Washington: US President Donald Trump, in a sharp statement following the imposition of a 25 percent tariff on Indian goods, criticised India’s trade practices and dismissed concerns over its ties with Russia.
“We have done very little business with India. Their tariffs are very high, among the highest in the world,” Trump said. He reiterated that he was not concerned about India’s dealings with Moscow, adding, “I don’t care what India does to Russia. I don’t even care how they can collapse their lifeless economies together.”
Trump also targeted Russia, remarking, “Russia and the US do almost no business together. Let’s keep it that way.”
In a veiled warning to Russian officials, he said, “Ask Russia’s failed former president Dmitry Medvedev, who still considers himself president, to pay attention to his words. He is entering a very dangerous area.”
The remarks come amid growing scrutiny of India’s continued military and economic ties with Russia, despite Western pressure following Moscow’s actions in Ukraine.
