PM Modi concluded his visit to Japan, highlighted by rides on the bullet train and a semiconductor plant visit, reinforcing technology and transport ties. This preceded his first trip to China in seven years for the SCO summit, where he received a grand welcome and was scheduled for discussions with President Xi Jinping and Russia's Putin. Concurrently, the ongoing US tariff dispute saw a new development as an appeals court ruled many of President Trump's tariffs illegal. Despite this, Trump remained defiant. Media reports further indicated that a New York Times article alleged Trump imposed tariffs on India due to PM Modi's actions, possibly regarding a Nobel nomination, which reportedly bruised Trump's ego. India's Defense Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized prioritizing India's permanent interests. Separately, PM Modi spoke with Ukraine's President Zelenskyy before his anticipated meeting with Putin, reaffirming India's support for peace.