Trump threatens massive new tariffs within 24 hours, Russia backs India

New Delhi: US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose massive new tariffs (import duties) against India, which could come into effect in the next 24 hours. Trump alleges that India is helping Russia in the Ukraine war by buying oil from Russia. In an interview with CNBC, he said, "India imposes the highest tariff in the world. We had already imposed a 25% tariff, but now I will increase it further, because India is fueling the Russian war machine." Trump's sharp allegations Russian oil trade: Trump wrote on his social media platform' Truth Social' that India is making profits in the global market by buying huge quantities of oil from Russia. Objection to Ukraine war: He said that India is not concerned about the people dying in Ukraine. India's response: 'America's double standards' The Indian government has described Trump's allegations as political and baseless. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said: Western countries' approval: After the Ukraine war began, the US and Europe themselves encouraged India to buy Russian oil so that the global oil market would remain stable. Europe and US-Russian trade: The EU traded €67.5 billion with Russia in 2024, including €17.2 billion in service trade. The US imported uranium, palladium, and fertilizers from Russia. India's position: The MEA made it clear that India will take a decision based on its national interests, and it is unfair to target India alone. Why is Trump angry? Political pressure: Trump wants to please voters by showing a tough stance ahead of the US elections. India-Russia relations: India continued to buy oil from Russia despite Western pressure, which angered the US. Trade imbalance: Trump claims that India earns more than the US, while the US trades less. Russia came in support of India Amid Trump's tariff threats, Russia came out in support of India and said that any sovereign country has the right to choose its trade partners and cannot be threatened with such a thing. The Kremlin spokesperson said, 'It is illegal to force any country to stop trading with Russia. Such pressure against Russia's trading partners will be construed as a threat.' Future challenges If the US increases tariffs, India's software, pharma, and diamond exports could be affected. India could retaliate, such as by imposing a digital tax or other restrictions on US companies. This dispute is more politically motivated than about trade. India has made it clear that it will not bow down to any pressure and will protect its interests. Now it remains to be seen whether Trump implements his threat or this is just an election strategy.