US President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on India and Russia on Thursday, calling their economies “dead” and announcing a 25% tariff on Indian imports beginning August 1, citing concerns over India’s trade and defence ties with Moscow.
“I don’t care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care,” Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social. He accused India of maintaining excessively high tariffs, calling them “among the highest in the world.”
The US President also took aim at Russia, saying the US and Russia do “almost no business” and should continue that way. He warned former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to “watch his words,” calling him “a failed leader entering very dangerous territory.”
Trump’s Russia-Ire Explained
Trump’s outburst came after Medvedev criticized Trump’s approach toward Moscow, warning that US ultimatums were pushing both countries toward direct conflict. The former Russian leader’s comments followed Trump’s earlier statement giving Russia a sharply reduced deadline—just 10 to 12 days—to agree to a peace deal in Ukraine.
Rising Trade Tensions
The sudden tariff hike threatens to undo months of bilateral negotiations. An unnamed official from India’s Ministry of External Affairs said New Delhi is assessing the impact and may seek urgent diplomatic consultations.
Trump’s comments also coincided with his decision to impose unspecified penalties on India over its military procurement and energy deals with Russia.
The move marks a sharp deterioration in US-India trade relations and has drawn criticism from analysts who warn it may push New Delhi further toward alternative economic alliances, including BRICS and ASEAN blocs.
