India Roundup: US warns higher tariffs, GDP seen to take hit, flood rescue efforts

Upset over Russian oil trade, Trump threatens to hike tariffs on India to 50%

US President Donald Trump has announced plans to raise tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, citing India’s continued import of Russian oil. A 25% tariff will take effect immediately, with an additional 25% to follow in 21 days. Trump accused India of helping fund Russia’s war in Ukraine by reselling Russian oil for profit. The escalation comes amid growing trade between the two countries and rising tensions over geopolitical alignments.

India's GDP projected to take hit from raised US tariffs

India’s economic growth outlook has been slightly lowered by Goldman Sachs due to rising trade tensions with the US, following President Donald Trump’s imposition of a 25% tariff on Indian goods. The investment bank cut its real GDP growth forecast to 6.5% for 2025 and 6.4% for 2026, citing uncertainty in trade relations as a key risk. While some tariffs may be reduced through negotiation, the report highlights that investor confidence and business planning are already being affected. 

Philippines’ Marcos slams China during India visit

During his official visit to India, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. condemned China’s “illegal and unlawful” actions in the South China Sea and called for stronger cooperation with India to uphold international law. Marcos emphasised the importance of securing trade routes and protecting maritime freedoms, referencing the 2016 arbitral ruling that favoured the Philippines. Without naming China directly, he criticised efforts to undermine international legal rulings. His remarks came as Indian and Philippine navies completed their first joint patrol near Scarborough Shoal, a disputed area in the West Philippine Sea. 

Flood rescue efforts continue amid landslides, obstructed roads

Rescue operations are ongoing in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district after flash floods and landslides killed at least four people and left dozens missing, including eight soldiers. Roads remain blocked by debris, while damaged telephone lines have limited communication with the area. More than 190 people have been rescued so far, with about 50 still unaccounted for. Large parts of the village are buried under mud, with some areas reportedly covered up to 15 metres deep.

INDIA bloc protests voter roll revision in Bihar

Opposition parliament members from the INDIA bloc staged a protest in the Parliament House complex on August 6 against the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the eastern Indian state of Bihar. The opposition claims the voter list revision lacks transparency and alleges collusion between the Election Commission and the government. Despite repeated demands, no parliamentary discussion on the matter has been held so far.