Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva discussed ways to deepen collaboration between their countries in a wide range of important areas, including trade, technology, and health. They also expressed their commitment to working together on regional and global challenges. The two leaders agreed to maintain close contact in order to continue advancing the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership in the future.
In a phone conversation, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to strengthen their strategic partnership in various fields, in light of the recent imposition of 50% tariffs on both countries by the Trump administration. This move comes ahead of Modi's visit to China for the SCO Summit, with Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong taking a swipe at the US President's use of tariffs to suppress other nations. Beijing, on the other hand, has been urging New Delhi to unite against Western dominance.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans to take control of the entire Gaza Strip in order to address national security and remove the militant group Hamas. However, this decision has raised concerns among aid agencies about the potential for more Palestinian deaths and displacement. The move highlights the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, and raises questions about the potential repercussions for both sides.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to take control of the Gaza Strip in order to improve national security and dismantle Hamas. However, this move has sparked concerns from aid agencies about the potential for increased conflict and harm to Palestinian civilians. Netanyahu clarified that the takeover would not be long-term, but rather for the purpose of creating a security perimeter.
In a meeting with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, Ajit Doval expressed the excitement and delight of India upon learning of Putin's visit. He also highlighted the significance of the upcoming meeting, emphasizing the strong and long-standing relationship between India and Russia. This visit comes amid escalating trade tensions between India and the US over India's purchase of Russian oil, and against the backdrop of a planned meeting between Putin and US President Donald Trump.
Japan marked the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on Wednesday, as tensions between the United States and Russia continue to ramp up. The ceremony was a somber reminder of the devastation caused by nuclear weapons, with attendees observing a silent prayer at the exact moment the bomb was dropped. The mayor of Hiroshima used his speech to call for global efforts towards peace and nuclear disarmament, while survivors shared their stories of loss and suffering. Despite the lasting damage of the attacks, the US has never formally apologized for its actions.
In yet another shocking incident, a six-year-old Indian girl was physically assaulted by a group of children in Ireland. The attack, which occurred as the girl played outside her home, left her with injuries to her face and private parts. This comes amidst a rising trend of racist attacks against Indians in Ireland, with at least three such incidents reported in July alone. The girl's mother, who has been living in Ireland for eight years, has filed a complaint with the police and is seeking counseling and guidance for the perpetrators.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1. This would be Modi's first visit to China in seven years, with his last visit in 2018 for a similar summit. The visit is expected to include bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, and comes amid rising tensions with the US and efforts to repair ties after the 2020 military standoff in eastern Ladakh.
US President Donald Trump has issued an executive order imposing additional tariffs on goods from India and warning other countries of facing the same if they indirectly or directly import oil from Russia. Key importers of Russian oil include China, Turkey, and the European Union. The order came after envoy Steve Witkoff discussed the Russia-Ukraine war with President Vladimir Putin. The term "Russian Federation oil" is defined as crude oil or petroleum products regardless of the entity involved in production or sale.
With President Trump's Friday deadline for progress towards peace with Ukraine looming, Russian President Putin met with US envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow. The two leaders were seen smiling in video footage of the meeting, but the stakes are high as Trump has threatened economic repercussions if progress is not made. Despite three rounds of peace talks, a ceasefire agreement has not been reached, and the Kremlin views the meeting with Witkoff as important and helpful in finding a resolution. Trump has not yet ordered any economic retaliation, but has said he will await the outcome of the talks before making a decision.