US-India trade relations are hitting a new high-stakes moment as President Trump turns his trade arsenal toward Delhi. After shock-and-awe tactics aimed at the Chinese mainland, the European Union, and America’s neighbours Mexico and Canada, his Truth Social posts now spotlight two flashpoints: India’s stubborn tariff and non-tariff barriers and its deepening ties with Russia, Iran and the BRICS bloc.
Initially, New Delhi’s halls of power buzzed with unease. The timing—coinciding with a high-decibel parliamentary session—fueled political back-and-forth, especially after Trump’s blunt label of the Indian and Russian economies as “dead” ignited fiery debates across party lines.
Yet, instead of bending under pressure, the Indian government seems to be digging in. What looked like a leverage play is hardening resolve, with policymakers viewing the US demands less as a bargaining chip than as outright extortion.
For young global citizens, entrepreneurs and thought leaders, this proxy battle offers key lessons: heavy-handed tactics can backfire, emerging markets are asserting autonomy, and trade diplomacy is as much about respect as it is about tariffs. As the standoff evolves, all eyes are on whether cooler heads in Washington and New Delhi can pivot from brinkmanship to constructive dialogue.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
