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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called India’s ties with Russia a “point of irritation,” following President Trump’s threat of tariffs over Delhi’s continued oil and arms purchases from Moscow, BBC reported.

Rubio said India’s energy needs are valid but warned that buying Russian crude helps fund the Ukraine war.

Though Russian oil once made up 40 percent of India’s imports, recent reports suggest a decline due to reduced discounts.

India denies ordering a halt in purchases but says it can diversify if needed, according to BBC.

Trump’s remarks drew a sharp response from Russia’s Former President Dmitry Medvedev. India has not responded.

President Donald Trump said he plans to send his foreign envoy, Steve Witkoff, to Russia in the coming days amid growing frustration over Moscow’s continued assault on Ukraine. Speaking at the White House on Thursday, Trump called Russia’s actions “disgusting” and questioned whether more sanctions would impact President Vladimir Putin, Firstpost reported.

Witkoff, currently in the Middle East discussing Israel’s war in Gaza, is expected to visit Russia next. Trump noted that while sanctions may not sway Putin, the US intends to proceed with them regardless.

He also pointed to recent sanctions on Indian goods over its oil trade with Russia and warned China of similar consequences, according to Firstpost.

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order reintroducing tariffs of 10 to 41 percent on imports from 69 countries, citing unfair trade practices. Key partners like the UK and Australia will face baseline rates of 10 percent, with higher duties for others, according to Al Jazeera.

A separate order targets select Canadian goods, briefly citing concerns over drug trafficking cooperation.

Most tariffs take effect August 7, with Canada’s starting August 1. The White House says the delay allows customs time to adjust, Al Jazeera reported.

Israel’s National Security Council has warned of increased threats to Israelis in the UAE, citing possible attacks by Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, and other groups. The warning follows heightened tensions linked to Israel’s military actions in Gaza and Iran, according to Al Jazeera.

Though formal ties were established under the 2020 Abraham Accords, the NSC says Israeli and Jewish targets in the UAE may face risk, especially around Jewish holidays. Citizens are urged to avoid non-essential travel.

The alert comes after three people were sentenced to death in the UAE for the murder of an Israeli rabbi in a suspected terror attack, Al Jazeera reported.