America | DD News

August 5, 2025 10:11 AM

EU to suspend US tariff countermeasures for 6 months

The European Union will suspend its two packages of countermeasures to U.S. tariffs for six months following a deal with U.S. President Donald Trump, a Commission spokesperson said on Monday. The EU-U.S. agreement leaves many questions open, including tariff rates on spirits, and Trump's executive order last week setting tariffs on most EU goods at 15% did not include carve-outs such as for cars and car parts. EU officials have said they expect more executive orders to follow soon. "The EU co...

August 5, 2025 12:19 AM

MEA defends India’s oil imports from Russia; calls US, EU criticism ‘unjustified, unreasonable’

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday defended India’s continued import of oil from Russia amid criticism from the United States and the European Union (EU), terming such objections “unjustified and unreasonable.” Responding to questions over energy trade with Russia since the commencement of the Ukraine conflict, the MEA clarified that India's imports are meant to ensure predictable and affordable energy costs to the Indian consumer. They are a necessity compelled by global ma...

August 3, 2025 10:51 AM

Trump reaffirms support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara

U.S. President Donald Trump has reaffirmed support for Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara, saying a Moroccan autonomy plan for the territory was the sole solution to the disputed region, state news agency MAP said on Saturday. The long-frozen conflict pits Morocco, which considers the territory as its own, against the Algeria-backed Polisario Front, which seeks an independent state there. Trump at the end of his first term in office recognised the Moroccan claims to Western Sahara, whic...

August 3, 2025 10:51 AM

Federal agency opens probe into former Trump prosecutor Jack Smith

A U.S. federal agency has opened a formal investigation into former Special Counsel Jack Smith, who oversaw two criminal probes into President Donald Trump following his first term in the White House. The Office of Special Counsel confirmed to Reuters that it was investigating whether Smith violated the Hatch Act, a law prohibiting federal employees from using their position for political activity. The decision follows a request for a probe by U.S. Senator Tom Cotton, an Arkansas Republican. T...

August 1, 2025 10:34 PM

India and Russia have steady, time-tested partnership: MEA

Lauding ties between India and Russia, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Friday said that the two nations have a "steady and time-tested partnership." While addressing a weekly media briefing in New Delhi, Jaiswal noted that India's ties with any nation stands on their own merit and should not be seen through the prism of a third nation. When asked if there is a change or a thinking to change India's relationship with Russia, Jaiswal responded, "Our ties with a...

August 1, 2025 10:24 PM

India buys oil based on global market offerings: MEA

India sources its oil purchases based on global market offerings to meet its energy needs, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Friday. Commenting on media reports that some Indian oil companies have stopped taking oil from Russia, Jaiswal said: "You are aware of our broad approach to energy sourcing requirements, that we look at what is available in the market and the prevailing global situation. We are not aware of any specifics." He also indicated that Ind...

July 31, 2025 11:52 PM

Trump wants deal to end Russia’s war in Ukraine by August 8, US tells UN

U.S. President Donald Trump has made clear that he wants a deal to end Russia’s war in Ukraine by August 8, the United States told the United Nations Security Council on Thursday. “Both Russia and Ukraine must negotiate a ceasefire and durable peace. It is time to make a deal. President Trump has made clear this must be done by August 8. The United States is prepared to implement additional measures to secure peace,” senior U.S. diplomat John Kelley told the 15-member council. Trump said...

July 31, 2025 11:44 PM

US appeals court scrutinizes Trump’s use of tariffs as trade deadline looms

U.S. appeals court judges sharply questioned on Thursday whether President Donald Trump's tariffs were justified by the president's emergency powers, as lawyers for states and businesses challenging the measures argued he exceeded his authority. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, D.C., is considering the legality of "reciprocal" tariffs that Trump imposed on a broad range of U.S. trading partners in April, as well as tariffs imposed in February against China, Canad...

July 31, 2025 10:05 PM

Trump’s envoy meets Netanyahu for Gaza aid, ceasefire push

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday in a bid to salvage Gaza truce talks and tackle a humanitarian crisis in the enclave, where a global hunger monitor has warned that famine is unfolding. Shortly after Witkoff's arrival, President Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social network: "The fastest way to end the Humanitarian Crises in Gaza is for Hamas to SURRENDER AND RELEASE THE HOSTAGES!!" Indirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Palestin...

July 31, 2025 8:39 PM

Trump tariffs face key test at US appeals court

A U.S. appeals court on Thursday will review President Donald Trump's power to impose tariffs, after a lower court said he exceeded his authority with sweeping levies on imported goods. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, D.C., will consider the legality of "reciprocal" tariffs that Trump imposed on a broad range of U.S. trading partners in April, as well as tariffs imposed in February against China, Canada and Mexico. A panel of all of the court's active judges, e...