THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT UK
Bal Ram Sampla
Geopolitics
President Trump’s treatment of India shows a troubling pattern: do what I want or pay the price. His own words say it all: “Modi knew I was not happy, and it was important to make me happy.” This isn’t diplomacy. It’s a demand for obedience backed by threats.
Trump has slapped a 50% tariff on Indian goods simply because India buys Russian oil. He started with 25%, then doubled it, and now threatens to go even higher. The message is clear: buy oil where America tells you to, or face economic consequences.
India’s situation is straightforward. The country has 1.4 billion people who need energy. Russian oil is affordable and helps keep costs down. India isn’t buying it to support Russia politically—it’s buying it because it makes economic sense. But Trump treats this practical decision as a personal insult that needs punishment.
A Repeated Pattern
India isn’t the only target. Trump uses the same playbook with many countries: threaten tariffs until they comply. He did it with Venezuela oil purchases too. Any country that makes energy choices he dislikes gets hit with penalties.
This approach treats other nations like children who need to be disciplined rather than independent countries with their own needs. It’s government by intimidation.
Why This Backfires
Bullying creates three big problems:
1. It builds resentment, not friendship.
Countries may give in under pressure, but they won’t forget being pushed around. India is a democracy and a natural partner against China’s growing power. Threatening India constantly makes that partnership weaker, not stronger.
2. It ignores reality.
India needs affordable energy. Trump demands they stop buying Russian oil but offers no real alternative. That’s not reasonable—it’s just demanding compliance without caring about the consequences.
3. It undermines trust.
When America uses its economic power like a weapon, other countries start looking for ways to trade without depending on the U.S. dollar or American markets. Trump’s tactics push potential allies away.
The Bottom Line
Trump’s approach to India is simple bullying: obey or suffer. He’s not negotiating or seeking mutual understanding. He’s demanding that India’s leader work to make him “happy” or face mounting tariffs.
This might force short-term compliance, but it’s a terrible way to build lasting relationships. You can’t bully countries into being reliable partners. You can only make them look for ways to avoid dealing with you altogether. America’s strength has always come from having partners who choose to work with us, not countries forced to submit. Trump’s tariff threats abandon that strength for the temporary satisfaction of pushing others around.
References
1.https://m.thewire.in/article/world/modi-trump-important-to-make-happy-russian-oil-raise-tariffs-quickly
2.https://www.theweek.in/news/biz-tech/2026/01/05/will-india-cut-russian-oil-imports-petroleum-ministry-scrutinises-accurate-data-after-trump-s-tariff-threat.html
3.https://www.geo.tv/latest/643283-modi-knew-i-wasnt-happy-trump-warns-of-higher-tariffs-on-india-over-russian-oil
