Breaking News: Vaishno Devi Landslides Kill Over 30 Amid Torrential Rains; US Imposes 50% Tariffs on Indian Goods

Jammu & Kashmir / Washington D.C. – A day marked by tragedy and significant economic policy shifts has seen India grapple with the devastating aftermath of heavy rains causing deadly landslides on the revered Vaishno Devi Yatra route, even as the United States officially implemented steep tariffs on a wide array of Indian exports. The dual crises present a stark contrast of natural disaster and geopolitical economic strategy dominating the day’s news.

Vaishno Devi Tragedy Claims Dozens Amidst Torrential Downpour

In Jammu and Kashmir, incessant heavy rainfall over the past several days triggered a catastrophic landslide on Tuesday afternoon, August 26, 2025, near Adhkuwari, along the popular pilgrimage route to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. Officials confirmed that the deluge caused the mountainside to give way, sending boulders, rocks, and debris hurtling down, striking pilgrims who were caught unawares. Latest reports indicate that the death toll has risen to over 30, with figures ranging between 30 and 34 individuals losing their lives. In addition to the fatalities, approximately 20 to 23 people sustained injuries and are receiving medical attention. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has been actively involved in rescue operations, providing essential medical care to the injured.

The devastating incident led to the immediate suspension of the Yatra, with authorities advising intending pilgrims to replan their journeys once the weather improves. The heavy rains have also severely impacted infrastructure across the region, causing widespread damage to roads, bridges, and leading to disruptions in power and communication networks. Train services to and from Jammu and Katra were significantly affected, with several trains cancelled or short-terminated, stranding thousands of passengers. Questions have been raised by some regarding the timing of the Yatra’s suspension, with weather alerts reportedly forecasting very heavy rainfall and the possibility of landslides.

US Tariffs Escalate to 50% on Indian Goods, Citing Russian Oil Purchases

Concurrently, on the international front, the United States officially enacted a new round of tariffs on Indian goods, effective from midnight Eastern Daylight Time on August 27, 2025. This move escalates the existing 25% tariff to a cumulative 50% on a broad spectrum of Indian exports. The Trump administration has explicitly linked these punitive measures to India’s continued procurement of discounted crude oil from Russia, with US Vice President J.D. Vance stating that the tariffs serve as “aggressive economic leverage” designed to pressure Russia and curb its war-time profits.

This significant tariff hike is projected to have a profound impact on India’s export-driven economy. Labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, apparel, gems and jewellery, seafood, and leather goods are anticipated to bear the brunt, with potential slashes in exports to the US by up to 45%, jeopardizing thousands of jobs. Indian businesses have expressed deep concern, with some halting production and actively seeking government assistance and exploring alternative markets in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has responded by urging citizens to prioritize ‘Made in India’ products, promoting a ‘vocal for local’ campaign to bolster domestic industries amidst the challenging trade landscape.

The imposition of these tariffs has strained the diplomatic and trade relationship between India and the United States. New Delhi has criticized the move as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable,” questioning why it is being singled out when other major economies also import significant quantities of Russian oil. Analysts suggest that the economic gains India has realized from cheaper Russian oil imports could be rapidly eroded by these new duties, potentially reshaping India’s strategic trade partnerships with both Russia and the US.