Tensions between India and the United States are once again in the spotlight. Following recent remarks by US President Donald Trump, his close associate and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has now made b statements regarding India.
Washington: US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has sent a stern message to India on the issue of oil purchases from Russia and trade. He stated that India will ultimately have to apologize to the US, open its market, stop purchasing Russian oil, and distance itself from BRICS. Lutnick made these remarks after a post by Donald Trump, in which Trump had said that the US has lost India to Russia and China.
Supporting Trump's imposition of tariffs on India, Lutnick told Bloomberg in an interview that India's current policies are mere posturing, and ultimately, India will have to bow down to America.
Sharp Statement Following Trump's Remarks
Donald Trump recently stated in a social media post that the US has "lost India and Russia to China." Immediately after this, in an interview with Bloomberg, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said that India will have to regret its current stance and apologize to the US. Lutnick also said that India should avoid taking actions against American interests, and specifically, purchasing oil from Russia is completely wrong. He bly supported Trump's imposition of tariffs on India and stated that India will return to the negotiating table under pressure.
In his statement, Lutnick said, "I hope India will apologize and resume trade talks with the United States in the next one or two months. Indian businesses, troubled by 50% American tariffs, will force their government to negotiate." According to him, it is India's responsibility to support the US dollar, as groups like BRICS are seeking alternatives to the dollar. He said that India should support the US in the global financial system, not its opponents.
Howard Lutnick specifically mentioned BRICS, stating that this group is trying to develop an alternative to the US dollar, which is a threat to America. He argued that India should not be part of BRICS's strategy and should support Washington.
