Economist Jeffrey Sachs Criticizes US Tariffs on India: 'A Breakdown of Political System'

Renowned economist and Columbia University Professor Jeffrey Sachs has criticized the United States' administration for its tariff policy on India, labeling it a pressure tactic. In a candid interview with ANI, Sachs called the tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump 'bizarre' and 'very self-destructive' in terms of US foreign policy interests.

Sachs emphasized the erosion of years of efforts to improve US-India relations under the current administration. He expressed his surprise at the perceived incompetence of the Trump administration, particularly in the imposition of a 25 percent secondary tariff on India, which was later doubled to 50 percent. This move was justified by Trump's administration due to India's continued imports of Russian oil.

The economist argued that the tariffs are detrimental to the US economy, illegal under international law, and reflective of a breakdown in the US political system. Sachs also pointed out an ongoing lawsuit that claims Trump's tariff implementation violates the US Constitution, potentially rendering the tariffs unconstitutional. From both economic and geopolitical perspectives, Sachs deemed Trump's policies doomed to fail.

Jeffrey Sachs also discussed Trump's adversarial stance towards BRICS nations, highlighting their desire for a multipolar world and collaboration rather than unilateral control. Praising India's diplomatic approach, Sachs noted its efforts to strengthen ties with countries like China, Russia, and Brazil. This stance aligns with the ongoing US-India talks for a Bilateral Trade Agreement, aiming to balance interests by 2025.

Meanwhile, within the US, President Trump signed an executive order allowing reciprocal tariffs on trade partners, including India, with varied tariffs imposed. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal assured in Parliament that India is assessing the tariff impact and will take steps to protect national interests.