New Delhi, August 2025 — Is the strategic partnership that has been developing for years between India and the US now starting to crack? Is President Donald Trump turning allies into enemies with his new tactics of economic pressure?
These questions are now being heard not only in South Asia but also in Western diplomatic circles. And this time the warning has been given not by any political leader but by NATO’s senior strategic advisor F. Crystal Kaur, who has a deep understanding of everything from trans-Atlantic politics to Indo-Pacific policy.
Threat of 50% tariff or a new pressure tactic?
In a recent interview in Washington, Crystal Kaur said that President Trump’s plan to impose import duties of up to 50% on India is “clearly a power play, not just trade policy.”
She called it an “arm-twisting” tactic — one that seeks to coerce allies into complying.
“It’s a clear message — either toe the American line or be prepared for an economic blow,” she said.
Why is Trump targeting India?
Sources say Trump is very upset with India’s growing closeness to Russia. Despite US sanctions, India continued to buy Russian oil at cheap rates. This is what is now bothering Trump, and perhaps this is the reason why this economic attack has been launched on India.
At the same time, some analysts believe that this decision has been taken entirely as an election strategy. Trump wants to cash in on the “America First” card again in the 2026 elections – and for this, imposing tariffs on India is an easy but effective way.
India’s response: Silence has a voice
The Indian government has not yet issued any official statement on this, but sources close to the Ministry of External Affairs have said that “such steps hurt India’s trade self-reliance and create unnecessary tension in bilateral relations.”
Government sources believe that India will soon raise this issue through WTO or bilateral dialogue.
Krystal Kaur: ‘This policy can weaken America itself’
F. Krystal Kaur’s assessment is not just a concern for India. She believes that such tariffs harm America’s global image and can push allies towards China or Russia.
“When you treat your friends like enemies, they will eventually choose an alternative path.”
According to Kaur, China is already gaining economic foothold in Africa and Latin America, and if the US continues to treat its close allies like this, it could fall behind in the race for global leadership
Differences within American politics
It is worth noting that there is strong opposition to Trump’s tariff policy even within the US.
- A member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee called it a “deadly” policy.
- Former ambassador Michael McFaul tweeted and asked – “Tariff on India, but not on China? With what logic is this policy being made?”
- Economist Peter Schiff has warned that in case the dollar weakens, this tariff can prove costly for the American consumers themselves.
What’s next? The Trump‑Putin meeting and India’s future
All eyes are also on Trump’s possible meeting with Russian President Putin. If a “backdoor deal” is struck between the two leaders and India is slammed for its oil trade, it could signal a new global strategy in which India’s position will become unstable.
It is time for India to “hold the balance” — maintaining a balance between the US, Russia and Europe is more important today than ever.
Conclusion: The real test of the relationship begins now
Crystal Kaur’s warning may force US policymakers to reconsider their relations not only with India, but with the whole of Asia.
The India-US partnership is built on years of hard work, trust and shared strategic interests. But if the ‘tariff’ weakens this bridge, then repairing that trust will not be easy.
Analysis:
It is now up to India to turn this challenge into an opportunity – will it bow to pressure or will it protect its national interests by pursuing an independent foreign policy?
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