A Tale of Two Policies: Trump Threatens India with Tariffs While Calling Modi “My Very Good Friend”

President Donald Trump is navigating a complex dual-track policy with India, simultaneously threatening the nation with crippling 100% tariffs while publicly referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as his “very good friend.” This contradictory approach highlights the intricate balancing act of trade pressure and diplomacy in the administration’s foreign policy.
The threat of tariffs is part of a broader strategy to end the war in Ukraine. Trump has asked the European Union to join the US in a plan to levy the massive duties on both India and China, aiming to punish them for their continued economic support of Russia. This follows a recent US action to increase tariffs on Indian imports to 50% over its purchases of Russian oil.
In stark contrast, Trump recently took to his social media platform to express warmth and optimism about separate trade negotiations. “I look forward to speaking with my very good friend, Prime Minister Modi,” he wrote, adding that he was certain a “successful conclusion” could be reached. This messaging creates a confusing landscape for New Delhi as it engages with Washington on multiple fronts.
The entire situation is further complicated by a major legal challenge to Trump’s tariff authority within the US. The Supreme Court is set to rule on the matter, and a loss for the administration could invalidate its ability to use tariffs as a tool of coercion, potentially rendering both the threats and the negotiations moot while forcing billions in refunds.