Trump raises India tariffs to 50% over Russian oil purchases [Update@post#255]

[Muhammad Saad]

That’s a very brave move by Modi

 

[BouncerGuy]

India trying hard to find new best friend now after USA ditched them.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

India trying hard to find new best friend now after USA ditched them.

This is what happens when you try to play nice with everyone and avoid taking sides.

 

[Hikaru]

Trump underestimated the resolve of Sanatan. This is the lineage of Sanatanis who resisted the sword for a thousand years, refusing to budge from their Dharma.

Those with a history of yielding under pressure, expectedly did it once again. But Modi's Bharat will fight this to the end. A new world order is on its way, and Modi Ji, Putin Ji, Xi ChingPing and Lula Ji will drive this change.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Trump underestimated the resolve of Sanatan. This is the lineage of Sanatanis who resisted the sword for a thousand years, refusing to budge from their Dharma.

Those with a history of yielding under pressure, expectedly did it once again. But Modi's Bharat will fight this to the end. A new world order is on its way, and Modi Ji, Putin Ji, Xi ChingPing and Lula Ji will drive this change.

Incredibly naive of you to think China will ever be buddies with India

 

[Hikaru]

Incredibly naive of you to think China will ever be buddies with India

I know, that's why Xi's name got no respect from me above, unlike the other three. No one expects China to be a buddy, but we need them.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Trump underestimated the resolve of Sanatan. This is the lineage of Sanatanis who resisted the sword for a thousand years, refusing to budge from their Dharma.

Those with a history of yielding under pressure, expectedly did it once again. But Modi's Bharat will fight this to the end. A new world order is on its way, and Modi Ji, Putin Ji, Xi ChingPing and Lula Ji will drive this change.

At the moment, because of Modi's blunders, India has nothing to show

 

[Hikaru]

At the moment, because of Modi's blunders, India has nothing to show

Sticking to principles won't always have something to show, there might even be much to lose. Handful of global leaders have earned my respect in these times, happy to report that Modi Ji is one of them.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Sticking to principles won't always have something to show, there might even be much to lose. Handful of global leaders have earned my respect in these times, happy to report that Modi Ji is one of them.

I am hoping for more tariff so Modi can earn more of your respect.

 

[Red-Indian]

Sticking to principles won't always have something to show, there might even be much to lose. Handful of global leaders have earned my respect in these times, happy to report that Modi Ji is one of them.

I think Modi's main principle is to win the next election (Bihar?) and the one after that and the one....and he's stuck to it admirably. Other than that, I'm not sure.

 

[Rajdeep]

Its been more than 24 hours...neither India budged nor regime change happen.

#DilKeArmaanAasuoMe
#AaAaAa

 

[globetrotter]

There is a possibility of Russia, China and India forming coalition to tackle Trump's tarrif and later other BRICS nations will join them

 

[Red-Indian]

There is a possibility of Russia, China and India forming coalition to tackle Trump's tarrif and later other BRICS nations will join them

Absurd.
- We need to take production and jobs from China and compete with them intensely.
- Russia is a 'dead' oil and military equipment dependant economy that's brutally murdering it's neighbours

Long term, the US is still our most logical partner. The biggest consuming economy that (despite Trump's tantrums) needs cheaper products and services that we can sell to them to create jobs at home.

We just need to be low key, weather this storm, give Trump a few doable concessions, agree but drag our feet on the more sensitive ones (e.g. dairy) and massage his ego a bit. If the EU can do it, we can.

Nothing's changed here strategically despite all the temporary noise.

 

[Ball Blazer]

Now Can Russia’s Economy Withstand Trump’s Pressure?

 

[straighttalk]

I respect that India asserts its national interests in the face of US pressure by buying Russian oil, and wish Pakistan would act similarly and implements the gas deal with Iran.

However what deserves no respect whatsoever was the nauseating sycophancy towards Trump in his first term which has totally backfired.

Absolutely correct take on the situation but the sycophancy which India did and which Pakistan is doing now...nominating for peace prize..thanking him for saving Pakistan from Brahmos etf..works because he is president of himself and not of USA

 

[straighttalk]

Absurd.
- We need to take production and jobs from China and compete with them intensely.
- Russia is a 'dead' oil and military equipment dependant economy that's brutally murdering it's neighbours

Long term, the US is still our most logical partner. The biggest consuming economy that (despite Trump's tantrums) needs cheaper products and services that we can sell to them to create jobs at home.

We just need to be low key, weather this storm, give Trump a few doable concessions, agree but drag our feet on the more sensitive ones (e.g. dairy) and massage his ego a bit. If the EU can do it, we can.

Nothing's changed here strategically despite all the temporary noise.

Russia is not brutally murdering it's neighbor for shits and giggles...you need to have better geopolitical education...and ask why does a powerful rivals needs alliances and bases 300 km away from Moscow and turn a Russian populated country ..ex Soviet Union into a NATO ally...what would USA do if Russia established military bases in Mexico

 

[straighttalk]

Once upon a time India tried to isolate Pakistan.

Yes I see all the countries running to Pakistan to sign trade deals and have a piece of the Madrassa market ...how many companies are opening up in Rawalapindi

 

[straighttalk]

And the hypocrisy of accusing Pakistanis of not caring about the Uighur Muslims because of the relations with China, when the same can be said of buying Russian oil at the expense of the Ukrainians.

I think we can all agree that we can criticise our Government’s foreign policies.

Those are not the same. Does India care about Ukranians..no. Russia is a time tested ally and it makes economic sense. Unlike you all whose bleeding heart beats for Muslims everywhere from Kashmir to Gaza except China and whose daily utterances is about Muslim ummah and protecting Islam using the N bomb etc.

 

[IronShield]

Absolutely correct take on the situation but the sycophancy which India did and which Pakistan is doing now...nominating for peace prize..thanking him for saving Pakistan from Brahmos etf..works because he is president of himself and not of USA

Now matter how much you rant and rave and try to change reality.... its not happening.

Aside from all the other damage Pakistan inflicted, by far the biggest is Pakistan imposing a no fly zone over Indian air space as per your own CDS just like Isreal did over Iran. Have some shame and stop ranting lies at every corner thinking that if a lie is repeated enough times, it will become a fact. No it will not, and people like me will keep reminding you of it.

Why is Modi now running to China? They actively took part in your humiliation in May and yet Modi is running to Xi now.

Modi 2025 is a gift that keeps on giving. First humiliation by Pakistan and China and now by USA.

 

[HalBass9]

A 35-Minute Phone Call Between PM Modi And Donald Trump Triggered US Tariff Bomb On India:​

A tense 35-minute call between PM Modi and Donald Trump in June may have lit the fuse on the escalating US-India trade war, says a Bloomberg report. Modi reportedly set the record straight on India's role in the ceasefire with Pakistan, warning Trump against legitimising the Pakistani military by hosting Army Chief Munir at the White House. India rejected any suggestion of US mediation, and Modi declined a visit to the White House. What followed, according to the report, was a clear shift—Trump began lashing out at India, ultimately imposing a brutal 50% tariff and calling India’s economy “dead.” Could one call have broken a decade of strategic trust? This story reveals how a clash of egos, Pakistan's shadow, and a diplomatic rebuke may have derailed India-US ties in real time.

A 35-Minute Phone Call Between PM Modi And Donald Trump Triggered US Tariff Bomb On India: Report

A tense 35-minute call between PM Modi and Donald Trump in June may have lit the fuse on the escalating US-India trade war, says a Bloomberg report. Modi reportedly set the record straight on India's role in the ceasefire with Pakistan, warning Trump against legitimising the Pakistani military...

timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Looks like PAF and China didn’t just drop India’s most advanced jets, they also blew a hole through India’s most strategic western alliance. All of it could’ve been avoided, but one man’s ego had to be fed to maintain a carefully manufactured image for the domestic crowd. This is what happens when ego outweighs national interest.

 

[Bhaijaan]

Now Can Russia’s Economy Withstand Trump’s Pressure?

It’s not only about the current scenario but securing a long term reliable relationship with Russia for energy needs is very useful and crucial for India. Russia is an honourable nation and will remember India putting its relations with the strongest country in the world to honour its relations with Russia. The word is easy thrown around these days by certain nations but this is what a true iron clad friendship looks like.

Russia is a gold mine. The biggest and the most resourceful country BY FAR on this planet. Future developments will depend heavily on whichever countries have the best leverage and security when it comes to its energy and resources requirements.

 

[Patriot]

Those are not the same. Does India care about Ukranians..no. Russia is a time tested ally and it makes economic sense. Unlike you all whose bleeding heart beats for Muslims everywhere from Kashmir to Gaza except China and whose daily utterances is about Muslim ummah and protecting Islam using the N bomb etc.

India claims to care for humanity does it not? Pakistan might also claim to care about Muslims but realpolitik for self-interest comes first. However, I don’t personally agree with Pakistan’s stance and it should raise the issue with China.

 

[Bhaijaan]

Looks like PAF and China didn’t just drop India’s most advanced jets, they also blew a hole through India’s most strategic western alliance. All of it could’ve been avoided, but one man’s ego had to be fed to maintain a carefully manufactured image for the domestic crowd. This is what happens when ego outweighs national interest.

Dear @HalBass9,

Outside of Pakistan and the anti-Modi political circles in India, the global media isn’t giving the Pakistan angle in Indo-US relations much attention. International media is looking at it more in the broader US vs BRICS context.

So do not flatter yourself. Pakistan hasn’t yet arrived in global economic discourse. Your GDP is surviving largely on IMF handouts and your industries barely compete with other regional economic powers. Trump mentions Pakistan only in relation to India. The hyphenation attempt is obvious and no one’s missing it, including most learned Pakistanis.

That said, in geopolitics Pakistan is undeniably a crucial regional player especially for American strategic interests. That much most will agree on because it’s a fact. The US has always sought an agreeable, controllable, and ready for sale kind of a mercenary partner in the region which wouldnt ask for respect, genuine investments and to be treated on equal footing but is content with swift transfers to designated Swiss bank accounts and in Pakistani military dictatorship they found the ideal match. That’s just that. You are as a country largely irrelevant for now in global economic discussions.[/QUOTE]

 

[Usman Chadda]

Dear @HalBass9,

Outside of Pakistan and the anti-Modi political circles in India, the global media isn’t giving the Pakistan angle in Indo-US relations much attention. International media is looking at it more in the broader US vs BRICS context.

So do not flatter yourself. Pakistan hasn’t yet arrived in global economic discourse. Your GDP is surviving largely on IMF handouts and your industries barely compete with other regional economic powers. Trump mentions Pakistan only in relation to India. The hyphenation attempt is obvious and no one’s missing it, including most learned Pakistanis.

That said, in geopolitics Pakistan is undeniably a crucial regional player especially for American strategic interests. That much most will agree on because it’s a fact. The US has always sought an agreeable, controllable, and ready for sale kind of a mercenary partner in the region which wouldnt ask for respect, genuine investments and to be treated on equal footing but is content with swift transfers to designated Swiss bank accounts and in Pakistani military dictatorship they found the ideal match. That’s just that. You are as a country largely irrelevant for now in global economic discussions.

Trump considers India irrelevant too, considering how he is seen treating you the same way as he has been treating Brazil, Philippines etc.

What you have said about Pakistan is correct, no qualms about that. Our dictatorship has sold its soul to the next available master with the most handouts to give, however that’s an entirely different discussion. But for you to think Trump is considering India as an equal to the US is as big a joke as your whole country is right now

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

India’s State-Owned Refiners Halt Russian Oil Imports as US Doubles Tariffs

India's state-owned oil refiners halt Russian crude purchases amid rising US tariffs, impacting October-loading Urals cargoes and market dynamics.

united24media.com

Looks like the Indian defiance is wilting.

 

[Bhaijaan]

Trump considers India irrelevant too, considering how he is seen treating you the same way as he has been treating Brazil, Philippines etc.

What you have said about Pakistan is correct, no qualms about that. Our dictatorship has sold its soul to the next available master with the most handouts to give, however that’s an entirely different discussion. But for you to think Trump is considering India as an equal to the US is as big a joke as your whole country is right now

I nowhere mentioned that Trump treats India on equal footing. His behaviour clearly shows he is friend to no one. Forget India with whom the US has always had a rocky relationship, but even the traditional US allies like EU, Canada etc are being targeted by Trump.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

@Rajdeep India should not be this submissive
====

Government Denies Report Claiming US Arms Purchase To Be Paused​

Defence Ministry has denied a news report claiming that India plans to pause its arms purchases from the United States after US President Donald Trump announced an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods.

A Reuters news report claimed that India has put on hold its plans to procure new US weapons and aircraft, according to three Indian officials familiar with the matter, in India's first concrete sign of discontent after tariffs imposed on its exports by President Trump dragged ties to their lowest level in decades.

"The news reports on India pausing the talks related to defence purchases with the US are false and fabricated. It is clarified that the various cases of procurement are being progressed as per the extant procedures," Defence Ministry sources said.

The news report also claimed that India had been planning to send Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to Washington in the coming weeks for an announcement on some of the purchases, but that trip was cancelled

Trump on August 6 imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods as punishment for Delhi's purchases of Russian oil, which he said meant the country was funding Russia's invasion of Ukraine. That raised the total duty on Indian exports to 50 per cent - among the highest of any US trading partner.

The president has a history of rapidly reversing himself on tariffs and India has said it remains actively engaged in discussions with Washington.

Source: NDTV

 

[Bhaijaan]

@Usman Chadda

My comments were directed solely at certain voices in Pakistan who appear eager to portray recent events as proof that they are now in a position to deliver a masterclass in diplomacy.
Selling one’s country, letting a foreign power establish military bases there, bribing military dictators to mine natural resources and keeping it constantly engaged in needless geopolitical tensions with its neighbours to serve the interests of the paymasters is not diplomacy but signing away people and the nations destiny for the benefit of few influential people in the dictatorship nexus.

When and if we begin to see substantial American investments in Pakistan across different industries and infrastructure projects, creating large scale employment opportunities for its people and strengthening its institutions - that is when people could say Pakistan & America have formed a true mutually beneficial relationship.

At present however, there seems little tangible benefit for the ordinary citizens of Pakistan. The arrangements as they stand, appear more likely to reward a select few in positions of power, much as has often been the case in the past. Crypto, Oil, Defense etc. The theme here has been very clear to most observers.

 

[Red-Indian]

Russia is not brutally murdering it's neighbor for shits and giggles...you need to have better geopolitical education...and ask why does a powerful rivals needs alliances and bases 300 km away from Moscow and turn a Russian populated country ..ex Soviet Union into a NATO ally...what would USA do if Russia established military bases in Mexico

You're pretty naive. None of all the countries and despotic leaders who have murdered thousands even millions all through history have done it for shits and giggles. Doesn't make any of them right.

Doesn't mean either we need to get all moralistic about it. Just serve our interests and do what's right for us. If it means dumping Putin for a while, hey that's par for the course. Trump and/or Putin would and have done the same when they've needed to.

 

[LordJames]

https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/india-pauses-plans-buy-us-arms-after-trumps-tariffs-2025-08-08/

Exclusive: India pauses plans to buy US arms after Trump's tariffs​

NEW DELHI, Aug 8 (Reuters) - New Delhi has put on hold its plans to procure new U.S. weapons and aircraft, according to three Indian officials familiar with the matter, in India's first concrete sign of discontent after tariffs imposed on its exports by President Donald Trump dragged ties to their lowest level in decades.

India had been planning to send Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to Washington in the coming weeks for an announcement on some of the purchases, but that trip has been cancelled, two of the people said.

 

[HalBass9]

Dear @HalBass9,

Outside of Pakistan and the anti-Modi political circles in India, the global media isn’t giving the Pakistan angle in Indo-US relations much attention. International media is looking at it more in the broader US vs BRICS context.

So do not flatter yourself. Pakistan hasn’t yet arrived in global economic discourse. Your GDP is surviving largely on IMF handouts and your industries barely compete with other regional economic powers. Trump mentions Pakistan only in relation to India. The hyphenation attempt is obvious and no one’s missing it, including most learned Pakistanis.

That said, in geopolitics Pakistan is undeniably a crucial regional player especially for American strategic interests. That much most will agree on because it’s a fact. The US has always sought an agreeable, controllable, and ready for sale kind of a mercenary partner in the region which wouldnt ask for respect, genuine investments and to be treated on equal footing but is content with swift transfers to designated Swiss bank accounts and in Pakistani military dictatorship they found the ideal match. That’s just that. You are as a country largely irrelevant for now in global economic discussions.

Bhaijaan, I’m simply citing what Bloomberg reported, only this time through an Indian source, since some folks only consider Indian media credible, especially when India finds itself cornered.

What I fail to understand is, what does any of this have to do with Pakistan’s economy? The topic here isn’t Pakistan economy, it’s a 35 minute phone call and a clash of egos between Trump’s America and Modi’s India.

Dragging Pakistan’s economy into this is a deflection. Let’s not kid ourselves, Pakistan is economically irrelevant on the global stage, just like India was made militarily irrelevant during the recent skirmish, despite flaunting some of the world’s most expensive jets.

So again, this isn’t about Pakistan. It’s about how one phone call flipped the script, exposed fragile egos, and temporarily strained a strategic partnership.

 

[HalBass9]

India’s State-Owned Refiners Halt Russian Oil Imports as US Doubles Tariffs

India's state-owned oil refiners halt Russian crude purchases amid rising US tariffs, impacting October-loading Urals cargoes and market dynamics.

united24media.com

Looks like the Indian defiance is wilting.

It’s only a matter of time before the Indian government accepts reality, they're just busy figuring out how to spin it to look like a "masterstroke." The moment they crack the PR formula, you'll start hearing, “India chose this path,” “India led the way,” and every call center propagandist will be deployed to flood the narrative.

As for India stopping oil purchases from Russia. It’ll spike global oil prices. One of the main reasons the US (especially the Democrats) looked the other way was to keep oil prices in check. Pull that plug, and it’s everyone’s pain at the pump.

 

[cricketjoshila]

This performative urge to showcase strategic superiority for domestic applause does India no favors. India need to appease Trump, he is a temporary storm. He’ll be gone soon, likely leaving the Republican Party in shambles. The odds favor a Democrat taking over, and historically, Democratic administrations have been more sympathetic toward India anyway.

What we’re seeing is an ego clash, not a strategy. India doesn’t possess strategic superiority, only the US, Russia, and China can claim that. A pragmatic Indian would be angling for a deal, maximizing gains from a volatile situation. But the nationalist Indian? busy beating 56 inch chest for an audience at home. That bravado has humiliated India on the global stage more than once, and it looks like history might be on repeat.

We are not in the PPpeasing business

Te will of 1.5bn people doesnt bend as per the wishes of who americans vote for

 

[cricketjoshila]

It’s only a matter of time before the Indian government accepts reality, they're just busy figuring out how to spin it to look like a "masterstroke." The moment they crack the PR formula, you'll start hearing, “India chose this path,” “India led the way,” and every call center propagandist will be deployed to flood the narrative.

As for India stopping oil purchases from Russia. It’ll spike global oil prices. One of the main reasons the US (especially the Democrats) looked the other way was to keep oil prices in check. Pull that plug, and it’s everyone’s pain at the pump.

WhT reality?

 

[IAJ]

The more Trump tries to pressure India, the stronger India’s response becomes. Modi has said he plans to deepen India’s strategic partnership with Russia and has even invited President Putin to visit India.

Modi is also heading to China and strengthening ties with Brazil through BRICS.

Yes, this approach could come at a high cost for India. But what Pakistan couldn’t do, India is doing. Pakistan removed its sitting Prime Minister after just a little pressure from the U.S., while India is standing firm. Time will tell how this all plays out.

 

[zn426]

India is choosing protectionism and right now it looks like the right play. The bigger question is how far President Trump intends to take this. Today it was a 50% tariff. What's next? Will Trump start revoking H1B permits for India? Will Trump start attempting to denaturalise Indian-born US citizens? Will Trump start imposing labor tarriffs on Indian labor?

If you start seeing things like this, India may actually start having problems.

I've said it before, but the mood here in the US is not just about Mexicans and Venezuelans. There is a genuine rage among many here about how many tech jobs have been taken by Indians after previous administrations told our youth that they needed to learn IT and STEM subjects, only to see those jobs go to overseas applicants.