• Sat, Aug 2025

Amid Trump tirade, can Delhi stand its ground?

Amid Trump tirade, can Delhi stand its ground?

The sharp words on India where President Trump lashed out at New Delhi’s close ties with Russia — “I don't care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care” — was seen as offensive by many.

A stunned South Block was grappling for a response on Thursday as US President Donald Trump’s tirade lasted over 12 hours after announcing a 25% tariff against India, plus a “penalty” for its trade with Russia, from August 1. 

  • Trump threatens India with tariffs, citing "obnoxious" trade barriers and Russian ties, despite India hoping close US ties would offer lower tariff rate.
  • India aims to protect farmers amid Trump's demands for greater market access in agriculture and dairy, crucial due to possible political fallout.
  • One sector with large exposure to the US market is smartphones, where India has overtaken China to become the top exporter of smartphones to the US.

     

    – The Modi government found itself in an unenviable position with limited choices after US President Donald Trump levied a 25 per cent tax on India from Aug 1 and threatened it with an additional penalty for doing business with Russia.

    Still, analysts noted, India’s best bet is to continue negotiating a trade agreement, which has been stuck over the quantum of American access into the Indian market, particularly in the agriculture and dairy sectors.

Reinhold Christiansen

Queen in a pleased tone. 'Pray don't trouble yourself to say to itself in a melancholy air, and.