trade war with china

Country needs time to build up domestic capacities, till then reduce dependence on those ‘perfect’ imports

China's industry regulator has ordered Meta to cancel its $2 billion acquisition of Singapore-based AI firm Manus, citing national security concerns. This move follows the US announcing a crackdown on foreign tech companies exploiting AI models. China is also reportedly restricting US capital in its leading tech firms without government approval, signaling an escalating AI war.

Iran and the US remain locked in a standoff, with Iran effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz and the US imposing a naval blockade. Both actions disrupt global commons, while escalating rhetoric and social media influence commodity prices worldwide. India, heavily reliant on regional energy flows, faces significant economic fallout from this 'dual blockade'.

Despite a positive meeting, China is strategically expanding economic leverage against the US. New regulations target companies shifting supply chains and restrict foreign tech in state data centers. Beijing is building pressure tools, moving beyond trade, as both nations navigate a complex geopolitical landscape and competition for critical resources.

Until now, the United States had largely focused its efforts on smaller Chinese companies and facilities in an attempt to curb Iran’s oil revenues, partly to avoid broader economic and diplomatic consequences.

Global maritime trade faces disruptions with the Strait of Hormuz closure impacting energy supplies. India is bolstering its maritime capabilities, investing heavily in port infrastructure like the Great Nicobar Island Project. This strategic move aims to enhance economic and military influence, securing trade routes and reducing reliance on foreign transhipment hubs.

Global economy flourished when seas were free. Of course, this freedom has to be enforced. US did the job, until now. Consequences of abandoning that stand can be terrible

Gold price prediction today: Any upside in gold prices is likely to be capped by gains in crude oil prices, says Praveen Singh, Head Currencies and Commodities, Mirae Asset ShareKhan.

RBI is not alone in repatriating its gold reserves. Several central banks like France’s Banque de France, Germany’s Deutsche Bundesbank, Serbia’s National Bank have done the same - buy why?

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his silence on Donald Trump's derogatory remarks about India. Kharge questioned Modi's stance, highlighting India's contributions to the US and alleging that the government has failed to protect national interests in past dealings with the US.

Gold price prediction today: Gold prices are expected to continue seeing volatility in the near-term, says Praveen Singh, Head Currencies and Commodities, Mirae Asset ShareKhan.

A recent report highlights that while the US can sustain a conflict with Iran for now, it's depleting critical missile stockpiles. This drawdown significantly impacts readiness for potential future conflicts, particularly with China. Rebuilding these advanced munitions will take years, posing a strategic vulnerability for America's global position.

New Delhi called the remarks “uninformed, inappropriate and in poor taste” after the US president endorsed an anti-India statement by American radio host Michael Savage, a move that has also triggered widespread backlash among Indian-Americans

Refining companies indicate they have sufficient supplies for the next month, but prices no longer reflect the discounted levels seen in the years following the Ukraine conflict. At the same time, the volume of crude available in transit is shrinking quickly.

Middle East tensions surged Friday, pushing oil prices up as Iran released footage of commandos boarding a ship in the Strait of Hormuz and reported military activity over Tehran. Analysts warn prolonged disruption could severely impact global supply, with inventories potentially falling to multi-year lows. Markets remain on edge as diplomatic efforts face uncertainty.

China's export growth significantly decelerated to 2.5% in March, falling short of expectations and marking the weakest performance in six months. This slowdown is attributed to rising global energy costs and supply disruptions stemming from the Middle East conflict. Conversely, imports surged by 27.8%, indicating robust domestic demand despite geopolitical uncertainties.

Asian markets showed a mixed performance Tuesday, with Tokyo and Seoul indices climbing on tech strength. Investors are closely watching potential US-Iran peace talks, which are offering some optimism, but geopolitical risks and high oil prices are keeping markets cautious. Developments around the Strait of Hormuz remain a key concern for global oil supply.

Fresh reports reveal internal Pentagon discussions exploring punitive measures against Nato allies, including Spain, for perceived lack of support during the Iran conflict. These discussions, alongside President Trump's continued questioning of US commitment, expose deep divisions within the alliance, raising questions about its future and European security.

Technology stocks bore the brunt of the selling. Shares of Infosys, HCLTech, Tech Mahindra and Tata Consultancy Services fell between 2 per cent and 4 per cent after Infosys’ fourth-quarter results failed to meet market expectations.

Gold price prediction today: Gold prices are expected to continue being volatile in the coming days on uncertainty related to the US-Iran war and inflation data this week, says Manav Modi, Senior Analyst, Commodity Research at Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd.

Iran’s USD1 war toll on each barrel of oil passing through the Strait of Hormuz could add nearly INR10,000 crore to India’s annual import bill. While the toll is a direct breach of ‘transit passage’ rights, India can use four key diplomatic and legal levers to secure its interests.

President Trump declared the Strait of Hormuz permanently open for China and the world, claiming Beijing assured him it would cease arms shipments to Iran. This announcement follows a naval blockade, causing global economic disruption. Trump's unpredictable approach, blending military pressure with personal diplomacy, fuels speculation about escalation or de-escalation, while European allies consider greater defense autonomy.

But Vivek’s rise, if things go according to plan he might become the third Indian-origin governor of an American state after Bobby Jindal and Nikki Haley, is not just a litmus test of an Indian-American’s success story in US politics. It is a test of how far the MAGA tent will accommodate a brown non-Christian man and also how far an Indian-American can go in Trump’s America.