Trump Pulls U.S. Out of 66 Global Bodies, Creating Leadership Vacuum and Opening Door for China

 U.S. President Donald Trump has taken one of the most far-reaching foreign policy decisions of his second term by pulling the United States out of 66 international organisations, a move that is already reshaping global governance and opening up significant space for China to expand its influence. The list includes major United Nations bodies as well as the International Solar Alliance (ISA), a flagship initiative led by India and France.

By signing a memorandum titled “Withdrawing the United States from International Organisations, Conventions, and Treaties that Are Contrary to the Interests of the United States”, President Trump formally instructed all U.S. government departments and agencies to begin the withdrawal process immediately. The order makes clear that the exits should be completed “as soon as possible,” marking a decisive break from decades of American engagement with multilateral institutions.

In New Delhi’s assessment, the most immediate impact of the U.S. exit will be felt in two areas: funding and leadership. Many of the organisations affected rely heavily on American financial contributions and political backing. With Washington stepping away, officials believe a leadership vacuum is inevitable — one that China is well-positioned to fill given its financial resources, institutional reach, and growing diplomatic clout.

One of the most consequential exits is from the World Health Organisation (WHO). The U.S. initiated its withdrawal on January 20, 2025, the first day of Trump’s second term, and it is scheduled to become fully effective by January 2026. As the WHO’s largest donor, the U.S. departure will lead to significant funding shortfalls. This could weaken global preparedness for future pandemics, disrupt disease surveillance systems, and affect health programmes in developing countries, including India, particularly those targeting HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.

The U.S. exit from UNESCO, formally notified in July 2025, is expected to create similar challenges. Reduced funding and the absence of American leadership may allow other countries, especially China, to step in and shape agendas related to education, culture, and heritage preservation. The withdrawal also means fewer resources for global heritage conservation and educational initiatives worldwide.

Washington’s decision to leave the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) further limits its ability to influence global human rights discourse. With the U.S. no longer participating, countries such as China and Russia may face less resistance in diluting human rights norms and weakening international accountability mechanisms.

Another major fallout involves the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). After the U.S. suspended all funding in February 2025, the agency’s capacity to deliver humanitarian assistance in Gaza and other Palestinian territories has been severely constrained. India, which has been a consistent contributor to UNRWA, may face pressure to increase its support — a sensitive issue given Israel’s long-standing criticism of the agency.

Broadly, Trump’s latest decision affects two major categories of organisations. The first includes climate and environmental bodies. By exiting not only the Paris Agreement but also foundational treaties like the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the U.S. becomes the first country to withdraw from the core architecture of global climate governance. As one of the world’s largest historical emitters, America’s departure is expected to slow collective climate action and weaken efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C. It could also embolden other countries to scale back their commitments.

The U.S. withdrawal from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is particularly significant. The move undermines global climate science by sidelining American researchers and reducing the pool of shared data critical for accurate climate modelling and policymaking — a setback for countries like India that depend on global assessments for planning and adaptation.

For India, the U.S. exit from the International Solar Alliance represents both a practical and symbolic blow. Headquartered in India, the ISA was created to mobilise over $1 trillion in solar investments by 2030. The loss of U.S. participation means reduced funding prospects, diminished technical expertise, and a weakening of global influence, even though the alliance has diversified its membership and financing sources over time.

Other environmental and energy groupings likely to feel the impact include the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and initiatives such as the 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy Compact.

The second category affected by Trump’s decision includes economic, development, and human rights institutions. By rejecting the OECD-led global minimum tax deal, the U.S. has injected uncertainty into efforts to curb profit shifting by multinational corporations. Without participation from the world’s largest economy, implementing the global tax framework becomes far more difficult.

Additional organisations facing disruption include the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), UN Women, and the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), all of which play critical roles in development, gender equality, and global trade governance.

Also targeted are institutions that uphold the rules-based international order, such as the International Law Commission, the UN Peacebuilding Commission, the Venice Commission, and the Global Counterterrorism Forum. The withdrawal extends to key UN economic and regional bodies under ECOSOC, as well as offices dealing with children in armed conflict.

Indian officials believe many of these institutions are now “ripe for picking” by Beijing. As the U.S. steps back, India and other like-minded countries will need to coordinate closely to preserve global norms, protect institutional integrity, and prevent the erosion of the rules-based order.

UN Pegs India’s Growth at 7.2% for FY26, Says Domestic Demand Can Offset U.S. Tariffs

 

India’s economic growth outlook remains largely positive despite rising global trade tensions, according to the latest assessment by the United Nations. Just a day after the Indian government projected a 7.4% growth rate for the economy in the 2025–26 financial year, the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) offered a slightly more cautious but still optimistic estimate, pegging India’s growth at 7.2% for the same period.

In its flagship report, World Economic Situation and Prospects 2026, the UN body said that strong domestic demand — driven by consumption and sustained public investment — is expected to absorb much of the shock caused by higher tariffs imposed by the United States. According to the report, these internal strengths will help India maintain momentum even as external pressures mount.

That said, the UN also flagged potential risks. It noted that prolonged tariff measures could begin to weigh on India’s export performance, particularly because nearly 18% of Indian exports are destined for the U.S. market. While the immediate impact may be manageable, continued trade restrictions could create headwinds if they persist over a longer period.

To counter these challenges, the report highlighted the role of domestic policy support. Measures such as tax reforms and a more accommodative monetary policy are expected to provide short-term relief and stimulate economic activity. In addition, India’s growing trade engagement with other regions — including Europe and West Asia — is likely to cushion the blow from reduced access to the U.S. market.

On a calendar-year basis, the UN projects India’s economy to expand by 7.4% in 2025, broadly in line with government estimates. However, the growth trajectory is expected to moderate slightly in subsequent years. For the financial years 2026–27 and 2027–28, India’s growth is forecast at 6.6% and around 6.7–6.8%, respectively. Despite the slowdown, the UN emphasized that these rates still place India among the fastest-growing major economies in the world.

The report underscored that household consumption remains resilient, supported by improving income levels and steady employment trends. Alongside this, robust public investment continues to act as a backbone for economic expansion. Government spending on physical infrastructure, digital connectivity, defence manufacturing, and renewable energy has played a major role in boosting capital formation over the past year.

On the supply side, the UN expects manufacturing and services to remain key engines of growth. The continued expansion of these sectors is likely to sustain output and employment across the forecast period. Importantly, the report pointed out that not all exports are equally vulnerable to U.S. tariffs. High-value segments such as electronics and smartphones are expected to remain exempt, limiting damage to some of India’s most dynamic export categories.

The UN’s analysis also placed India’s performance in a broader global context. In 2025, India recorded strong growth in gross fixed capital formation, reflecting increased investments in infrastructure and strategic sectors. This contrasts with trends in some other major economies. For instance, China experienced a contraction in fixed asset investment during the first three quarters of 2025, largely due to prolonged weakness in its property sector.

Meanwhile, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries continued to invest heavily in large-scale projects as part of their long-term economic diversification plans. These investments have helped sustain regional demand and provided opportunities for trade and cooperation with countries like India.

Overall, the UN’s assessment suggests that while global uncertainties — particularly trade-related tensions — pose risks, India’s growth story remains fundamentally strong. With solid domestic demand, sustained public investment, and expanding manufacturing and services sectors, the economy appears well-positioned to navigate external shocks and maintain steady growth in the years ahead.

Trump Clears Bill Allowing 500% Tariffs on Countries Buying Russian Oil, India Under Pressure

 

The geopolitical pressure on India over its Russian oil purchases has intensified sharply after U.S. President Donald Trump gave the green signal to a powerful new sanctions bill that could reshape global energy trade. The proposed legislation would allow the U.S. President to impose tariffs of up to 500% on countries that continue buying oil or uranium from Russia — a move clearly aimed at nations like India, China, and Brazil.

According to senior U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the bill’s key architects and a close ally of President Trump, the legislation has already received presidential approval and could be put to a vote in Congress as early as next week. If passed, it would give the White House unprecedented leverage over countries that are still purchasing discounted Russian energy, which Washington believes is helping fund Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.

Senator Graham did not mince words while explaining the intent behind the bill. He said the objective is to pressure major importers to stop buying “cheap Russian oil” that is, in his words, financing President Vladimir Putin’s war effort. With overwhelming bipartisan backing — 84 co-sponsors in the Senate and 151 in the House of Representatives — the bill is widely expected to pass without difficulty once it reaches the floor.

The timing of this development is particularly significant for India. It comes just days before Sergio Gor, the U.S. Ambassador-designate to India, is set to arrive in New Delhi to formally begin his tenure. Mr. Gor, who will also serve as the U.S. Special Envoy to South and Central Asia, has already made it clear that pushing India to end Russian oil imports will be one of his top priorities.

During his Senate confirmation hearings earlier, Mr. Gor stated that President Trump had been “crystal clear” on the issue. He openly acknowledged that India remains a major buyer of Russian crude and warned that the new sanctions law would empower the President to impose tariffs far higher than the existing 25% penalty currently in place.

President Trump himself hinted at the upcoming legislation earlier this week during a joint appearance with Senator Graham, describing it as “great legislation” that would give the administration discretion to impose tariffs well beyond the current limits. If enacted, the law would not just encourage reductions — it would push for a complete halt to Russian oil imports.

There are already signs that this pressure is having an impact. Reliance Industries, which operates the world’s largest oil refinery complex at Jamnagar, confirmed that it has not received Russian crude shipments for most of December and does not expect any in January either. This suggests that at least some Indian refiners are proactively adjusting their sourcing strategies.

While Indian public sector oil companies did increase their intake of Russian crude in November 2025, the overall picture looks less optimistic. Reliance stepping back, combined with sanctions-hit Nayara Energy’s inability to import, makes it unlikely that India’s Russian oil imports will return to earlier peak levels anytime soon.

This is not the first time India has faced such pressure. In 2018, under the previous Trump administration, New Delhi was forced to completely halt oil imports from Iran and Venezuela following similar U.S. sanctions threats.

International reactions have also underscored the shift. In Paris, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski publicly welcomed India’s reduction in Russian oil purchases during a joint appearance with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, alongside the foreign ministers of France and Germany.

As Washington sharpens its stance, India now finds itself balancing strategic autonomy, energy security, and diplomatic realities — once again at the center of a high-stakes global power play.

Delhi Maintains Silence After Trump’s Remark on PM Modi, Chooses Diplomacy Over Reaction

 

New Delhi has opted for restraint after U.S. President Donald Trump made a controversial remark suggesting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had personally sought a meeting with him. The comment has caused unease within political circles in India, but the government has decided — at least for now — not to issue a formal response.

In his latest statement, Mr. Trump claimed that Prime Minister Modi had approached him saying, “Sir, may I see you please,” a remark that was seen in Delhi as dismissive and unnecessary. Despite growing political calls for a strong rebuttal, India’s diplomatic establishment has advised caution, arguing that reacting publicly would serve little purpose.

This is not the first time Mr. Trump has made remarks critical of India. Earlier this week, he said Mr. Modi was “not very happy” with him following Washington’s decision to raise tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent, citing India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. The latest 25 per cent penalty was imposed on top of existing duties, significantly escalating trade tensions.

Mr. Trump also claimed that India had been waiting for five years to receive Apache helicopters from the United States and said New Delhi had ordered 68 of them. Indian government sources quickly disputed this account, stating that India had only purchased 28 Apache helicopters — 22 for the Indian Air Force and six for the Indian Army — and that all of them had already been delivered.

According to official records, the first deal for 22 Apache helicopters was signed in September 2015 during the Obama administration, with deliveries completed during Mr. Trump’s first term as President. The second agreement for six helicopters was signed during Mr. Trump’s visit to India in February 2020. While deliveries under this contract were delayed, the helicopters were handed over by December 2025, not in early 2024 as suggested by Mr. Trump. In fact, the issue of delivery timelines was discussed during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Washington in February 2025.

Despite the inaccuracies, senior officials believe that responding publicly would be counter-productive, especially at a time when India and the United States are still negotiating a broader trade agreement. “There is no need to react to every statement or provide a running commentary on what the U.S. President says,” a government source said, adding that India’s focus remains firmly on trade talks.

Mr. Trump has made similar remarks in the past. In August 2025, he claimed to have warned Mr. Modi that the U.S. would impose extremely high tariffs and abandon trade negotiations. He also asserted that he personally intervened to prevent an India-Pakistan conflict, a claim New Delhi has repeatedly rejected.

Although Indian officials have, on occasion, fact-checked Mr. Trump’s statements, they acknowledge that such corrections have not stopped him from continuing to make sweeping claims, including taking credit for easing tensions between India and Pakistan in May 2025.

Speaking in Luxembourg on Wednesday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the broader issue without naming Mr. Trump directly. He noted that countries far removed from the region often comment on South Asian tensions without examining instability closer to home. “People sitting far away will say things — sometimes thoughtfully, sometimes carelessly, sometimes out of self-interest,” he said.

Referring to Operation Sindoor, Mr. Jaishankar recalled how several countries offered unsolicited advice to India. “That is the nature of the world,” he said. “What people say is not always what they do. We accept it and move on.”

For now, Delhi appears determined to stay the course — prioritising diplomacy, trade negotiations, and long-term interests over sharp public exchanges.

Trump Claims Venezuela Will Send Up to 50 Million Barrels of Oil to U.S. After Maduro’s Capture

U.S. President Donald Trump has said that Venezuela’s interim government will hand over between 30 and 50 million barrels of oil to the United States, following Washington’s military intervention in the oil-rich South American nation earlier this month.

In a social media post on Tuesday, Mr. Trump said the oil would be transferred as part of what he described as a new arrangement with Venezuela’s interim authorities, after U.S. forces captured President Nicolás Maduro during a night-time operation on January 3. According to reports in the American media, the attack resulted in the deaths of at least 75 people, including several Cuban nationals.

“I am pleased to announce that the Interim Authorities in Venezuela will be turning over between 30 and 50 million barrels of high-quality, sanctioned oil to the United States,” Mr. Trump wrote. He added that the oil would be shipped directly to U.S. ports and sold at market prices.

Mr. Trump claimed that the proceeds from the sale would be placed under his control to ensure the money is used “for the benefit of the people of Venezuela and the United States.” However, he did not clarify what Venezuela would receive in return for the oil, nor did he provide a clear timeline for when shipments would begin.

Soon after the military operation, Mr. Trump had declared that the United States would effectively “run” Venezuela for the time being and said American oil companies would be encouraged to return and invest in the country’s energy sector. His comments were later softened by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said Washington did not intend to govern Venezuela directly but would push for changes through sanctions and a naval quarantine, which is currently restricting oil tankers entering and leaving the country.

Venezuela’s interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, rejected claims of foreign control over the country. Speaking days after the U.S. attack, she insisted that Venezuela remained sovereign and that no outside power was governing it. “The government of Venezuela is in charge in our country, and no one else,” she said, according to international news agencies.

At the same time, Ms. Rodríguez has sent mixed signals about her willingness to cooperate with Washington. While she has spoken about peaceful coexistence and dialogue, she has also pushed back strongly against U.S. demands, especially those related to Venezuela’s oil reserves.

Mr. Trump, however, has maintained that the United States is now effectively “in charge” and has warned Ms. Rodríguez to comply with his administration’s conditions. He said he had instructed Energy Secretary Chris Wright to immediately arrange for the oil to be transported by storage ships to unloading docks in the United States.

Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves but currently produces less than one million barrels a day. At that rate, producing 50 million barrels would take more than two months. At current global prices of around $60 per barrel, the oil shipment would be worth roughly $3 billion.

Mr. Maduro, who remains in U.S. custody, is facing charges related to what Washington has described as “narco-terrorism.” The Venezuelan government has not officially confirmed Mr. Trump’s claims regarding the oil transfer.

As tensions continue to rise, analysts say the situation raises serious questions about sovereignty, international law, and control over one of the world’s most valuable energy reserves.

Government Estimates India’s GDP Growth at 7.4% for FY 2025–26 Amid Global Trade Pressures

 

The Union government has projected India’s real GDP growth at 7.4% for the financial year 2025–26, marking an improvement over the 6.5% growth recorded in the previous year. The estimate, released as part of the First Advance Estimates (FAE) by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, comes at a time when the economy is navigating global uncertainties and rising trade pressures.

Alongside real growth, the government has pegged nominal GDP growth at 8% for the year. These advance estimates carry particular significance, as they form the statistical foundation for key fiscal calculations used in the preparation of the Union Budget.

Advance estimates are essentially forecasts based on data available up to a certain point in the year. While the First Advance Estimates provide an early picture, a Second Advance Estimate will be released on February 27, offering a clearer assessment as more data becomes available. The Provisional Estimates, based on full-year data, are scheduled for release on May 30.

According to the government’s assessment, economic momentum was strong in the first half of the year, with GDP expanding by 7.8% in the first quarter and 8.2% in the second quarter. However, growth is expected to moderate in the latter half, with the average pace for the third and fourth quarters estimated at 6.8%. This suggests a gradual slowdown as external and domestic challenges begin to weigh on activity.

The Reserve Bank of India had earlier projected GDP growth at 7.3% for 2025–26, with growth expected to ease from 7% in the third quarter to 6.5% in the fourth. Both the government and the central bank’s projections reflect a cautious optimism amid mounting global headwinds.

One of the most pressing challenges facing the economy is the 50% tariff imposed by the United States on Indian imports. This has disproportionately affected labour-intensive industries such as textiles, apparel, and engineering goods, raising concerns over exports and employment. While the government has attempted to stimulate domestic demand through cuts in both direct and indirect taxes, consumption growth appears to be softening.

Data from the advance estimates shows that Private Final Consumption Expenditure, a key indicator of household spending, is expected to grow by 7%, slightly slower than the 7.2% growth recorded last year. This suggests that consumer confidence, while stable, has not strengthened significantly despite policy support.

Sector-wise, performance remains uneven. The mining and quarrying sector is projected to contract by 0.7%, a sharp reversal from the 2.7% growth seen in the previous year. In contrast, the services sector is expected to emerge as the main growth driver, with overall expansion accelerating to 9.1%, compared to 7.2% last year.

Within services, strong growth is anticipated in financial services, real estate, and professional services, as well as public administration and defence, both expected to grow at nearly 10%. The trade, hotels, transport, and communication segment is also set to improve, with growth rising to 7.5%, up from 6.1% in the previous year.

Investment activity shows signs of resilience, with Gross Fixed Capital Formation projected to grow by 7.8%, higher than last year’s 7.1%, indicating continued momentum in capital spending despite broader economic uncertainties.

Explained: What the India–EU Strategic Agenda Means for the Future

 Explained: What the New India–EU Strategic Agenda Means

The relationship between India and the European Union (EU) is stepping into a new phase, with Brussels laying out a detailed roadmap to strengthen ties. Earlier this month, the EU released a document that highlights how it wants to engage with India going forward. The framework is built around five key pillars: the economy, emerging technologies, security, global connectivity, and people-to-people links.

At first glance, this may look like just another diplomatic announcement. But the timing and tone of the agenda show that Europe is trying to position itself as a reliable partner for India at a moment when global politics is shifting rapidly. With U.S. President Donald Trump reshaping alliances and creating uncertainty in established partnerships, the EU sees an opportunity to offer India a steady and predictable relationship.

Why the Agenda Matters Now

India has become one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world and is central to discussions on trade, climate, technology, and security. For Europe, building stronger ties with New Delhi is about more than economics — it’s about ensuring stability and influence in Asia.

Unlike the U.S., whose policies can swing sharply with political changes, the EU is emphasizing long-term commitments. By presenting itself as an “all-weather” partner, Europe hopes to assure India that it can be counted on, regardless of the turbulence elsewhere in the world.

The Five Pillars of Cooperation

The new agenda identifies five major areas where India and the EU can deepen their partnership:

1. Economy – Trade and investment remain at the heart of the relationship. Negotiations on a free trade agreement have dragged on for years, but both sides seem keen to inject fresh momentum. The EU is already one of India’s biggest trading partners, and there is enormous room to grow.

2. Emerging Technologies – From artificial intelligence to green energy, both India and Europe want to collaborate on innovation. Europe has the expertise and resources, while India brings scale and a booming digital economy. This partnership could prove crucial in shaping global standards for new technologies.

3. Security – As the geopolitical landscape shifts, Europe is increasingly aware of the need to work with India on security challenges — whether in the Indo-Pacific, cybersecurity, or counterterrorism. With tensions rising in multiple regions, this cooperation is likely to get stronger.

4. Global Connectivity – This is Europe’s answer to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The EU wants to invest in sustainable infrastructure projects, and India is seen as a key partner in building networks that are transparent, reliable, and environmentally responsible.

5. People-to-People Ties – Education, research exchanges, and cultural programs are another important area. Europe wants to attract more Indian students, researchers, and professionals, while also promoting tourism and cultural exchange.

The Road to the Summit

All of this will culminate in the India–EU leaders’ summit scheduled for February next year. The summit is expected to build on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s visit to India earlier this year, which laid the groundwork for this agenda.

In the run-up to the summit, officials from both sides will meet nearly once a week over the next six months. These meetings will cover everything from trade negotiations to climate policy, ensuring that by February, the leaders have a concrete set of deliverables to announce.

What to Watch For

The big question is whether this agenda can move beyond talk and deliver tangible results. Free trade agreements have been stuck in the past, and cooperation in sensitive areas like technology and security can take time to materialize. Still, both India and the EU now have strong incentives to make it work: India needs stable partners to support its growth, and Europe wants to diversify its global partnerships in an uncertain world.

If successful, this strategic agenda could mark a turning point — making the India–EU relationship not just transactional but truly comprehensive.