Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a two-day state visit to Bhutan from today. During his visit, he will participate in the ‘Global Peace Prayer Festival’ organized by the Government of Bhutan, which is being organized with the aim of world peace and upliftment of humanity. Prime Minister Modi will also get the opportunity to have a royal meeting with King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan.

During this meeting, both the leaders will together inaugurate the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II hydropower project. This project is considered a major achievement of India-Bhutan energy cooperation and will further strengthen the relations between the two countries. During this time, Prime Minister Modi will also attend the 70th birth anniversary celebrations of Bhutan’s fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, which is being considered a historic moment for the country.

What is the significance of PM Modi’s visit to Bhutan?

During his visit, PM Modi will also hold bilateral talks with Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tsering Tobgay, in which further deepening of energy, trade, security and cultural cooperation will be discussed. The display of the Sacred Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha is also going on in Bhutan. Prime Minister Modi will visit the Tashichojog Monastery in Thimphu to see these remains and participate in the worship. It symbolizes the shared spiritual and cultural heritage of India and Bhutan.

What did India’s Foreign Ministry say?

India’s Foreign Ministry says that this visit of Prime Minister Modi will give a new direction to the exemplary partnership between the two countries. The relations between the two countries are based on trust, goodwill and mutual respect, which is becoming stronger with time.

Indian Ambassador to Bhutan Sandeep Arya said this

India’s Ambassador to Bhutan Sandeep Arya said that the visit is very special as it coincides with both the important occasions of ‘Global Peace Prayer Festival’ and the birth anniversary of the fourth king. He said, “This is the first time that such a big event for world peace is being organized in Bhutan and the presence of Prime Minister Modi makes it more special.”

What did Bhutan’s minister Lyonpo Jem Tshering say?

Bhutan Minister Lyonpo Jam Tshering said that relations between India and Bhutan are based on deep respect and understanding. He said, “Today when the world is struggling with wars and conflicts, Prime Minister Modi’s participation in the peace prayer ceremony is a moment of pride and inspiration for us.”

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India US Trade Talks: This can be a relief news for India. The long wait for a trade deal between India and America, which is facing high American tariffs, may now end soon. mint According to the report, the American tariff imposed on Indian goods can be reduced by 15 to 16 percent. At present, about 50 percent US duty is being imposed on goods imported from India.

According to the report, the main focus of the proposed agreement between America and India is on energy and agriculture sectors. Also, Washington, which is trying to reduce global dependence on oil supplies from Russia, is trying to get India to gradually reduce its purchases of oil from Moscow. Discussion is also going on on this issue.

India-America trade deal in final round

The talks between the two countries mainly focus on increasing mutual cooperation in the energy and agriculture sectors. Both these areas were at the center of attention in earlier talks also. mint Quoting officials related to the matter, it has been said that the talks have now reached the final stage and an agreement can be reached before the ASEAN summit to be held at the end of this month. Along with this, there is also a possibility of a formal announcement.

However, neither the Indian Commerce Ministry nor the White House has given any official response in this regard so far.

Emphasis on agriculture and energy

Under the agreement, India may allow increased imports of some American agricultural products — such as non-genetically modified corn and soymeal. This may put an end to the long running dispute regarding access of American products to the Indian agricultural market.

In return, the US tariff rates imposed on Indian goods can be reduced by about 15 to 16 percent. This cut will make Indian products, especially textiles, medicines and engineering goods, more competitive in the US market.

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US President Donald Trump has once again taken a tough stance on India and said that if India continues to import crude oil from Russia, it will have to pay heavy import tariffs. Trump gave this statement while talking to journalists in his plane Air Force One. He said, ‘I spoke to Prime Minister Modi. He said that India will not buy Russian oil. If they do not do so, they will have to pay heavy tariffs.

The Trump administration believes that the countries buying oil from Russia are indirectly providing financial support to the Ukraine war, that is why America is continuously putting pressure on the countries buying energy from Russia. In the past months, America had requested many countries including India to reduce or stop Russian oil imports.

India has rejected Trump’s claim

Trump has already claimed that PM Modi has assured him that India will no longer buy oil from Russia. However, Trump’s claim has been rejected by the Indian Foreign Ministry. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said that the aim of India’s energy policy is to protect the interests of its consumers. He said that India is a responsible energy importer. We take our decisions independently so that prices remain stable and supply remains diverse. India reiterated that its priority is to maintain economic balance and meet domestic needs and not to come under any political pressure.

Trump’s tariffs affected India

The Trump administration had increased the import duty on many Indian products earlier this year. This includes clothes, medicines and agricultural products. Indian industry organizations say that this policy has had a negative impact on exports. If a new tariff is imposed on the issue of Russian oil, India-US trade relations may sour.

Controversy over Modi-Trump conversation

Trump claimed in his statement that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised him not to buy Russian oil. Although the Indian government has clarified that there is no official record of any such conversation, when journalists raised questions on this, Trump said that if they did not agree, they would have to pay heavy tariffs.

India’s energy strategy

India is the third largest oil importer in the world. New Delhi says its goal is to maintain affordable, sustainable and diverse energy supply. India currently buys oil from Saudi Arabia, America, Russia and United Arab Emirates. Meanwhile, a senior official of the Energy Ministry said that oil from Russia is proving to be the cheapest deal economically, hence India considers it a part of its energy security strategy.

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India and Russia pledged on Thursday (21 August 2025) to increase their bilateral trade and maintain energy cooperation and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar underlined the need to rapidly remove non-tariffs (tariffs) obstacles and regulatory hurdles. This resolve to increase bilateral trade, including increasing Indian exports to Russia from the two countries, has been taken amidst increasing distance in Indo-US relations regarding the policies of US President Donald Trump on trade and tariffs.

Jaishankar said in a joint press conference after a comprehensive talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavarov, “We believe that relations between India and Russia have been one of the most prominent relations in the world after World War II.” He said, “Geophysical status, public sentiments and leadership will remain its main motivators. Arrived on Tuesday (August 19) to finalize aspects.

Target to promote bilateral trade
In a conversation with Lavarov, Jaishankar said, “Today, the global references for our meeting are emerging geopolitical status, changing economic and business scenario and our shared goal is to maximize our fulfillment.” Jaishankar and Lavarov also discussed ways to deal with terrorism. Jaishankar said, “On the issue of terror, we pledged to fight jointly against all forms and expressions of terrorism.” He said, “I informed about our sovereignty rights to protect our citizens from India’s determination to adopt terrorism and to protect our citizens from terrorism.

Trying to expand bilateral trade
The Foreign Minister said, “We confirmed our shared ambition to expand bilateral trade in a balanced and durable manner, including increasing India’s exports to Russia.” He said, “This requires immediate removing non-fee obstacles and regulatory obstacles.” Increasing Indian exports to Russia in areas such as pharmaceutical, agriculture and textiles will definitely help in removing the current imbalance. “Jaishankar said,” Steps were also taken to ensure the long -term supply of fertilizers. Indian skilled workers, especially IT, can meet Russia’s labor needs in the construction and engineering sector and can deepen cooperation. ”He said that it is also important to maintain energy cooperation through trade and investment.

The issue of Indians serving in the Russian army
The Foreign Minister also raised the issue of some Indians serving in the Russian army. “Although many people have been released, some cases are pending and some are missing. We hope that the Russian side will quickly resolve these matters. ”In the meeting, Jaishankar and Lavarov confirmed the shared commitment of India and Russia to improve global rule. Both sides also discussed the situation in Ukraine, West Asia and Afghanistan. Jaishankar said, “I want to say that India’s attitude considers dialogue and diplomacy necessary to resolve differences.”

Mention of preparations for India-Russia Summit
In the meeting with Lavrov, the Foreign Minister mentioned the preparations for the annual India-Russia summit to be held at the end of the year. He said, “Today I want these bilateral discussions to be carried forward so that we can get maximum results during the annual summit.” It is believed that Jaishankar’s conversation with Lavrov was discussed prominently on India-Russia energy relations.

Tension arose in Indo-US relations
This visit of Jaishankar is taking place at a time when Tension has arisen in Indo-US relations after US President Donald Trump doubled the tariff (fee) on Indian goods to 50 percent. This tariff also includes an additional fee of 25 percent on purchasing Russian crude oil. The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi said on Jaishankar’s visit to Moscow, “The purpose of this journey is to further strengthen the India-Russia special and privileged strategic partnership on the test of long-term and time.” Jaishankar on Wednesday held extensive talks with the first Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dennis Manturov. India has been constantly calling for the end of Russia-Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.

S Jaishankar meets Putin
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday (21 August 2025). He discussed ways to further extend India-Russia relations. The meeting was held on behalf of Jaishankar a few hours after a comprehensive talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, which focused on increasing trade relations between the two countries. Jaishankar held extensive talks with the first Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Denis Manturov on Wednesday, which paid attention to the preparations for Putin’s visit to India for the summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi later this year.

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India gave a message to further strengthen their relationship with Russia on Thursday (August 21, 2025). Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and insisted on increasing bilateral trade. The meeting took place when the US has imposed heavy punitive tariffs on India due to buying oil from Russia.

S Jaishankar meets Putin
Jaishankar held a courtesy call to Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. During this time, the two leaders discussed bilateral trade, energy cooperation and strategic partnership. India made it clear that Russia is one of its oldest and trusted colleagues.

Conversation with Lavrov
Before meeting Putin, Jaishankar interacted with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. The two leaders also held press briefing. When Jaishankar was asked about the tariff imposed by the US, he said that India is unable to understand American argument.

America’s tariff strike
During the tenure of US President Donald Trump, 25% tariff has been imposed on India so far and an additional 25% punitive fee is going to be implemented soon. The US alleges that India has greatly increased oil imports from Russia after the Ukraine War and has also made a profit by “resale”.

Comparison of India and China
India is currently the second largest country to import oil from Russia, while China is ranked first. Despite this, America did not impose any such restrictions on China. On this, the US Treasury Secretary said that China did not increase its imports as fast as India has done.

Jaishankar’s answer
Jaishankar dismissed the American argument, saying, “Americans themselves told us that we should buy oil from Russia to keep the global energy market stable. We also buy oil from America and there has been a steady increase in that purchase. So we do not understand this argument at all.”

India’s independent policy
The Modi government is constantly advocating strong relations with Russia and is also working on normalizing relations with China. It is an indication that India is adamant on its independent foreign policy despite American pressure.

Modi-Putin Dialogue
Recently, after the meeting of US President Trump and Putin, Putin spoke to Prime Minister Modi over the phone. In this conversation, Modi described Putin as a “friend” and the two leaders decided to maintain close contact. Modi once again said that India constantly wants a peaceful solution to Ukraine war.

Russia has made a big offer to India amid growing economic tension between India and America. During the press conference in Delhi on Wednesday, Russia’s Deputy Chief of Mission Roman Babushkin said that if Indian goods are having problems in the American market, Russia will welcome Indian exports.

What did Babushkin say on American pressure?
Babushkin said that American pressure on India, especially is completely inappropriate and unilateral about the purchase of crude oil from Russia. He said, ‘If Indian products are having problems in the American market, then the Russian market is open to them. In fact, these restrictions are falling on them which they impose them.

#Watch Delhi | On us sanctioning 50% tariff on India, Roman Babushkin, Chargé D’Affaires of the Russian Embassy in India, Says, Says, “..IF Indian Goods are Facing Dificultiies Entering The US MARKET, the Russian MARKET IS WLCET, the Russian MARKET IS Indian Exports … ” pic.twitter.com/djeudmsybj

– ANI (@ani) August 20, 2025

India-Russia is a big thing on energy partnership
Babushkin expressed confidence that India-Russia energy partnership will continue despite any external pressure. He said that Russia is the largest crude oil supplier in India and India’s needs are increasing every year. This is an example of mutual harmony between the two economies.

American tariffs and impact on India
The statement came at a time when the press secretary of the White House Caroline Lewit said that President Donald Trump has imposed an additional 25% tariff on India to prevent Russia from continuing the Ukraine war. This tariff will be applicable from August 27. Trump later doubled it to 50%. This can affect India’s textile, marine and leather exports. India described this move as ‘inappropriate, unjust and impractical’ and Prime Minister Narendra Modi clearly said that India will not bow under economic pressure.

What did Russia say while attacking Western countries?
Babushkin said that even if India turns mouth with Russian oil, it will not get equal support from the West because the trend of Western countries is “neo-colonial”. He said, ‘If the West criticizes you, then understand that you are on the right path. We know that India is going through difficult situations but this is the real strategic partnership.

He said that the recent conversation between President Putin and Prime Minister Modi is a proof that India is very important for Russia. Both countries will benefit from further depth of the partnership.

Russian official said- “Rubbands illegal and unsuccessful”
The Russian official said that non-UN restrictions and secondary services are illegal and their aim is to make the economy weapons only. He said, ‘BRICS country and Russia never impose such restrictions. Despite tremendous pressure on Russia, our economy is constantly increasing. This means that such a big and important economy cannot be excluded from the global system. The restrictions at the end harm those who impose them.

What is Russia’s opinion on America-India relationship?
Babushkin said that if America really considered India as its friend, it would not behave like this. He said that American steps are ‘weapons of unfair competition’, including double standard, pressure and blackmail.