US removes 25 per cent tariffs imposed on India for Russian oil purchases
New York/Washington (PTI): US President Donald Trump has removed the 25 per cent tariffs it imposed on India for purchasing Russian oil, citing that the country has undertaken "significant steps" and New Delhi has committed to stop directly or indirectly importing oil from Moscow.
"I have received additional information and recommendations from senior officials regarding India's efforts to address the national emergency described in Executive Order 14066. Specifically, India has committed to stop directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil, has represented that it will purchase energy products from the United States, and has recently committed to a framework with the United States to expand defence cooperation over the next 10 years," Trump said in an executive order on Friday.
The US President said that after considering the information and recommendations provided to him, he has determined that "India has taken significant steps to address the national emergency described in Executive Order 14066 and to align sufficiently with the United States on national security, foreign policy, and economic matters. Accordingly, I have determined to eliminate the additional ad valorem rate of duty imposed on imports of articles of India."
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Israel, US goals 'identical'; prepared for any scenario: Netanyahu
Jerusalem (PTI): Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel and the US share "identical goals" in the ongoing conflict with Iran.
The Israeli prime minister on Wednesday said the US has been keeping Israel updated on its contacts with Iran and reiterated that both nations seek the removal of enriched material, an end to Iran’s enrichment capabilities, and the reopening of key maritime routes.
"Our goals and those of the United States are identical: We want to see the enriched material removed from Iran, we want to see the cancellation of enrichment capabilities within Iran, and of course, we want to see the opening of the straits," Netanyahu said in a statement.
"It is too early to say how this matter will end, or even how it will progress. In anticipation of the possibility that fighting may resume, we are prepared for any scenario," he said, referring to the fragile two-week ceasefire between Iran and US-Israel set to end on April 22.
As Israeli forces and the Shi'ite Lebanese group Hezbollah exchanged heavy fire, Netanyahu said the military continues to strike militant targets while standing by residents in northern Israel.
"I stand by the residents of the north who are continuing to stand firm. At the same time, our forces are continuing to strike Hezbollah," he said.
Referring to ongoing operations in Bint Jbeil, a key Hezbollah stronghold in southern Lebanon, Netanyahu said Israeli forces were close to overcoming the area, which has long been considered a symbol of the group’s resistance since the 2006 war.
Bint Jbeil was the capital of Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
Netanyahu said he has instructed the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) to widen the security zone in southern Lebanon and extend it eastward toward the slopes of Mount Hermon to "better assist our Druze brothers in their time of distress".
Netanyahu also confirmed that unprecedented negotiations were underway with Lebanon, facilitated by the United States, marking a significant development as the two countries do not have formal diplomatic relations.
"In the negotiations with Lebanon, there are two central goals: first, the disarmament of Hezbollah, and second, (achieving) a sustainable peace," he said.
Meanwhile, the IDF outlined key conditions for any agreement, including establishing a buffer zone up to the Litani River free of Hezbollah presence, retaining operational freedom, and initiating a long-term disarmament process under US supervision.
Despite the ongoing negotiations, the Israeli army has continued with its operations and has not been instructed to prepare for a ceasefire.
IDF Spokesperson Brig Gen Effie Defrin said forces are actively engaged across southern Lebanon, with five divisions supported by air power.
“We continue to operate at all times, deepening achievements and striking Hezbollah terrorists,” he said.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir stressed that the military remains on high alert and continues to approve operational plans in both Lebanon and Iran.
