Donald Trump announced that India will see a significant increase in tariffs.
Donald Trump once again stated that India has the highest tariffs in the world on American goods…
Trump warns of higher tariffs on India over Russian oil and arms trade. India hits back, calling US threats unjustified. Russia joins in defense.
1. Breaking: Trump Plans Higher Tariffs on India in 24 Hours
In a major political development, former US President Donald Trump declared on Tuesday that he might increase tariffs on Indian imports within the next 24 hours. The warning came just a day after he criticized India for continuing to buy Russian oil and military hardware, which he believes is indirectly supporting Russia’s war efforts.
2. Trump’s Statement: “India Is Not a Favorable Trading Ally”
During a candid interview with CNBC, Trump didn’t hold back.
“India imposes the highest tariffs on American products. They trade with us heavily, but we don’t trade much with them. I agreed to 25%, but I think I’ll increase that significantly tomorrow,” Trump said.
He further warned:
“Their continued purchase of Russian oil is not something I’ll tolerate. It’s helping fund the war, and that’s unacceptable.”
3. Why India Is Under Fire: Russian Oil & Arms
India has increased purchases of discounted Russian crude oil to meet domestic demands and keep energy costs low for its 1.4 billion citizens. Additionally, India maintains long-standing defense ties with Moscow, sourcing fighter jets, tanks, and missile systems.
Trump argues that these deals weaken Western sanctions on Russia.
4. Russia Hits Back: “Threats to Our Allies Will Not Be Tolerated”
Shortly after Trump’s warning, Russia issued a sharp rebuttal, stating that any threats made toward their trade partners would be seen as “direct threats to Moscow.”
A Kremlin spokesperson said:
“These comments from the former US president reflect hostile diplomacy and disrespect for sovereign economic decisions.”
5. India Responds: “Unjustified and Unreasonable Threats”
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) fired back with a strongly worded official statement, rejecting the US’s position as “unjustified and unreasonable.”
“Our energy imports from Russia are driven by essential national interest, ensuring stable and affordable energy prices for our citizens,” the MEA clarified.
“The same countries criticizing us, including the US and EU, are themselves engaged in trade with Russia. Their criticism lacks credibility.”
🌍 6. Global Hypocrisy? India Calls Out Double Standards
India’s statement pointed out the inconsistency in Western nations’ policies. While the US and EU continue selective trade with Russia, they pressure developing nations like India for similar deals, despite economic necessity.
Analysts say this highlights geopolitical hypocrisy, where strategic convenience often trumps consistent policy.
📌 7. Conclusion:
A Tense Moment for India-US Trade Relations
The situation could escalate into a trade war-like scenario, affecting multiple sectors including defense, oil, and tech.
While Trump is not the current US President, his statements hold significant weight in global markets and could shape future policy, especially with elections looming in 2026.
