Trump Blasts AT&T for Poor Network Performance During Call
'I apologize for the long wait on the Faith Leaders Conference Call,' Trump wrote on Truth Social. 'AT&T ought to get its act together.' He said he may have to reschedule the call but would 'use another carrier the next time.'
Trump also called for the head of AT&T, 'whoever that may be' to personally get involved, referring to Chief Executive Officer John Stankey. The president said he had 'tens of thousands of people on the line,' and that AT&T is 'totally unable to make their equipment work properly.'
AT&T, one of the biggest telecommunications companies in the US, said in a social media post that it has reached out to the White House and is 'working to quickly understand and assess the situation.'
AT&T and Lumen Technologies Inc. are the two vendors that have contracts with the White House to provide teleconferencing and other telecommunications services. Since the start of the contract in fiscal 2020, AT&T has brought in $1.7 million in obligations from the White House, according to data compiled by Bloomberg Government.
Earlier this year, AT&T said it would begin crediting customers for internet outages and long wait times in an effort to appease users after a string of disruptions last year. For example, in February 2024 AT&T reported an outage that knocked out coverage for hundreds of thousands of people and prompted an investigation by the FBI. The company later offered a $5 credit to affected customers.
This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
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Indian Express
18 minutes ago
- Indian Express
India faces a Russia dilemma
India may again find itself in an uncomfortable diplomatic fix. US Senator Lindsey Graham is slated to introduce a bill that seeks to impose a 500 per cent tariff rate on American imports from countries that continue to buy products from Russia. He claims to have the support of 84 co-sponsors and the backing of the US President Donald Trump. If passed, India's diplomacy will be put to a stress test once again. It is likely to also trigger a debate around the strategic utility of India's relationship with Russia. Even if the bill fails to sail through, Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to India in the coming months will probably set off similar discussions. Practitioners and strategic analysts are divided on the issue. Russophiles have argued that the India-Russia relationship is rooted in history and has stood the test of time. The genesis of this thought lies in India's experiences with the Soviet Union during the Cold War years, with the India-Pakistan war of 1971 being the watershed moment in the friendship. That event created substantial affinity towards the Soviet Union (later Russia) among the Indian public and political elite, while concurrently generating deep antipathy and cynicism towards the US-led West. The Soviet Union also supported India through the sale of arms at a time when the West (primarily the US and the UK) would openly arm Pakistan with sophisticated and advanced weapons while turning down India's requests. Further, they argue the Soviet Union was India's sole trusted partner with a veto in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), particularly when the West raked up issues pertaining to Jammu & Kashmir. As per this school of thought, the experience of history demonstrates Russia's reliability and creates an obligation for India to support it. Russia, for them, stood with India when the latter found itself isolated by the West for most of the Cold War period. This school also contends that India and Russia are natural partners as their core interests do not conflict. Thus, they argue that the Moscow-Delhi relationship transcends any upheavals in the global order and is critical to maintaining India's strategic autonomy. Finally, any effort towards distancing from Russia would further push it into China's orbit of influence. Per them, an isolated Russia that is more dependent on China presents a significant challenge for India. Lately, a second strand of thought (Russoskeptics) has argued for strategic pragmatism when it comes to India's relations with Russia. It calls for a more pragmatic approach to modern-day Russia, notwithstanding the traditional and historical relationship with the Soviet Union. They endeavour to absolve India of any moral obligation by alluding to the latter's historically ambiguous and even contrary position on matters related to Indian interests vis-à-vis China. Moreover, they highlight, and rightly so, that in the Russia-Ukraine war, Moscow is an aggressor that has violated Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty in a blatant disregard for international law. And thus, Russia does not deserve India's moral support in its unjust war. In addition, they point to the deepening strategic partnership between Russia and China as threatening India's security interests. This school also views Russia as a declining power that can do very little to augment India's comprehensive national power. On the contrary, Russia's expansionist tendencies have an adverse impact on India's relationship with the US at a time when its interests align far more closely with the West, owing to the changing geopolitical realities. This has significantly altered the cost-benefit matrix for India when it comes to its relationship with Russia. Morals and ethics aside, there are legitimate strategic reasons, grounded in realism, to argue for either side. The Russoskeptics point out that India's diplomatic capital is not infinite. And thus, it would not be prudent to spend it all to salvage the relationship with Russia, mainly for two reasons. Firstly, Russia continues to be the primary adversary of the US. And there is a possibility that proximity to Moscow may impede cooperation between New Delhi and Washington. Secondly, Russia may no longer be trusted as India's biggest defence and energy partner, given its massive dependence on China, economically, militarily and diplomatically. Notwithstanding the pragmatism and realism displayed by the Russoskeptics, they must answer two critical questions: Will making an enemy out of Russia and pushing it into a possible China-Pak-Russia nexus serve India's security interests in Asia? And would New Delhi be comfortable with the idea of Moscow selling its premium weapons to Pakistan? Moscow is already flirting with Rawalpindi and testing the waters to see if Pakistan could be its new prominent military partner. Further, while the Sino-Russian relationship stands firm, we are yet to see it adversely impact India-Russia ties in any significant way. This perhaps suggests that either the Russia-China relationship is not deep enough, or India-China relations have not strained to a point yet for Beijing to resort to coercion through Moscow. Thus, India cannot afford to downgrade its relations with Russia yet, and it must persist with its balancing act. This would require four actions on India's part. First, conveying to their American counterparts that China should continue to remain the preeminent source of their strategic convergence. Second, while diversifying arms imports from Russia makes strategic sense, it would be imprudent to seek diversification beyond a certain limit, which makes Moscow a little insecure. India needs to find that acceptable ratio. Third, India would need to engage China to ensure that the bilateral relations do not stoop to a point that Beijing feels the need to capitalise on Russia's dependence. Lastly, India must urge Russia not to close the door on themselves. If it wants to avoid slipping into China's sphere of influence and wants India to be on its side as a friendly centre of power, it has to allow India some space to work with. A good start for Moscow would be revisiting its Eurasia policy. The writer is a research analyst with Takshashila's Indo-Pacific Studies programme
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Business Standard
22 minutes ago
- Business Standard
Mercedes + UAE Golden Visa now a cheaper combo than just car deal in India
At ₹1 crore, buying a Mercedes in India now costs more than getting the same car in Dubai-plus a UAE Golden Visa under its new nomination-based residency scheme New Delhi At the price of buying a Mercedes-Benz E-Class in India, Indians can now get the same car in Dubai and secure a UAE Golden Visa —thanks to a new nomination-based residency scheme that drastically lowers the eligibility bar. A viral social media post by entrepreneur Abhinav Kukreja brought this comparison into sharp focus. 'If you have ₹1 crore, now you can either: 1. Buy a Mercedes E-Class in India or 2. Get Dubai Golden Visa for Life + Buy Mercedes E-Class in Dubai,' he wrote on X, along with a news clip. If you have 1Cr, now you can either: 1. Buy Mercedes E Class in India Or 2. Get Dubai Golden Visa for Life + Buy Mercedes E Class in Dubai — Abhinav Kukreja (@kukreja_abhinav) July 6, 2025 Mercedes E-Class pricing: India vs Dubai In India, the on-road price of a Mercedes-Benz E-Class now breaches the ₹1 crore mark in certain cities. In Bengaluru, the E 220d variant is priced at ₹1,02,05,006. In Delhi, the E 200 starts at ₹78.50 lakh, while the E 450 costs ₹92.50 lakh (ex-showroom), according to estimates from CarDekho. In contrast, in Dubai, the E 200 starts at AED 326,900 (roughly ₹74 lakh), and the E 450 4MATIC is priced at AED 432,900 (around ₹97.5 lakh). UAE Golden Visa math Until recently, the UAE Golden Visa was a privilege reserved for property owners or major investors, typically requiring AED 2 million (₹4.66 crore) or more in real estate or business commitments. But under the new nomination-based pilot scheme, Indians can now qualify by paying a one-time fee of AED 100,000 (around ₹23.3 lakh), following a detailed vetting process, no property or business investment required. Under this system, eligible Indians can obtain a lifetime UAE Golden Visa for AED 100,000 with no property purchase required. Applicants are selected based on professional track record, contributions to the economy or society, and a detailed background check that includes criminal history, financial stability, and even social media presence. This initiative, aimed at attracting professionals, entrepreneurs, creators, and even e-sports players, allows approved applicants to live in the UAE indefinitely, along with family and domestic staff, with full work and business rights. What can ₹1 crore get you in Dubai? Golden Visa (lifetime): ₹23.3 lakh Mercedes E 200 (Dubai): ₹74 lakh (approx) Total: ₹97.3 lakh Trump's golden visa gamble The UAE's lowering of barriers is in sharp contrast to US President Donald Trump's own golden visa proposals. The Trump Card, officially launched on June 12, 2025, demands a hefty $5 million (roughly ₹41.8 crore) investment for foreign nationals seeking US residency. Lauded by Trump as a 'beautiful road to the greatest country", the digital card features Trump's image and promises green card privileges and an eventual path to citizenship. However, the legal framework around the programme remains unclear. It has no legislative backing from the US Congress, no formal USCIS structure, and has already drawn scrutiny from legal experts, with warnings that it could be blocked or challenged in court. Despite this, over 68,000 people have registered interest, and Indian investors were actively pitched the programme during a recent visit by US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
News18
27 minutes ago
- News18
Beyond UAE's Golden Visa: Countries Offering Residency To Indians And What You Need To Qualify
Last Updated: From the United States to Vietnam, an in-depth look at where and how Indians can qualify for long-term residency or citizenship in 2025 With the United Arab Emirates opening a nomination-based Golden Visa programme for Indians without the requirement of investing in real estate or business, many are now asking: what other countries offer similar pathways to residency or citizenship? Whether for better global mobility, long-term settlement, or strategic family planning, several countries provide options for Indian nationals to legally reside, and in some cases, gain full citizenship, through structured economic or merit-based criteria. Here's a comprehensive look at global destinations that currently welcome Indians through residency or investment programmes, how much it costs, and what the eligibility requirements are. The United States remains one of the most sought-after destinations for Indian professionals and high-net-worth individuals. Under the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Programme, Indian applicants can obtain a US Green Card by investing a minimum of USD 800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area—defined as either a rural region or one with unemployment at least 150 per cent of the national average—or USD 1.05 million in non-targeted, typically urban or economically developed areas. The investment must lead to the creation of at least ten full-time jobs for American citizens or lawful residents. The EB-5 visa allows the applicant, their spouse, and unmarried children under 21 to live, study, and work anywhere in the US. After five years of permanent residency, applicants become eligible to apply for US citizenship. With rising restrictions on H-1B and student visa categories, interest in EB-5 among Indians has surged in recent years. In February 2025, the Trump administration unveiled a proposal to introduce a separate high-value immigration pathway called the 'Gold Card'. This programme would allow ultra-high-net-worth foreigners to gain US residency by paying a USD 5 million lump sum, with no job-creation or active investment requirement. In June, a dedicated registration website for the Gold Card— launched, allowing interested applicants to join a waitlist. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick went on record to say the new programme was meant to replace the EB-5 visa, which he criticised for being 'full of nonsense" and vulnerable to misuse. However, EB-5 is protected by law until at least 2027 and cannot be scrapped by executive order alone. Only the US Congress can repeal or replace it. For Indian nationals, this means the EB-5 remains the only currently available investor-based residency route to the US. The Gold Card remains a political proposal and has not been enacted into law. Portugal: Golden Visa With A Path To Citizenship Portugal has long been a preferred European destination for Indian investors seeking stable residency and future citizenship. While the Golden Visa programme earlier included real estate-linked options, the rules were overhauled in late 2023 under the 'Mais Habitação" law, which permanently removed residential property purchases as a qualifying investment. This was aimed at curbing speculative buying and easing housing pressures in urban centres. The revised programme now allows Indian nationals to apply by investing at least EUR 500,000 into government-approved venture capital or investment funds, contributing the same amount towards scientific research institutions, or funding business ventures that create at least five new jobs in Portugal. A lower threshold of EUR 250,000 applies to donations supporting cultural or heritage preservation initiatives. Residency permits are granted initially for one year and are renewable. Recent changes also allow applicants to count the residency period from the date of application rather than the final approval, effectively reducing the timeline to apply for citizenship. After five years of legal residence, and upon meeting the basic language requirement (A2 Portuguese) and minimum physical stay conditions, individuals can apply for Portuguese citizenship. However, Indian nationals must renounce their Indian passports, as dual citizenship is not permitted by Indian law. While application volumes remain high, processing delays continue to be a concern. Many applicants face wait times of 12 to 24 months, with some still awaiting approvals submitted over two years ago. Despite these lags, Portugal's Golden Visa continues to be attractive for Indians looking to establish a base in the European Union with a future pathway to citizenship. Saudi Arabia: Premium Residency Programme As part of its Vision 2030 reforms, Saudi Arabia has significantly expanded its Premium Residency programme, often referred to as the Saudi 'Green Card'. This initiative allows foreign nationals, including Indians, to live, work, and invest in the Kingdom without the need for a local sponsor. Initially launched with two options—an annual renewable residency for SAR 100,000 (approximately USD 26,700) and a lifetime residency for SAR 800,000 (around USD 213,000)—the programme now includes additional tracks for investors, entrepreneurs, property owners, highly skilled professionals, and exceptional talent. Premium Residency holders can own real estate (with some exclusions in the holy cities), establish and operate businesses, sponsor immediate family members, and freely enter and exit the country. New categories, such as Entrepreneur and Investor residencies, have been introduced with separate investment thresholds and job-creation criteria. While the programme does not offer a direct path to Saudi citizenship, it provides long-term economic and personal stability, especially for Indians engaged in Gulf business ecosystems or those seeking to live in Saudi Arabia without the constraints of the traditional sponsorship (kafala) system. Paraguay: One Of The Easiest Permanent Residency Routes Among all countries offering economic residency programmes, Paraguay stands out for its simplicity and low cost. Indian nationals can obtain permanent residency by depositing a nominal amount—between USD 5,000 and 6,000—in a Paraguayan bank or investing in a local business. The application process is straightforward, with minimal bureaucratic hurdles. Permanent residency is usually granted within three to six months. What makes Paraguay even more appealing is that applicants can apply for citizenship after just three years of permanent residence, provided they meet physical presence and integration criteria. Given its low cost and ease of access, Paraguay is increasingly seen as a backup option for Indian freelancers, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads. Caribbean Nations: Fast-Track Citizenship By Investment Several Caribbean nations, such as Dominica, Saint Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, and Saint Kitts and Nevis, offer full citizenship to Indian nationals in exchange for economic contributions. These Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) programmes typically require a donation to a government fund or investment in pre-approved real estate projects. The minimum investment starts at around USD 100,000 for individual applicants, with family packages costing upwards of USD 150,000 to USD 250,000 depending on the country and the number of dependents included. Most programmes process applications within three to eight months. The biggest draw for Indians is the global mobility these passports offer. Most CBI countries provide visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries, including the Schengen Area and the UK. However, these programmes do not grant residency rights in these regions, only enhanced travel privileges. Grenada's programme is particularly popular among Indians because Grenadian passport holders are eligible for the US E-2 Treaty Investor Visa, allowing them to operate businesses in the United States. Vietnam: 10-Year Golden Visa Scheme Vietnam has officially entered the residency-by-investment space with a structured Golden Visa programme launched in May 2025. The initiative offers Temporary Residence Cards (TRCs) ranging from one to ten years, depending on the size and nature of the applicant's investment. Open to citizens of several countries, including India, the programme targets long-term investors, skilled professionals, and business owners seeking a stable base in Southeast Asia. Applicants can choose from different categories, with the ten-year visa (ĐT1) requiring a minimum investment of approximately USD 4 million, typically in high-priority sectors like technology or renewable energy. Lower tiers offer five- and three-year permits for investments between USD 120,000 and USD 4 million, with active participation in the Vietnamese economy being a core requirement. While often described as a Golden Visa, Vietnam's model emphasises operational engagement over passive financial contributions. Visa holders are allowed to live, work, and conduct business in Vietnam, and may sponsor family members such as spouses and dependent children. In higher investment categories, permanent residency becomes available after three years, and citizenship is possible after five—subject to local language and residency conditions, and with the requirement to renounce existing citizenship, including Indian nationality. With a digital-first application process being rolled out across major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's new residency scheme offers Indians a long-term, business-friendly platform in one of Asia's fastest-growing economies. Hungary: Guest Investor Residency Programme Hungary officially relaunched its Guest Investor Residency Programme in July 2024, offering a ten-year renewable residency permit to high-net-worth individuals, including Indian nationals. Under the current rules, applicants can qualify by investing €250,000 in a government-approved real estate fund or making a €1 million donation to a Hungarian public interest trust supporting education or cultural initiatives. Direct residential property purchases are no longer an option under the revised programme. Successful applicants gain the right to live in Hungary and travel freely across the Schengen Area, with minimal physical stay requirements. While the programme does not provide an immediate path to citizenship, permanent residency is possible after three years, and naturalisation may be available after eight years, subject to language proficiency and integration criteria. Despite a slow start—fewer than 30 permits were issued in the first six months—the programme remains attractive to Indians seeking long-term EU access without the heavy tax burdens or visibility associated with larger schemes. Although Hungary's earlier bond-for-residency initiative was marred by controversy and eventually shut down, the current model has stricter regulatory oversight and greater transparency. The Bottom Line top videos View all As global immigration models evolve, Indians now have access to a wide spectrum of residency options—from premium investment schemes in the US and Europe to faster, lower-cost pathways in Latin America and the Caribbean. The UAE's new nomination-based Golden Visa has opened the floodgates for other talent-focused programmes, but each country comes with its own legal, financial, and long-term implications. Every move should be preceded by proper legal due diligence, expert consultation, and a clear understanding of citizenship laws, especially given India's restrictions on dual nationality. About the Author Karishma Jain Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follow her @ More Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : citizenship golden visa Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 07, 2025, 13:10 IST News explainers Beyond UAE's Golden Visa: Countries Offering Residency To Indians And What You Need To Qualify
