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The imposition of a 50% tariff on all Indian imports by the US administration under President Donald Trump has significantly strained US-India relations. The move, which followed a previous 25% tariff, directly targets India’s ongoing trade relationship with Russia, specifically its purchase of Russian oil.
The US justification, citing national security concerns, has been met with strong criticism from India. The timing of this action, weeks after crucial strategic and trade talks between the two nations, is particularly contentious.
It occurs just 48 hours before a scheduled meeting of American negotiators in India for the sixth round of trade negotiations, suggesting a potential tactic to pressure India during the trade talks. India’s firm response highlights the growing friction.
Statements from the Indian government categorically reject the tariffs as unfair, unjustified and unreasonable, emphasising India’s commitment to defending its national and strategic interests.
Adding complexity to the situation is India’s upcoming participation in significant geopolitical events. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China, while National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s visit to Moscow gained significant urgency following the tariff announcement. These concurrent events underscore the intricate diplomatic tightrope India is walking amidst escalating tensions with the US and its own strategic interests.
Critics, including former US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, have highlighted the apparent double standard in the US approach, contrasting the 90-day tariff pause granted to China, a major buyer of Russian oil, with the immediate and substantial tariffs imposed on India, a key US ally.
