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Key Points

President Trump walked back his earlier comments about the US losing India to China during a White House press briefing. He specifically expressed disappointment with India's continued purchases of Russian oil despite US sanctions. The President defended the 50% tariffs imposed on Indian goods as a response to these energy purchases. Trump nevertheless maintained that he maintains a good personal relationship with Prime Minister Modi despite these trade tensions.

Key Points: Trump Walks Back India China Comments After Trade Tariff Warning

  • Trump clarifies his controversial "lost India to China" social media post
  • Expresses disappointment over India's Russian oil purchases
  • Defends 50% US tariffs imposed on Indian goods
  • Mentions good relationship with PM Modi despite trade tensions
3 min read

I don't think we have...: Trump responds to his earlier 'India lost to China' remarks

Trump clarifies his "lost India to China" remarks while expressing disappointment over India's Russian oil purchases and defending 50% US tariffs on Indian goods.

"I don't think we have. I've been very disappointed that India would be buying so much oil from Russia. - Donald Trump"

By Reena Bhardwaj, Washington DC, September 6

US President Donald Trump on Friday responded to his post on Truth Social where he called of losing 'India and Russia to China', saying that he does not think that has happened.

Responding to ANI while adressing the media at the White House, Trump also expressed disappointment with India purchasing Russian oil and spoke about the 50 per cent tariffs imposed by the United States on India.

On being asked to whom he blames for losing India to China in his post earlier on Friday, the US President said, "I don't think we have. I've been very disappointed that India would be buying so much oil from Russia. I let them know that. We put a very big tariff on India- 50 per cent, very high tariff. I get along very well with (PM) Modi as you know. He was here couple of months ago, in fact we went to the Rose Garden and had a press conference."

A few days after India, Russia and China stood together at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meet in Tianjin, United States President Donald Trump posted a comment on his social media platform Truth Social, stating that the US has "lost Russia and India to deepest, darkest China."

"Looks like we've lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China. May they have a long and prosperous future together!" Trump wrote.

Earlier on Friday, Peter Navarro, Senior Counsellor for Trade and Manufacturing for US President Donald Trump, again accused India of profiteering from Russian oil in his latest slew of remarks, alongside alleging that India's tariffs cost "Americans' jobs".

Also on Friday, the White House Economic Advisor Kevin Hassett said that US President Donald Trump and the trade team are "disappointed" with India's continued imports of Russian crude oil, but hoped for positive developments.

"I think that the trade team and the President are disappointed that India continues to fund Russia's Ukraine war...Hopefully, it's a democratic issue, and we'll have positive developments," Hassett said, answering a question from ANI during a media interaction.

Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) declined to comment on US President Donald Trump's latest remarks in which he mentioned India, Russia and China.

On the front of the India-US trade issues, the MEA spokesperson affirmed that India "continues to remain engaged with the US side on trade issues."

The United States has imposed 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods, including 25 per cent penalty for importing Russian oil. The Indian Government had earlier said that India's ties with any country stand on their own merit and should not be viewed through the prism of a third country.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Trump's flip-flopping shows how confused American foreign policy is. First he says we're lost to China, then he backtracks. India has its own independent foreign policy and doesn't need validation from anyone.
A
Aman W
The 50% tariffs are just bullying tactics. Instead of punishing India, the US should compete fairly. We're not anyone's satellite state to be ordered around. Jai Hind!
S
Sarah B
While I understand India's need for affordable energy, we must also consider the moral implications of funding Russia's war. There has to be a middle ground that respects both economic and ethical concerns.
V
Vikram M
Modi government is handling this perfectly. We maintain good relations with all countries while protecting Indian interests. The MEA's response was diplomatic and firm 👏
N
Nikhil C
America lectures others while they've been the biggest warmongers themselves. We remember Iraq and Afghanistan. Let them clean their own house first before giving gyaan to others.
M
Meera T
Honestly, we need to reduce dependence on all foreign oil - whether Russian or American. Invest more in renewable energy and become truly self-reliant. That's the real solution for India.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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