Trump Imposes Hefty Tariffs on Many Nations Including India; Warms Up to Pakistan

This week, Donald Trump stirred up further controversy in global politics by announcing hefty tariffs on several countries, including a 25 percent tariff on India, while labeling India, which is the fastest-growing economy of the world, a "dead economy."

- ANSHU JOSHI

As if that were not enough, he has also embarked on a trade agreement with Pakistan, making numerous complimentary remarks about a nation that is known to sponsor terrorism. This development is poised to alter the dynamics of both regional and global politics.

This week, Trump enacted a new executive order imposing increased tariffs on numerous trading partner countries in the world. This action represents his most recent effort to alter global trade to benefit American businesses. The order issued by Trump explained the reason as in certain trading partners, despite participating in negotiations, have proposed terms that do not adequately rectify the imbalances in their respective trading relationships with the US or have not sufficiently aligned with the US on economic and national security issues.

Although there is speculation regarding whether he will reverse his stance as he did with his earlier tariff announcements, the increased import duty rates, which have risen from 10 percent to 41 percent, are scheduled to take effect in seven days for 69 trading partners, as stated in the order. The duties have reached as high as 35 percent for Canada, 50 percent for Brazil, 25 percent for India, 20 percent for Taiwan, and 39 percent for Switzerland.