Trump Says He Is Tracking a 20-25 Percent Tariff on India
Breitbart6 days
Trump Announces 25% Tariff and Russia 'Penalty' on India
Trump Announces 25% Tariff and Russia 'Penalty' on India
Above: U.S. President Donald Trump during a news conference with India's Narendra Modi in the White House on Feb. 13, 2025. Image copyright: Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg/Getty Images
The Spin
Trump's tariff decision represents necessary pressure to address India's unfair trade practices and strategic missteps. India maintains some of the world's highest tariffs at 17% while the US only charges 3.3%, creating a massive imbalance that has resulted in a $45.7 billion trade deficit. The country's continued energy purchases from Russia undermines international efforts to stop the Ukraine war.
If India wants a good trade deal with the U.S., New Delhi must realize that its two-faced position on several issues will not be helpful. It's hard to understand how the country with the highest average tariff rate among major economies enters trade talks with no sincere intention to open up its markets to its largest trading partner, and it's unacceptable that India continues to fuel Russia's war effort despite U.S. sanctions.
The tariff announcement reflects Western arrogance and misguided policy that punishes developing nations for pursuing their legitimate economic interests. India has done nothing illegal by purchasing discounted Russian oil, saving over $25 billion in 2024 alone while meeting its people's energy needs. This move alienates a strategic partner and represents another gift to China.
This tariff-plus-penalty announcement reflects the arrogance, double standards and shortsightedness of the U.S. and the West in general. Anti-Russia lobbies have failed to persuade India not to buy oil from Russia, so they are now trying to punish India for securing the legitimate energy needs of its own people while Europe is allowed to buy oil and gas from Russia. This is a failed strategy that will push a key ally toward China.
If India wants a good trade deal with the U.S., New Delhi must realize that its two-faced position on several issues will not be helpful. It's hard to understand how the country with the highest average tariff rate among major economies enters trade talks with no sincere intention to open up its markets to its largest trading partner, and it's unacceptable that India continues to fuel Russia's war effort despite U.S. sanctions.
This tariff-plus-penalty announcement reflects the arrogance, double standards and shortsightedness of the U.S. and the West in general. Anti-Russia lobbies have failed to persuade India not to buy oil from Russia, so they are now trying to punish India for securing the legitimate energy needs of its own people while Europe is allowed to buy oil and gas from Russia. This is a failed strategy that will push a key ally toward China.
Metaculus Prediction
There's a 74% chance that if World War 3 happens before 2060, the U.S. and India will be on the same side, according to the Metaculus prediction community.