New Delhi: The USA President’s recent announcement of a sharp 50% tariff on India has caused widespread reaction, from Washington to New Delhi. The reason given was India’s oil imports from Russia. This decision is drawing criticism, with experts cautioning that it might backfire, driving India, a key ally in Asia, closer to countries such as Russia and China.
According to a report in the British daily The Telegraph, this action by the US President may hurt his own goals while changing global alliances.
Why The Tariff?
The USA President’s reason for the tariff is India’s purchase of Russian crude oil. The US administration says Russia uses its oil revenue, which is about a third of its national income, to fund its military actions, for instance, the conflict in Ukraine. Records show India imported £42 billion of crude oil from Russia in 2024, refined it, and then sold it on the global market.
The President stated that India’s oil trade with Russia is helping to fund the war in Ukraine, justifying the tariff as a way to limit Moscow’s financial resources. Some think this doesn’t make sense, and the decision could hurt USA interests.
A Mistake With Big Results
The Telegraph suggests that this tariff plan probably won’t weaken Russia’s economy. Other countries, including China, Turkey, the UAE, Brazil, and some EU countries, also buy a lot of Russian crude oil. China buys the most. Turkey and the UAE, which are key US business partners, haven’t had any punishments. The report says if the USA President doesn’t punish these countries but targets India, the impact on Russia won’t be much, calling the tariff a mistake.
Aside from money problems, the decision could hurt US-India relations, which have been a key part of America’s plan to stop China’s power in Asia. India has often spoken out against China in the area, and the USA President has said the Indian Prime Minister is a friend. Suddenly putting tariffs in place could make India turn away from the US and get closer to its BRICS partners, including Russia and China.
Help For BRICS?
The report says this action by the USA President could strengthen the BRICS group, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, along with countries such as South Korea, which have been open about not liking US plans. Russia has been trying to bring India and China closer, and this tariff could make it happen faster. If the BRICS group collaborates effectively, it could pose a significant challenge to USA economic and geopolitical power, potentially altering global trade dynamics.
India’s Resistance And Political Facts
Reports say India probably won’t give in to USA pressure, based on India’s current political situation. The Indian government has support at home and is expected to stand strong against the tariffs. Such an outcome could make the US administration think again, possibly leading to a change in diplomacy soon.
A Risky Move
The tariff decision has caused much talk in capitals around the world, with people wondering if it’s a smart plan. By targeting India, the USA might lose a key partner it needs to stop China’s growing power in Asia. The world is watching, and the effects of this risk could change international alliances and the global economy.
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