Who's Actually Behind Ukraine's Drone Attack on Russia?
Ukraine claims it damaged 41 airplanes at Belaya and Olenya and Dyagilevo, and Ivanovo airbases. On June 1, with over a hundred Quadcopters, which are small drones, fitted with bombs. One of the targets was reportedly an A-50, which provides airborne early warning of incoming threats. Among the 41 aircraft that were taken out were Russian Tupolevs TU–95, Tu-22, M3 and TU–160. UKRAINE TRIED IT AGAIN ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT. This time, Russia claims it shot down all 29 drones that Ukraine sent, across three regions. And is now bent on targeting Kyiv.
What is the actual military situation on the ground? What is Ukraine's endgame? What is Russian President Vladimir Putin's endgame? Global Express's Neena Gopal examines these issues with Air Commodore (Dr.) Ashminder Singh Bahal, an expert in Aerospace & Air Power Dynamics; Bharath Gopalaswamy, a defence contractor; and Amit Kumar, a research analyst with Takshashila Institution
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
36 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Sell only Swadeshi goods, PM Modi exhorts Indian traders amid ‘global economic uncertainty'
Asserting that India is on the path to becoming the world's third-largest economy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that the country must remain alert to its own economic priorities amid the instability and uncertainty facing the world economy. PM Modi's remarks came just days after U.S. President Donald Trump called India a "dead economy" after announcing a 25% tariff on the import of Indian goods along with an unspecified "penalty" for buying Russian military equipment and crude oil. Addressing a public meeting in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi on Saturday (August 2, 2025), Mr. Modi said, "As we talk about economic progress, I want to draw your attention to the current global scenario. "The world economy is facing instability and uncertainty. In such times, countries are focusing solely on their own interests. India, too, is on the path to becoming the world's third-largest economy and must remain alert to its own economic priorities." The prime minister also made a renewed push for 'Swadeshi', stressing that every party, leader and citizen must work to promote indigenous goods if "we want India to become the third-largest economy". 'Sell only Swadeshi goods' Making a special appeal to traders and shopkeepers, the prime minister said, "At a time when the world is going through uncertainty, let us take a pledge to sell only Swadeshi goods from our shops and markets. Promoting made in India goods will be the truest service to the country." He also urged people to be conscious consumers, saying, "Whatever we buy, we should ask ourselves — has an Indian toiled to make this? If it has been made by the sweat of our people, with their skills, that product is Swadeshi for us. We must adopt the mantra of 'Vocal for Local'." "The feeling of Swadeshi in every action will define our future. This will also be a true tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. Only through collective effort can we fulfil the dream of a developed India," Mr. Modi said. The prime minister, who was addressing a massive public gathering on Saturday in Banauli village, highlighted the government's farmer-centric policies in detail. He said the government is constantly working for the well-being of farmers. Calling for a national movement to support local products, the prime minister said, "This is not just about Modi saying it, every Indian should say this — if we want India to become the third-largest economy, every political party and every leader, keeping aside their hesitations, must work in the nation's interest and awaken the spirit of Swadeshi among the people." Demands made by U.S. The U.S. tariff action is being seen as a pressure tactic to get New Delhi to agree to demands made by the U.S., which has, in recent days, got favourable trade deals with major partners like Japan, the UK and the European Union. India has especially toughened its stance on extending duty concessions on agri products, dairy and GM foods in the proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA) with the U.S. With the U.S. not able to finalise a deal with India so far, Mr. Trump on Thursday announced the imposition of an additional 25% import duty on Indian goods entering American markets from August 7. Earlier, this duty was to be imposed from August 1. The President has also not specified the penalty that he announced against India for buying crude oil and military equipment from Russia. 'Fastest growing major economy' In the backdrop of Mr. Trump's "dead economy" barb at India, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal had told Parliament on Thursday that India is the world's fastest-growing major economy and widely expected to be the "third largest economy" in a few years. Mr. Goyal also said India will take all necessary steps to safeguard and promote national interest and that the implications of the US tariffs are being examined. In a post on Truth Social, Mr. Trump had said, "I don't care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care. "We have done very little business with India, their Tariffs are too high, among the highest in the World." His remarks were echoed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi who said President Trump has stated a "fact", prompting a strong condemnation from the BJP. While announcing the tariff, Trump described India's trade policies as "most strenuous and obnoxious".
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Modi makes push for ‘swadeshi' after US levies 25% tariff
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called on citizens to adopt the spirit of 'swadeshi' and support locally made products, stressing that true service to the nation lies in promoting indigenous goods amid global economic uncertainties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a gathering in Varanasi.(ANI) His comments came a day after US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on India and unspecified penalties for buying Russian oil, after talks bogged down over access to agriculture and other sensitive sectors, with New Delhi refusing to open its labour-intensive farms to unfettered American imports. In a 55-minute speech, the PM also invoked Lord Shiva's 'Rudra roop' (fierce form) to describe India's resolute action against terrorism, saying Operation Sindoor showcased the country's strength and that any Pakistani misadventures will get a reply from missiles made in UP, a reference to the BrahMos. He was addressing a public meeting in Banauli village in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi where he laid the foundation stone and inaugurated development works worth around ₹2,200 crore. He also distributed the 20th instalment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi worth ₹20,500 crore to over 97 million eligible farmers nationwide. 'The world economy is facing instability and uncertainty. In such times, countries are focusing solely on their own interests. India, too, is on the path to becoming the world's third-largest economy and must remain alert to its own economic priorities,' he said. The prime minister also made a renewed push for 'swadeshi', stressing that every party, leader and citizen must work to promote indigenous goods if 'we want India to become the third-largest economy'. 'Welfare of farmers and small industries is paramount and the government is making every possible effort in this direction…At a time when the world is going through uncertainty, let us take a pledge to sell only swadeshi goods from our shops and markets. Promoting made in India goods will be the truest service to the country,' he added. He also urged people to be conscious consumers, saying, 'Whatever we buy, we should ask ourselves — has an Indian toiled to make this? If it has been made by the sweat of our people, with their skills, that product is swadeshi for us. We must adopt the mantra of 'Vocal for Local'.' Trump's executive order on Friday also set punitive rates for 69 trading partners, including 35% duties on Canada, 50% for Brazil, 20% for Taiwan and 39% for Switzerland, as a previously announced 12.01am EDT August 1 deadline approached. Goods from unlisted countries face a 10% baseline tax. The new levies come into effect on August 7. India now faces higher tariff rates than regional competitors, with Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia set for 19% duties while Bangladesh, Vietnam and Taiwan face 20% rates—potentially weakening India's position as a preferred sourcing destination for US companies. India exports $86.5 billion worth of goods to the US, with a surplus of $41 billion. However, industry experts estimate that a significant chunk of Indian goods may avoid the higher duties for now since the Trump administration has exempted electronics, pharmaceuticals, energy products and critical minerals from additional tariffs citing national interest. Nonetheless, analysts expect a significant impact for India's exports. In his first visit to Varanasi since Operation Sindoor, Modi drew attention to the state of the world economy. With the festival and wedding seasons approaching, the PM encouraged people to ensure that all new purchases are made in India. He recalled how many citizens changed their wedding plans from abroad to India after his earlier appeal. 'The feeling of swadeshi in every action will define our future. This will also be a true tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. Only through collective effort can we fulfil the dream of a developed India,' Modi said. The PM accused the Congress of repeatedly insulting the valour of the armed forces and even terming Operation Sindoor a 'tamasha' (spectacle). 'Can 'Sindoor' ever be a joke? They dared to insult the sacred mark of our sisters and the valour of our soldiers,' he said. 'My heart was filled with sorrow for the 26 people who lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack... My promise to avenge 'Sindoor' of our daughters was fulfilled with blessings of Mahadev,' he said, adding, 'I dedicate the success of the operation at the feet of Mahadev.' He was referring to the killing of three terrorists responsible for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in an encounter named Operation Mahadev last week. 'Shiva means welfare, but when terrorism and injustice raise their ugly head, Mahadev takes his 'Rudra roop'. During Operation Sindoor, the world witnessed this very form of India,' the PM said, warning that 'whoever attacks India will not survive, even in Pataal Lok (netherworld)'. Taking a dig at the Opposition, Modi alleged that while the country was celebrating the success of Operation Sindoor, 'some people in our own country were troubled by it'. 'Congress and its allies are unable to digest the fact that India demolished terrorist hideouts inside Pakistan,' he said. 'Aren't you proud of Operation Sindoor? Aren't you proud that India destroyed terror bases (in Pakistan and PoK)?' the PM asked. 'Several air bases in Pakistan are still in ICU. While Pakistan's anguish is understandable, what's shocking is that Congress and Samajwadi Party leaders are also unable to cope with it.' Modi also attacked the Samajwadi Party (SP) for questioning the timing of Operation Mahadev. 'One of their leaders asked in Parliament -- 'why were the attackers of Pahalgam killed now'. Should I call and ask Samajwadi leaders whether to strike now or later? Should we wait and let the terrorists escape?' Modi asked. 'This is 'Naya Bharat' (New India), which worships Lord Shiva but turns Kaal Bhairav against its enemies when needed,' the prime minister said. Modi stressed that Operation Sindoor demonstrated India's indigenous defence capabilities to the world. Expressing pride as an MP from Uttar Pradesh, the PM announced that BrahMos missiles will soon be manufactured in Lucknow. The BrahMos unit in Lucknow was inaugurated on May 11. Issuing a stern warning, he declared, 'If Pakistan dares to repeat its mistakes, missiles made in UP will wipe out terrorists.' Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, his two deputies Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, along with several ministers, public representatives, and BJP state unit president Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary were present at the event.
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
To secure US trade deal, key ministries told to list what they can bring to talks table
FOLLOWING US President Donald Trump's tariff sledgehammer, the government has kicked off an exercise to thrash out concessions across sectors that can be offered in the tariff negotiations later this month. Key economic ministries have been asked to see what they can still afford to offer to sweeten New Delhi's deal when the US team is here on August 25. To reach an agreement, the Trump administration has been demanding much more than what the government has offered in its market access commitments, including lowering of tariffs across the board and removal of non-tariff trade barriers. As policymakers grapple with Trump's announcement of a 25 per cent tariff on goods from August 7, alongside an additional but unspecified 'penalty' for its defence and energy imports from Russia, economic ministries have started sending in sectoral tariff concessions in their jurisdictions. There are indications oil refiners have started reducing Russian oil purchases. Some of these concessions, if calibrated well, could ensure an opening up of the domestic economy, sources aware of discussions at the highest levels told The Indian Express. In fact, it was an external crisis that had forced the reforms of 1991. Most importantly, the sources said, an unnecessary show of bravado in countering some of Trump's assertions, however ridiculous they may be, should be avoided. India was one of the first countries the Trump administration had expected to sign a deal with, but slow progress has been a source of frustration for Washington DC. Like countries around the world scrambling to deal with Trump's tariff threats, India had largely adopted a principled, but non-confrontational, stance in an attempt to balance selective concessions with caution to safeguard its economic growth, and circumvent a backlash from domestic producers. Sources closely tracking the US talks with others said a majority of the countries that rushed to sign deals with the world's biggest economy ended up with lopsided agreements that effectively extracted more than what it gave. This includes the UK and Australia that have a trade deficit with the US. On talks with New Delhi, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC Thursday: 'Well, I don't know what's going to happen; it will be up to India. India came to the table early. They have been slow-rolling things, so I think that the President, the whole trade team is frustrated with them. And also, India has been a large buyer of sanctioned Russian oil, that they then resell as refined products. So, they have not been a great global actor'. The assumption in New Delhi has always been that Washington DC will maintain a differential of 10-20 per cent in tariffs between China and India; and that the Americans would be cognizant of India's traditional redlines that have endured for decades, including concerns over GM food crops and the need to safeguard the interest of the vast subsistence-level manufacturing base that has an oversized contribution to labour-intensive exports. The government is also keen to stay away from offering duty concessions on imports of agri items such as soybean, corn and dairy, in the interim deal. While the government has offered to cut tariffs on 55 per cent of US imports, this could be pushed up in the upcoming talks, given that in FTAs with Japan, Korea, and ASEAN, over 80 per cent of tariff lines were down to zero. Sources said the outer limit for a deal with the US, currently pegged at around October, could be brought forward, if fresh negotiations are positive. What complicates the equation for India is that the Chinese are at an advanced stage of negotiations towards a deal, which could have a favourable tariff rate and potential waivers on secondary tariffs, including possibly the tariff on account of Russian oil imports and the proposed 10 per cent BRICS tariff. China is currently faced with a 30 per cent tariff. From New Delhi's perspective, a deal needs to be clinched precisely for ensuring the gap in tariffs between India and China is maintained, even with a limited early-harvest type of deal. There is, however, greater receptiveness now within the policy circles to cut tariffs on some industrial goods, especially intermediate goods where there is the twin problem of high duties and an inverted duty structure (duty being higher on inputs than on final products). Alongside, there is a willingness to grant concessions in sectors such as public procurement and agri provided these are matched by the other side, like in the case of the UK deal. Also, India is willing to import more from the US, especially in three big-ticket sectors – defence equipment, fossil fuels and nuclear – to manage Trump's constant references to the trade gap, the sources said. Tariff rebalancing, if done right, could potentially offer an impetus to the economy, given that the biggest beneficiaries of tariff protection, especially the non-tariff barriers such as an increasing array of QCOs (quality control orders), are the big players. MSME units have been calling for these QCOs to be removed, especially in areas such as steel and textiles. Since 1991, New Delhi has gradually reduced its average tariff from nearly 79 per cent in 1990 to around 12 per cent in 2013, following which it has gone back up to 16-17 per cent by 2023. Sectors such as agriculture, dairy and automobiles, continue to be protected, even as the Ministry of Commerce and industry maintains that its trade measures are WTO compliant. Unlike its response during Trump's first term, where retaliatory tariffs were imposed, New Delhi has desisted from retaliating and is working on strategic concessions in sectors that the US is keen to target, while adhering to its own broad red lines. This involves areas symbolic of trade openness, including nuclear energy, fossil fuels and defence procurement. Think tanks such as Delhi-based Global Trade Research Initiative have said that by refusing to cross its red lines, particularly on agriculture, India has helped avoid 'the trap of a one-sided deal'. Once the official level discussions wrap up, there is a sense that a final call on the deal could come down to a conversation between the two leaders, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump. This is especially so since it is Trump who is the trade negotiator-in-chief. For India, the best-case scenario would be to get a deal of some sort now, and then build on that in the future negotiations that could run into 2026, experts said. With Trump announcing the tariffs and penalties on India, that phone call could come in sooner, they said. Anil Sasi is National Business Editor with the Indian Express and writes on business and finance issues. He has worked with The Hindu Business Line and Business Standard and is an alumnus of Delhi University. ... Read More
