In a new tirade, U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday launched a bitter attack on India’s trade policy with Russia, the economic situation of the two countries, and slammed the bilateral relationship.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “I don’t care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care. We have done very little business with India, their Tariffs are too high, among the highest in the World.”
This is a significant escalation of Trump’s criticism of India’s trade practices and its continued defence and energy relationship with Moscow. His remarks are made following his recent release of a 25% tariff on Indian imports, coupled with penalties against India’s commercial and military orientation towards Russia.
India and Russia Face Harsh Criticism
Trump wasn’t gentle with Russia either, going on to say, “Similarly, Russia and the USA do barely any business with each other. Let’s leave it that way, and instruct Medvedev, the failed former President of Russia, who fancies himself still President, to be careful how he talks. He’s headed into very dangerous ground!”
The mention of Dmitry Medvedev, Russia’s past president and present deputy chairman of the Security Council, followed reports that Medvedev delivered some critical comments regarding U.S. foreign policy. Trump’s threat is a suggestion of increased tensions, particularly in the wake of today’s international geopolitical environment.
Trade Pressure Mounts
Trump’s imposition of tariffs on Indian imports is also viewed as a wider effort to coerce India into distancing itself from Russia, specifically in sectors such as defence purchases and energy trade. India has been neutral in the Ukraine crisis, having continued to trade with Russia even under Western sanctions.
Commentators see Trump’s tough talk as a component of a larger effort to reassert American dominance over leading trade partners. With India and Russia moving closer, Trump’s comments are sure to stir diplomatic unease before key international summits.
