Tariffs & Nobel: Ex-diplomat links Trump's twin obsessions

After the United States imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods—citing national security and foreign policy concerns, particularly India's ongoing imports of Russian oil—former Indian diplomat Rakesh Sood said that US President Donald Trump "loves tariffs and the Nobel Peace Prize," hinting that India's lack of recognition on the latter might be a reason for the former.

- TDG NETWORK

Speaking to ANI on Friday, Sood said, "There are two things that President Trump loves—one is tariffs, and the second is the Nobel Peace Prize. He will do anything to get to the bottom of these two. He has repeatedly said how he stopped the war between India and Pakistan and prevented a nuclear war. We've not given him comfort on the Nobel, so I guess we are facing the tariffs. We'll see how we deal with it."

Trump's fondness for tariffs is evident in his protectionist trade policies. He believes tariffs are an effective tool to negotiate better trade deals and protect American industries. During his presidency, Trump imposed significant tariffs on various countries, including India, citing national security and foreign policy concerns.

Trump has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize multiple times. In 2024, he was nominated by Republican leader Buddy Carter for his efforts in brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Pakistan also nominated him for his alleged role in establishing peace between India and Pakistan during a cross-border crisis.