Politics
US pulls out of trade talks with India over escalating tariff tensions
Trade tensions between the United States and India have escalated further after Washington abruptly cancelled the planned trade talks that were scheduled for the final week of this month.
According to Indian media, a high-level US trade delegation had been expected to visit New Delhi from August 25 to 29, but the visit has now been called off.
The cancellation follows an intensifying tariff dispute between the two countries.
Washington had earlier cautioned New Delhi that if talks between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin failed, additional tariffs could be imposed on Indian goods.
Reports suggest that the US decision may push overall tariffs on Indian exports beyond 50% a move analysts warn could deliver a serious blow to bilateral trade ties.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his annual Independence Day address from the historic Red Fort in New Delhi, emphasized India’s push for energy self-reliance and the development of robust defence systems.
He vowed to protect the country’s interests “like a wall,” even as India faces mounting US pressure and the looming threat of new tariffs.
“Self-reliance is the foundation of developed India,” Modi said after a flypast of military helicopters scattered flower petals above an invited crowd of thousands.
“Freedom becomes meaningless if someone becomes too dependent on others”.
Ties between New Delhi and Washington have been strained by Trump’s ultimatum that India end its purchases of Russian oil, a key source of revenue for Moscow as it wages its military offensive in Ukraine.
India has said it “stands ready” to support efforts to end the Ukraine war and endorses a summit to be held between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday.
But the United States says it will double new import tariffs on India from 25 percent to 50 percent by August 27 if New Delhi does not switch crude suppliers.
“We know that we remain dependent on many countries to meet our energy needs”, said Modi, leader of the world’s most populous nation and fifth-biggest economy.
“But to build a truly self-reliant India, we must achieve energy independence.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a statement congratulating India’s Independence Day, said the relations between the two nations were “consequential and far-reaching”, and wanted to “ensure a brighter future for both”.
Blood and water
Modi urged scientists and engineers to focus on building key sectors and technologies including fighter jet engines, semiconductor chips and military hardware systems.
“We will have India-made semiconductor chips in the market by the year’s end,” Modi said.
He added that the country was also working towards building a space station and would have a “defence shield” in the next decade, without giving further details.
Modi also honoured the Indian armed forces, which took part in a four-day conflict with arch-rival Pakistan that ended in a ceasefire on May 10.
“India will give a befitting reply to any other misadventure by the enemy,” he added, and referred to New Delhi’s suspension of its cross-border water sharing treaty with Pakistan.
“India has decided that blood and water will not flow together”, he added.
Modi did not speak directly about Trump, but said he would “stand like a wall” against any policy that hurts the interests of farmers.
Agriculture employs vast numbers of people in India and has been a key sticking point in trade negotiations.
“When economic selfishness is rising day by day… we must not just sit and worry about the crisis but instead focus on our strengths,” Modi said.
UAE says it will not allow its airspace to be used for attacks against Iran, announces security and economic measures amid regional tensions.The United Arab Emirates has announced it will not allow its airspace or territory to be used for attacks against Iran, as officials outlined security, economic and humanitarian measures during a media briefing in Abu Dhabi.
Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation, said the UAE’s position was “clear and measured.”
“The UAE will not permit its airspace or land to be used in any attack against Iran,” she said, adding that the country reserves the right to defend its sovereignty and ensure the safety of citizens, residents and visitors.
She also confirmed that the UAE had closed its embassy in Tehran and withdrawn its ambassador following recent Iranian attacks.
High Combat Readiness
Major General Abdul Nasser Al Humaidi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence, said the UAE would not tolerate any compromise of its sovereignty or security.
He explained that sounds heard in recent days were due to missile interceptions and confirmed that armed forces remain at a high level of combat readiness. The UAE, he said, possesses sufficient strategic defence reserves to counter aerial threats for an extended period.
Economic Measures & Supplies
On the economic front, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, said the country holds strategic reserves of essential goods sufficient for four to six months.
“There is no risk of shortages,” he said, adding that authorities are monitoring markets to prevent unjustified price increases and urging residents to avoid panic buying.
He also announced that around 80 flights per day would operate during the current phase to facilitate travel for those wishing to leave.
Daily Life Continues
The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) said daily life across the UAE continues as normal, with essential services fully operational.
The statements come amid heightened regional tensions, as Gulf countries navigate security concerns while seeking to maintain stability at home.
ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates said it will not allow its airspace or territory to be used for attacks against Iran, as officials outlined security, economic and humanitarian measures on Tuesday during a media briefing in Abu Dhabi.
Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation, said the UAE’s position was clear and measured. “The UAE will not permit its airspace or land to be used in any attack against Iran,” she said, adding that the country had the right to defend itself to protect its sovereignty and the safety of citizens, residents and visitors.
She described Iran’s ballistic missile programme as a threat to the wider region and said the security of Gulf states was “indivisible”. Al Hashimy added that there was no military solution to the crisis and warned that further escalation would harm regional stability.
The minister confirmed that the UAE had closed its embassy in Tehran and withdrawn its ambassador in response to recent Iranian attacks.
Separately, Major General Abdul Nasser Al Humaidi, official spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence, said the UAE would “never accept its sovereignty and security being compromised”.
He said the sounds heard in recent days were the result of missile interceptions and confirmed that the armed forces were at a high level of combat readiness. The UAE possesses strategic defence reserves capable of countering aerial threats for an extended period, he added.
On the economic front, Economy and Tourism Minister Abdulla bin Touq said the country holds sufficient strategic reserves of basic food and essential goods to meet demand for between four and six months.
“There is no risk of shortages,” he said, adding that authorities were closely monitoring markets to prevent unjustified price increases. He urged residents to avoid panic buying or over-purchasing.
Bin Touq also announced that 80 flights per day would operate during the current phase to facilitate travel for those wishing to leave.
The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) said daily life across the UAE continues as normal, with all essential services fully operational.
The death of Ali Khamenei has intensified debate over who will lead Iran next, with attention turning to Hassan Khomeini, grandson of the Islamic Republic’s founder.
Clerics in Iran’s powerful Assembly of Experts are responsible for appointing the next Supreme Leader, and Khamenei’s killing has accelerated what had long been a sensitive and unresolved succession question.
A Symbolic Heir
Hassan Khomeini, 53, is the grandson of Ruhollah Khomeini, the revolutionary leader who established the Islamic Republic in 1979.
He currently serves as custodian of his grandfather’s mausoleum in southern Tehran, a role that carries strong symbolic weight in Iranian politics.
Although he has never held formal government office, he is considered influential within clerical circles and maintains close ties with reformist figures.
Seen as a Relative Moderate
Hassan Khomeini is widely viewed as more moderate compared to hardline factions that consolidated power during Khamenei’s tenure.
He has publicly criticised the Guardian Council for disqualifying reformist candidates.
He called for accountability following the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini, which sparked nationwide protests.
He supported diplomatic engagement during the 2015 nuclear agreement negotiations.
However, he has also defended the Islamic Republic’s system and criticised anti-government unrest, underscoring his loyalty to the state structure.
Barred From Electoral Politics
In 2016, Hassan Khomeini attempted to run for the Assembly of Experts but was disqualified by the Guardian Council, reportedly over religious credential requirements. Many observers interpreted the move as an effort to prevent a reformist challenge.
Despite this setback, he remains a respected cleric with connections across political factions, including ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Succession Uncertain
The selection of a new Supreme Leader will shape Iran’s domestic and foreign policy direction at a moment of heightened regional tension.
Some analysts argue that appointing a more moderate figure could help stabilise internal dissent and improve international positioning. Others believe hardliners may push for continuity.
The Assembly of Experts is expected to begin deliberations amid a 40-day national mourning period declared following Khamenei’s death.
Polyester filament prices jump in India as crude spikes
Reeves says her plan is working as growth forecast cut for this year
UAE Says Airspace Will Not Be Used for Attacks on Iran
-
Politics5 days agoWhat are Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities?
-
Politics5 days agoUS arrests ex-Air Force pilot for ‘training’ Chinese military
-
Business7 days agoHouseholds set for lower energy bills amid price cap shake-up
-
Sports5 days agoSri Lanka’s Shanaka says constant criticism has affected players’ mental health
-
Sports1 week agoTop 50 USMNT players of 2026, ranked by club form: USMNT Player Performance Index returns
-
Business7 days agoLucid widely misses earnings expectations, forecasts continued EV growth in 2026
-
Business5 days agoAttock Cement’s acquisition approved | The Express Tribune
-
Fashion1 week agoOECD GDP growth slows to 0.3% in Q4 amid mixed trends