(Image source from: x.com/WhiteHouse)

A day after he declared a 25 percent tax on imports from India, US President Donald Trump has made another surprising statement. Criticizing India and Russia, he expressed that he is unconcerned about the interactions between New Delhi and Moscow, suggesting that the two nations can face their economic troubles together. "I’m not interested in what India does with Russia. They can deal with their failing economies together, as far as I’m concerned. Our trade with India is very minimal, and their tariffs are extremely high, some of the highest globally. Similarly, there is almost no business conducted between Russia and the USA. Let's maintain that," he posted on Truth Social. The US President also challenged former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev for suggesting that the "ultimatum game" involving Russia could escalate into war. "...and tell Medvedev, the ex-President of Russia who thinks he still holds that title, to choose his words carefully. He is stepping into very risky territory," stated the US President.

The US President's comments followed his announcement of the 25 percent tariffs on Indian imports and a fine regarding New Delhi's acquisitions from Russia. "Remember, even though India is our ally, we have conducted relatively little trade with them over the years due to their extremely high tariffs, which rank among the highest in the world, and they have the most challenging and unreasonable non-monetary trade barriers of any nation," Trump remarked, adding that the United States has a significant trade deficit with India. Disapproving of New Delhi's military agreements with Moscow, he noted that India has "always obtained most of their military supplies from Russia." He mentioned that they "are also the largest purchasers of Russian energy, alongside China, at a time when everyone wants Russia to cease the violence in Ukraine." Since the start of the conflict in Ukraine, Western nations have consistently criticized India's purchase of Russian oil. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has explained India's stance on this matter, asserting that the country is simply trying to secure the best arrangements for its people. He pointed out the hypocrisy of the West, suggesting they need to move past the idea that "issues in Europe are the world's issues, but global problems should not concern Europe."

After Trump announced the tariffs, the Indian government said it has "taken note" and is "assessing the implications.""India and the USA have been engaging in discussions to finalize a fair, balanced, and mutually advantageous trade agreement over the past few months. We remain dedicated to that goal. The Government prioritizes the protection and advancement of our farmers, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs," the Ministry of Commerce and Industry expressed in a statement.

"The government will take all necessary actions to protect our national interests, as it has done with other trade agreements such as the recent Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with the UK," stated the government. Trump's criticism of Medvedev, who has held the roles of president and prime minister of Russia and is now the Deputy Chairman of its Security Council, follows a message on X where he mentioned Trump's "ultimatum game" involving Russia. "Every new ultimatum is a danger and a move towards conflict. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with (Trump's) own nation," he said. This comment came after Trump showed his dissatisfaction over Russian President Vladimir Putin's inability to resolve the war in Ukraine. The US President mentioned he was shortening the timeframe for a peace agreement from 50 days to between 10 and 12.

Trump's remarks arise in a different context. Shortly after he declared tariffs on New Delhi, the US President announced he had made an agreement with Pakistan to collaboratively develop its oil resources. "We have just finalized a deal with Pakistan, where both Pakistan and the United States will collaborate on developing its large oil reserves... We are currently selecting the oil company that will spearhead this partnership," Trump posted on social media. This development occurs when the relationship between New Delhi and Islamabad is at its lowest point following the Pahalgam terror incident.