President Trump praises US-India relations but slams “one-sided” trade, defending high tariffs amid India’s growing bonds with China and Russia, sparking retaliations and warnings from experts.
In a recent Oval Office address, US President Donald Trump addressed ongoing trade tensions with India, stating, “We get along with India very well, but for many years, it was a one-sided relationship… India was charging us tremendous tariffs.”
Trump defended his administration’s imposition of up to 50% tariffs on Indian imports, citing examples like Harley-Davidson motorcycles facing high duties in India.
He ruled out reducing these tariffs, emphasizing reciprocity to correct what he called a “disaster” in bilateral trade.
This stance comes amid India’s deepening ties with China and Russia, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attendance at the SCO summit in China and economic engagements with Moscow.
Critics, including US Congressman Ro Khanna, argue that Trump’s policies are pushing India closer to these adversaries.
Former officials like John Bolton and John Kerry have warned that such ultimatums risk alienating New Delhi, potentially harming US-India strategic partnerships
India has retaliated by suspending postal deliveries to the US, signaling escalating friction.
Public sentiment in India reflects discontent, with events like the parading of Trump’s effigy at Nagpur’s Marbat Festival.
As tariffs take effect on August 27, talks continue, but experts like Jeffrey Sachs label it the “stupidest move” in US foreign policy.fa4ff2 The nomination of Sergio Gor as US ambassador to India adds another layer to this strained dynamic.
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