Key Takeaways
- Legal protections for approximately 120,000 Ukrainians in the U.S. are set to expire today, August 15, 2025, raising concerns about potential deportations if the Trump administration does not act.
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that domestically manufactured semiconductor chips will enter the market by the end of this year, signaling a major push for technological self-reliance.
- PM Modi reiterated India's firm stance on water rights with Pakistan, stating that "blood and water cannot flow together" and indicating a continued suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.
- China-built ships are reportedly avoiding U.S. routes due to new port fees imposed by the Trump administration, a move that is disrupting global trade flows and escalating U.S.-China trade tensions.
Legal protections for an estimated 120,000 Ukrainians residing in the United States are expiring today, August 15, 2025, according to reports from The Wall Street Journal. This development puts thousands of Ukrainians at risk of deportation if the Trump administration fails to extend their temporary legal status. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had previously granted "parole" to hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians, including approximately 240,000 under the "Uniting for Ukraine" (U4U) program, following Russia's invasion of their homeland. This temporary status, typically lasting up to two years, provides work permits and protection from deportation. The Trump administration has indicated a move to dismantle Biden-era immigration programs that utilized this parole authority.
In a significant stride towards technological independence, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on India's Independence Day that the nation's first "Made-in-India" semiconductor chips are expected to hit the market by the end of 2025. This initiative is part of India's "Mission Mode" for semiconductor production, reinforcing the government's push for self-reliance in critical technologies. The announcement comes after the Union Cabinet approved four new semiconductor manufacturing projects worth approximately ₹4,600 crore under the India Semiconductor Mission, with global players like Intel (INTC) and Lockheed Martin reportedly among the investors.
Geopolitical tensions in South Asia remain high as Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India's resolve regarding water sharing with Pakistan. Modi stated that "Pakistan will not get a single drop of water that belongs to India," linking the decision to cross-border terrorism, particularly after the Pahalgam attack. He emphasized that "blood and water cannot flow together" and indicated that India would not accept the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in its current form. Pakistan has warned of severe consequences and retaliatory actions if India proceeds with cutting off water flow.
Meanwhile, global trade flows are facing new disruptions as China-built ships are reportedly avoiding U.S. routes. This shift comes in response to new port fees that the Trump administration plans to impose on Chinese-owned and -built vessels docking at American ports. China has strongly criticized these new levies, warning that they would "drive up global shipping costs" and destabilize global production and supply chains. The U.S. asserts that these fees are intended to challenge China's dominance in the shipbuilding industry and address threats to the U.S. supply chain.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.