Why Trump's tariffs on India are a colossal mistake

First Post

2 days ago

As a long-term Donald Trump supporter, it pains me to see the mistakes he is making regarding his treatment of India. Slapping India with 50 per cent tariffs is total madness! Starting August 7, a 25 per cent levy, then another 25 per cent penalty for buying Russian oil—framed as 'secondary tariffs' to squeeze Moscow over Ukraine. But this isn't smart. It's a blunder that alienates a powerhouse ally, hurts America's wallet, and weakens its global clout. In short, it is a colossal mistake, and I fail to understand why he is being so hostile. India, the world's fastest-growing major economy, deserves respect—not bully tactics. Here's why Trump is wrong!
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Strategically, this is a foolish decision. India is America's indispensable shield against China's aggression in the Indo-Pacific. The Quad—US, India, Japan, Australia—hinges on this bond to keep sea lanes free and Beijing in check. Trump risks shattering it. Wiser heads have called it an 'enormous mistake,' warning it will push New Delhi toward Moscow and Beijing after decades of US courtship. Prime Minister Narendra Modi? He's unbowed! He's prioritising India's energy security for 1.4 billion people and refusing to halt Russian imports that stabilise global prices.
Back in 2022, America encouraged India to buy Russian crude oil to cool markets post-invasion. Now? Flip-flop betrayal! This idiocy accelerates India's BRICS pivot, ditching dollar dominance and eroding US leverage. India, with its booming tech hubs and military might, won't kneel. Trump's short-sightedness empowers adversaries, turning a vital partner into a reluctant rival.
Economically, it is a disaster! China guzzles more Russian oil than anyone—yet no tariffs there? Trump spares Beijing while hammering India, exposing his selective rage. America itself trades $3.5 billion with Russia yearly, despite sanctions. India's 36 per cent reliance on Russian crude? Pure necessity—cheap fuel for growth, averting global spikes above $80/barrel that would slam U.S. consumers too. These tariffs crush India's exports: textiles, gems, autos—sectors employing millions. US supply chains? Disrupted! India powers America's pharma and IT—think life-saving drugs and software. Exports could plummet 40-50 per cent, shaving India's GDP by 0.3 per cent—but the ripple effects hit US jobs in linked industries.
Trump killed a potential deal, branding India a 'bad partner'. Yet India's offers—cutting tariffs on US goods, boosting defence buys—were rebuffed. India is not exploiting anyone. It's fuelling about 7 per cent growth, lifting millions from poverty, creating markets for US firms like Apple and Ford.
Diplomatically? Trump is isolating America, not Russia. The EU still imports 19 per cent of its LNG from Moscow. Turkey? Same deal. But India, a strategic gem, gets slammed. New Delhi rightly responds by saying: 'Unfair, unjustified!' and vows to safeguard its interests after US hypocrisy on Venezuela sanctions that burned India before. Trump's threats of broader 'secondary sanctions' also ring hollow.
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What is impressive is India's diplomatic response—no knee-jerk retaliation, but a focus on talks. Trump is prioritising short-term Russia pressure over long-game alliances. But India won't flinch—the economy is resilient, stocks are steady despite threats. Alienating India empowers China. To whose advantage is this?
Trump's error here will cost jobs, security, and influence. India will continue to rise regardless—vibrant, innovative, visionary. I hope Trump listens to better voices and changes his antagonistic approach.
Making America Great means working with India to make it great too! Trump must now reverse course and work with PM Modi, as this is in the best interests of the world.
David Vance is a political commentator and author. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.