Why Trump's tariff threat to India is more about politics than trade
Ajay Srivastava
Aug 5, 2025, 20:40 IST IST
Washington's tariff pressure comes even as US tech firms rely on India for users, data, and talent — raising questions over whether the dispute is economic strategy or political arm-twisting
By the time this went to print, Trump hadn't specified by how much he will 'substantially raise' tariffs on Indian exports on top of the 25% tariffs already imposed. Whatever the hit, with India's $86.5bn in goods exports to US under threat, it's fair to ask: Is India the only one buying oil from Russia?
Why is US focusing on restricting oil imports? Is its position in the Russia-Ukraine war as clearcut as it claims? Crucially, is Trump targeting India because he can't go after China? It's worth exploring the facts behind the claims.
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