Trump announces 25% tariff to India and ties with Russia

United States President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he will apply a 25% tariff on India imported products from Friday, August 1. In a publication on the Truth Social network, Trump justified the measure with criticism of what he called “tariffs among the highest in the world” imposed by New Delhi, as well as commercial barriers considered “non -monetary, rigorous and offensive.”

The Republican also highlighted India’s partnership with Russia in the energy and military area as an additional reason for penalties. “They have always bought most of their Russian military equipment and are Russia’s largest energy buyer, along with China, at a time when everyone wants Russia to stop killing in Ukraine,” Trump wrote, adding in capital letters: “Therefore, India will pay a 25%tariff, plus a penalty of the aforementioned, from August 1st.” Trump did not report the amount of the fine.

With today’s announcement, India becomes the last of the founding members of the BRICS to be subjected to the tariff. Among the BRICS countries, Brazil received the largest fare of all from this Friday: 50%. Donald Trump has said the bloc attempts to damage the US economy by trying to unlink the dollar as a standard currency in worldwide negotiations.

Deadline for commercial negotiations with USA ends on August 1

In another post on the morning of Wednesday, Trump stressed that the period of August 1 for commercial negotiations with the United States will not be extended. “The period of August 1 is the period of August 1 – he is still firm and will not be extended. A great day for America !!!”, he said.

The announcement expands the tension climate between Washington and its business partners, such as Brazil, which are still trying to complete agreements to avoid further rates.

Nova Delhis sought dialogue and concessions

Trump’s decision frustrates India’s diplomatic efforts, which since the beginning of the year had been trying to sew a limited trade agreement with the US. Following the official visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the White House in February, the Indian government restructured its tariff policy and offered concessions to the US government.

Despite Modi’s conciliatory posture, negotiations stuck in sensitive points, such as the agricultural sector. Recently, New Delhi began to adopt a firmer approach, which coincided with the hardening of Trump’s rhetoric.

Commerce between India and USA reaches almost $ 130 billion

Even with the new tariffs, sources close to the Indian government said Bloomberg News that New Delhi will continue to seek an agreement with Washington to the fall. A term of reference for a bilateral pact had already been established in April, after a visit by US Vice President JD Vance to India.

In 2024, bilateral trade between the two countries totaled US $ 127.9 billion, with the United States, it appears as the largest destination for Indian exports.

Threat is part of offensive against indirect support to Russia

Trump’s offensive against India occurs the day after he establishes a new period of 10 days for Russia to accept a ceasefire in the war with Ukraine. The US President threatened to apply secondary sanctions against countries that continue to buy Russian oil, which can reach partners such as India and China.

For Washington and Kiev’s allies, these purchases support the Russian economy and undermine the effect of Western sanctions – a perception that can now motivate new unilateral actions by the US. Yesterday, the Republican said he will apply 100% “severe rates” to Russians.