Trump’s Tariff Gamble Backfires as India Strengthens Global Standing. “We were betrayed by our own, outsiders had no strength.” Ironically, this seems to be the reality facing President Donald Trump today.
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Read the entire post to know the whole context.
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Read the entire post to know the whole context.
His aggressive tariff policy, especially towards India, is no longer only drawing criticism from economists but is now sparking political backlash within the United States itself.
Growing Opposition at Home
Initially, Trump’s tariff strategy was ridiculed by American economists who openly criticized and even humiliated him for the policy’s impracticality. But the pushback has now moved beyond the economic circles. Members of the U.S. Congress, particularly from the House Foreign Affairs Committee, have publicly questioned Trump’s approach.
Growing Opposition at Home
Initially, Trump’s tariff strategy was ridiculed by American economists who openly criticized and even humiliated him for the policy’s impracticality. But the pushback has now moved beyond the economic circles. Members of the U.S. Congress, particularly from the House Foreign Affairs Committee, have publicly questioned Trump’s approach.
Democrats—and even some Republicans—have argued that these tariffs are not only damaging U.S.–India relations but are also directly hurting American citizens by making everyday goods more expensive. The Committee noted that the policy appears “confused” and suggested it may not even be about Ukraine, as Trump claimed, but driven by other unclear motives.
Adding to the embarrassment, a Pew Research Center survey revealed that over 61% of Americans disapprove of Trump’s tariff policies. The discontent cuts across party lines, weakening Trump’s traditional strongholds in several states and providing fresh ammunition to the opposition.
India Strikes Back Through Business
While Trump struggles with political backlash, Indian corporations have sent a strong counter-message. Reliance Industries and Nayara Energy—both previously targeted by U.S. and EU sanctions—have announced that instead of reducing imports, they will increase Russian oil imports by 10–20%, raising volumes from 1.5 lakh to nearly 3 lakh barrels per day from September.
This move serves a dual purpose: securing cheaper energy supplies for India while signaling to both Washington and Brussels that India will not bow to Western economic pressure.
While Trump struggles with political backlash, Indian corporations have sent a strong counter-message. Reliance Industries and Nayara Energy—both previously targeted by U.S. and EU sanctions—have announced that instead of reducing imports, they will increase Russian oil imports by 10–20%, raising volumes from 1.5 lakh to nearly 3 lakh barrels per day from September.
This move serves a dual purpose: securing cheaper energy supplies for India while signaling to both Washington and Brussels that India will not bow to Western economic pressure.
Modi’s Diplomatic Masterstroke in Japan
On the diplomatic front, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Japan added another blow to Trump’s strategy. Speaking in Tokyo, Modi countered Trump’s earlier dismissal of India as a “dead economy,” highlighting instead that 80% of companies want to invest in India and 75% are already profitable here.
He emphasized that India doesn’t just grow capital—it multiplies it. With political stability, economic reforms, and policy transparency, India is poised to become the world’s third-largest economy.
Japan responded with a resounding endorsement, announcing a $68 billion investment plan in India. Even more telling was Japan’s decision to cancel a high-profile U.S. trade envoy visit while doubling down on its India commitment—sending a clear message about shifting priorities in Asia.
On the diplomatic front, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Japan added another blow to Trump’s strategy. Speaking in Tokyo, Modi countered Trump’s earlier dismissal of India as a “dead economy,” highlighting instead that 80% of companies want to invest in India and 75% are already profitable here.
He emphasized that India doesn’t just grow capital—it multiplies it. With political stability, economic reforms, and policy transparency, India is poised to become the world’s third-largest economy.
Japan responded with a resounding endorsement, announcing a $68 billion investment plan in India. Even more telling was Japan’s decision to cancel a high-profile U.S. trade envoy visit while doubling down on its India commitment—sending a clear message about shifting priorities in Asia.
lStrategic Autonomy in Action
Taken together, these developments underline one critical point: India is asserting its strategic autonomy. Neither American tariffs nor European sanctions can dictate India’s economic and foreign policy choices. By simultaneously deepening ties with Russia and Japan, India is demonstrating that its non-alignment policy is alive and well—adapted for the 21st century as a policy of independence and balance.
Taken together, these developments underline one critical point: India is asserting its strategic autonomy. Neither American tariffs nor European sanctions can dictate India’s economic and foreign policy choices. By simultaneously deepening ties with Russia and Japan, India is demonstrating that its non-alignment policy is alive and well—adapted for the 21st century as a policy of independence and balance.
For President Trump, the day could not have been worse: mounting opposition at home, defiance from India’s corporate giants, and a diplomatic snub in Tokyo. For India, however, it was another clear statement to the world: decisions in New Delhi will be made in New Delhi—on India’s terms.
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