Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories. “We Want a Deal, Not a Steal” — India Holds Firm on Trade India and the US have pushed their trade deal deadline from July 9 to mid-July, even as President Trump enforces steep retaliatory tariffs on 14 other nations. India, however, isn’t on that list yet. The deal is awaiting Trump’s final sign-off, but Indian negotiators are in no rush. “Vietnam signed too quickly—we’re drawing red lines,” said a senior official, referring to contentious issues like agriculture, dairy, GM seeds, and digital trade. India currently faces a 26% tariff, and with Trump’s August 1 tariff trigger looming, the stakes are high. Trade experts warn these deals reflect pressure, not parity. Apple’s New Ops Boss is India-Born Sabih Khan After nearly 30 years behind the scenes, Apple veteran Sabih Khan has been named Chief Operating Officer, taking over from Jeff Williams. Born in Moradabad, Khan moved from Singapore to the US, earning degrees in economics and mechanical engineering. Joining Apple in 1995, he’s been instrumental in shaping its global supply chain, driving sustainability, and expanding US manufacturing. CEO Tim Cook praised Khan’s values-driven leadership, calling him “a brilliant strategist” and “central architect of Apple’s supply chain.” Khan officially steps into the role later this month. India’s Warship Surge to Counter China India is arming up at sea. Over the next year, the Navy will induct six homegrown stealth frigates—Udaygiri, Taragiri, Mahendragiri, Himgiri, Dunagiri, and Vindhyagiri—under Project 17A. These 6,670-tonne vessels, with 75% indigenous content, are armed with BrahMos missiles and cutting-edge tech. The ₹45,000-crore project marks a significant upgrade over earlier Shivalik-class ships. INS Udaygiri has already been delivered, and the rest will follow by August 2026. PM Modi, at a rare tri-commissioning earlier this year, called it a step toward a self-reliant Navy. By 2047, the Navy aims to be fully ‘atmanirbhar’ with 60 warships under construction. Modi Bags Brazil’s Top Civilian Honour In Brazil, PM Modi was awarded the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross—the country’s highest civilian honour—for deepening India-Brazil ties and advancing global cooperation. “This is a moment of immense pride for 140 crore Indians,” Modi said, calling President Lula the “architect” of the strategic partnership. This is Modi’s 26th international award since 2014. Just days earlier, he received Trinidad and Tobago’s top honour—the Order of the Republic—making him the first foreign leader to earn it. Trump Targets BRICS with 10% Tariff Threat Donald Trump has launched a fresh broadside against BRICS. Calling the bloc an attempt to “destroy the dollar,” Trump warned that all BRICS nations—including India—will face a 10% tariff if he returns to office. “If they want to play games, I can play too,” he said. Trump claimed BRICS is not a “serious threat,” but accused it of trying to dethrone the dollar as the world’s standard. He slammed President Biden’s handling of the dollar’s global status, saying losing it would be like “losing a world war.” Trump added, “The dollar is king. We’re going to keep it that way.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices