<h1>US and India near tariff-cutting trade deal as security incidents, cross-border terrorism, and looming government shutdown raise legal issues</h1> US and India are reported to be nearing a trade agreement that would lower tariffs, with the US executive signaling close bilateral relations and appointing a new envoy to strengthen ties; these developments could affect tariff schedules and diplomatic immunities. India informed the UN Security Council of cross-border terrorism and illicit arms trafficking implicating international law and state responsibility. The US State Department said it is monitoring an explosion at a major public site, raising potential criminal and security law issues. Coverage also notes regional political visits and ongoing conflicts in South Asia, West Asia and a looming US government shutdown.