Should Modi Shoulder the Weight of Trump’s Broken Promise on Ukraine?
 |
| Why Should PM Modi Bear the Burden of Trump’s Failure? |
Donald Trump promised during his electioncampaign to end the Russia–Ukraine war—going so far as to issue public ultimatums to Moscow.
When peace did not materialize, he seemed to pivot blame onto India, specifically Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that New Delhi’s continued energy and defense ties with Russia facilitated the conflict.
In his Truth Social post announcing 25% tariffs on Indian goods, Trump wrote:
“They have always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russia’s largest buyer of ENERGY… at a time when everyone wants Russia to STOP THE KILLING IN UKRAINE – ALL THINGS NOT GOOD!” (Reddit, Outlook Business, Business Standard)
Yet Indian officials swiftly rejected any association of Modi with Trump’s failures.
A government statement emphasized that New Delhi remains committed to a “fair, balanced and mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement,” and unequivocally stated:
“The government attaches the utmost importance to protecting and promoting the welfare of our farmers, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs.” (Business Standard)
“Tariff Blackmail” or Strategic Pressure? Indian Voices Respond
Indian policymakers and analysts have forcefully pushed back, characterizing Trump’s economic coercion as an attempt to cover diplomatic inadequacy with trade threats:
FICCI President Harsha Vardhan Agarwal called the 25% tariff “unfortunate” and expressed hope that it would be short-lived:
“While this move is unfortunate and will have a clear bearing on our exports, we hope that this imposition of higher tariffs will be a short‑term phenomenon and that a permanent trade deal … will be finalised soon.” (Business Standard)
Mithileshwar Thakur, Secretary-General of the Apparel Export Promotion Council, highlighted how the penalty clause linked to Russia imports added uncertainty and placed Indian exporters at a disadvantage:
“A 25 percent tariff with an additional clause of penalty … has upset the equation and sent trade possibilities with the US into a zone of uncertainty.” (Business Standard)
Aditi Nayar of ICRA warned that economic consequences could weaken India’s GDP momentum:
“When the US … imposed tariffs, we had lowered our forecast … to 6.2% for FY2026 … The proposed tariff (and penalty) … is higher … and is therefore likely to pose a headwind to India’s GDP growth.” (Business Standard)
Analysts from think tanks such as GTRI (Global Trade Research Initiative) noted that while India is not in a far worse position than countries like Japan or Vietnam, it has offered fewer strategic concessions.
EY India and FICCI expressed concern yet also held onto hope for eventual resolution. (Outlook Business)
Reactions from the Public and Experts
Public and media reaction in India reflects a mixture of skepticism toward Trump’s tactics and acknowledgement of internal reform needs:
The renowned columnist Shekhar Gupta argued:
“Thank You Trump for putting tariff gun to India’s head. That’s the only way we’d be forced to reform.” He compared this pressure to the crises of 1991 and 1998 that catalyzed transformative economic reforms in India. (Reddit)
A user-commented analysis on Reddit reflected the dilemma facing Indian SMEs:
“Big corporations might manage, but SMEs? Not so much… If the government doesn’t step in … small businesses will get wiped out.” (Reddit)
Another succinct critique stated:
“When you try to please a bully, he blows harder. To tame a bully, you need to take a stand and show your mantle.” (Reddit)
These voices underscore a prevalent view: external coercion may force overdue reform, but mismanagement or capitulation could harm smaller businesses and national interests alike.
Should Trump Face Resignation?
Calls for Trump’s resignation remain largely within opinion circles or public discourse—not mainstream reporting. No major outlet has formally demanded his resignation over his failure to stop the war.
Rather, the fallout is expressed in diplomatic strain and economic consequences, not accountability through office.
Final Take
Trump’s aggressive tariff policy and rhetoric appear less about trade fairness and more about deflecting diplomatic failure onto India and its leadership.
Indian officials stand firm: Modi shoulders no blame for Trump’s broken promises.Meanwhile, domestic experts and commentators debate whether this pressure might push India toward much-needed reform or plunge it into further economic strain.
Politico — “ALL THINGS NOT GOOD!': Trump says he’s imposing 25 percent tariff on India
Reuters — Trump says US, India still negotiating after 25% US tariff threat
AP News — Trump announces 25% tariff on India and unspecified penalties for buying Russian oil
South China Morning Post (SCMP) — Trump announces 25% tariff on India and unspecified penalties for buying Russian oil
Reuters Breakingviews — US tariff keeps India in China plus one, for now
Facebook Shared Version — US tariff keeps India in China plus one, for now
0 Comments