US tariffs could strengthen India's relations with China

Trump's latest move, coupled with his bid to deepen ties with Pakistan, could cost him a powerful ally in the region

- ALISHA RAHAMAN SARKAR

Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs on India in response to its oil purchases from Russia could prompt Delhi to set aside its longstanding rivalry with China and explore closer cooperation.

Trump announced an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods on Wednesday, raising the total duty to 50 per cent among the highest imposed on any US trading partner. India criticised the move, calling it "unfair and unfortunate".

Trump has said he will impose new sanctions on Russia, as well as on countries that buy its energy exports, unless Moscow takes steps to end its three-and-a-half-year war with Ukraine. Russian president Vladimir Putin has shown no public sign of altering his stance, despite the deadline.

India's foreign ministry said it "will take all necessary steps to protect its national interests" and added that the purchases were driven by market factors and the energy needs of India's 1.4 billion people.

Although India has been one of Washington's key strategic partners in countering China's dominance in the Asia-Pacific region, experts warn that the latest wave of US tariffs could prompt Delhi and Beijing to seek closer mutual ties.

Trump has also sought closer ties with Pakistan, repeatedly claiming credit for brokering a ceasefire between New Delhi and Islamabad - a claim that has been rejected by the Indian government. In addition, Trump's taunt that India could buy oil from its archenemy Pakistan has not gone down well in New Delhi, two Indian government sources told reporters.

The new tariffs were announced just as India's prime minister Narendra Modi is preparing for his first visit to China in more than seven years - an engagement that suggests a potential realignment in alliances. Modi will travel to China at the end of the month, when leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation are set to gather for a summit in Tianjin from 31 August to 1 September.