US President Donald Trump has called on the European Union to impose 100% tariffs on goods from India and China, signaling a sharp escalation in trade tensions. He stated that Washington would follow the same path if Western allies backed the move. Analysts believe the step is aimed at putting greater economic pressure on Russia.
The call came shortly after Trump imposed an additional 50% tariff on Indian imports, accusing New Delhi of buying oil from Moscow. Despite the strain, Washington and New Delhi continue trade talks in hopes of easing tensions, emphasizing what both governments call an “Indo-American friendship.”
According to the Financial Times, Trump joined a meeting of US and EU officials virtually, where he pressed allies to unite in order to weaken Russia economically. He stressed that Western nations must adopt a united front, promising US cooperation if the EU moves ahead with the plan.
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned against using colonial-era rhetoric toward India and China. Calling Western tariff policies a deliberate strategy to hinder the rise of emerging economies. Analysts also cautioned that if the EU accepts Trump’s proposal it could cause major disruptions in global markets while widening rifts between the West, India, and China.
Meanwhile, trade dialogue between the US and India shows some progress. Trump recently posted on social media that he would soon meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to advance a bilateral trade agreement, expressing confidence in a successful outcome.
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Modi echoed the sentiment, writing on his official X account that both nations would continue working to secure a brighter future for their people.
