Eminent Indian American physician and community leader Dr. Bharat Barai believes that India–US relations may take a hit unless the US revisits recent tariff policies. He argues that India is unfairly singled out in global trade dynamics.
In a conversation with IANS, Dr. Barai highlighted how the friendly ties built over multiple US administrations have started to fray since the return of Donald Trump. He noted that recent trade actions have been more politically motivated than economically sound.
Dr. Barai acknowledged the US’s trade deficit with India but insisted that a balanced approach should be taken. Instead of imposing a punitive 25% tariff, he suggested a more moderate level, around 15%. He criticized this steep duty, particularly in relation to India’s imports of Russian oil. While he condemned Russia for its actions in Ukraine, he argued that India, too, is an “innocent bystander” in this inconsistent policy.
He pointed out that China imports more oil than India but faces fewer penalties due to its leverage in rare earth metals, crucial for electric vehicles and defense tech. Meanwhile, many European nations continue to import Russian energy without facing similar tariffs.
Dr. Barai believes that the tariff decisions stem from a small group in the Trump administration, including figures like Stephen Miller and trade adviser Peter Navarro. He mentioned that many lawmakers privately disagree with these tariffs but hesitate to voice their concerns, fearing political backlash.
The impact of these tariffs is evident in recent election outcomes, where discontent with Trump’s policies is growing. “His policies are increasingly unpopular, dictated by a few rather than Congress,” Dr. Barai observed. He expressed hope that the Supreme Court will eventually decide that tariffs are under Congress’s jurisdiction.
Regarding future relations, Dr. Barai feels that they may remain strained until the additional duties are lifted. He pointed out that Indian firms are already reducing imports of Russian oil due to sanctions, but he insisted that India cannot completely abandon a vital energy source.
For a nation with 1.4 billion people, finding reliable and affordable energy is crucial, said Dr. Barai. Currently, India sources about 35% of its oil from Russia while diversifying its supply from the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.
Dr. Barai praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for navigating these pressures delicately and for prioritizing India’s interests. He noted that India’s global standing has improved significantly in the past year, underscored by stronger ties with Europe, a free trade agreement with the UK, and a defense pact with Australia. Despite these advances, he feels that respect for India has waned a bit in the US.
As India continues to assert itself on the global stage, it remains to be seen how these trade dynamics evolve. For a deeper understanding of global trade and its implications, you can refer to the World Trade Organization.
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Indian American community leader calls for tariff reversal to bolster India–US relations
