Xi brought in asymmetrical power play by stating that India should have 'strategic cognition' and 'strategic judgement made on the basis of the stage of development the two countries are at'. This is a very nuanced way of asserting China's coercive diplomatic posture and reflects Beijing's penchant to unleash border instability at will, restrict rare earth metal exports, exert pressure on India at global and regional orders, asserts China expert Srikanth Kondapalli.
India will continue to purchase Russian oil based on commercial viability and energy security needs, irrespective of US sanctions waivers, according to a senior petroleum ministry official.
British armed forces, including Royal Marine Commandos, intercepted the Russian shadow fleet oil tanker SMYRTOS in the English Channel, marking the UK's first such operation. The action aims to disrupt Russia's funding for its war in Ukraine, with the UK government highlighting the shadow fleet's role in sustaining Moscow's military efforts.
The BRICS grouping has fully endorsed India's demand for zero-tolerance against terrorism and rejected double standards in combating the menace. Their declaration condemned terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir and reaffirmed commitment to holding terrorists accountable under international law.
Xi's bilateral meeting with Modi was substantial and readouts from both sides gave indications of rapprochement, if not a reset of bilateral relations between India and China, notes Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.
Alexander Zverev defeated Karen Khachanov in a hard-fought US Open semi-final, winning in three sets. This victory propels him to his sixth major final and second at Flushing Meadows, marking a significant achievement in his career.
India's Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi was defeated in the second round of the US Open junior singles by Arina Malygina. This loss further diminished India's presence at the tournament, following earlier exits by Arnav Paparkar in both singles and doubles.
Russia remains India's biggest fertiliser supplier, with imports rising nearly 40 per cent in 2025.
Daniil Medvedev overcame a bizarre bird interruption and a brief umpire spat to defeat Sebastian Gorzny 6-1, 6-3, 7-5 and reach the US Open third round.
The United States has extended a waiver from sanctions on Russian oil already at sea by one month, according to an official statement from the US Department of the Treasury.
Karen Khachanov stunned third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime after losing the opening-set tiebreak, dominating the next three sets with powerful serving and relentless pressure to reach round three.
New Delhi is under a thick blanket of security as it hosts top world leaders for the BRICS Summit. Extensive security measures, including thousands of personnel and CCTV cameras, are in place. Commuters can expect temporary traffic restrictions and diversions due to VVIP movements, though officials aim to minimise public inconvenience.
Elena Rybakina defeated top-seed Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in the US Open women's singles final, securing her third career major title and setting her to become the new WTA World No. 1. Rybakina displayed dominant form, especially in the final set, overcoming the two-time defending champion.
Madison Keys overcame early nerves and Alina Korneeva 7-5, 6-4 at the US Open, avenging last year's first-round exit after improving her serving and composure.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed BRICS leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, at the 18th BRICS summit in Bharat Mandapam. The leaders were photographed against the backdrop of Tamil Nadu's iconic Ramanathaswamy temple, a significant Hindu pilgrimage site. Modi explained the temple's importance to President Xi, highlighting its unique status as a Char Dham and Jyotirlinga shrine, and its historical and religious significance linked to Lord Ram.
'I like to make films where I am also conflicted. I don't want to make films with themes that I am sure about because then it easily becomes agenda-driven.'
From a scene-stealing child actor to a cult-comedy favourite and a director in his own right, Kunal Kemmu has delivered plenty of memorable turns across three decades.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's impromptu rendition of Kishore Kumar's classic 'Khwab Ho Tum Ya Koi Haqeeqat' has captivated audiences online, with a video of his performance garnering over a million views and widespread appreciation.
The successful hosting of the 18th BRICS summit in New Delhi has provided a significant boost to the BJP, offering a timely opportunity to strengthen its narrative against the opposition ahead of crucial assembly elections next year. BJP sources highlight the BRICS grouping's strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack and the consensus declaration as major diplomatic victories for the Modi government, countering criticisms of its foreign policy. The party plans to leverage these outcomes during its month-long Seva Sankalp campaign to connect with various sections of society.
The Brics proposal for a Grain Exchange, aimed at challenging the dominance of Western trading firms, faces significant operational and implementation hurdles, including settlement currency, regulatory frameworks, and limited participation from key members like India, according to experts.
Ahead of Xi Jinping's visit, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held extensive talks in Beijing on August 25 on the boundary issue and reached an eight-point consensus.
BRICS nations have successfully reached a consensus on a joint statement following extensive negotiations, with India playing a crucial role in bridging differences, particularly among West Asian members like Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, despite regional conflicts and geopolitical tensions.
Ben Shelton defeated Frances Tiafoe in an electric U.S. Open semi-final, setting up a title clash with Alexander Zverev. Shelton's victory marks a significant moment for American men's tennis, as he aims to become the first American Grand Slam champion since 2003 and the first Black American man to reach the U.S. Open final since Arthur Ashe in 1972.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday described BRICS as an important global forum, highlighting the grouping's growing demographic and economic weight and noting that its members account for around half of the world's population and 40 percent of global GDP.
India's proposal to link BRICS payment systems, including central-bank digital currencies (CBDCs), was notably absent from the grouping's New Delhi Declaration, despite being a key agenda item for India's chairmanship. This omission leaves the 16-year effort for trade in local currencies without a settled payment architecture, with the declaration only 'acknowledging' the work of the BRICS Payment Task Force.
American 10th seed Amanda Anisimova was defeated by Austrian Anastasia Potapova in the third round of the U.S. Open. Potapova secured a 6-2, 7-5 victory, reaching the fourth round for the first time, while Anisimova struggled with unforced errors and failed to replicate her previous year's success.
Russia on Monday assured India of uninterrupted supply of energy and fertilisers amid disruption caused by the West Asia crisis, as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and held talks with his key interlocutors.
Executive Chef Kaushik Misra of the Taj Mahal, New Delhi, has meticulously curated an 'India Friendship Menu' for the 18th BRICS Summit delegates, blending India's regional flavours with international comfort foods and culinary references from participating countries.
In recent years, China and Russia have pushed for de-dollarisation within BRICS, which India has resisted. One reason is that India does not want to hurt its relationship with the United States, and another is the fear of China controlling trade because the renminbi is considered the strongest currency in the bloc today.
Carlos Alcaraz is set to return to the US Open after a nearly five-month absence due to a wrist injury, with fellow professionals expressing confidence in his ability to quickly regain form despite the layoff.
World number two Elena Rybakina defeated Spain's Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-2 6-4 to progress to the third round of the U.S. Open. Rybakina, aiming for a third Grand Slam title and the top WTA ranking, showcased a dominant performance despite a late service break. She expressed happiness with her win and her recovery from fitness doubts, setting up a clash with Yuliia Starodubtseva.
India is significantly expanding its crude oil sourcing to Latin America, with Venezuela emerging as a major supplier, as geopolitical disruptions in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz compel the world's third-largest oil consumer to diversify its energy supplies.
US President Donald Trump indicated that American military operations targeting Iran might not have concluded, while firmly rejecting immediate talks with Tehran. He asserted that Iran is facing severe military and economic difficulties and possesses limited capabilities, despite the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
American Frances Tiafoe defeated former champion Daniil Medvedev in a thrilling three-set match at the U.S. Open, reaching the quarter-finals. Tiafoe, who had a poor head-to-head record against Medvedev, showcased his best form, employing strategic net play and powerful groundstrokes to secure a significant victory.
A Kishore Kumar song, a birthday cake, a prince's break from protocol to thank his driver, a Persian painting on the ceiling of the presidential residence -- the BRICS Summit had many memorable moments.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday said the United States would prefer to end its extension of waivers on Russian oil "as soon as possible", while noting that such decisions ultimately rest with the US Treasury Department.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed to Chinese President Xi Jinping that peace and tranquillity along the frontier remains an "essential" basis for the development of India-China relations, even as the two leaders welcomed "steady progress" in bilateral ties during their talks on the sidelines of the BRICS summit.
Haiwaan's staggeringly foolish notions make for unintended comedy, rues Sukanya Verma.
Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the BRICS summit, urging the bloc to play a significant role in achieving peace and tranquillity in West Asia and the Gulf region. He highlighted BRICS' growth over two decades, its efforts in tackling global challenges, and its steadfastness in safeguarding the interests of the Global South. Xi called for opposing the Cold War mentality, strengthening multilateralism, and promoting cooperation in emerging domains like AI, as China prepares to chair the next summit.
The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that 217 Indian nationals reportedly joined the Russian armed forces, with 49 fatalities amid the Russia-Ukraine war, and efforts are underway to repatriate those who were misled.
