Overview

• At the Economic Times World Leaders Forum, S. Jaishankar said India’s energy choices are driven by national interest, adding, “If you don’t like it, don’t buy it,” in response to U.S. criticism of Russian crude purchases.
• He confirmed India–U.S. trade negotiations remain active but said New Delhi will not compromise on protections for farmers and small producers, calling them core red lines.
• The Trump administration has raised duties on Indian exports to an overall burden above 50 percent, with an additional 25 percent penalty linked to Russian oil set to take effect on August 27.
• Jaishankar concluded a three‑day visit to Russia, co‑chaired the 26th IRIGC‑TEC, signed the session Protocol, and pushed early completion of an India–EAEU FTA to help meet a $100 billion trade target by 2030.
• Former U.S. officials including John Kerry and John Bolton criticized the tariff strategy, warning it could damage long‑term ties and push India closer to alternative economic partnerships.