Sitharaman has been vocal on this issue for months, painting a vivid picture: a borrower seeking a housing loan with adequate security shouldn’t face pressure to bundle in unwanted policies. Her words carry weight, especially after RBI issued explicit orders making mis-selling non-negotiable.

Profitability, she insisted, should stem from core activities. Banks need to aggressively grow their low-cost CASA deposit base, a strategy she previously championed over direct capital injections from the state. This shift promises healthier balance sheets and reduced reliance on expensive funding.

Turning to international ripples from U.S. policy shifts, including escalated import duties now at 15% for 150 days affecting India and others, Sitharaman advised restraint. The Commerce Ministry is dissecting the fallout, with trade talks delegations set to navigate the terrain ahead. An interim U.S.-India pact meeting stands rescheduled.

India’s proactive trade diplomacy shines through finalized deals with key partners like the UAE, EU, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Qatar, and Oman. These alliances position the nation for robust economic growth via expanded global access.

Addressing gold price volatility, the minister linked recent upticks to global central bank hoarding of the yellow metal and silver. Cultural affinity keeps gold central to Indian savings, amplified during holidays. Yet, with oversight from authorities, the trend remains manageable for now.

Speaking to reporters, Peskov debunked the notion of exclusivity in Russia-India oil trade. ‘India sources crude from many nations; we’re just one among them,’ he said. No promises to end imports were made in recent agreements, he added, with Russia unaware of any such plans from official channels.

Trump’s statement tied the alleged oil halt to tariff cuts on Indian exports, slashing duties to 18%. Yet, Moscow sees no disruption on the horizon. Foreign Ministry’s Maria Zakharova stressed the irreplaceable value of Russian crude for Indian refineries, citing unique grades and blending needs that U.S. supplies can’t match overnight.

This comes against a backdrop of India’s surging imports from Russia since 2022 sanctions. By 2025, Russian oil comprised about a third of India’s crude basket, though volumes have softened lately due to market shifts. Still, bilateral energy collaboration promises stability in volatile global arenas.

Peskov framed India’s choices as independent, driven by commercial logic and security imperatives rather than foreign diktats. The strategic alliance endures, underscoring resilience in Indo-Russian relations amid U.S. trade overtures.

Observers note this spat reveals deeper tensions in energy geopolitics. As India balances ties with major powers, Russia’s reassurance bolsters confidence in sustained supplies, potentially influencing future import trends and pricing dynamics worldwide.