip, and Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar may follow in the coming weeks.

Tensions between the two nations escalated further after Trump’s July 31 announcement of new tariffs, along with a warning that countries continuing to purchase Russian oil would face consequences unless Russia moves to halt the war in Ukraine.

The rising trade friction has sparked fears of economic fallout. On Tuesday, India’s stock market index fell by 0.38%, while the national currency weakened by 0.17% against the U.S. dollar.

Ion Iliescu, Romania’s first democratically elected president and a key figure during the country’s post-communist transition, has died at the age of 95.

He passed away in a Bucharest hospital, where he had been admitted in early June following a diagnosis of lung cancer.

“It is with deep regret that the government announces the passing of the former President of Romania, Mr Ion Iliescu,” a statement from authorities read. Plans for a state funeral are expected to be announced shortly.

Iliescu held the presidency during two separate terms — first from 1986 to 1996, and later from 2000 to 2004. Though seen as a central player in Romania’s move toward democracy after the fall of communism in 1989, his legacy remains controversial.

He faced allegations of crimes against humanity due to his involvement in the 1989 revolution that led to the execution of dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu. However, despite formal charges being filed in 2019, Iliescu was never found guilty in court.

He was also charged in a separate case related to the 1990 violent repression of anti-government protests, after he summoned miners to confront student demonstrators—a dark event in Romanian history known as the “Mineriad.” The incident was condemned worldwide.

Before his final hospital stay, Iliescu had been under routine care at Elias Hospital in the capital. Back in 2019, he underwent heart surgery to treat a pericardial effusion, a condition involving fluid buildup around the heart.

Born on March 3, 1930, in Oltenița, a town in southern Romania, Iliescu had kept a low public profile in recent years. He occasionally shared brief writings on his personal blog.

His last public message was posted on May 19, congratulating Bucharest’s liberal and pro-European mayor, Nicușor Dan, on his new appointment as president.

The UK government says it will begin enforcing a migrant return arrangement with France within days, following the official approval of a treaty linked to the agreement.

As part of the newly introduced “one in, one out” pilot arrangement, France has agreed to take back individuals who arrive in the UK illegally via small boat crossings. In return, the UK will allow an equal number of approved asylum seekers who have family members residing in Britain.

So far this year, over 25,000 people have entered the UK through small boat journeys. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has committed to reducing this number by targeting human trafficking groups.

Since his sweeping election victory last year, Starmer’s approval ratings have fallen, while Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has gained ground in opinion polls. Meanwhile, tensions have risen in various parts of England, where demonstrations—both opposing and supporting immigration—have occurred near hotels accommodating asylum seekers.

French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau stated on X that the new plan has a “clear objective” to break up the people-smuggling networks.

British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper declined to give an exact number of individuals expected to be returned under this scheme.

“The numbers will start lower and then build up,” she said in an interview on Tuesday, adding that the returns would apply to recent arrivals rather than migrants already present in the UK.

The treaty specifies a processing target of three months from the migrant’s arrival in Britain to their transfer to France. The UK’s Home Office said detentions are expected to begin shortly.

Under the deal, Britain must file a request to return someone within 14 days of their entry. France is not obligated to accept unaccompanied minors or anyone posing known security risks, as outlined in the agreement.

Officials had earlier indicated the plan would initially handle around 50 returns weekly—approximately 2,600 people a year—which remains significantly lower than the 35,000-plus arrivals recorded last year.

Critics argue the small scale may not be enough to discourage further illegal crossings. However, Cooper described the deal as just one component of a broader effort.

In addition to the treaty, authorities are also relying on sanctions, curbing migrant-smuggling content on social media, and cooperating with delivery services to dismantle trafficking networks.