Trump said the United States could “put a big tariff on the UK” if London maintains the tax, which was introduced in 2020 and applies a 2% levy on revenues generated by large digital companies operating in Britain.

The measure affects major U.S.-based firms including Apple, Alphabet’s Google and Meta.“I don’t like it when they target American companies, because basically, you’re talking about our great American companies,” Trump told The Telegraph, adding that Washington could respond swiftly through trade measures.

“If they don’t drop the tax, we’ll probably put a big tariff on the UK.”The digital services tax has been a longstanding point of friction between Washington and London, drawing criticism not only from Trump but also from his predecessor, Democrat Joe Biden, who similarly argued that such levies disproportionately impact U.S. technology giants.

The dispute underscores broader transatlantic disagreements over how to tax multinational digital corporations, particularly those with significant cross-border revenues but limited physical presence in foreign markets.

Britain has defended the tax as a temporary measure aimed at ensuring fair contributions from large tech firms operating within its jurisdiction.

Trump’s remarks come ahead of a scheduled visit by Britain’s King Charles to the United States next week, adding a diplomatic dimension to the trade tensions at a time when both countries have sought to maintain close economic ties.

The visit marks the first state trip by a South Korean president to India in eight years and comes as both countries seek to strengthen supply chain resilience amid global economic uncertainty linked to the Iran conflict.Lee said the current level of economic cooperation between the two countries remains limited and called for a substantial expansion of ties.

Officials from Seoul said the two sides plan to upgrade their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to boost trade from $25.7 billion recorded last year.Discussions are expected to cover sectors including shipbuilding, finance, artificial intelligence and defence, with Lee also scheduled to attend business events alongside corporate leaders during his visit.

South Korea has increasingly looked to India as a key partner in diversifying supply chains, particularly as disruptions in the Middle East affect energy flows. Last month, Seoul sought increased naphtha supplies from India to offset potential shortages linked to regional tensions.

India accounted for about 8% of South Korea’s naphtha imports last year, and officials say expanding energy trade could also help address imbalances in bilateral commerce. South Korea recorded a trade surplus of $12.8 billion with India, exporting $19.2 billion worth of goods while importing $6.4 billion, according to Korea International Trade Association data.

Analysts say closer cooperation in shipbuilding could emerge as a focal point, aligning India’s employment priorities with South Korea’s industrial strengths. Consumer goods and food sectors tied to the global popularity of Korean culture are also seen as potential growth areas.

Lee is expected to travel to Vietnam after concluding his India visit, as part of a broader regional outreach strategy.

The move highlights Toyota’s commitment to boosting economic cooperation and promoting fair trade as both nations deepen their automotive and industrial partnerships.

Toyota Motor is reportedly preparing to announce plans to import vehicles manufactured in the United States to Japan, in a landmark step that could reshape trade relations between the two countries.

The announcement is expected during U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming three-day visit to Japan, beginning Monday.

According to reports, Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda is likely to unveil the initiative during a high-profile meeting between President Trump and leading Japanese business executives.

The move would mark a new chapter in the company’s long-standing global strategy to balance production, innovation, and trade between its key markets.

The plan aligns with Japan’s efforts to address its trade deficit with the United States while reinforcing a sense of mutual cooperation in the automotive sector.

By opening its domestic market to U.S.-made vehicles, Japan aims to send a strong message of goodwill and economic partnership.

Industry analysts see this as a forward-looking move that can enhance bilateral relations, improve market access, and foster technological exchange between the world’s two major economies.

For Toyota, the decision reflects its commitment to fair trade practices and its reputation as a global automotive leader focused on collaboration over competition.

While details of the models to be imported have not yet been disclosed, the decision is being viewed as both symbolic and strategic.

It reflects a growing recognition of the importance of cross-border manufacturing and supply chain diversification, particularly as the global auto industry faces new technological and geopolitical challenges.

The Japanese government is reportedly considering regulatory revisions to make it easier for American-made vehicles to enter the Japanese market without undergoing additional testing procedures.

This would streamline the import process and enhance the efficiency of trade between the two nations.

Experts believe the move could set a precedent for other automakers and industries, encouraging more open markets and stronger economic ties.

It also demonstrates Japan’s willingness to take proactive steps toward addressing trade imbalances, which have often been a focal point in U.S.-Japan relations.

Toyota’s initiative is consistent with its long-term global vision of “Mobility for All,” which emphasizes sustainable growth, international collaboration, and inclusive innovation.

By importing U.S.-made vehicles, the company reinforces its image as a bridge between economies — supporting both local manufacturing in America and consumer choice in Japan.

The decision could also bolster Toyota’s reputation in the U.S., showcasing its dedication to American production facilities and workforce investment.

With multiple plants operating across the United States, Toyota remains one of the largest employers in the American auto sector.

This step further strengthens its relationship with U.S. stakeholders while simultaneously enhancing Japan’s reputation as a cooperative and adaptable trading partner.

It signals a broader willingness to evolve policies in line with global economic realities.

Toyota’s leadership under Akio Toyoda has consistently emphasized innovation, adaptability, and global unity in the face of shifting trade dynamics.

By fostering stronger trade connections, the company aims to not only meet consumer demand but also promote shared prosperity.

This development could mark the beginning of a new era in U.S.-Japan automotive relations — one defined by mutual trust, economic balance, and technological synergy.

Both nations stand to benefit from the increased flow of goods, expertise, and innovation.

As the world’s automotive landscape transforms through electrification, AI, and sustainable transport solutions, Toyota’s bold decision positions it as a pioneer of economic diplomacy through business.

The collaboration between American manufacturing and Japanese market access underscores how industry can serve as a powerful force for international partnership.

In the long run, this initiative could reshape perceptions of global trade, reinforcing that cooperation — not competition — drives progress.

Toyota’s proactive move is a testament to how responsible corporate leadership can bridge nations and promote shared growth in an increasingly interconnected world.

Amid global economic uncertainty and renewed tensions in the U.S.-China trade landscape, New Zealand is turning challenges into opportunities by deepening regional trade partnerships, advancing climate commitments, and strengthening cooperation with Pacific and global allies.

Speaking after high-level discussions at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank annual meetings in Washington, Willis expressed optimism that small but agile economies like New Zealand can continue to thrive by building stronger relationships within the Asia-Pacific and beyond.

“We are seeing continued interest from our partners to expand and strengthen trade cooperation,” Willis said. “Rather than retreating into protectionism, there’s a shared determination to maintain open and resilient trade systems.”

New Zealand is a proud member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a landmark trade pact connecting 11 nations, including Japan, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

The country has also welcomed the European Union’s growing interest in deepening ties with the group, signaling a widening network of cooperation that could enhance access to global markets.

Willis noted that a separate trade deal with the United Arab Emirates also holds strong potential for mutual growth and innovation. These initiatives underscore New Zealand’s focus on building stable and forward-looking economic relationships, especially as global markets face disruptions stemming from the ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions.

While some economies have responded to global volatility by raising tariffs and tightening trade rules, Willis highlighted that most nations remain committed to open trade. According to global trade officials, nearly 72% of global trade flows continue to operate under existing rules, reflecting resilience and stability in the international system.

New Zealand’s approach, Willis added, balances economic pragmatism with environmental responsibility. The government remains steadfast in its climate action goals under the Paris Agreement, ensuring that economic progress does not come at the cost of sustainability.

“We consider the risk of more extreme climatic events as a serious challenge, especially for our Pacific neighbors and small island nations who face heightened vulnerabilities,” she said. “This is why New Zealand continues to integrate climate action into its economic and trade strategies.”

Climate-conscious trade policies are also becoming a commercial advantage. Consumers across the globe, including in the United States and Europe, are increasingly mindful of sustainability and the emissions profiles of exporting nations. Willis emphasized that maintaining New Zealand’s reputation for clean, green, and ethical production offers both an environmental and economic edge.

Existing trade frameworks, such as the EU-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, include provisions requiring adherence to climate pledges. “These are not just environmental obligations,” Willis said, “but also economic opportunities that align with global consumer demand and investor confidence.”

On the geopolitical front, New Zealand continues to play a constructive role in global and regional security networks. As part of the Five Eyes alliance alongside Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, New Zealand is enhancing its defense cooperation to address emerging strategic challenges.

“Our increased defense spending reflects a responsible approach to ensuring regional stability and maintaining peace in the Indo-Pacific,” Willis explained.

Despite global headwinds, New Zealand’s financial outlook remains positive. The nation’s strong institutional framework, diversified trade portfolio, and commitment to sustainable development continue to attract investor confidence.

As global economies navigate an era of uncertainty, New Zealand’s message is clear — collaboration, openness, and sustainability form the foundation of long-term growth.

“We are optimistic,” Willis concluded. “By working together with our partners and staying true to our climate and trade commitments, New Zealand is not just adapting to global change — we are helping shape a more resilient and inclusive future for our region.”

According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, “The Prime Minister will hold extensive discussions with President Erdogan on bilateral relations and exchange views on recent regional developments.” The meeting is seen as part of ongoing efforts to elevate the already strong bond between the two nations.

The two leaders last met during the 7th session of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC), held in Islamabad on February 12-13, 2025. This leadership-level forum plays a crucial role in shaping the strategic direction of the Pakistan-Türkiye partnership.

One key area of focus is economic collaboration. The two countries signed a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) in August 2022, which grants tariff concessions on select goods. Both sides are now working towards a more ambitious goal—raising bilateral trade to $5 billion and potentially advancing toward a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

In 2023, Pakistan exported goods worth $352.1 million to Türkiye, while importing $250.8 million in return. Key Turkish exports included lead, meat, and artworks, while Pakistan shipped explosives, zinc, meat, and fur skins to its ally.

Though trade volumes are still modest compared to each country’s broader economic landscape, the ongoing dialogue and cooperation signal a strong intent to grow this important relationship.

As PM Sharif meets President Erdoğan in Ankara, all eyes will be on the outcomes that could shape the future of Pakistan-Türkiye relations in the years to come.

We are ancient nations, young and proud… We are peaceful nations… but we are not going to hesitate from gaining what we need through solidarity

On Saturday, Chitresh Kapoor and India’s Geopolitical Analyst Vaibhav Singh hosted Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, on the podcast Defensive Offense.

Since assuming his role in August 2024, Ambassador Azar has been a key figure in fostering the growing partnership between two of the world’s oldest civilizations—India’s Sanatan Dharma and the Jewish people.

Their dialogue explored the historical and strategic ties between the nations, the evolving threats posed by radical forces like Hamas and Iran, and the potential for deeper collaboration in the decades ahead.

A Shared Civilizational Resilience

The conversation began with a reflection on the deep historical connection between India and Israel, which Ambassador Azar described as a “civilizational connect.” Both nations, he noted, have endured invasions and foreign domination over millennia, yet preserved their cultural identities through resilience and memory.

“Unlike many old civilizations that vanished under the pressure of invasions, we stayed, we prevailed,” Azar remarked, attributing this survival to cultural perseverance rather than continuous sovereignty. For the Jewish people, landless for nearly 2,000 years, this meant developing “techniques of memory,” a theme he promised to elaborate on later but left tantalizingly unexplored in the podcast.

Official diplomatic relations between India and Israel began in 1992, yet their partnership predates this milestone. Azar highlighted how the relationship started “quietly and almost clandestinely,” rooted in mutual security challenges.

“We could help each other,” he said, emphasizing that trust, forged through defense cooperation, became the bedrock of their strategic alliance. This trust has since expanded into agriculture, water management, and high-tech sectors, with India boldly adopting Israeli technologies under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

One standout example is the agricultural partnership. Indian companies, such as Jain Irrigation’s acquisition of Israeli firm NaanDanJain, have collaborated with Israel to establish 32 Centers of Excellence across India. These centers provide subsidized seedlings, enhancing crop yields and food security—a testament to how Israeli innovation complements India’s scale.

Azar also pointed to emerging areas like water management, critical given India’s resource challenges, and the potential for joint research and development (R&D) in infrastructure and technology.

Geopolitical Shifts: Trump, Trade, and Trilateral Ties

The discussion took a timely turn toward global economic shifts, particularly with the recent U.S. administration change under President Donald Trump. Azar noted that both India and Israel have navigated relations with the Trump administration effectively, despite new trade tariffs announced just days before the podcast.

With India facing a 17% tariff and Israel 26%—compared to 54% for China and around 50% for Cambodia and Vietnam—both nations stand to gain as production shifts away from heavily taxed countries. “Textiles, the most flexible industry, could move to India within days,” Azar predicted, foreseeing a boost to India’s economy even before a potential U.S.-India trade deal.

This economic realignment underscores a trilateral dynamic among India, Israel, and the U.S. “Our relationship is not only bilateral but bears strategic significance trilaterally,” Azar said, urging a pragmatic rather than confrontational approach to such shifts.

For India, rising as a global economic power, and Israel, a technological innovator, this partnership could reshape supply chains and regional influence.

The Middle East: Hamas, Iran, and a New Alignment

The podcast pivoted to the Middle East, where Israel faces persistent threats from radical groups like Hamas and state actors like Iran.

Singh referenced former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir’s poignant statement: “We can forgive them for killing our children, but we cannot forgive them for forcing us to kill theirs.” He asked whether, decades later, anti-Semitism and hatred toward Israel have diminished.

Azar’s response was sobering: the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, with its brutal atrocities, marked the worst violence against Jews since the Holocaust. Yet, he argued, the nature of the conflict has evolved.

Historically, Israel battled pan-Arab nationalism, a secular movement that sought to eliminate the Jewish state as a colonial outpost—a narrative Azar dismissed, asserting, “Jews belong to Judea.” After five wars, this ideology waned, with Egypt’s peace treaty under Anwar Sadat marking a turning point. However, Sadat’s 1981 assassination by Islamists (Khalid Islamboli) signaled the rise of a new threat: pan-Islamic radicalism. Azar traced this shift through the Arab Spring of 2010, which, despite initial hopes for democracy, empowered radical forces like Iran and its proxies.

Today, he explained, the Middle East hosts two deeper conflicts: the Shiite-Sunni divide and the struggle between radicals and pragmatists.

Israel, he argued, is a “token” exploited by radicals to destabilize the region, with Iran’s ultimate aim not Jerusalem but Mecca and Medina. Within this context, Hamas’s attack and Israel’s retaliation did not unravel ties with Arab states, unlike past conflicts. “No Arab country has disconnected diplomatic relations,” Azar noted, citing the Abraham Accords and joint defense efforts against Iran’s April 2024 ballistic missile barrage as evidence of a new alignment.

Singh pressed further, asking why Saudi Arabia is often implicated in Israel-related conflicts. Azar pointed to the Shiite-Sunni rift, with Iran leveraging propaganda to undermine Saudi pragmatism.

He recalled the 2015 JCPOA nuclear deal, which both Israel and Saudi Arabia opposed, as a moment of crystallized common interest. While hesitant to predict Saudi recognition of Israel, he suggested it hinges on mutual benefit and timing. He said it while quoting King Solomon—“Everything has a time under the sun”—there is time for war and time for peace.

Aspirations for Indo-Israel Ties: Beyond Defense

Returning to bilateral ties, Kapoor asked about the future as the 30-year-old relationship approaches its 50th anniversary in 2042. Beyond defense—where Israel supplies equipment like drones and missile systems—Azar envisioned a partnership transcending trade.

“Our relationship is much more than transactions,” he said, rooted in shared heritage, trust, and India’s steadfast support during Israel’s recent war. This solidarity has spurred Israeli interest, with monthly ministerial visits and university collaborations on R&D.

Tourism emerged as another frontier. Kapoor noted that Israelis frequent Goa, Hampi, Manali, and Ladakh while Indian tourists to Israel, mainly from Kerala, visit for religious reasons. 

Azar highlighted Israel’s high GDP per capita ($55,000) and travel habits—20 million tourism packages annually for a 10-million-strong population—suggesting untapped potential as India’s per capita income rises. By 2050, with India projected at $10,000 per capita, he foresaw “hundreds of millions” of Indian travelers exploring the world, including Israel.

Kapoor proposed defense exchange programs for veterans, given both nations’ conflict histories. Azar welcomed the idea, noting Israel’s view of India as a safe haven and the potential for educational and cultural exchanges to deepen people-to-people ties.

Radicalism and Propaganda: A Global Challenge

The conversation darkened as Singh raised Iran’s role in terrorism, from historical invasions of India to modern proxy wars.

Azar praised Israel’s contributions—drip irrigation, desalination, and tech innovation—contrasting them with Iran’s export of ballistic missiles and drones to groups like the Houthis and Hezbollah. He warned of Iran’s infiltration of Western institutions, using media and academia to portray itself as a victim while perpetrating terrorism.

Singh echoed this, citing the Muslim Brotherhood’s growing influence in India via scholars trained abroad. Azar cautioned vigilance, citing the UAE’s successful deradicalization of its education system as a model. He acknowledged Israel’s own Muslim Brotherhood party, noting its varied nature, but stressed the broader threat of radicals exploiting democratic freedoms.

Netanyahu’s Popularity and Leadership

Singh concluded by noting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s unrivaled popularity in India, evident in record-breaking TV ratings during his visits. Azar attributed this to shared national pride and leadership.

“We are ancient nations, young and proud… We are peaceful nations… but we are not going to hesitate from gaining what we need through solidarity”, he said, likening Netanyahu and Modi as proactive leaders who defy apology.

The Abraham Accords, he argued, stemmed from Netanyahu’s strategy of strength—economic, military, and diplomatic—shifting regional dynamics.

Addressing the Gaza conflict, Singh questioned the high civilian toll reported after October 7. Azar defended Israel’s actions, arguing Hamas’s tactics—operating from hospitals and disguising terrorists as civilians—forced a tragic response. He challenged inflated casualty figures, suggesting half were terrorists, and compared Israel’s urban warfare record favorably to historical precedents, despite biased narratives from outlets like Al Jazeera and the UN.

A Partnership for the Future

The podcast underscored a relationship built on trust, resilience, and mutual interest, poised to grow as both nations rise. From countering radicalism to fostering innovation and tourism, India and Israel share a vision that transcends geopolitics—a civilizational bond ready to shape the 21st century.