India–US Trade Deal Could Include Oil Bargain, Says New Jersey Governor

 

India-US Trade Talks Could Lead to Oil Bargain, Says New Jersey Governor

The future of India–U.S. trade relations may involve more than just resolving tariff disputes. According to New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, a senior Democratic leader and vocal critic of President Donald Trump’s trade policies, both nations could strike a broader deal that includes oil as part of the negotiations.

Speaking on Wednesday, Murphy suggested that while there is room to compromise on the stiff tariffs currently weighing down bilateral trade, the talks could evolve into a “grand bargain” that extends to the energy sector.

The backdrop to this is Trump’s recent decision to impose a 25% penalty tariff on India for continuing to import oil from Russia. The move was part of Washington’s wider push to penalize countries seen as helping Russia bypass Western sanctions. But for India, which relies heavily on energy imports to meet its growing demand, Russian oil has been an affordable and vital option.

Murphy, who has often positioned himself against Trump’s hardline economic policies, made it clear that he disagreed with the idea of punishing allies like India with high tariffs. “When it comes to the India–U.S. trade deal, there will be a landing place on tariffs,” he said, adding that the solution may not be as simple as lowering taxes on goods. Instead, the governor hinted at a more strategic compromise that ties together trade, energy, and broader geopolitical interests.

The Tariff Tussle

India and the U.S. have had a bumpy trade relationship in recent years, with disputes ranging from agricultural products to tech and pharmaceuticals. Trump’s tariffs — especially the latest ones on oil imports — have added more friction. For Washington, the tariffs are a way to apply pressure; for New Delhi, they are seen as unfair punishment, especially given India’s role as a long-time U.S. partner in Asia.

The 25% tariff in particular stings because of India’s unique energy needs. As the world’s third-largest oil importer, India cannot easily replace Russian crude without driving up domestic fuel prices. While the U.S. would prefer India to shift more of its purchases to American suppliers, the sudden cost jump makes it difficult for New Delhi to comply.

Oil at the Center of the Deal

This is where Murphy’s idea of a “grand bargain” comes in. Instead of wrangling endlessly over tariffs, the U.S. and India could negotiate an arrangement that involves long-term commitments on energy. For instance, India could agree to increase imports of American oil and gas, while the U.S. could ease tariffs on other goods or services important to New Delhi. Such a compromise could balance both nations’ economic and strategic priorities.

Energy trade is already becoming a pillar of the India–U.S. relationship. In recent years, India has significantly increased imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and crude oil from the U.S., diversifying its energy basket. A formalized bargain could lock in those trends while easing the current tension over Russian supplies.

Looking Ahead

Murphy’s comments underline a growing split in Washington over how best to deal with allies like India. While Trump sees tariffs as leverage, critics argue that such heavy-handed tactics risk alienating partners at a time when global cooperation is vital.

For India, the big question is whether Washington is willing to recognize its energy realities. Any grand bargain will need to acknowledge that India cannot abruptly cut ties with Russian oil without major economic costs. But if the U.S. offers a fair deal — lower tariffs, more access to American energy, and perhaps concessions in other trade areas — there may be a path forward.

As the world watches the unfolding U.S.–India talks, Murphy’s suggestion adds a new dimension: this may not just be about tariffs and trade but also about reshaping the global energy equation.

Ladakh on Edge: Climate Activist Sonam Wangchuk Detained Under NSA After Leh Violence

 Climate Activist Sonam Wangchuk Detained Under NSA Amid Tensions in Leh

The Union Territory of Ladakh is on edge after the detention of prominent climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk, who has been leading a peaceful campaign for Statehood and Sixth Schedule protections for the region. On Friday, authorities invoked the National Security Act (NSA) against Wangchuk, just two days after violent protests in Leh left four civilians dead and nearly 90 injured.

The move has sparked outrage among local groups and supporters across the region. The Leh Apex Body (LAB), which has been at the forefront of the agitation alongside Wangchuk, strongly denied that he had any role in the violence. According to them, the clashes on September 24 were driven by anger among young protesters, particularly after news broke that two demonstrators on hunger strike had been hospitalized.

Despite this, police led by Ladakh DGP S.D. Jamwal detained Wangchuk, and according to his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, he was flown out of Leh to Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Leh has remained under curfew for two days since the protests, while internet services have been suspended. In Kargil, the administration has imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which restricts gatherings of more than four people.

The government’s use of the NSA — a law that allows prolonged preventive detention — suggests officials are linking Wangchuk’s arrest directly to the unrest, though he has not been named in the violent incidents. Protesters had attacked the BJP headquarters and the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Secretariat in Leh during Wednesday’s clashes, leading to heavy police action and the tragic civilian deaths.

Community leaders, however, insist Wangchuk is being unfairly targeted. Chering Dorjey Lakrook, president of the Ladakh Buddhist Association and co-chairman of LAB, called the accusations against Wangchuk “baseless,” adding that the youth’s anger was fueled by fear for the lives of hunger strikers, not by Wangchuk’s words or actions.

Meanwhile, grief continues to grip Leh. The last rites of the four deceased protesters are scheduled for September 28 and 29, and leaders say talks with the Union government cannot resume until the funerals are complete. The LAB delegation still plans to travel to Delhi on September 29 to push its case for Statehood and Sixth Schedule protections, despite the tension on the ground.

Political leaders have also spoken out. Ladakh MP Haji Hanifa condemned the detention, saying, “If Mr. Wangchuk has been arrested for his peaceful agitation, we strongly oppose it.” Civil society and religious groups across Ladakh have echoed similar sentiments, warning that the detention risks further alienating the local population.

At 59, Sonam Wangchuk is not just a local activist but an internationally respected figure, known for his climate advocacy and awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award for his contributions. His detention marks a turning point in the Ladakh agitation, raising fears that the conflict between local aspirations and the central government’s stance could escalate further.

For now, Leh remains tense — its streets quiet under curfew, its people grieving, and its future uncertain.

Trump Slaps New Tariffs on Drugs, Trucks, and Furniture: What Americans Need to Know

 

Trump Slaps Big Tariffs on Drugs, Trucks, and Furniture: What It Means for You

President Donald Trump is once again reaching for one of his favorite tools in trade policy — tariffs. In a sweeping announcement on Truth Social this week, Trump revealed a fresh round of duties that will hit a wide range of imports, from life-saving branded drugs to heavy-duty trucks and even kitchen cabinets and furniture. The new rules are set to kick in on October 1, and they’re already stirring up debate in business circles and beyond.

So, what’s changing? First, the most dramatic move: a 100% tariff on all branded pharmaceutical products coming into the U.S. That essentially doubles the price of imported name-brand drugs, unless the drug company behind them has already begun building a factory on American soil. Trump framed this as a push to get Big Pharma to invest more in U.S. manufacturing, while critics worry about higher prescription costs and supply disruptions.

Then, there are the trucks. Imports of heavy-duty trucks — think of the large Peterbilt, Kenworth, or Freightliner rigs that keep America’s highways busy — will face a 25% tariff. Trump argued this was necessary to shield American truck makers from what he called “unfair outside competition.” The White House singled out companies like Paccar (which owns Peterbilt and Kenworth) and Daimler Truck (maker of Freightliner) as expected beneficiaries. But here’s the rub: many of these trucks — and their parts — come from close allies like Mexico, Canada, Germany, and Japan. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has already warned that these tariffs could strain relations and raise costs in industries that rely on imported trucks.

Furniture isn’t escaping either. Starting October 1, kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities will carry a 50% tariff, while upholstered furniture will see a 30% duty. Trump described this as a response to what he called the “large-scale flooding” of such products into the U.S. from abroad. If you’ve been eyeing a home renovation, this could hit your wallet sooner than you think.

The bigger picture here is Trump’s evolving trade strategy. His administration has increasingly leaned on tariffs not just as an economic tool but as a political one. They’ve been used to pressure foreign governments, rewrite trade agreements, and — in Trump’s telling — bring jobs back to the U.S. The Treasury Department, meanwhile, has praised tariffs as a revenue generator, estimating they could bring in $300 billion by the end of this year alone.

But it’s not just about the items already on the tariff list. The administration has launched multiple new probes into products ranging from wind turbines and semiconductors to copper and timber. More recently, Trump said investigations are underway into personal protective equipment, robotics, and industrial machinery — all of which could eventually face tariffs too.

Critics, particularly in the pharmaceutical and trucking sectors, are worried. The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America pointed out that companies have already announced billions of dollars in U.S. investments and warned that tariffs could derail those plans. Meanwhile, the trucking industry is nervous about higher costs filtering down to everything from shipping to construction. And since a big share of imported truck components come from allies — not rivals — some argue the national security justification is shaky.

For everyday Americans, the immediate question is cost. Will branded medicines become more expensive? Will furniture and kitchen renovations cost significantly more? And will shipping and logistics — the backbone of nearly every industry — feel the pinch from pricier trucks? The short answer: probably yes.

Trump’s tariffs have always been about more than economics; they’re a signal of his “America First” approach. Whether they succeed in reshaping global supply chains in America’s favor or simply raise prices for U.S. consumers remains to be seen. What’s certain is that come October 1, a new wave of tariffs will roll in, touching everything from your prescription pills to the sofa in your living room.

Trump’s “Braggadocious” Moment: The History of a Word Made for Him

 

Trump’s “Braggadocious” Moment and the Story Behind the Word

When Donald Trump steps onto a stage, you can almost always expect a show. His address to the UN General Assembly was no different. Speaking with the confidence of a man who knows the whole world is watching — and yet, at times, seems not to care — he delivered one of his trademark performances. “I’m really good at predicting things, you know? … And I don’t say that in a braggadocious way, but it’s true. I’ve been right about everything,” he declared.

It was classic Trump: a mix of boasting, dismissing critics, and speaking directly past the diplomats in the room to his base back home. In that speech, he accused the UN of being full of “empty words,” waved off climate change concerns, and scolded European countries for what he saw as being too generous to asylum seekers. It was less a diplomatic address and more a monologue designed to keep the Make America Great Again faithful nodding in approval.

Trump and His Love for Words

Trump has always had a curious relationship with language. Back in 2015, during his first run for president, he famously told a rally crowd: “I know words. I have the best words.” For many, it was an oddly memorable line, equal parts boastful and bizarre. So, when he dropped “braggadocious” into his UN speech, it felt like another Trump-ism — one of those quirky words you’d imagine him inventing on the fly at Mar-a-Lago.

But here’s the fun twist: Trump didn’t invent it.

The Real Origin of “Braggadocious”

According to Merriam-Webster, “braggadocious” has been around for centuries. The term first swaggered into English literature in the late 16th century, appearing in Edmund Spenser’s famous poem The Faerie Queene. In it, there was a character named Braggadocchio — a pompous, boastful figure who strutted around with an inflated sense of self-importance.

Over time, Braggadocchio’s name evolved into “braggadocio,” a noun meaning boastful talk. From there, it slipped into “braggadocious,” an adjective used to describe people who can’t resist puffing themselves up. Just like “Scrooge” became shorthand for a miserly person and “Grinch” for a holiday spoilsport, “braggadocious” became the go-to word for describing someone with a flair for bragging.

A Word Made for Trump?

In a way, “braggadocious” feels almost tailor-made for Trump. The word carries with it centuries of association with arrogance and self-promotion, and he uses it unapologetically, almost as if claiming it for himself. While most politicians try to temper their language with diplomacy and caution, Trump leans into exaggeration and bluntness. For his critics, it’s grating. For his supporters, it’s part of his charm — a refreshing refusal to play by the old rules.

More Than Just a Word

Trump’s choice of “braggadocious” may have sparked a round of chuckles and dictionary lookups, but it also says something bigger about his style. He thrives on spectacle. He relishes language that stands out. And he has no hesitation about using words, even archaic ones, to underline his larger-than-life persona.

So, while “braggadocious” may not be a Trump original, it certainly feels at home in his vocabulary. Like so much of his political career, it’s a revival of something old, remixed with bravado, and delivered with a wink to the crowd that never tires of hearing him boast.

India–US Trade Talks Gain Momentum After “Productive” Meeting

 

India–US Trade Talks Back on Track After “Productive” Meeting

The India–US trade deal that had been hanging in uncertainty for months may finally be finding its way back on track. India’s chief trade negotiator, Rajesh Agrawal, recently returned home after what has been described as a “productive” meeting with the United States Trade Representative, Jamieson Greer.

This round of talks comes at a crucial time when both countries are trying to resolve long-pending issues on tariffs, market access, and investment rules. According to those aware of the discussions, the tone of the meeting was positive and is expected to ease recent tensions that had slowed down progress on the deal.

Why the Meeting Matters

Trade relations between India and the US have been a constant mix of collaboration and conflict. On one hand, the US is one of India’s biggest export markets, buying everything from textiles to IT services. On the other hand, disputes have often flared up over tariffs on goods like steel, medical equipment, and agricultural products.

The latest discussions, led by Agrawal from India’s side, seem to have set the stage for a more constructive dialogue. While there are still many hurdles to cross before a full-fledged agreement is signed, the fact that negotiators are back at the table with a cooperative spirit is already being seen as a win.

H-1B Visas Not Part of Trade Talks

One of the important clarifications made during the talks was about H-1B visas — a subject that often gets tangled up with trade discussions. The US side made it clear that the visa issue is separate from trade negotiations.

This is significant because H-1B visas are a lifeline for thousands of Indian professionals, especially in the IT sector. Many families and businesses in India closely follow policy changes around these visas. However, keeping them out of trade negotiations allows the deal to move forward without being burdened by an unrelated but emotionally charged issue.

What’s at Stake

For India, a successful trade deal could mean greater access for its exports to the US market, protection for its service sector, and clarity on investment rules. For the US, it could mean reduced trade imbalances, new opportunities for American companies in India’s fast-growing market, and stronger economic ties with a key strategic partner in Asia.

Both sides know that a smooth trade relationship will go beyond economics — it will also strengthen the political and strategic partnership. In a world increasingly defined by shifting alliances, India and the US share common ground on many global issues, and trade is one of the strongest bridges between them.

Looking Ahead

While the recent meeting doesn’t mean a deal is right around the corner, it signals progress after a long period of friction. Negotiators from both sides are expected to keep up the momentum with follow-up discussions in the coming weeks.

For now, optimism seems to be back on the table. If the “productive” tone of the meeting can translate into practical agreements, India and the US could be on their way to finalizing a deal that has been years in the making.

Leh Under Curfew After Four Protesters Killed: Ladakh Demands Justice

 

Leh Under Curfew After Protest Deaths: Tension Grips Ladakh

Leh town in Ladakh is on edge, with curfew continuing a day after four local men lost their lives during violent protests. Their bodies were handed over to families on Thursday for the last rites, while dozens of people have been detained in a sweeping crackdown.

Grief and Last Rites

The four who died — identified as Tsewang Tharchin (46), Jigmet Dorjay (25), Stanzin Namgyal (23), and Rinchen Dadul (20) — belonged to different villages in the region. Tharchin was a retired soldier from the Ladakh Scouts. As per the families’ wishes, all were cremated in Leh with full respect, in coordination with the Ladakh Buddhist Association.

Clashes and Casualties

The unrest broke out on Wednesday near the BJP office and the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council building, leaving dozens injured, including both civilians and security personnel. Authorities confirmed that at least 15 people were seriously wounded, one of whom had to be airlifted to Delhi for treatment. Around 30 more suffered minor injuries, and nearly 30 security personnel were hurt in the clashes.

Security forces imposed curfew, made extra deployments across the town, and used loudspeakers mounted on vehicles to warn residents against stepping out.

Demands Behind the Protests

The violence erupted on the 15th day of a hunger strike led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and his supporters. Their protest is aimed at pressing the Indian government for statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which provides special protections to certain regions and communities.

Leaders from both the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) have called for a judicial inquiry into the deaths, pointing out that several protesters had bullet and pellet wounds. They alleged the police fired indiscriminately instead of handling the situation peacefully.

Political Reactions

Officials from the Union Home Ministry have met with local leaders in Leh. A follow-up meeting in Delhi is being planned, where representatives from LAB, KDA, and Ladakh’s Member of Parliament are expected to participate.

Meanwhile, Ladakh’s Lieutenant-Governor has warned that those who engaged in violence “will not be spared.” A high-level security review has been held, and the District Magistrate has ordered all schools in Leh district to remain closed for two days.

In Kargil, residents observed a complete shutdown in solidarity with the people of Leh. Shops, schools, and offices remained shut following a call from the KDA.

Local leaders strongly criticized the use of extreme force. “Instead of sympathizing with people, authorities resorted to firing. Peaceful protestors have been treated like criminals,” said KDA co-chairman Asger Ali Karbalai. Ladakh’s MP, Haji Hanifa, added, “Force should never have been used so harshly against a population known for its peace-loving nature.”

Sri Lankans Trafficked Into Russia’s War: Families Left in Fear and Silence

 

 Sri Lankans Caught in Russia’s War: UN Raises Alarm Over Human Trafficking

A shocking revelation has emerged from the United Nations, pointing to Sri Lankans — including Tamils from the war-scarred north of Jaffna — being trafficked and forced to fight in Russia’s war in Ukraine.

At a press conference in Geneva on September 22, UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Russia, Mariana Katzarova, said the Russian Defence Ministry has been recruiting foreign nationals, including people from Sri Lanka and Nepal, through coercion, torture, and threats. According to her findings, many of these men were tricked by fake job offers, only to end up on the battlefield. Disturbingly, the report even cited a case where a man was shot dead for refusing to sign a military contract.

The Trap of “Predatory Recruitment”

Back in July, the UN had already flagged concerns in a letter to the Sri Lankan government. It highlighted how three Sri Lankan Tamils were lured abroad with promises of well-paid jobs in Europe but were instead trafficked and pushed into the Russian army. Their families, desperate for answers, reached out to Sri Lankan authorities, including the Foreign Ministry and the President’s Office, but reportedly received little to no help.

The letter also hinted at something much bigger — a global criminal network profiting from trafficking vulnerable men into warzones. It warned that “hundreds of other Sri Lankans” could be trapped in the same cycle, alongside victims from other countries.

Growing Regional Concern

This is not an isolated case. Similar reports have surfaced from Nepal and India. Earlier this year, Nepali citizens were reported stranded on the frontlines in Ukraine, pleading to be rescued. Around the same time, at least 15 Indians were said to be stuck in the conflict after being misled into joining Russia’s war effort.

Sri Lanka, too, has its share of heartbreaking accounts. In May 2025, reports suggested that around 120 former Sri Lankan soldiers, who had left to fight as mercenaries in Russia in 2024, had lost all contact with their families. At least 60 of them have been missing for over a year.

Why Sri Lankans Are Vulnerable

Since the island nation’s 2022 economic meltdown, thousands of Sri Lankans have left home seeking work abroad, often paying huge sums to recruitment agencies. The desperation for jobs has made them easy targets for traffickers. According to government figures, more than 144,000 Sri Lankans went overseas for work in just the first half of 2025, underlining how heavily the country now relies on foreign employment and remittances.

Government Response

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that Russia has now “halted recruiting Sri Lankans” into its army. Officials said they have requested Moscow to allow those who have completed their contracts to return home if they wish. However, the government has not disclosed how many Sri Lankans are currently fighting in Ukraine.

Interestingly, instead of taking a hard stance, Sri Lanka has emphasized its “close ties” with Russia. The government even said it is working with Russian authorities to ensure compensation for families of Sri Lankans who have been killed or injured in combat.

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This disturbing situation reveals how economic desperation and predatory recruitment networks are dragging vulnerable people from countries like Sri Lanka, Nepal, and India into a brutal war they have no stake in. And while governments scramble to manage diplomatic ties, families back home continue to wait — often in silence — for answers about their missing loved ones.