After US President Donald Trump imposed 50 per cent tariffs on Indian imports, citing New Delhi’s continued purchases of Russian crude, criticism has poured in from across the American political spectrum.
In an interview with CNBC International, former US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell warned that the move could seriously damage one of Washington’s most vital partnerships. “America’s most important relationship in the 21st century is with India. Much of that is now at risk,” Campbell said. “The way President Trump has spoken about India and PM Modi has put the Indian government in a difficult position.
Offering blunt advice to New Delhi, Campbell added: “Prime Minister Modi should not bend the knee to President Trump.” He cautioned that pressuring India to downgrade its ties with Moscow could backfire. “If you tell India that it has to sacrifice its relationship with Russia, then Indian strategists are going to do the exact opposite,” he said.
Campbell stressed that in areas such as technology, education, and military cooperation, “the most important relationship for the United States going into the 21st century” is with India — and “much of that is now at risk.
US State Department reiterated that “India is a strategic partner” and said Washington was engaging in “full and frank dialogue” with New Delhi, even as tensions rise over the tariff dispute.
Earlier in the day, Trump ruled out trade negotiations with India until the tariff issue is resolved, following his administration’s decision to double duties on Indian imports
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