Indian officials were shocked by the criticism of US President Donald Trump, but Washington made it clear that the cause of the deterioration of relations was Russian oil, which New Delhi continues to buy, reports the Financial Times (FT).
As the FT recalls, only six months ago, during talks in the Oval Office, Trump called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi his "great friend". Now, however, the American leader has announced a 25 percent tariff on Indian goods and decided to get closer to Pakistan, which has long had disagreements with India.
Indian authorities said they would study the consequences of Trump's decision and take all necessary measures to protect national interests.
However, as FT sources indicate, New Delhi is still counting on the visit of the American delegation at the end of August to discuss trade agreements.
According to analysts surveyed by the publication, after the deterioration of relations between the US and India, at stake is not only economic cooperation between the two countries, but also the personal relationship between Trump and Modi.
"Trump has clearly turned this into a very personal action against Modi.
I don't think this has anything to do with politics anymore," said Indrani Bagchi, director general of the Ananta Centre think tank.
We recall that On August 1, 25% tariffs on India, imposed by US President Donald Trump on Indian imports to the US, came into effect. On this occasion, the opposition in India accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of a political failure.
On July 14, Trump threatened 100% tariffs on both Russia and countries that buy Russian oil. Yesterday, August 1, "Reuters" reported, citing its sources, that four of India's leading state-owned oil refineries have suspended purchases of Russian oil following Trump's threat.