US

Trump plans to sign Russia sanctions bill: White House official

US President Donald Trump plans to sign a sweeping sanctions bill targeting Russia and Iran, a White House official has told ANI, after the legislation cleared both chambers of Congress.

2026-09-17T18:07:30.820449+00:00 IST

India pushes back on US energy security stance

India’s Ambassador to the United States Vinay Mohan Kwatra has laid out a strong defence of the country’s energy policy hours after the US Congress passed legislation opening the door to steep new tariffs on Indian goods over New Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil.

2026-09-17T16:13:48.204237+00:00 IST

Freedom House highlights human cost of CCP repression

Ahead of Chinese Communist Party General Secretary Xi Jinping’s visit to Washington in September, public discussions surrounding US-China relations have largely focused on trade, security, technology and strategic competition, according to a report by Freedom House.

2026-09-17T09:08:23.304886+00:00 IST

Advocacy groups urge Xi to address human rights concerns

Various advocacy organisations dedicated to human rights, democracy and religious freedom have urged Chinese Communist Party General Secretary Xi Jinping to take a series of steps to address human rights concerns ahead of his scheduled visit to Washington, DC, on September 24, 2026, according to a press release highlighted by the World Uyghur Congress (WUC).

2026-09-17T08:58:45.489594+00:00 IST

Trump to meet Gulf leaders over Iran war: Axios

US President Donald Trump is expected to meet leaders and foreign ministers from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week to discuss the next steps in the war with Iran, Axios reported, citing three sources.

2026-09-17T08:23:51.942138+00:00 IST

US extends visa ban on Palestinian officials ahead of UNGA

The US State Department has extended sanctions denying visas to members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and officials of the Palestinian Authority (PA), citing what it described as their failure to comply with commitments made to the United States, ahead of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

2026-09-17T08:00:20.385502+00:00 IST

ICT calls on Trump to press Xi on Tibet, human rights

The International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) on Wednesday (local time) called on US President Donald Trump to raise issues concerning Tibet and human rights with Chinese President Xi Jinping during their upcoming meeting in Washington DC, and urged China to take immediate and verifiable steps on its "human rights record".

2026-09-17T07:56:12.658635+00:00 IST

US lawmakers say Russia Bill gives Trump broad tariff powers

Several US lawmakers who voted against a sweeping Russia sanctions bill have raised concerns that the legislation would give US President Donald Trump broad authority to impose tariffs, even as they expressed support for holding Russia accountable over its war against Ukraine.

2026-09-17T06:16:24.890474+00:00 IST

Trump team weighs AI Execs meeting on sidelines of Xi visit

US President Donald Trump's administration is considering holding a meeting with executives from major technology and artificial intelligence companies on the sidelines of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the United States next week, CNN reported, as Washington weighs the future of AI development and the risks posed by advanced systems.

2026-09-17T04:29:46.993551+00:00 IST

US Lawmakers hail House passing Russia sanctions bill

The US House of Representatives has passed a sweeping Russia sanctions bill targeting Moscow's officials, financial institutions and economic sectors, with lawmakers hailing the legislation as a step towards supporting Ukraine and increasing pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate an end to the war, which is in its fifth year running.

2026-09-17T03:51:47.215810+00:00 IST

DFC announces over $8B to fuel US economic, security interests

The US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) Board of Directors on Wednesday (local time) approved more than USD 8 billion in new investments, representing a significant milestone for the agency.

2026-09-17T03:45:28.781540+00:00 IST

US sinks claimed Cartel's floating refuelling station

US forces on Wednesday (local time) interdicted and sank a floating refuelling station that the USSouthern Command (SOUTHCOM) said was supporting illicit at-sea drug trafficking operations in the Eastern Pacific.

2026-09-17T03:42:53.555429+00:00 IST

Trump moves to exclude Canadian goods from US federal procurement

The trade dispute between the United States and Canada continues to intensify after US President Donald Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum directing his administration to identify and take steps to remove Canadian-origin goods from the US federal civil procurement system.

2026-09-17T03:20:21.954980+00:00 IST

Trump warns EU as Canada seeks closer EU ties

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (local time) warned that Europe could face "very heavy tariffs” if he considers its actions to be a “hostile act,” as Canada seeks to reduce its economic dependence on the United States and strengthen ties with the European Union amid escalating trade tensions.

2026-09-17T03:08:28.915230+00:00 IST

Images reveal hidden scale of Iranian strikes on US Gulf bases

New images have revealed the extent of damage to US military bases in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait following Iranian strikes. A Pentagon report also highlighted major infrastructure damage, ammunition shortages and significant costs incurred during the conflict.

2026-09-17T01:26:27.537394+00:00 IST

“Draining this swamp… is important”: India on permissive environment that sheltered 9/11 masterminds

India addressed the UN Security Council, condemning the involuntary return of millions of Afghans and warning against permissive environments shielding terror networks like al-Qaeda and its affiliates, following the recent 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

2026-09-16T23:49:22.680754+00:00 IST

After Senate, US House passes Russia sanctions bill

The US House passed a sanctions package targeting Russia and Iran, featuring a 100% tariff threat for major energy importers like India. Passing 262-159, it awaits President Trump's signature.

2026-09-16T23:05:50.322398+00:00 IST

Trump calls for lower US interest rates after Fed hike

US President Donald Trump called for sharply lower interest rates after the Federal Reserve raised its benchmark rate to a 3.75% to 4% range, its first hike since 2023. The White House criticised the move as unfortunate, while Fed Chair Kevin Warsh defended it to combat persistent inflation.

2026-09-16T22:33:34.154731+00:00 IST

US House discusses Russia Sanctions Bill, recorded vote pending

The US House debated the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, which proposes strict tariffs on major Russian energy buyers like India. While Republicans supported the measure to back Ukraine, Democrat Gregory Meeks opposed it over inflation concerns, leaving a recorded vote pending.

2026-09-16T22:04:20.373622+00:00 IST

White House chief of staff Susie Wiles says she's cancer-free

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles announced she is cancer-free following clear pathology results at the Mayo Clinic. President Trump and supporters praised her resilience and leadership throughout her treatment.

2026-09-16T21:40:31.661058+00:00 IST

US-contracted vessel struck in Iranian attack near Hormuz: Report

An Iranian drone and missile attack struck a US-contracted vessel near the Strait of Hormuz, causing minor crew injuries. The incident occurred amid ongoing military tensions between Washington and Tehran, though neither government has officially confirmed the strike.

2026-09-16T20:52:15.929785+00:00 IST