On Saturday, August 3rd, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at a public rally in Uttar Pradesh, delivered a forceful endorsement of the 'Make in India'
movement in response to rising global uncertainty and the United States’ 25 per cent tariffs on Indian exports. The rally came as US President Donald Trump ramped up pressure on India to halt oil imports from Russia, warning of further penalties if trade continues. "Now, whatever we buy, there should be only one scale: we will buy those things which have been made by the sweat of an Indian," said Modi.
Trump Turns Up Heat on India Over Russia Ties
The Biden–Trump-driven US foreign policy consensus had largely viewed India as a strategic counterweight to China. But this calculus appears to be shifting. Speaking on Sunday, Stephen Miller, Trump’s former deputy chief of staff, accused India of:- Imposing high tariffs on US goods
- Manipulating US immigration policy
- Buying Russian oil at scale
Trump himself took a swipe at India’s BRICS participation, remarking, "They can take their dead economies down together."
India Holds Its Ground on Energy and Sovereignty
India’s continued energy cooperation with Russia has triggered criticism from Washington and Brussels, with concerns that oil revenue supports Moscow’s war in Ukraine. Nonetheless, New Delhi remains firm. “The world economy is going through many apprehensions — there is an atmosphere of instability,” said PM Modi. “The interests of our farmers, our small industries and the employment of our youth are of paramount importance.”
India's Foreign Ministry reinforced this position, describing its ties with Russia as a “steady and time-tested partnership.”
“Our bilateral relationships are independent and evaluated on their own merit,” said spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, pushing back against suggestions India should shift position under foreign pressure.
Trade Outlook: Hard Bargaining Ahead
US trade envoys are expected in New Delhi in late August to continue negotiations. However, a senior Indian official confirmed that agriculture, dairy, and GM foods remain non-negotiable due to cultural and political sensitivities.In a sign of potential escalation, Trump's administration has hinted at broader financial and diplomatic penalties if India does not align with its Russia policy, a strategy that breaks with previous bipartisan efforts to foster closer US–India ties.
