Donald Trump has discovered a new antagonist. After months of harsh criticism against India for purchasing Russian oil, and imposing secondary tariffs on New Delhi, the American president now targets China. In his recent Truth Social post, Trump thundered that NATO nations should cease buying oil from Russia and unite to impose severe sanctions on Moscow. Additionally, he advocated for imposing tariffs ranging from 50 to 100 percent on Beijing.
Seeking NATO's Consensus
In a letter addressed to NATO members and the 'world', Trump announced, 'I am ready to impose severe sanctions on Russia when all NATO countries agree and begin this course of action, and when all NATO countries cease purchasing oil from Russia. As you know, the commitment to win from NATO has been far less than 100 percent, and the purchase of Russian oil by some has been staggering! This greatly weakens your negotiation position and bargaining power over Russia.'
Trump urged the coalition to work collectively and emphasized his readiness to proceed once NATO members concur on the sanctions. He declared, 'Anyway, when you are ready, I am prepared too. Just let me know when!'
Advocating Heavy Tariffs on China
In his most direct comment yet, Trump stated he is ready to advance with sanctions that could significantly impact Russia's finances. Ultimately, however, he left the decision to his NATO allies. His most stringent demand was directed towards Beijing.
He further elaborated, 'I believe imposing a 50 to 100 percent tariff on China as a group by NATO, which will be completely withdrawn once the war between Russia and Ukraine ends, will hugely help in ending this fatal, yet absurd war.' President Trump asserted that China holds strong control, if not a grip, over Russia, and these potent tariffs would break that grip.
Trump Redirects His Focus
This demand signals a clear reversal. Until recently, Trump had exempted China from a mild 30 percent tariff, while penalizing India with heavy tariffs of 50 percent, often referencing both in the same breath as Moscow's major supporters.
Following Trump's pressure on NATO countries to impose tariffs on Russian oil buyers, Saturday saw a stern, clear message from Beijing to Washington, asserting its lack of conspiracy or involvement in war.
Strategic Pressure on Russia
Beijing's comments towards America came just hours after Trump's post urging NATO members to halt Russian oil purchases and impose up to a 100 percent ban on China, one of Russia's largest buyers.
Furthermore, the U.S. is urging G7 members, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom, most of whom are NATO members, to increase pressure on Russia by imposing tariffs on its main buyers, India and China.
Harsh Rhetoric Against India
This shift in Trump’s target comes after weeks of bitterness in India-U.S. relations. During this, Washington launched one of its harshest lines of rhetoric in decades, with Trump’s allies labeling India as a 'financier for Russia' and even calling the Russia-Ukraine conflict 'Modi's War.' Trump’s trade advisor, Peter Navarro, went a step further, adding a racial angle to his attacks, accusing 'Brahmins' of profiteering at the common Indian's expense.
Images from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit showed Prime Minister Narendra Modi in cordial talks with Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin. Following this, Trump himself lamented that America had 'lost India to an overshadowing China.'
SCO Summit Gave U.S. a Jolt!
The visuals from the SCO summit clearly rattled Washington. Modi's friendship with Putin, walking hand in hand, engaging in open discussions, even sharing a car ride in Tianjin, and his warm meetings with Xi Jinping symbolized an increasing comfort among three of the world's biggest powers.
This was a concerning development for the American administration, which relies on India as a democratic counterweight to China, as they witnessed New Delhi leveraging its influence on Moscow and Beijing via multilateral platforms.
India Unyielding
Washington's displeasure has been further escalated by India's firmness. Despite America's harsh criticism, New Delhi refuses to bow down on issues, especially regarding opening its dairy and agricultural sectors, which could devastate millions of farmers.
Tension grew with Trump imposing a 25 percent tariff on Indian goods and an additional penalty on Russian oil imports, which stalled trade talks. Nonetheless, the government remained steadfast, suggesting that no form of threat would budge India's stance.
The resolve continues, and with the potential alignment of India, China, and Russia, Washington has begun to soften its approach. Last week, Trump suddenly shifted his tone, referring to Prime Minister Modi as a 'great prime minister' and 'dear friend.' Modi swiftly reciprocated, calling America a 'steadfast friend and natural partner,' expressing confidence that trade talks would soon unlock limitless partnership potential.
What's Behind Washington's Shift?
Trump's advisors have altered their stance as well. Treasury Secretary Scott Basent, who once spearheaded criticism against India's Russian oil purchases, is now playing the mediator.
Emphasizing the personal rapport between Trump and Prime Minister Modi, he stated, 'Two great nations will solve this problem together.' However, he acknowledged that this relationship is highly complex. In contrast, Navarro continues his sharp criticism, but he now appears increasingly isolated in his intensity.
The reasons for this change are both external and internal. Domestically, Trump has faced assaults from Democrats, former officials, and even Republican rivals like Nikki Haley, for jeopardizing two decades of hard-won ties with India. Alienating Indian-Americans, a demographic group consistently warm towards Trump, also carries political risks. Abroad, the potential alliance of India with China and Russia presents a strategic nightmare the U.S. cannot afford.
Fear of India's Alignment with Russia-China
By focusing on Beijing, Trump indicates a new equilibrium. With a $7.2 billion purchase from Russia in fossil fuels and a firm grip on Moscow, China remains the real prize. With a steadfast government unwilling to budge on the red line of $3.6 billion in imports and trade, India effectively compels Washington.
The softened approach towards New Delhi and stern rhetoric against Beijing reflects America’s transformative strategy, acknowledging India’s influence and the cost of pushing it into the arms of Moscow and Beijing.
Currently, Trump maintains he is ready to decimate Russia’s financial position through sanctions, yet only if NATO countries unite and stop buying Russian oil. More importantly, he demands tariffs up to 100 percent on China, asserting that sparing India while targeting Beijing is the only way to sever Russia's grip over China, ensuring America never loses India for good.
