Trump's India Tariff Tensions: A New Trade Flashpoint

In a move that threatens to destabilize diplomatic ties, President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced a 25% tariff on imports from India, set to start on Friday. This decision arrives as both nations are still engrossed in trade negotiations, placing significant pressure on the world's most populous democracy.

The White House indicated potential flexibility, with Trump noting India's high tariffs and non-monetary trade barriers as sticking points. The president emphasized India's BRICS association—seen as adversarial by the U.S.—as another contributing factor to this decision, alongside India's procurement of Russian military equipment and energy.

U.S. economic adviser Kevin Hassett relayed Trump's frustration over stagnant trade talks, viewing the tariffs as a catalyst for progress. The fallout is anticipated to heavily impact Indian exporters, notably in textiles and furniture, as experts warn of uncompetitive markets against rivals like Vietnam and China.

(With inputs from agencies.)