US Slaps 50% Tariff on India Over Russian Oil: Trade tensions between Washington and New Delhi have reached a new high. US President Donald Trump announced an additional tariff of 25% on India last night. Earlier, the US had already imposed a 25% duty on Indian products. Now the total tariff has become 50%, which is considered a big blow to India. This tariff is being directly linked to India’s continued import of oil from Russia, which has upset Washington. This attitude of America is not limited to India only – China, Brazil, and many other countries are also uncomfortable with this ‘tariff bomb’.
America is angry with India’s decision, and oil imports from Russia have become the reason
The Trump administration says that India’s import of crude oil from Russia indirectly finances the Ukraine war. Trump has signed an executive order with this statement, in which the new tariff will be implemented in two phases. The first phase has started from August 7, while the second phase will be effective from August 27 – provided there is no change in it till then. This decision has come at a time when India is taking a clear stand on its strategic autonomy on the global stage.
China gave a befitting reply to America, standing with India
China has reacted sharply to this decision of America. During a press conference held in Beijing, when China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun was asked to comment on Trump’s decision, he said in clear words, “China’s opposition to tariff abuse has been consistent and clear.” This statement made it clear that Beijing stands with India in this matter, and its position against American policies is getting stronger.
Not only this, Chinese Embassy spokesperson Yu Jing in India also supported India’s sovereignty by sharing the editorial of a leading English newspaper. He said, “Interference of any external country in India’s foreign policy choices cannot be accepted, no matter how important the relationship is.” This statement strengthens India’s position on the global stage, and this support by a global power like China is being considered important from a diplomatic point of view.
Memories of the China-US tariff war revived
It is worth noting that there has already been a long tariff dispute between the US and China. Trump had imposed heavy duties on China during his first term, which sometimes reached 254%. In response, China also raised its duties by 125%. Although some agreements were reached later through negotiations, the tension is still not completely over. In this sequence, China has accused the US of repeatedly misusing the ‘tariff weapon’.
Concern of Brazil and other countries, impact on global trade
Not only India, but Brazil and many other developing countries are also being affected by America’s recent policies. The global trade system is already under pressure due to the pandemic and wars, and now such decisions are making it more complicated. India will have to adopt a serious diplomatic strategy to deal with this crisis in the coming days.