India Rejects US Tariff Threats and Deepens Strategic Ties
India has issued a robust response to the United States' recent threats of increased tariffs on Indian imports, a move linked to India's continued purchase of Russian crude oil. The US President Donald Trump had announced a 25 percent tariff on Indian goods, set to take effect from August 7, and further threatened "substantially" higher tariffs, accusing India of profiting from Russian oil by reselling it. New Delhi firmly rejected these accusations, labeling the targeting of India as "unjustified and unreasonable." The Ministry of External Affairs defended India's energy choices as driven by market necessity to ensure affordable energy costs for its consumers, while highlighting that the US and European Union themselves continue to engage in substantial trade with Russia, including energy and critical commodities.
In a significant diplomatic development, India and the Philippines officially elevated their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership. This decision followed talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in New Delhi. The partnership aims to deepen cooperation across various sectors, particularly in defense, maritime security, and trade, with both nations emphasizing their commitment to peace, security, and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region. Thirteen agreements were signed, including three in the defense sector, covering capacity building, joint maritime activities, and training programs. India also extended support for a pilot project to establish a Sovereign Data Cloud in the Philippines and offered a free e-tourist visa facility to Filipino nationals for one year.
Uttarkashi Cloudburst Causes Devastation
A devastating cloudburst in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district on Tuesday, August 5, triggered severe flash floods in the high-altitude villages of Dharali. The torrential rains caused the Kheer Ganga river to overflow, sweeping away homes, shops, and other infrastructure. Initial reports confirmed at least four fatalities, with dozens feared missing, including some Army personnel. Rescue operations by the SDRF, Army, ITBP, and local administration are ongoing in the affected region, with around 130 people rescued so far. The incident has led to extensive damage, and authorities have issued helpline numbers and advised people in affected areas to evacuate.
Sixth Anniversary of Article 370 Abrogation and Political Milestones
August 5, 2025, marked the sixth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, which revoked Jammu and Kashmir's special status and bifurcated the state into two Union Territories. The day saw contrasting reactions, with regional political parties in J&K, including the National Conference and PDP, staging protests and demanding the restoration of statehood and special status. Conversely, the BJP celebrated the occasion, asserting that the decision has brought peace and progress to Kashmir.
In a significant political achievement, Union Home Minister Amit Shah became India's longest-serving Home Minister on August 5, completing 2,258 days in office. He surpassed the previous record held by veteran BJP leader L.K. Advani, whose tenure was 2,256 days. This milestone coincides with the anniversary of the Article 370 abrogation, a key policy decision spearheaded by Shah.
Additionally, former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik passed away on Tuesday at the age of 79 after a prolonged illness. Malik, who also served as Governor of Meghalaya, Goa, Odisha, and Bihar, was the Governor of J&K when Article 370 was abrogated in 2019.