On August 5, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff on goods from India—on top of the 25% hike announced just days earlier. This means that, within a month, India now faces a total tariff increase of 50%, placing it alongside Brazil as the country subject to the highest U.S. tariffs.
The justification offered by President Trump—if it can be called that—is India’s continued oil trade with Russia. However, India is among the major global economies heavily dependent on oil imports, requiring about 5 million barrels per day. Under such circumstances, India must carefully allocate its limited resources for essential imports and take advantage of whatever favorable opportunities the international market offers.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded promptly on August 5, stating that the new tariff measures imposed by the U.S. President are “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.” The ministry further asserted that “India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests,” emphasizing that the country’s imports are guided by the overarching objective of ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion citizens.
Historically, India was one of the world's most prosperous and influential trading nations in the 17th century. However, nearly two centuries of colonial rule devastated its economy, leading to widespread famines and repression that claimed millions of lives.
In the post-independence period, one might have expected the former colonial powers—and their successor, the United States—to assist generously in India’s development. Unfortunately, the reality was often an imposition of neo-colonial strategies, which were firmly resisted by leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru. Even Western aid—such as that offered during the so-called Green Revolution—often served as a vehicle to transform Indian agriculture in ways that benefited corporate agribusinesses rather than Indian farmers. These changes undermined more sustainable, low-cost, agro-ecological systems that prioritized environmental protection, justice, and self-reliance.
India’s notable achievements in fields such as affordable generic medicines for the Global South were met with resistance from the West, which sought to impose restrictive patent laws and limit India’s efforts.
India’s leadership in the Non-Aligned Movement was also viewed unfavorably by the West, particularly the United States. Nonetheless, India earned admiration from many countries in the Global South for its ability to withstand external pressure and pursue policies aligned with its national interests. A striking example of this independence was India’s role in the 1971 liberation of Bangladesh. Despite severe pressure from the U.S.—including personal attacks against Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by President Nixon and Henry Kissinger—India remained steadfast. The leadership demonstrated during this time ensured the safe return of nearly 10 million refugees and drew widespread praise from both the public and opposition leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Notably, the Soviet Union was the only country to stand unequivocally with India during this crisis.
Today, as India again faces arbitrary measures from the United States, it is essential for the nation to come together in unity. Issues that divide can wait. What is needed now is a renewed spirit of national cohesion. The government must lead by upholding the principles of equality for all, rejecting any form of discrimination based on faith, caste, or other such identities.
On matters concerning the defense of India’s national interests against unjust external pressures, the government and opposition should work together to build national consensus and present a united front.
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The writer is Honorary Convener, Campaign to Save the Earth Now. His recent books include When the Two Streams Met (on India’s freedom movement), Man over Machine (on Mahatma Gandhi’s ideas), Protecting the Earth for Children, and Planet in Peril
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