Washington: A day after imposing a steep 25% tariff on Indian imports, effective from August 1, US President Donald Trump launched a sharp attack on India’s trade practices. In his late-night message, Trump lashed out at the country's continued trade with Russia and its role in global alliances he considers hostile to American interests.
“I don’t care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care. We have done very little business with India, their Tariffs are too high, among the highest in the World,” Trump wrote.
He also targeted former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, adding, “Tell Medvedev, the failed former President of Russia, who thinks he's still President, to watch his words. He's entering very dangerous territory.”
Have a look at his post here:
Tarrif Decision Based On 'Links With Russia'
While announcing the trade action, Trump accused India of maintaining excessively high tariffs and continuing military and energy purchases from Russia. “India is considered a friend, but we have done relatively little business with them,” he said, pointing to what he described as "unacceptable trade practices" and India’s unwillingness to distance itself from Moscow “at a time when everyone wants Russia to stop the killing in Ukraine”.
Trump concluded his tariff announcement with a typical flourish, “THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER. MAGA!”
Open to Negotiate, But Warns No BRICS
Despite the harsh tone, Trump appeared to leave some room for talks. Calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a friend, he confirmed ongoing negotiations with Indian officials. “We are talking to them now. We will see what happens… They are willing to cut it very substantially,” he said, suggesting a possible easing of duties if a deal is reached soon.
However, Trump’s remarks have also taken a geopolitical turn. He warned that India’s membership in BRICS, which he called “a group of countries that are anti the United States”, could worsen economic relations. “It’s an attack on the dollar, and we’re not going to let anybody attack the dollar,” he said from the White House.
