What Trump Now Said On His Earlier Post Regarding India, Russia, China
On Friday, US President Donald Trump addressed his earlier post on social media where he claimed that the US has "lost India and Russia to China." He disagreed with this statement, saying he does not believe it has happened.
While speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump expressed disappointment that India is buying a lot of oil from Russia. He said that the US has imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, which he believes is substantial. Trump also said that he has a good relationship with Indian Prime Minister Modi, who visited the US a few months ago.
Trump's comments came after leaders from India, Russia, and China met recently. In his social media post, he had earlier said, "Looks like we've lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China. May they have a long and prosperous future together!"
Peter Navarro, a trade advisor for Trump, accused India of benefiting from Russian oil and claimed that India's tariffs are affecting American jobs. White House Economic Advisor Kevin Hassett also expressed disappointment over India's oil imports from Russia, linking it to funding Russia's actions in Ukraine. He hopes for positive changes in the future.
The Indian government has not commented on Trump's remarks but has affirmed that it is actively discussing trade issues with the US.
India earlier said that it's ties with any country stand on their own merit and should not be viewed through the prism of a third country.