Modi ready for tariff war with Trump over Russian oil, BRICS shows support
7 August 2025 09:57
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that he would not compromise with Trump, even if he had to pay a high price for it. These are his first comments after US President Donald Trump announced 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports citing Reuters.
Trump on Thursday announced an additional 25% tariff on goods from South Asia, bringing the total amount of duties on Indian exports to the United States to 50%, one of the highest levels among American trading partners.
“For us, the welfare of our farmers is the highest value. India will never compromise on the welfare of its farmers, dairy industry and fishermen. And I personally know that I will have to pay a high price for this,”
– Modi said at an event in New Delhi.
Trade talks between India and the United States collapsed after five rounds due to disagreements over opening up India’s huge agricultural and dairy sectors, as well as stopping purchases of Russian oil.
Modi did not directly mention the US tariffs or trade talks.
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Reasons for the new duties
The new duties, which come into effect on August 28, are intended to punish India for buying Russian oil, Trump said. India’s external affairs ministry called the decision “extremely regrettable” and said
“India will take all necessary measures to protect its national interests.”
The US has not yet announced similar duties for China, which is the largest buyer of Russian oil. Experts believe that China has avoided punishment due to its trump cards in the form of reserves of rare earth metals and other strategic goods that India lacks.
“The increase in US duties is devoid of logic,”
– Dhammu Ravi, Secretary of Economic Affairs at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, told reporters.
“This is a temporary aberration, a temporary problem that the country will face, but in time we are confident that the world will find a solution.”
Searching for new partnerships
India has begun to take steps that signal it may consider other partnerships in the coming months amid Trump’s tariffs, which have led to the worst diplomatic standoff between the two countries in years.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is preparing for his first visit to China in more than seven years, indicating a potential shift in alliances amid deteriorating relations with Washington.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said on Wednesday that he was initiating discussions among the BRICS countries to counter Trump’s tariffs.
He said he plans to call Modi on Thursday, as well as Chinese leader Xi Jinping and other leaders.
Ravi noted that
“like-minded countries will seek cooperation and economic engagement that is mutually beneficial to all parties.”
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