US President Donald Trump has criticized India for imposing high tariffs and for purchasing oil and military products from Russia. He stated that India is now offering to reduce tariffs, but this is a step taken too late. Trump's statement comes at a time when the India-Russia-China alliance was visible in Tianjin, China.
Trump's Tariff Criticism: US President Donald Trump has described the trade relationship with India as one-sided, alleging that India had imposed high tariffs for years and bought oil and military products from Russia, while engaging in very little trade with the US. He said that India is now offering to reduce its tariffs, but this is a step taken too late. Trump's statement comes at a time when a strengthened India, Russia, and China alliance and diplomatic ties were observed in Tianjin, China.
Allegation of One-Sided Relationship with India
Trump stated that the trade relationship between the US and India has always been one-sided. India imposed high tariffs on American goods, higher than any other country. Meanwhile, India gave very little opportunity to the US to sell its products there. Conversely, India sold a large volume of goods to the US and benefited from the market.
Questions Regarding Oil and Military Equipment
Donald Trump specifically targeted India's increasing purchases from Russia. He said that India buys most of its oil and military products from Russia and very little from the US. According to him, if India had bought more from the US and reduced tariffs earlier, trade relations between the two countries could have strengthened. But now, India has taken too long to take this step.
Relationship Soured by 50 Percent Tariff
Trump had imposed a 50 percent tariff on India during his tenure. He believed that India was creating barriers for American products by imposing high tariffs. This move soured the relations between the two countries. India's increasing energy deals with Russia were also a major reason behind this strain.
The US does not want India to buy cheaper oil from Russia. However, India responded clearly that its energy policy is based on the conditions of the global market. India stated that by purchasing Russian oil, it not only met its needs but also contributed to stabilizing oil prices in the global market.
India's Strong Response to US on Oil Purchases
The US had recently accused India of making significant profits by buying cheaper oil from Russia. India took a firm stance on this. India stated that all its purchases are made for purely economic and practical reasons. The decision to buy oil from Russia was taken with consideration for its energy security and the needs of its citizens.
India also reminded that the US and European countries themselves had appreciated India's move as it helped stabilize oil prices in the international market.
US Concerned Over Growing Proximity Between India, Russia, and China
Trump's statement comes at a time when deep proximity between India, Russia, and China was evident in Tianjin, China. This meeting sent a new message on the international stage that Asian powers are increasing cooperation among themselves.
The presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin further strengthened this alliance. This development has become a cause for concern for the US and Western countries.
Fear of Weakening Grip in Asia
In recent times, the influence of BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) has continuously grown. The partnership of countries like India, Russia, and China is further enhancing the strength of these platforms. This is precisely why the US fears that its grip in Asia may weaken.
Trump's statement indicates his concern about this alliance. He believes that if India had shown inclination towards the US in time and reduced tariffs, the situation might have been different. However, now that the friendship between India, Russia, and China appears to be deepening, it is becoming difficult for him to bring India into his fold.
