Indian media on September 26 extensively covered President Trump's newly announced tariffs, particularly the 100% tariff on drugs, which reports indicated would significantly impact India's pharmaceutical exports. The Indian stock market reacted negatively, with shares of pharma companies falling.
Concurrently, the farewell of the MiG-21 fighter jets from Indian service was widely reported, with discussions on its legacy and significance to India-Russia ties. By late morning, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's arrest in Leh, following violent statehood protests in Ladakh, became a prominent story. Reports cited provocative speeches and the potential involvement of political groups and Pakistan in the unrest.
In the afternoon, India strongly rejected NATO Chief Mark Rutte's claim that PM Modi had contacted President Putin about Ukraine, calling the statement "baseless." Diplomatic walkouts during Israeli PM Netanyahu's UN General Assembly speech, protesting the Gaza war, also garnered significant attention.