India @ SCO Summit 2025
In recent SCO updates, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China. This marks his first visit to China in seven years, which comes amid new trade tensions with the US, following the imposition of steep tariffs by the Trump administration. During his visit, PM Modi held bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where both leaders emphasised that their countries are “development partners, not rivals.” They also agreed that differences should not become disputes. Modi is also scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In his address at the plenary session, Modi outlined India’s vision for the SCO based on three key pillars: Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity. He reaffirmed India’s firm stance against terrorism, calling on the bloc to reject double standards and take a collective approach to the issue.
‘MSME for Bharat Portal’ Inaugurated
The ‘MSME for Bharat portal’ was launched on 31st August, 2025, under the ‘Viksit Bharat’ initiative. This new platform serves as a unified digital gateway, making it easier for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to access a wide range of government benefits and schemes. The portal, inaugurated by Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, is a key step toward formalizing and empowering the MSME sector. Minister Manjhi has been a vocal advocate for small businesses, urging entrepreneurs to register on the Udyam portal to leverage these government initiatives. This effort aligns with the government’s broader goal of fostering a robust and formal MSME ecosystem, crucial for national economic growth.
Peter Navarro’s ‘Brahmin’ Remark Sparks Controversy on India-US Ties
Peter Navarro, former White House trade advisor, has ignited controversy by accusing ‘Brahmins’ of ‘profiteering at the expense of the Indian people.’ The remarks, made during a Fox News interview, came as he defended the Trump administration’s 50% tariffs on Indian goods and criticised India’s purchases of discounted Russian crude oil. Navarro claimed India is a “laundromat for the Kremlin,” refining Russian crude and selling it at a premium to fund the war in Ukraine. His comments have come after he has been widely condemned as insensitive and divisive, using historically charged language to fuel geopolitical tensions between the US and India. Even before this Navarro has been critical of India, calling the Ukraine war as ‘Modi ‘ s war’ and accusing India of being in bed with the authoritarians, repeatedly ignoring the illegitimate U.S. actions on India.
