Trump aide: India funding Russia's Ukraine war via oil
Stephen Miller, White House deputy chief of staff, said on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures," "What he (Trump) said very clearly is that it is not acceptable for India to continue financing this war by purchasing the oil from Russia."
Narendra Modi and Vladimir Putin hold talks in Moscow on July 8, 2024. (Photo: Getty Images)
Vivek Mishra works as an Assistant Editor with Eastern Eye and has over 13 years of experience in journalism. His areas of interest include politics, international affairs, current events, and sports. With a background in newsroom operations and editorial planning, he has reported and edited stories on major national and global developments.
A SENIOR aide to US president Donald Trump has accused India of funding Russia's war in Ukraine by continuing to buy oil from Moscow.
Stephen Miller, White House deputy chief of staff, said on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures," "What he (Trump) said very clearly is that it is not acceptable for India to continue financing this war by purchasing the oil from Russia."
Miller described India's oil imports from Russia as a major concern for the US.
"People will be shocked to learn that India is basically tied with China in purchasing Russian oil. That's an astonishing fact," he said.
The Indian Embassy in Washington did not immediately comment. Indian government sources told Reuters on Saturday that New Delhi will continue to buy oil from Moscow despite US threats.
A 25 per cent tariff on Indian products took effect on Friday over India's purchase of Russian military equipment and energy.
Trump has also warned of 100 per cent tariffs on US imports from countries buying Russian oil unless Russia reaches a peace deal with Ukraine.
Miller added that Trump has a "tremendous" relationship with Indian prime minister Narendra Modi.
Mohammed Siraj reacts after taking the wicket of Jamie Smith on the fifth and final day of the fifth Test between England and India at The Oval in London on August 4, 2025.
MOHAMMED SIRAJ delivered a match-winning performance as India defeated England by six runs in the fifth Test at the Oval on Monday (4), levelling the five-match series 2-2.
Siraj claimed five wickets for 104 runs in the second innings, including a decisive spell of 3-9 on the final morning, to secure India’s narrowest Test victory. England, chasing 374, were bowled out for 367.
"To be honest, it is so amazing," Siraj said after the game. "From day one to here, everyone fought so hard so we are very happy. I just wanted to make sure I hit the right areas, the wickets would fall, and anything else would be a bonus. When I woke up I believed I could do it."
England resumed on 339-6, needing 35 more runs, but quickly lost wickets. Siraj dismissed Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton to reduce England to 354-8. Injured last man Chris Woakes, with a strapped shoulder, joined Gus Atkinson with 17 runs still required. Atkinson hit a six off Siraj to bring the target down to single digits, but the pacer bowled him for 17 to seal the win. Siraj finished the series with 23 wickets at an average of 32.43.
India were without Jasprit Bumrah in the final match, sticking to their plan to play the world’s top-ranked Test bowler in only three games. Siraj led the attack throughout, featuring in all five matches.
On Sunday, England had been in control with Harry Brook (111) and Joe Root (105) sharing a 195-run stand for the fourth wicket. Brook’s dismissal started a collapse, with three wickets falling for 36 runs. Root was also among those dismissed, setting up a tense finish.
Smith and Overton had struggled to score on Sunday, and conditions on Monday under grey skies favoured the Indian bowlers. Overton hit two early boundaries off Prasidh Krishna, but Siraj soon took charge from the Pavilion End. He beat Smith twice before having him caught behind without adding to his score. Overton was lbw to Siraj for nine, with the review confirming the umpire’s decision. Josh Tongue was given out lbw to Krishna, but a review overturned it.
Siraj’s efforts ensured India pulled off a win despite England narrowing the target to single digits. His performance sparked celebrations among the Indian players and fans at the Oval.
Gill hails Siraj, calls 2-2 a fair result
Indian captain Shubman Gill, named Player of the Series for scoring 754 runs with four centuries, praised Siraj’s role. "Siraj is a captain's dream. Gave it his all every ball and every spell he bowled. 2-2 is a fair reflection. It shows how passionate both teams were and how well they played," Gill said at the post-match presentation.
Brook and Rahul praise India’s fightback
England batter Harry Brook admitted he expected the hosts to win comfortably but credited Siraj’s spell for turning the game. "I thought we'll easily take it home in the morning, but the way Siraj bowled, he deserved the success today. Siraj has had a phenomenal series and a finish," said Brook, who was chosen by India head coach Gautam Gambhir as England's Player of the Series.
Opener KL Rahul said the drawn series ranks among Indian cricket’s top moments. "This will rank right at the top. It was pulled off by a team that wasn't given a chance in the absence of giants like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma," Rahul said. He added that the series showed Test cricket remains strong. "We have seen India lift the World Cup, I mean nothing compares to lifting the World Cup. But so many doubts, so many questions from everybody about whether Test cricket will stay or not. I think both the teams and the way we've played in this series, I think we've answered that question," Rahul said.
India’s six-run win ensured the series ended level after five matches, with both teams showcasing resilience and quality throughout. Siraj’s bowling in the final Test stood out as the decisive factor in the thrilling finish.
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Garavi Gujarat
Publications Ltd and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.
Far-right Britain First party co-leaders Paul Golding (front row CL) and Ashlea Simon (front row CR) lead supporters on an anti-immigration 'March for Remigration' calling for mass deportations, in Manchester, on August 2, 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)
FRESH clashes erupted at anti-immigration protests across the UK on Saturday, with police reporting several arrests.
In Manchester, demonstrators demanding mass "remigration" gathered for a march organised by the far-right group Britain First. They were met by anti-racism groups, leading to brief clashes before police separated the two sides, according to an AFP journalist at the scene.
"Send them back, don't let them in -- just stop them coming in, we've got hotels full of immigrants and we've got our own homeless people in the streets begging for food but nowhere to live," said protester Brendan O'Reilly, 66.
Counter-protester Judy, a 60-year-old retired nurse, said she joined the rally "because I don't want to see people full of hate on the streets of Manchester."
"Do they want them all to go back or is it just people with brown skin? I suspect it's just people with brown skin that they want to re-migrate," she added.
In London, rival groups gathered outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in the Barbican area. Clashes broke out before police intervened.
The Metropolitan Police said on X that officers cleared a junction where counter-protesters had assembled in breach of set conditions. "There have been nine arrests so far, with seven for breaching Public Order Act conditions," the force added.
Similar incidents have taken place across the UK in recent weeks, including in Epping, north-east London.
(With inputs from agencies)
Keep ReadingShow less
FILE PHOTO: Members of the local Harrow community attend a memorial service for the victims of the crashed Air India flight and their families at the International Siddhashram Shakti Centre on June 14, 2025 in Harrow, England. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images)
BRITISH families awaiting the remains of relatives who were on board the London-bound Air India Flight 171, which crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad airport, are expecting confirmation on DNA matches following high-level government talks between India and the UK, their legal team has said.
Keystone Law, which has been working with aviation experts to assist many of the bereaved families following the June 12 crash, has this week called for urgency in the process.
During Indian prime minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UK last week, Downing Street confirmed that prime minister Keir Starmer raised the Air India tragedy during bilateral discussions, following UK media reports of alleged mislabelling of some remains repatriated to Britain.
“The UK and Indian governments have held high-level talks, as a result of the international media coverage of this problem,” said James Healy-Pratt, Aviation Partner at Keystone Law.
“It is believed that some matched DNA remains may now have been located in India. Confirmation is awaited.”
A total of 241 passengers and crew died in the disaster, including 52 British nationals. Of the 12 caskets that have been repatriated to the UK so far, two were found to be incorrectly identified.
India’s ministry of external affairs (MEA) responded to the reports, stating that “all mortal remains were handled with utmost professionalism and with due regard for the dignity of the deceased.”
“We are continuing to work with the UK authorities on addressing any concerns related to this issue,” an MEA spokesperson said last month.
When asked to assess the scale of the problem, Keystone Law said that in a sample of 12 repatriated caskets, two were mislabelled, mishandled and misidentified.
“Extrapolated out – with an unacceptable error rate of 15 per cent – that would suggest around 40 sets of remains may have been mislabelled, mishandled, or misidentified. That is a known unknown, and many of the families’ loved ones have already been cremated,” said Healy-Pratt.
Last month, an inquest into the deaths of several British passengers was opened and adjourned in London. Under UK procedure, the identification process is being overseen by the Senior Coroner.
Meanwhile, a preliminary report by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) found that fuel supply to both engines appeared to have been cut off shortly after take-off. Though the engines attempted to restart, it was too late to prevent the Boeing 787 Dreamliner from crashing into B.J. Medical College in Ahmedabad, killing 19 people on the ground.
Keystone Law has also called for more clarity on the transition of fuel cut-off switches, as well as a clearer explanation of the voices heard in the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR).
“The Indian AAIB has this evidence, and for unexplained reasons has not shared these details with the families of AI 171,” said Healy-Pratt.
“The Indian AAIB cannot complain about speculation when the evidence in its possession is not shared transparently with the families.”
The aviation lawyer also urged transparency regarding reported plans for compensation being considered by the Tata Group, the owners of Air India.
“There is talk of TATA setting up a £47 million fund for the AI 171 families – which would provide ex gratia support (legally a gift and separate from any court-ordered compensation against Air India or Boeing) of at least Rs 10 million (£94,000) per victim,” he said.
“Families deserve to receive details of this support urgently, especially as legal proceedings take time in India, England, and the United States.”
The UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) holds "expert status" in the Indian safety investigation and has confirmed it is reviewing the findings of the preliminary report, which was released one month after the crash, on July 12.
The UK-based families have previously called for expert representation in the India-led investigation, to ensure greater transparency and accountability in the inquiry process.
(PTI)
Keep ReadingShow less
India's Akash Deep reacts with England's Ben Duckett after taking his wicket, caught by Dhruv Jurel. Reuters/Paul Childs
INDIA clawed their way back into the deciding Test against England on Friday (1), overcoming a fragile batting collapse and delivering a fiery response with both ball and attitude on a dramatic day at the Oval.
The visitors ended Day 2 on 75-2, leading by 52 runs, but it was the off-field tension and on-field flare-ups that added another layer of intensity to an already thrilling series.
India’s seamer Akash Deep became the unlikely flashpoint in a series that has simmered with competitive tension. After removing England opener Ben Duckett for 43 with a cheeky reverse scoop caught behind, Deep mockingly put his arm around Duckett’s shoulder as he walked off — a move that stunned many, including England’s batting coach Marcus Trescothick.
“I’ve never seen a bowler do that after a dismissal,” said Trescothick. “In my day, someone would’ve probably just dropped the elbow on him. Ben handled it well. Head down, walk off — no need for that kind of send-off.”
Deep’s gesture, which came after Duckett was heard taunting the bowler with “you can’t get me out,” could fall foul of the ICC’s rules against “inappropriate physical contact.” KL Rahul had to step in and pull Deep away, preventing the incident from escalating further.
The drama didn’t stop there. England’s Joe Root, normally the calmest of presences, was visibly furious during a mid-innings exchange with Prasidh Krishna while running between the wickets. Root, clearly provoked, shouted at the Indian seamer — a rare loss of composure from the usually composed batsman.
Krishna later played down the clash. “It was nothing really. Just a bit of banter — competitive edge,” he said. “We’re good mates off the field. It was in the heat of the moment.”
But Krishna admitted there was a strategy behind the chirping. “We wanted to be aggressive with Root, to try and unsettle him. He’s such a great player. I didn’t expect that big a reaction.”
Krishna also found himself in another incident when he threw the ball back at Zak Crawley, striking the bat as Crawley stood in his crease — further adding to the animosity between the sides.
The rising tempers follow earlier friction in the series, with India captain Shubman Gill accusing England of “ignoring the spirit of cricket” after alleged time-wasting tactics by Crawley at Lord’s. England, in turn, were frustrated when India chose to bat on at Old Trafford rather than settle for an early draw.
Despite the evident hostility, Trescothick insisted that the series remained within acceptable bounds. “There’s been plenty of words and arguments, but overall it’s been played in good spirits,” he said.
Yet the competitive tension matched the shifting momentum on the field.
India began Day 2 at 204-6 in their first innings but quickly collapsed to 224 all out, losing their final four wickets in under 30 minutes. Gus Atkinson shone with the ball, claiming 5-33 in his comeback Test, including the wickets of Siraj and Krishna for ducks.
England responded with a blazing start. Crawley and Duckett powered to 92 without loss in just 12 overs, bringing “Bazball” back in style and recording England’s fastest-ever 50 opening partnership in Test cricket. Duckett even played an audacious reverse hook for six off Akash Deep.
At lunch, England were 109-1 and looked set to dominate. But India’s bowlers fought back with relentless pressure. Crawley fell for 64 and Pope for 22. Siraj’s delivery to trap Root lbw for 29 marked a turning point.
Krishna then removed Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton in quick succession, while Siraj bowled Harry Brook for 53 — England’s last notable resistance — to finish with four wickets as well. With Chris Woakes injured, England folded for 247, securing only a 23-run lead.
India's second innings got off to a solid start. Yashasvi Jaiswal remained unbeaten on 51 by stumps, helped along by some aggressive stroke play. Rahul departed for 7, and Sudharsan fell lbw for 11, but India’s lead grew steadily, with Deep not out on 4 at close of play.
Looking ahead, Saturday (2) promises another full house at the Oval, with good weather forecast and the series finely balanced.
Trescothick summed up the mood: “We’re trying to be brave, inventive. That opening stand was the kind of cricket we want to play. But credit to India — they didn’t let the game drift. It’s all set up beautifully for the final three days.”
With England holding a 2-1 lead, India must win to level the series.
(Agencies)
Keep ReadingShow less
A general view of HMP Wandsworth prison on July 12, 2024 in London. (Photo: Getty Images)
THE NUMBER of foreign nationals in prisons in England and Wales has reached its highest level in more than a decade, according to Ministry of Justice data.
There were 10,722 foreign prisoners at the end of June, making up one in eight of the total prison population. They cost an estimated £580 million annually, The Times reported.
Foreign prisoners now account for 10.6 per cent of all sex offenders in prison, with 1,731 jailed for sexual offences, a figure up nearly 10 per cent in the past year. This growth is nearly three times the increase among British sex offenders.
The rise has been linked to record immigration since 2020 and a high number of foreign nationals held on remand, as courts are less likely to grant bail to those considered at risk of leaving the UK.
Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick blamed “uncontrolled immigration” and urged emergency measures to deport all foreign prisoners, The Times reported.
Labour said deportations have increased under the current government, which has introduced laws allowing deportation after serving 30 per cent of a sentence.
Foreign prisoners make up 85 per cent of inmates in some London prisons, with Albanians, Poles and Romanians forming a quarter of the foreign prison population.