3 Things The Catch Up: 29 August
4 snips
Aug 29, 2025 This week covers critical headlines from India, highlighting a concerning drop in merchandise exports to the US amid escalating tariffs. Tragic events, including a devastating landslide in Jammu and Kashmir and a building collapse in Maharashtra, are discussed. The conversation ties these tragedies to the broader context of US-India trade tensions, especially in light of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. It's a deep dive into how current events are shaping the landscape in India.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
US Tariff Shock Threatens Exports
- Two-thirds of India’s merchandise exports to the US could face 50% tariffs, cutting values sharply in 2025-26.
- The Think Tank Global Trade Research Initiative estimates exports may fall from $87B to $49.6B this year.
Deadly Landslide Halts Vaishno Devi Yatra
- Heavy rains triggered a landslide near Adhkanwari on the Vaishno Devi route, killing at least 30 people.
- Rescue and debris-clearing operations continued as the Yatra was suspended on affected routes.
Modi-Xi Meeting Signals Careful Rapprochement
- PM Modi is set to meet Xi Jinping during his first China trip in seven years, signaling a diplomatic thaw.
- Ties remain fragile after the 2020 Ladakh standoff and later allegations of Chinese support to Pakistan.