Amidst announcements of placing a 25 percent tariff on India and imposing additional penalties for trading with Russia, U.S. President Donald Trump targeted India-Russia with a fiery post on Truth Social. Dubbed as the world's highest tariff imposer, India was criticized for its dealings with Russia. Trump stated, 'These countries have lifeless economies that could worsen together. What India does with Russia does not concern me.'
Trump's Displeasure with Indo-Russian Relations
Donald Trump launched this attack merely hours after Washington announced a 25 percent tariff on India starting August 1. Not sparing India's trade partner Moscow, Trump targeted the Kremlin, proclaiming that the U.S. and Russia barely engage in trade and intends to maintain it that way. His post read, 'I am not concerned about India's dealings with Russia; they can further degrade their lifeless economies, and it matters not to me.'
Source: aajtak
This isn't the first time Trump has launched a brusque attack over the India-Russia friendship. This post seems to be a direct response to recent remarks made by Russia's former president Dmitry Medvedev, who warned that Trump was playing an 'ultimatum game' with Russia. Trump's sharp reaction included telling Medvedev, an unsuccessful ex-leader who still thinks he's in command, to watch his words because he’s treading dangerous grounds!
India's Stance on U.S. Tariff
In response to the U.S. President's 25 percent tariff on Indian goods and the penalty for trading with Russia, India has clarified its position. Within hours of the tariff announcement, the government vowed to protect its farmers, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs. A statement emphasized India's and the U.S.'s ongoing dialogue over recent months to achieve a fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement. We remain committed to this aim, it affirmed.
August 1 Deadline Firm
Though Trump initiated the tariff declaration in April, he provided a 90-day reprieve to all nations, extending the July 9 deadline to August 1. Trump has made it known that this tariff deadline stands firm and will not extend further. He recently emphasized this on his Truth Social account, stating, 'August 1 will be a monumental day for America. The August 1 deadline is definitive and will not be extended.'
