India and the United States today find themselves in a complicated situation
India and the United States today find themselves in a complicated situation. On one hand, Washington has imposed punishing tariffs on Indian goods, 50 percent in all, including a 25 percent penalty linked to New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil. On the other hand, both leaders keep sending out signals that the friendship is not yet over.
The situation became even more unusual this week when Brazil called a special BRICS meeting on 8 September to discuss tariffs. While the summit is being attended at the level of presidents by other nations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has chosen not to participate. Instead, he deputed External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to represent India. The move is being read in New Delhi as a balancing act: India is clearly unhappy with the US tariff policy, but Modi does not want to be seen as directly lining up against Washington.
President Donald Trump’s trade policy has hit India harder than perhaps any other partner. He has not only raised duties to record levels but also accused India of blocking American companies in agriculture, dairy, and biotechnology by maintaining strict regulations. What Washington calls “market access barriers,” New Delhi calls sovereign policy choices. For India, the question is not just about tariffs but about protecting its food security, its farmers, and its right to regulate sensitive sectors.
At the same time, Trump’s own statements have swung wildly. He recently said that the United States had “lost India and Russia to the darkest China.” But soon after, he softened his tone, praising Modi as a “great Prime Minister” and saying that India and the United States have “special relationship”. Observers are confused due to varying messaging from President Trump, but at the same time they are also hopeful that dialogue still may be possible.
Prime Minister Modi’s response was carefully worded. In a tweet, PM Modi said, “deeply appreciate and fully reciprocate” US President Trump’s sentiments. Modi also stressed that India and US have a very “positive and forward-looking comprehensive partnership.”
For India, this is not just about trade. In recent months, Modi has appeared on stage with Russian President Vladimir Putin and China’s Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. Those pictures sent ripples across Washington, suggesting India has other options if the US shuts the door. Analysts say this is a reminder of India’s long-standing policy of “strategic autonomy.” In plain words, India does business with the US, Russia, and China as it sees fit, and does not accept being pushed into a corner.
Despite the tariff shock, India has avoided harsh words against Trump or the US. Both sides know they need each other. The US wants India as a counterweight to China in Asia, while India sees American technology and investment as vital for its growth.
The road to a formal trade deal looks blocked for now. However, Modi and Trump’s latest comments suggest there is still hope that the India-US partnership can survive this storm.
(Mohit Singh is a television journalist)
