Trump asks China to lift tariffs on US farm produce

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.

Beijing reiterated its opposition to "long-arm jurisdiction" and unilateral economic sanctions, stating that any sanctions not authorised by the UN Security Council have no basis in international law. Defending sovereign trade, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said normal economic and trade cooperation between sovereign nations is not directed at third parties and should not be subjected to external coercion or interference.

International experts and human rights advocates at a conference held on the sidelines of the 63rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) backed India’s decision to keep the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance, arguing that the issue needs to be examined in the context of security, human rights and the water rights of communities dependent on the Indus River system.

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.

He observed that "it was passed with the support of some Democrats who normally have been very supportive of India," noting that key lawmakers "opted to join hands with their Republicans, and it was passed. So it's nothing you can do about it; it has been passed."