August 8, 2025

In a daring move that rocked the global politics boat, President Donald Trump declared on Wednesday he would slap 50% tariffs on India for refusing to stop buying Russian oil. That’s a huge jump—doubling already high tariffs! "I could end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours," Trump said, aiming to punish India to pressure Russia to halt its war. But this bold tactic risks cooling the warm but cautious friendship between two big democracies – the US and India. India, the world's largest democracy, buys nearly 45% of its oil from Russia, needing cheap fuel for its booming economy. Trump angrily accused India of helping Russia finance its war. India fired back calling the tariffs "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable," noting other countries like China and Turkey also buy Russian oil but aren’t hit with penalties. Analysts warn this could damage 25 years of growing ties. Atul Keshap, a retired US diplomat, said, "We are better off together than apart," praising the valuable US-India partnership forged to boost trade and fight strategic rivals like China. For India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this is a tricky spot. Dropping Russian oil would spike prices, hurting Indian consumers and industry. But ignoring Trump’s tariff threat risks slashing India’s exports to the US by half from $86 billion! The US is India’s biggest trading partner, and almost 20% of India’s economy depends on exports. India also counts on US support for its global ambitions. Modi once called Trump a "true friend" but recent clashes – including Trump’s false claim about brokering a ceasefire with Pakistan – show their friendship might not survive Trump’s tough priorities. While Trump's order says tariffs might start within a month, he could change plans if situations shift. But so far, China—Russia’s top oil buyer—is not facing similar heat, as the US and China hold delicate trade talks. As Trump eyes big goals like a deal with China and pressing Russia before possible peace talks, India’s fast-growing economy stands at a crossroads. Will this tariff war push India closer to Russia and China? Or can US and India keep their special bond alive? The world watches eagerly!

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Tags: Donald trump, India-us relations, Russian oil, Tariffs, Modi government, Trade war,