Pompous Donald Trump hits India with 25% tariffs, condemns ties with Russia

The US will impose 25% tariffs on Indian imports from August 1, as Trump calls India “friendly” but slams its trade policies and Russia dealings. India defends its energy purchases as economically vital, risking further trade tensions between the two nations.

New Delhi: US President Donald Trump, taking a major economic decision against India, has announced that the US will now impose an additional 25% tariff on imported goods from India. This new tariff will be applicable from 1 August. Trump made this announcement through a post on his social media platform, 'Truth Social.'

Trump levies tariffs while describing India as a friendly county

Trump, in his statement, described India as a 'friendly country' but also strongly criticized India's trade policies. He said that India has one of the highest tariff rates in the world, and the non-tariff barriers here are also challenging for American trade. According to Trump, this is why trade between the US and India has been relatively low in the last several years.

Desist India's support to Russia

Trump also raised two other important issues in this case. First, he objected to India's purchase of military equipment from Russia. Second, he described India and China as partners in maintaining the Russia-Ukraine war, alleging that these two countries are the leading buyers of Russia's oil. Trump believes that when the whole world wants Russia to close the war in Ukraine, India and China's purchasing oil from Russia helps to maintain this crisis.

India stands firm on its decision

The Government of India has already made its stand clear about oil purchases from Russia. Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has said many times that India's oil procurement policy is completely based on economic interests, not on any political agenda. He has clarified that India decides to purchase oil keeping in mind its energy needs and budgetary boundaries.

Further deteriorates India-US Relations

This new tariff can create a new stress in Indo-US trade relations. Experts believe that this can cause damage to Indian exporters, especially in areas that export significant amounts to the US.

Also, this step can also affect many business talks going on between the two countries. Now it has to be seen how the Government of India responds to this challenge and whether the two countries are able to reach an agreement to resolve.

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