Expert Warns Over Chabahar and Tariffs (Social Media)
International News: India-US relations remain tense. US President Donald Trump has imposed a 25 percent secondary tariff on India for its purchase of Russian oil. This brings the total US tariff on India to 50 percent, the highest on any country. This move has directly impacted Indian trade.
The Trump administration has also ended the exemption granted to India for the development of Iran's Chabahar port, posing a challenge to India's strategic Chabahar project.
However, Trump is constantly praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He described Modi as a "very close friend" and "good working leader." On 17 September, he also congratulated Modi on his birthday.
Diplomatic expert Brahma Chellaney says that Trump's policy is a mix of flattery and pressure. Chellaney said, "Trump praises Modi, but the underlying motive is to maintain pressure on India and serve his own interests. This is not a simple friendship, but a strategic move."
Trump’s India playbook is becoming clearer: smother Modi with continuing praise while tightening the vise on India. Calling Modi “great,” a “very close friend” and “doing a tremendous job” is Trump’s sugarcoating for bitter pills — from making India the first and only target of…
— Dr. Brahma Chellaney (@Chellaney) September 19, 2025
Trump's second term has seen a decline in Indo-US relations. He first imposed a 25 percent tariff on Indian goods and now increased an additional 25 percent tariff on Russian oil purchases. In addition, visa rules for Indian IT professionals have also been tightened.
Trump said at a press conference during the UK tour that he and Modi had good relations but did not withdraw from implementing the ban against India. Experts believe that this is the style of "Art of the Deal," which includes both the sweetness and economic pressure of relationships.
It is clear from this development that the balance of friendship and business interests between India and America still remains challenging.
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