trump-slams-india-russia-calls-them-dead-economies

US President Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on India and Russia, accusing both nations of dragging each other’s “dead economies” down while dismissing concerns over New Delhi’s ties with Moscow.

In a fiery post on Truth Social, Trump doubled down on his long-standing criticism of India’s trade practices, claiming the country imposes “among the highest tariffs in the world” and blaming New Delhi for what he called “very little business” between the two nations.

“I don’t care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care,” Trump wrote, just hours after Washington announced sweeping trade penalties against India, including a 25 per cent tariff on nearly all imports, effective 1 August.

Trump also aimed at Moscow, declaring that the United States and Russia “do almost no business together” and warning it should “stay that way.” His post appeared to be a direct response to remarks from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who had earlier accused Trump of playing “the ultimatum game” with Russia, warning such tactics could spiral into war involving the US.

“Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with (Trump’s) own country,” Medvedev wrote.

Trump hit back sharply: “Tell Medvedev, the failed former President of Russia, who thinks he’s still President, to watch his words. He’s entering very dangerous territory!”

Hours after Trump imposed the 25 per cent tariff, India responded by pledging decisive steps to safeguard its farmers, entrepreneurs and MSMEs, while reaffirming its commitment to ongoing trade talks with Washington.

"India and the US have been engaged in negotiations to conclude a fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement over the past few months. We remain committed to that objective,” the government said in a statement.

While highlighting its openness to foreign markets, New Delhi stressed it would continue to protect domestic interests, pointing to its recently concluded Free Trade Agreement with the UK as an example of balancing global partnerships with national priorities.