Washington: US President Donald Trump’s recent imposition of tariffs on Indian goods has led to a strain in the long-standing strategic partnership between the United States and India. The pressure exerted by Trump for India to cease its oil imports from Russia and adhere to sanctions on Iran has further complicated the ties.
According to Deutsche Welle, Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday, imposing an additional 25% tariff on certain Indian goods, bringing the total tariff rate to 50%. This new rate, which matches that of Brazil, is set to take effect 21 days after August 7. The tariffs are expected to impact items such as footwear, jewelry, and textiles. However, exports like pharmaceuticals and smartphones remain exempt from these tariffs.
India’s External Affairs Ministry has described the tariffs as “unjustified and unreasonable,” vowing to take “all necessary measures” to protect its “national interests and economic security.”
The deterioration in US-India relations has been marked by a shift in President Trump’s tone, who, after referring to India as a “friend,” accused New Delhi of indifference to the situation in Ukraine. Commodore Uday Bhaskar, a security and strategic affairs expert, remarked that India’s approach does not seek confrontation, but is wary of the US’s “intimidatory” and unilateral trade measures.
Amitabh Mattoo from Jawaharlal Nehru University emphasized India’s stance of strategic autonomy, asserting that its ties with Russia and Iran are sovereign decisions. The US-India downturn has coincided with Trump’s pursuit of closer ties with Pakistan, further complicating regional dynamics.
India’s significant oil imports from Russia, which now constitute 35%-40% of its total, have been a point of contention. Trump’s tariffs are also justified by India’s trade with Iran, another nation facing Western sanctions. Shanthie Mariet D’Souza of Mantraya expressed skepticism about Trump’s aggressive tactics, warning of potential alienation of India as a reliable partner.
D’Souza advocates for diplomacy as a means to navigate the crisis, acknowledging the strengthened US-India ties over the past decade. Ajay Bisaria, a former diplomat, highlighted the need for India to prioritize its national interest while maintaining open negotiations with the US.
Bisaria suggested that the upcoming visit by a US delegation could serve as an opportunity to reach a trade agreement, emphasizing that India should welcome Trump to sign the deal later in the year, provided the US respects India’s red lines.