Washington: In yet another sharp escalation of rhetoric, US President Donald Trump on Thursday lashed out at India’s strategic partnership with Russia, just a day after imposing a 25% tariff on Indian imports, citing high tariffs and Russian oil purchases by New Delhi.
In a scathing post on Truth Social, Trump declared:
“I don’t care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care.”
The remarks have stirred widespread concern in diplomatic and trade circles, especially with India already reeling from the surprise tariff and penalty declaration.
“India’s Tariffs Are Among the Highest in the World”
Trump accused India of maintaining excessively high tariffs and enforcing “the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary Trade Barriers of any Country.”
He claimed these barriers have led to “very little business” between the two nations, despite India being a long-time US partner.
“We have done very little business with India because their tariffs are far too high,” Trump said.
“Also, they buy most of their military equipment from Russia and are one of its largest energy buyers.”
Tensions Rise Over India-Russia Oil and Arms Ties
India’s purchase of discounted Russian crude oil — now over 40% of its total imports — and continued defence cooperation with Moscow have clearly irked the US administration.
Trump linked these ties to New Delhi’s penalty, stating:
“At a time when everyone wants Russia to STOP THE KILLING IN UKRAINE… India will therefore be paying a tariff of 25%, plus a penalty for the above, starting on August 1.”
Trump Warns Russia’s Medvedev
Trump also fired shots at former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, calling him a “failed former President” and warning him to “watch his words.” This came after Medvedev criticized Trump’s “ultimatum game,” warning that it could lead to a direct US-Russia conflict.
India Responds: National Interest Is Priority
India’s Ministry of Commerce & Industry has issued a cautious but firm statement, saying:
“The Government attaches utmost importance to protecting the welfare of our farmers, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs. All necessary steps will be taken to secure national interest.”
The ministry also confirmed that ongoing trade deal talks with the US had not been abandoned and that a comprehensive review of the tariffs’ impact is underway.
India’s Growing Russia Engagement
India’s deepening economic ties with Russia include:
- Discounted crude oil (from <2% in early 2022 to 40% by June 2024)
- Refined oil exports to global markets
- Nuclear energy cooperation
- Defence deals with flexible terms and strategic tech transfers
These partnerships have long been central to India’s foreign policy autonomy, especially in energy and security sectors.
Donald Trump’s harsh remarks signal a new low in Indo-US trade relations, with broader implications for geopolitics in Asia. As New Delhi walks a diplomatic tightrope between strategic autonomy and global partnerships, the unfolding scenario may redefine India’s economic alignments in the months ahead.
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