US President Donald Trump has announced a 25% additional tariff on India for purchasing oil from Russia. Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute located at Wilson Center, has described it as the biggest crisis ever in the strategic partnership of Indo-US.
Michael Kugelman said that this decision of Trump is not very shocking, given the kind of relations that have developed between the US and India in recent times. President Trump has been in favor of putting tariffs from the beginning. Even though it damages the relations between India and America, I am not surprised that they have turned their threat into reality.
#Watch Washington Dc | On us president trump announcing a 25% extra tariff on India, Director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center, Michael Kugelman Says, “… Unfortunately, Given Just How the Relationship Has Beeen Develop Recent days, this new announcing is… pic.twitter.com/jfsutukvg5
– ANI (@ani) August 6, 2025
The biggest crisis in strategic partnership in the last two decades
Kugelman further said, ‘I think this is the biggest crisis in the last two decades in the strategic partnership between India and America. But I also believe that this relationship can be saved, not just because the two countries have the same advantages and strategic goals, but also because this relationship is built at many levels. There are many areas where the two countries work together, and these things strengthen this relationship to face a shock. ‘
#Watch Washington Dc | On being asked about why president trump is not punishing china, but targeting India (for russian imports), Director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center, Michaelman Says, “… Michaelman Says” … Out there and refused to let president… pic.twitter.com/okdwhu7s7t
– ANI (@ani) August 6, 2025
Also read: US TARIFF: America raised tariffs on India to 50 percent, President Trump signed an executive order
China did not do any act like advising Trump
When the Kugelman was asked why President Trump is targeting India, while not China. Especially when India is buying goods from Russia. To this, Kugelman replied, ‘China has not refused to come out openly to take credit to President Trump in the ceasefire. The Chinese leader has not done any act like having long interactions with Trump or advising him. But India has done so. So I think perhaps President Trump is more angry than India and that is why he is taking out his most resentment on the Government of India in terms of business and fees. To be honest, this is a dual policy, it is partiality. Whatever name you want to give it. ‘