Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD
Get unlimited access to 10,000+ magazines, newspapers and Premium stories for just
Try GOLD - Free
Of that high-stakes trade showdown
Sunday Island
|August 10, 2025
An Executive Order signed by US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, imposing an additional 25% tariff on India for importing oil from Russia, has sent the Indian exporters reeling.
-
Trump, in his wisdom, thinks that oil imports from Russia, whether direct or through intermediaries, present an 'unusual and extraordinary' threat to the US and therefore justify emergency economic measures. He may have expected India to plead for relief, just like other countries, but Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has struck a defiant note, vowing not to compromise India's interests at any cost. He has said India will have to pay a heavy price for it, but it under his leadership is ready for any eventuality. Kudos to him for his bold stand.
However, political pressure is mounting on PM Modi at home to protect the India exporters vis-à-vis prohibitive and disruptive US tariffs. Kerala Finance Minister K. N. Balagopal has reportedly asked the BJP-led Central government how it is planning to sort out the tariff issue. Other states are likely to follow suit, with the Congress, etc., cranking up pressure on Modi to find a solution fast. Maybe Trump is waiting for political pressure to escalate in India and make the Modi government amenable to the US conditions for a tariff reduction. It is now a game of chicken between Trump and Modi.
This story is from the August 10, 2025 edition of Sunday Island.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Sunday Island
Sunday Island
Limit sugary drinks
Sugary drinks like sodas, fruit juices, and sweetened teas are the primary source of added sugar in the American diet
1 min
February 22, 2026
Sunday Island
ESU Kandy clinches dominant victory at 'Battle of Esoftians'
The Battle of Esoftians, an annual cricket encounter organized by ESOFT Uni Kandy, concluded with a spectacular display of cricketing prowess as the Kandy team secured a massive 245-run victory over ESOFT Metro Campus, Kurunegala.
1 min
February 22, 2026
Sunday Island
A case study on the functioning of Govt. and fraudulent school admissions
It is interesting how on occasions, a relatively trivial incident can take on large significance and waste the time and attention of several, even senior, public servants.
11 mins
February 22, 2026
Sunday Island
Jaffna diocese joins push against proposed anti-terror law
Church leaders, civil society groups warn draft bill replacing controversial Prevention of Terrorism Act threatens freedoms
2 mins
February 22, 2026
Sunday Island
The Tsunami of 2024 and what followed at the Finance Ministry and overseas
All our plans and energies were turned topsy turvey when on December 26, 2004 a catastrophic Tsunami hit the southern, eastern and the northern coastline of the country.
5 mins
February 22, 2026
Sunday Island
Handling of self-driving cars
The news that self-driving cars like Waymo are already operating on roads in some parts of the world naturally sparks both excitement and unease, compelling me to reflect on whether such a technological advancement can truly be utilised in India and in other countries in the region, and whether it would ultimately prove to be a blessing or a curse.
4 mins
February 22, 2026
Sunday Island
Feast of love
At the heart of Colombo's skyline, where style meets sophistication N H Collection Colombo transformed Valentine's Day into an unforgettable celebration of romance, culinary excellence and luxury ambience.
1 mins
February 22, 2026
Sunday Island
Lanka looks for MICE, wedding, sports to attract high spending tourists
Sri Lanka is looking to boost high-end tourists with an aim to boost foreign exchange revenue from the hospitality industry with attracting foreigners for meetings, exhibitions, weddings and sports, Deputy Tourism Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe said.
1 min
February 22, 2026
Sunday Island
Reconciliation, Mood of the Nation and the NPP Government
They had nothing in common between them except they were all different from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and his approach to reconciliation.
9 mins
February 22, 2026
Sunday Island
Entire coal procurement rigged, SJB charges minister over substandard fuel
The entire coal procurement process was rigged, the main Opposition SJB alleged in Parliament on Friday, accusing Energy Minister Eng. Kumara Jayakody of misleading the Cabinet and the National Procurement Committee to favour a supplier of substandard coal for the Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant in Norochcholai.
1 mins
February 22, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size