New Delhi: Former US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell has warned that President Donald Trump’s decision to impose 50% tariffs on Indian imports could seriously damage one of America’s most important strategic partnerships.
Speaking to CNBC International, Campbell said the tariffs — imposed over New Delhi’s imports of Russian crude — threaten the foundations of the US-India relationship. “America’s most important relationship in the 21st century is with India. Much of that is now at risk,” he cautioned.
Campbell also criticised the rhetoric used by Trump in reference to India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying it had placed New Delhi in a “difficult position.” He advised, “Prime Minister Modi should not bend the knee to President Trump.”
On US pressure regarding India’s ties with Moscow, Campbell warned such tactics could backfire. “If you tell India that it has to sacrifice its relationship with Russia, then Indian strategists are going to do the exact opposite,” he said, stressing that cooperation in technology, education, and defence should remain central to bilateral ties.
The US State Department on Thursday reiterated that “India is a strategic partner” and confirmed “full and frank dialogue” with New Delhi despite rising tensions over the trade dispute.
Earlier, Trump had declared there would be no trade negotiations with India until the tariff row was resolved, following his administration’s decision to double import duties on Indian goods.
