Trump’s tariffs could push India closer into Brics and SCO spheres: Analysts

US President Donald Trump's decision to double tariffs on Indian exports to 50 percent is drawing sharp criticism from economists, who warn the strategy could backfire — pushing India closer into the Brics and SCO spheres, rather than isolating it.

- Issac John

This shift is unfolding amid the SCO Summit in Tianjin, where leaders are advancing a framework that echoes and reinforces Brics’ multipolar ambitions.

Economists argue that Trump’s economic warfare has accelerated Brics integration. US economist Richard Wolff blasted the move as “economic warfare,” predicting that “If you shut off the United States to India by big tariffs, India will have to find other places to sell its exports... India will redirect its trade to Brics partners.” He warns the tariffs could catalyse the very economic integration Washington seeks to impede. Wolff argues that punitive measures may undermine US strategic objectives by giving rise to an alternative global economic architecture centred on Brics.

As the summit unfolds, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasised the bloc’s expanding mandate: “Greater responsibility ... for keeping regional peace and stability” while fostering the “development and prosperity” of member states.

At a pivotal bilateral with Prime Minister Modi, Xi condemned “bullying behaviour” and urged participants to reject “Cold War mentality and camp confrontation.”