US Tariffs on India Could Strengthen BRICS, Economist Warns; Navarro Calls Russia-Ukraine Conflict ‘PM Modi’s War’

The Trump administration’s decision to impose 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods could push India to expand trade with other countries, potentially strengthening BRICS, a US economist has warned.

“If the United States shuts itself off to India by big tariffs, India will have to find other places to sell its exports. Just as Russia found another place to sell its energy, India will sell its exports no longer to the United States but to the rest of the BRICS nations,” the economist said. He added that while the move is being described as historic, “it is the spectacle of the United States acting like the world’s ‘tough guy’ while actually shooting itself in the foot.”

The remarks come as White House trade adviser Peter Navarro described the Russia-Ukraine conflict as ‘PM Modi’s war’, criticising India for purchasing discounted crude oil from Moscow. In an interview with Bloomberg, Navarro blamed India for compelling the US and Europe to fund Ukraine’s war effort.

“Ukraine comes to us and Europe and says give us more money. Everybody in America loses because of what India is doing. Consumers and businesses lose, workers lose, because India’s high tariffs cause jobs, income and higher wages. Taxpayers lose because we have to fund Modi’s war,” Navarro said. He added that “the road to peace runs at least partly through New Delhi” and called India “arrogant” for prioritising its energy needs, urging it to “side with democracies.”

India has termed the US tariffs “unjustified and unreasonable,” reiterating that, like any major economy, it will take all necessary measures to protect its national interests and economic security.