Donald Trump halts trade negotiations with India after tariff hike

India-US trade talks are currently on hold. US President Donald Trump stated that negotiations will not resume until the tariff issue is resolved. This development follows the announcement of a 50% tariff on Indian goods. The President has explicitly linked these tariffs to India’s purchase of Russian oil, aiming to pressure Russia for a ceasefire in Ukraine. An expert analysis indicates that the tariff issue is being used as a foreign policy tool, with India becoming collateral damage, especially as China, a larger buyer of Russian oil, faces a tariff truce. India has maintained its stance, with a statement indicating a readiness to face consequences. “I know that I may have to pay the personal price for this thing, but I am ready to pay that price since it is because of the protection of the livelihood of our farmers, our fishermen and many people in India.” This situation is seen as more than just a tariff war, reflecting broader diplomatic concerns.