- History is replete with instances of how the United States of America has treated India, despite being not only the largest democratic country in the world but also the cradle of ancient civilization, having contributed immensely to the cause of the global community immeasurably. Ever since the unpredictable, maverick, and increasingly petulant Donald Trump assumed the presidency of the USA, the global community has been witnessing enormous disruptions leading to significant economic churning courtesy of illogical import tariffs of various hues. Despite fiscal experts and economic wizards widely condemning the mostly ill-advised tariff moves, Trump has remained steadfast in furthering his pet policy without a thought for the consequences.
PC: NDTV
- Whereas several countries went out of their way to placate the intemperate and impetuous Trump to not press ahead with threats of imposing tariffs on them, some of the countries simply did not bow down to those hot-tempered diktats. China, in fact, went ahead and imposed reciprocal tariffs on the USA and placed a curb on rare earths, which made the bullying tactics of Trump appear meek. As has happened so many times, Trump has backed out of his threats by suspending the imposition of tariffs, announcing fresh dates, reducing the tariff, and, in general, flip-flopping that would make one wonder whether standing up to the bullying tactics results in cowering down. India, too, has seen an alteration in the USA’s priorities vis-à-vis strategic alliance with us.
PC: India Today
- The visible bonhomie between Modi and Trump on several occasions in the past gave the impression that the two leaders have ensured the alliance between the two largest democracies in the world steps into a new dimension. Praising each other and singing peans of the mutual admiration between the two leaders was construed as great signs for the two nations. However, the relationship between the two has been on a downward spiral ever since Trump assumed office for the second term. The aftermath of the Pahalgam attack and the subsequent Indian response in the form of Operation Sindoor followed by Trump’s persistent claims about playing a role in the ceasefire, has only further exacerbated the widening chasm between us.
PC: News Arena
- Things have not improved one bit despite the trade negotiations starting very early into Trump’s second term. Indian products are tariffed at 25% and an additional 25% has been imposed for buying Russian oil as of now. True to his nationalistic reputation/disposition, Modi hasn’t shown any inclination whatsoever to acquiesce to Trump’s unreasonable tariff imposition. The sooner Trump realizes that India is not a nation to be easily bullied, the better it will be for the increasingly petulant leader. India has done well to reach out to our time-tested ally in Russia, as well as open up stalled talks with the Chinese leadership. PM Modi would leave no stone unturned in ensuring India sails through the tough situation with seemingly fewer challenges.
