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www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know PM Modi And President Trump Will Work Out Russian-Oil Related 100 Per Cent Tariff Issue: Senior US official U S Presidential Counsellor Peter Navarro has said that President Trump and Prime Minister Naren- dra Modi have a “very good working relationship” and would resolve issues concerning the Russian- oil-related tariff issue. The remarks come amid efforts by India and the US to further their close relationship that is multi-faceted and spans across domains. “During the Ukraine-Russia war, 6-8 months ago, I think I wrote an op-ed in the Financial Times, which absolutely factually correctly pointed out that prior to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, India was not involved in the oil trade with Russia, but afterwards it got heavily involved and was selling a lot of refined products on be- half of Russia, which helped feed the war machine. And that issue has been resolved. Maybe I had a little bit to do with that with that op-ed, but I can tell you, I got actually firebombed by the Indian continent on the internet. All I would say to you, don’t do that,” Navarro said in response to an ANI question. “That’s not how we resolve problems here in America. With respect to your question, the President and your Prime Minister have a very good working relationship. They are going to work that out amongst themselves, and it’s not for me or any gaggle to get between that,” he added. Earlier on August 7, the US Senate passed a bipartisan bill that could authorize President Donald Trump to levy tariffs of up to 100% on goods from countries, including India and China, that continue importing Russian oil and gas, maintaining that such trade helps sustain Moscow’s economy and fund its military operations in Ukraine. The Senate approved the Lindsey O Graham Sanction- ing Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by an overwhelming 86-11 vote. Named after the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, one of its principal architects, the legislation aims to escalate economic pressure on Russia and Iran while targeting nations that maintain major energy trade ties with Moscow. Under the provisions, the US president would be granted discretionary authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on imports from the world’s top five buyers of Rus- sian crude oil or natural gas. Beyond targeting foreign energy buyers, the legislation outlines fresh sanctions against Russian President Vladi- mir Putin, senior political and military officials, financial institutions, energy developments and connected enti- ties linked to Russia’s war effort. It further extends US sanctions to older and reflagged oil tankers allegedly utilised by Russia to circumvent global restrictions and maintain energy export revenues. The broader objective is to restrict the financial flows supporting Russia’s economy and military campaign. The legislation empowers the US president to enforce tariffs of up to 100% on goods imported from the top five purchasers of Russian oil or natural gas. India remains one of the largest buyers of Russian crude globally, along- side China. The measure seeks to present energy-importing nations with a choice between continuing to purchase discounted Russian energy or retaining access to the lucrative US market. India expanded its procurement of discounted Rus- sian crude following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022 to secure national energy requirements during global market turmoil. While Russia was historically not a traditional primary supplier for India, the availability of discounted crude allowed Indian refiners to optimise raw material costs and ensure uninterrupted domestic supplies, particularly amid transit disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. - ANI PHOTO:ANI Peter Navarro, President Trump’s counselor on trade and manufacturing. T he US Senate introduced the Assuring the Future of Tibet Act (AFTA), seeking to strengthenWash- ington’s engagement with the Tibetan people and their democratically elected leadership, while supporting their right to self-determination. The legislation, introduced by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Jim Risch (R-ID), has been co-sponsored by Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Todd Young (R-IN), Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Rick Scott (R-FL). The Senate bill is the companion legislation to the As- suring the Future of Tibet Act, introduced in the House of Representatives in May by Representatives JimMcGov- ern (D-MA) and Michael McCaul (R-TX). Ryan Firessi, Executive Director of the International Campaign for Tibet, welcomed the introduction of the bill and said the legislation recognises that the Tibetan people should have a say in determining their own future. “The International Campaign for Tibet looks forward to working with Congress to ensure this bill’s swift pas- sage. This legislation recognizes a fundamental principle: that the Tibetan people themselves must decide their own future. The Assuring the Future of Tibet Act would make it United States policy to maintain engagement with the Tibetan people directly and through their demo- cratically elected leadership. It supports the Tibetan people’s free exercise of their fundamental and universal human rights under international law, including the right to self-determination,” Firessi said. The bill also states that the Central Tibetan Admin- istration represents the continuity of governance of the Tibetan people, as established by the Dalai Lama. “It affirms that resolving the dispute between Tibet and China is in the strategic interest of the United States. Critically, the bill states that the Central Tibetan Admin- istration represents the continuity of governance of the Tibetan people, as established by His Holiness the Dalai Lama,” he added. Firessi said the legislation would direct the US govern- ment to advocate for the Central Tibetan Administration to receive observer status within the United Nations system and other relevant international bodies. “It directs the US government to advocate for the CTA to be granted observer status within the United Nations system, as well as other relevant international bodies. And it directs the US government to engage with CTA of- ficials at senior levels. For decades, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has worked to build democratic institutions that give Tibetans a voice and preserve their aspirations for freedom and dignity,” he said. The Central Tibetan Administration is the demo- cratic expression of that vision. At a time when China is accelerating its campaign to erase Tibetan identity, this bill sends a powerful message that America’s support for the Tibetan movement’s democratic institutions and the Tibetan people’s right to self-determination is unwaver- ing,” he added. According to the International Campaign for Tibet, the legislation would also make it US policy to engage with Tibetan religious and cultural leaders, support their human rights and affirmWashington’s commitment to a resolution of the Tibet-China dispute.. - ANI US Senate introduces Assuring the Future of Tibet Act, backs Tibetan people’s right to self-determination PHOTO:COURTESY ANI The Dalai Lama. US - India News India Times (August 15, 2026 - August 21, 2026) August 21, 2026 7