ISLAMABAD – US President Donald Trump declared massive 25percent tariff on all Indian imports, accusing Modi led Indian govenrment of unfair trade practices and cozying up to Washington’s rival Kremlin.
From August 1, sweeping tariff marks one of most aggressive trade actions against India in recent history, and it’s already rattling investors and diplomats alike.
In a social media post, Trump said “India is a friend, but they’ve taken advantage of us for too long,” Trump blasted in a scathing online statement. “They hit us with outrageous tariffs, and still buy weapons and oil from Putin’s Russia. That ends now.”
Calling India’s trade policies “strenuous and obnoxious,” Trump vowed that the tariff would serve as both an economic penalty and a geopolitical warning shot. He slammed India’s continued purchases of Russian energy and arms, even as the world condemns Moscow’s war in Ukraine, saying, “You can’t have it both ways.”
The dramatic move stunned US allies and sparked immediate turbulence in global markets. Analysts are warning of a potential trade war with India, one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world.
“It’s a risky move, this could seriously damage US India relations,” said one international trade expert. “But it’s classic Trump: bold, brash, and disruptive.”
Indian officials have yet to respond publicly, but sources in New Delhi say the government is “weighing all options” raising the possibility of retaliatory measures.
The tariff bombshell comes amid a larger US push to reshape global supply chains and isolate nations that maintain strong ties with the Kremlin. Trump, known for his hardline “America First” approach, appears to be upping the pressure — using trade as a tool of foreign policy once again.
“India can’t sit on the fence anymore,” Trump warned. “It’s time to choose: Russia or the free world.”
As global community reacts, one thing is clear, POTUS once again turned the world stage on its head. Whether this bold gamble pays off, or backfires, remains to be seen.
