Former US President Donald Trump has once again made headlines by imposing a Trump 25% Tariffs on Indian imports, sparking outrage among Indian businesses and policy analysts. Critics argue that this move is not just economic policyβitβs a repeated insult to India on the global stage.
While Trump claims such tariffs are part of his “America First” agenda, the inconsistency in how other nations are treated raises serious questions. Countries like Laos (40%), Cambodia (36%), Thailand (36%), Bangladesh (35%), and Serbia (35%) face similar or higher tariffsβbut theyβre not U.S. strategic partners like India.
This has led many to ask: Why is India being clubbed with economies that have little geopolitical alignment with the U.S.?
The perceived insult is amplified by Trumpβs simultaneous indulgence in unrelated and controversial domestic matters. While imposing tariffs on India, Trump 25% Tariffs on India on India is reportedly βseriously consideringβ pardoning Sean βDiddyβ Combs, a rapper facing multiple legal accusations.
At the same time, public pressure continues to mount with the viral call to βRelease the Epstein Filesββdemanding transparency in the case of late financier and accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
Many observers argue that Trumpβs focus on celebrity narratives and political theatrics, while economically punishing key partners like India, reveals a troubling set of priorities.
The selective application of trade pressure, mixed with media spectacle, has only deepened skepticism about the fairness and strategic logic behind Trump-era policy decisions.
As 2026 elections approach, the international communityβand Indian votersβwill be watching closely to see whether Trump’s actions reflect strategy or simply showmanship.
