India, Aug. 3 -- The United States is behaving like a class monitor, treating India like a disobedient backbencher. The imposition of steep tariffs and the linking of trade to foreign policy has exposed how fragile India's diplomatic calculations with the United States have under President Donald Trump. India and the United States have been negotiating a trade agreement since March 2025. However, the talks have now culminated in a damaging outcome: a 25 percent tariff slapped on key Indian exports, including automobiles and jewellery.
This tariff, which could affect nearly half (about $85 billion) of India's exports to the US, marks a sharp blow to Indian industry, foreign direct investment, inflation control, and consumer interests. The m...