The order, effective 21 days after the announcement, will bring the combined tariffs imposed by the United States on Indian goods to 50 percent.
Trump on Monday threatened to “substantially” raise tariffs on goods imported from India, citing India’s purchases of Russian oil.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded to Trump’s threat with a statement saying that “the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable” and that India’s oil imports are meant to “ensure predictable and affordable energy costs” for Indian consumers.
India began importing from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and “the United States at that time actively encouraged such imports by India for strengthening global energy markets stability,” said the statement.
On July 29, Trump set a 10-day deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire with Ukraine. The latest punitive tariff on Indian goods is seen as part of the U.S. pressure campaign targeting Russia.
Speaking to reporters outside the White House on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, Homan drew a stark contrast between the UK’s handling of its agreement with Rwanda and the approach being taken by the current US administration under President Donald Trump.
When asked why the UK was unsuccessful in executing its plan to send migrants to Rwanda, Homan responded bluntly: “They’re not the United States of America. They don’t have President Trump running the show.”
The UK’s plan to relocate asylum seekers who entered the country illegally to Rwanda was scrapped in 2024 after the Labour Party came to power. The party argued that the agreement with Rwanda would not effectively address the growing number of migrants arriving in the UK, and that it raised legal and ethical concerns.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has since faced domestic criticism for having no viable alternative to deter irregular migration, with critics saying his government abandoned the Rwanda scheme without a clear replacement.
Meanwhile, the US has moved ahead with its own deal with Rwanda, with at least 250 migrants expected to be transferred from the US to Rwanda. The move is part of President Trump’s broader immigration strategy, which includes tougher border enforcement and international partnerships.
Asked when the first deportees would be sent to Rwanda under the new agreement, Homan kept it brief: “Working on it,” he said.
Reports indicated that the number of migrants could exceed the initial 250, depending on future negotiations. Importantly, migrants will not be required to stay in Rwanda against their will as they will have the option to relocate to third countries.
“Under the agreement, Rwanda has the ability to approve each individual proposed for resettlement. Those approved will be provided with workforce training, healthcare, and accommodation support to jumpstart their lives in Rwanda, giving them the opportunity to contribute to one of the fastest-growing economies in the world over the last decade,” Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo said.
The agreements were signed on August 6, 2025, at the conclusion of the Ministerial Session of the Third Joint Permanent Commission between Rwanda and Zimbabwe. The meeting aimed to review and strengthen trade and investment relations between the two countries.
On the Rwandan side, the agreements were signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, while Zimbabwe was represented by his counterpart, Prof. Dr. Amon Murwira.
Minister Nduhungirehe noted that both countries had sufficient time to explore areas of cooperation following the second session of the commission held in Harare, Zimbabwe, in 2023.
The meeting laid the groundwork for signing the new agreements covering youth development, collaboration between police institutions, health, customs information exchange, and expansion of energy sector cooperation.
He also pointed out that Rwanda and Zimbabwe already collaborate in several areas such as agriculture, correctional services, and tourism, stressing the importance of implementing the signed agreements.
“We must focus heavily on implementation. Let’s act on the decisions made today to produce tangible results. Establishing follow-up mechanisms, facilitating knowledge exchange, and working together to solve governance-related challenges are crucial,” he said.
He further stated that Zimbabwe is ready to work with Rwanda in the field of justice, with ongoing discussions aimed at finalising a prisoner transfer agreement. Talks are also nearing completion on avoiding double taxation and collaborating on social development programmes.
Minister Nduhungirehe described Zimbabwe as a key partner for Rwanda, with over 25 cooperation agreements signed to date aimed at boosting both countries’ economies.
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Dr. Amon Murwira, expressed his country’s interest in working closely with Rwanda in various sectors.
“We consider the Rwanda–Zimbabwe partnership vital, as it has grown significantly over the years. Since our meeting in 2021, we’ve witnessed remarkable progress in several sectors. This reflects the strong collaboration, friendship, and mutual respect between us,” he said.
He also praised the establishment of a joint Rwanda–Zimbabwe Business Forum, noting its potential to highlight partnership opportunities in agriculture and agro-processing, tourism, mineral extraction, industrial development, and other sectors that can benefit both populations.
Prof. Murwira highlighted existing cooperation in education, which is already yielding results. He confirmed that the deployment of a second group of Zimbabwean teachers to Rwanda is nearing completion.
He also mentioned his visit to Norrsken Kigali, which supports youth-led tech innovation projects, and identified it as a potential area for joint efforts in advancing technology and industrial growth.
Prof. Murwira added that Zimbabwe is prepared to offer scholarships to Rwandan students interested in furthering their knowledge, particularly in innovation and industrial development.
Twirwaneho spokesperson Kamasa Ndakize Welcome announced on Tuesday, 5 August, that joint attacks involving the FDLR, FARDC, and a faction of the Mai Mai Ngomanzito militia had begun in the villages of Irumba and Rugezi, located in southern Minembwe.
“Since the early hours of August 5, joint offensives by government forces, including FARDC, FDLR genocidaires, and Mai Mai Ngomanzito, have been carried out on Banyamulenge villages in Irumba and Rugezi,” he stated.
The reports come just days after the community raised concerns that FDLR fighters were undergoing training in Burundi, ahead of being deployed to join FARDC, Burundian forces, and Wazalendo militias in operations targeting the Banyamulenge.
“Military training, which constitutes a criminal act, is being provided to FDLR fighters in Burundi before they are deployed to the DRC. We continue to condemn this. Approximately 20,000 are currently in training, and more than 3,000 have already crossed into the DRC,” the group stated earlier.
Twirwaneho also indicated that credible intelligence showed each FDLR combatant receives $50 prior to leaving Burundi and is then dispatched to areas such as Luvungi, Lubarika, and Lemera, where they reportedly establish temporary bases.
However, in his latest statement, the Twirwaneho spokesperson clarified that Burundian forces were not involved in the August 5 attacks and called for their complete and public withdrawal from what the movement described as a wider campaign to annihilate the Banyamulenge.
“We affirm that Burundian troops did not take part in today’s attacks. We hope they will completely and publicly distance themselves from such operations. Withdrawing from this genocidal war would mark a major step toward peace,” he said.
Twirwaneho reiterated its commitment to peace but stressed its right to defend civilians under threat using all means permitted by law.
The attacks continue despite prior commitments to a ceasefire and an end to violence in eastern DRC, as ongoing talks between the DRC government and the AFC/M23 rebel group proceed.
In recent weeks, the rebel group has accused FARDC and its allied militias of carrying out coordinated attacks, urging the international community to condemn the violence and support a peaceful resolution to the conflict, one they say is rooted in the marginalisation and persecution of Banyamulenge communities in eastern DRC.
Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe made the announcement during a strategic engagement with Harare City Councillors and municipal officials on Monday. He emphasised that informal trade has severely undermined the viability of formal businesses in Harare’s central business district.
“The proliferation of street and night vending has destroyed the viability of formal businesses in our city,” Minister Garwe stated.
“The government has therefore moved to ban the importation and sale of second-hand clothes, as well as all forms of street vending.”
According to Garwe, informal trading spaces have not only disrupted regulated commerce but have also become hotspots for illicit drug activities and other underground dealings, posing threats to public health and national security.
To ensure effective enforcement, the Minister urged Harare City Council to collaborate closely with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP). He also called for a humane and community-sensitive approach when implementing the new directive, referencing past incidents in which vendors were mistreated during clean-up campaigns.
“Enforcement should not be about being tough or brutal,” he said. “Let us engage with vendor associations and educate the public while upholding law and order.”
In addition to the crackdown on informal trading, Garwe pressed city authorities to urgently address Harare’s worsening traffic congestion, which he described as “unacceptable.”
He encouraged the reinforcement of municipal by-laws to improve the capital’s overall functionality and flow.
“Restoring order in our city is not optional,” he added. “We must act now to preserve the integrity of formal businesses and the safety of our communities.”
The ban is expected to impact thousands who rely on vending for their livelihoods.
Addressing provincial leaders in North Kivu during a high-level meeting held in Goma on August 4, 2025, Gen. Makenga stressed that meaningful change cannot be achieved through words alone but must be reflected in actions on the ground.
“Change must be demonstrated through action,” he said. “As leaders, the people you serve must see the difference in the way you govern. The country has been in disarray for far too long, and restoring order will take time. But the roadmap exists and with collective effort, including yours and ours, transformation is possible.”
He emphasised that the process of change must begin from within the movement itself, urging fighters and leaders to embody the values they aspire to promote.
“Transformation starts with us. We must show our people and the world that we are not the same. You cannot change someone else if you have not changed yourself,” he added.
Gen. Makenga also denounced the practices that have plagued the Congolese state, including the looting of national resources and systemic corruption. He said the AFC/M23 must commit to ending such behaviours and focus on restoring peace and stability in the country.
The rebel group controls large swathes of territory in eastern DRC and is currently in talks with the Kinshasa administration in a Qatar-led process to end the longstanding stalemate.
According to RSE CEO, Pierre Celestin Rwabukumba, at least Frw 98 billion was mobilised through the primary market, spearheaded by the issuance and listing of two Treasury bonds under the regular Treasury bond programme.
The bonds recorded a high subscription rate of 246%, which the CEO says reflects strong investor appetite and growing confidence in Rwanda’s macroeconomic stability and fiscal discipline.
Additionally, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) raised Frw 24 billion through the second tranche of its Medium-Term Note Programme, with a subscription level of 171.4%, a strong signal of Rwanda’s rising attractiveness to global investors.
Another key development in July was the approval granted to Africa Medical Supplier PLC to raise Frw 5 billion through the issuance of Rwanda’s first healthcare-dedicated corporate bond. The five-year bond, with a 13.25% annual yield, represents a significant step towards unlocking private capital for the health sector, enhancing access to essential medical supplies across the country.
Mahwi Grain Millers, a leading agri-processing firm, also announced plans to issue a second tranche of its corporate bond, previously listed on the RSE, showcasing how local enterprises are leveraging capital markets to support growth and contribute to national food security.
In the secondary market, trading volumes continued to rise, with investor participation approaching 100,000 active accounts. The month also saw a notable improvement in the REPO (repurchase agreement) market, where transactions reached a cumulative value of Frw 367.6 billion, providing greater flexibility for financial institutions to manage short-term liquidity.
Meanwhile, MTN Group deepened its investor relations initiatives through strategic meetings with the RSE and the Capital Market Authority, focusing on transparency, regulatory compliance, and communication with shareholders.
Reflecting on the exceptional market performance, Rwabukumba, who is also the President of the African Securities Exchanges Association (ASEA), said the momentum seen in July highlights growing investor confidence and the strategic role of capital markets in national development.
“This significant capital is set to advance key national development goals, including capital market deepening while reinforcing investor trust in Rwanda’s sound fiscal policies and stable macroeconomic environment,” he noted.
“As the year progresses, the Rwanda Stock Exchange remains committed to promoting a robust and inclusive financial ecosystem,” he added, encouraging more companies, including SMEs and institutional investors, to explore the capital markets as a sustainable source of financing and wealth creation.
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Looking back at 2024, the Rwanda Stock Exchange recorded a total market turnover of Frw 129 billion, marking a 126 percent increase from the previous year. The Rwanda Share Index rose by 15.9 percent, while the All Rwanda Share Index increased by 3.6 percent, signalling steady growth and enhanced investor confidence.
By the end of 2024, the total market capitalisation was valued at $2.7 billion in equities and $1.5 billion in debt securities. Funds raised during the year amounted to Frw 271 billion, circulating approximately Frw 400 billion in the market across listed companies and bonds.
The crises in Sudan, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have been driving an average of 600 people to cross the border daily in search of safety and lifesaving aid, said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, at a daily briefing, citing the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
Uganda is already the largest refugee-hosting country in Africa and the third largest globally, said Haq.
Uganda’s progressive refugee policy allows refugees to live, work and access public services, but funding shortfalls are drastically impacting aid delivery and threaten to undo years of progress, he said.
Currently, Uganda’s refugee response is only 25 percent funded, and UNHCR is calling for more urgent and sustained international support and solidarity to ensure refugees and their local communities can live safe and more dignified lives, said the spokesperson.
The legislation, comprising 111 articles, was passed on August 4, 2025, following a thorough article-by-article review that lasted several hours. According to the Chamber’s Committee on Social Affairs, which scrutinised the draft, 20 articles were added for clarity while 29 were removed.
Committee chairperson Uwamariya Veneranda noted that one of the most debated provisions concerns assisted reproduction, which will be available to married couples where a qualified medical professional confirms that natural conception is not possible.
Lawmakers also agreed to lower the minimum age for independent consent to some healthcare services from 18 to 15. MP Izere Ingrid Marie Parfaite supported the move but stressed the need for education and preventive measures, including condom distribution.
“Why don’t we put more effort into giving them condoms, which can also prevent diseases such as HIV?” she said.
Several MPs proposed that parents be informed when minors seek certain services, including family planning.
The law also permits the preservation of gametes and embryos for future reproductive use, as well as surrogacy for individuals with medically confirmed infertility, in line with legal and regulatory requirements.
State Minister for Health Dr. Yvan Butera clarified that the provisions do not grant unrestricted access to all family planning services for 15-year-olds.
“The services for adolescents will be clearly defined in the regulations. For instance, permanent sterilisation will not be allowed,” he said.
The bill was first tabled before Parliament on November 5, 2024, before undergoing review by the Committee on Social Affairs.
“India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
Indian goods imported into the United States will be subject to a 25 percent tariff starting August 7, according to an executive order signed by Trump on July 31.
Besides the 25 percent tariff, Trump had earlier said he would impose a penalty for India’s purchase of Russian oil, without elaborating on details.
In early April, Trump announced 26 percent reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods in addition to the 10 percent baseline tariffs, but he then paused the imposition of such tariffs.
In response to Trump’s new threat, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement that “the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable,” and that India’s oil imports are meant to “ensure predictable and affordable energy costs” for Indian consumers.
“Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security,” according to the statement on the ministry’s website.
The U.S. goods trade deficit with India was 45.8 billion U.S. dollars in 2024, up 5.9 percent from 2023, according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative.
Many countries have voiced strong opposition to the recent U.S. tariff measures.
