India-Canada Sign CEPA & Uranium Deal, Aim for 100 GW Nuclear Power by 2047 Under SHANTI Act

Canada-US Trade War: 50% Tariffs Hit $28B Goods, India Seeks CEPA by Year-End 2026

On August 22, 2026, the US imposed 50% tariffs on $28 billion of Canadian goods, escalating a trade war. This creates a strategic opening for India as Canada seeks to diversify non-US exports and fast-track a CEPA with India, targeting $50 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.

India's LPG Imports from US Hit 67% as West Asia Supply Falls 85% Amid Hormuz Crisis

India's LPG imports from the US have surged to 67% of total, a massive shift from the earlier 10% target. This diversification comes as imports from West Asia dropped 85% between February and June 2026, highlighting the strategic importance of reducing reliance on the Strait of Hormuz. For UPSC/Banking students, this is a key case study in energy security, geopolitical risk, and trade diversification.

Anil Kakodkar Advocates Early Thorium Shift in PHWR Fleet for India’s 100 GWe Nuclear Mission by 2047

India's top nuclear scientist Anil Kakodkar urges early introduction of thorium-based fuel in India's indigenous PHWR fleet to accelerate utilisation of the world's largest thorium reserves. This strategic shift, using HALEU-thorium fuel without major design changes, aims to reduce uranium import dependency and achieve the 100 GWe nuclear mission by 2047.

India-Bhutan Sign ₹4,000 Cr LoC; 12 New PTA Projects Under 13th FYP Approved

India and Bhutan reviewed development cooperation, signed a ₹4,000 crore concessional LoC, and approved 12 new PTA projects under Bhutan's 13th Five-Year Plan (2024-29). This reinforces India's position as Bhutan's largest development partner, with total support of ₹10,000 crore for the plan period.

India-Canada CEPA Talks Fast-Tracked; $50 Bn Trade Target by 2030, PM Modi Visit in Dec 2026

India and Canada are accelerating efforts to finalize a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) ahead of PM Modi's proposed visit to Canada in December 2026. Both sides aim to expand bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030 and have launched a strategy focusing on nuclear energy, critical minerals, clean energy, and allied sectors. This marks a major reset in ties after the 2023 diplomatic row.

US Lindsey O. Graham Act Sanctions Russian Oil, Exempts Low-Enriched Uranium Imports for Nuclear Reactors

The US signed a law imposing up to 100% tariffs on importers of Russian oil/gas, but exempts its own imports of low-enriched uranium from Russia. This exposes a strategic contradiction: while pressuring India and China, the US relies on Russia for 20% of its nuclear fuel needs. For India, which sources 45% of its oil from Russia, this law poses a direct challenge to its energy security.

PM Modi's Dec 2026 Multi-Nation Visit Aims to Finalise India-Canada CEPA, India-EU FTA, US BTA

India is planning a high-stakes multi-nation visit by PM Modi in December 2026 to finalise three major trade agreements: the India-Canada CEPA, the India-EU FTA, and the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement. The visit is timed around the G20 Summit in Miami, where key bilateral and Quad meetings are also expected.

U.S. Senate Passes 100% Tariff Bill on India, China Under Russia Sanctions Act

The US Senate has passed a bill allowing President Trump to impose 100% tariffs on top importers of Russian oil, including India. This is a strategic move to pressure countries supporting Russia's war economy. The bill, named after late Senator Lindsey Graham, also extends Iran sanctions. India must assess its energy dependence and potential trade retaliation.