Washington/New Delhi – U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a 50% tariff on Indian goods, doubling the previous rate and drawing criticism from both Indian officials and American media. The move has raised several questions about U.S. foreign policy priorities, especially in the context of global trade with Russia.
Trump’s Reasoning
According to President Trump, the tariff hike is a direct response to India’s continued purchase of large quantities of Russian oil. He argues that such trade financially supports Russia’s war effort in Ukraine.
India’s Response
The Indian government has called the decision “illogical,” pointing out that the U.S. and European countries also maintain significant trade with Russia. Officials stated that India will “take every necessary step” to protect its economic and strategic interests.
Media Reactions in the U.S.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ)
- WSJ’s editorial board noted Trump’s earlier warning that India could face a 50% tariff if it continued buying Russian oil.
- The paper questioned why China—purchasing much more Russian oil than India—has been spared similar penalties.
- It also highlighted that past U.S. presidents saw India as a strategic counterbalance to China in the Asia-Pacific.
- The WSJ warned that targeting India while sparing China could weaken American support in India.
The Washington Post
- The Post reported that India-U.S. relations are now at their lowest point in a decade.
- PM Narendra Modi is seen balancing domestic political considerations with the need to maintain ties with both the U.S. and Russia.
- The paper recalled U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti’s statement last year that India’s Russian oil purchases had, in part, been encouraged by the U.S. to keep global prices stable.
- Experts quoted by the Post believe Modi will resist ending trade with Russia and continue balancing relations between the two powers.
The New York Times (NYT)
- The NYT described the new tariff as an “economic war” and compared India’s situation to Brazil’s, which also faces a 50% U.S. tariff.
- It noted that in Trump’s second term, many expected closer U.S.-India cooperation to counter China, but the tariff suggests Washington now views New Delhi as a political opponent.
- Potentially affected sectors include pharmaceuticals and semiconductors:
- Around 40% of generic medicines sold in the U.S. are manufactured in India.
- U.S. tech giant Micron is investing $2.5 billion in a semiconductor facility in Gujarat.
- The NYT expressed doubt about future India-U.S. cooperation against China, given India’s strong position in services (earning $65 billion annually from IT and other exports).
- The paper pointed out that China and Turkey have also increased Russian energy imports but have not faced similar penalties.
Bloomberg
- Bloomberg reported that Modi’s planned talks with Brazil’s President Lula and his upcoming visit to China have gained new strategic significance after the tariff announcement.
- The outlet highlighted that India, Brazil, China, and Russia are founding members of BRICS-a group Trump has labeled “anti-American.”
- Brazil is also facing a 50% tariff from the U.S.
Strategic Concerns
Analysts warn that Trump’s tariff policy could strain long-standing India-U.S. relations, undermine cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, and potentially push India closer to other BRICS nations.
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Pics: pixabay.com
Story: Staff BlazeB
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