By imposing high tariffs on Indian imports, US President Donald Trump could ruin relations with India and force it to strengthen its ties with Russia and China. This assessment is contained in an article by The New York Times (NYT).
The publication recalled that India and the US, along with Australia and Japan, are part of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), and New Delhi plays an important role as Washington's partner in the Asia-Pacific region.
According to the Indian research center Global Trade Research Initiative, the increase in tariffs could halve India's exports to the US, which exceed USD 86 billion annually. In addition, the US is India's largest trading partner, with India ranking 10th in the list of US trading partners by trade volume.
According to Global Trade Research Initiative analyst Ajay Srivastav, US actions “will force India to rethink its strategic position, deepening its ties with Russia, China and many other countries“.
On August 6, the US imposed additional duties of 25% on India in connection with the purchase of Russian oil and petroleum products. According to Trump's decree, Washington may take similar measures against other countries. Thus, duties on imports of Indian goods into the US have been increased to 50%. The Indian Foreign Ministry called these actions unfair, unjustified and unreasonable, assuring that it will take all necessary measures to protect its interests.