New Delhi, July 31: U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated tensions with India and Russia, launching a scathing verbal attack and announcing a 25% tariff on all Indian goods, effective August 1. The move comes amid growing trade and defense ties between New Delhi and Moscow.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump accused India of protectionist trade practices and slammed its continued purchase of Russian oil and military equipment. “I don’t care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care,” Trump wrote, asserting that India’s high tariffs and non-monetary trade barriers have hindered U.S.-India trade for years.
He further criticized India for being Russia’s largest energy buyer at a time when global powers are pressuring Moscow to end the war in Ukraine. Trump also took aim at former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, warning him against making provocative statements: “Tell Medvedev… to watch his words. He’s entering very dangerous territory.”
The tariff announcement marks a dramatic turn in U.S.-India relations, particularly as the two countries have been negotiating a bilateral trade deal. A U.S. trade delegation was scheduled to visit New Delhi on August 25, but the new measures have cast uncertainty over the talks.
India, in a cautious response, said it had “taken note” of Trump’s statement and emphasized its commitment to a “fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial trade agreement.” The Ministry of Commerce added that it is evaluating the implications and affirmed that national interests—especially those of farmers, MSMEs, and entrepreneurs—will be protected.
