The summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday is going to be among the ever-popular events around the world. From Washington, Moscow, Brussels and Kyiv to New Delhi, the policymakers would be watching this one closely.
For India, it would have direct economic bearing on the outcome-it could decide the future of American tariffs on critical imports, especially where sourcing was concerned regarding Russian oil.
PM Modi Pushes for Self-Reliance
Reflections above coincide with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address on Independence Day 2025 on July 15, wherein he promised broad policies and reforms along with tax reduction and inspiration for people’s support in innovating ‘make in India’ products. It spoke of self-reliance in a world that is increasingly protectionist.
In recent weeks, India has been given a rate of 50% for tariffs by Washington-which is far above that of its regional peers-and economists are warning that these tariff bombs could slice close to 1% off India’s GDP, dealing damage to its export potential and even affecting manufacturing jobs.
Targeting Tariffs and Oil Imports
The US has already levied a 25% punishment on Indian imports of Russian crude. Officials in Washington say that this could move to 50% or above if the Alaska discussions do not result in a U-turn towards a framework for peace in Ukraine. Other duties could include Indian textiles, jewelry and precious metal exports, which are largely labor-intensive.
Trump recently alleged that India’s shrinking imports of Russian crude could have nudged Moscow to talk signaling that Washington intends to keep up trade pressure on New Delhi as part of its broader geopolitical strategy.
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Defense Ties Entact
New Delhi insists defense cooperation with Washington remains strong amid tariffs. According to Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the External Affairs Ministry, a US Defense Policy delegation would be arriving in India later this month. The annual joint military drill, Yudh Abhayas, is to be held in Alaska, underscoring continued strategic engagement.
Appendages Anchorage
Outcomes at the summit should inform the nature of India’s trade standing as well as the larger global balance. A Trump-Putin meeting could result in warmer economic Washington attitudes toward India, while a divorce would encourage a harsher strand of trade measures.
European allies are also on the watch, worried any concession to Moscow on Ukraine would be construed as encouragement for Russian moves toward NATO‘s eastern flank. Analysts remain divided: some are warning that Trump may not succeed in outflanking Putin while others predict that Washington may finally adopt a more solid position.
Loader, the uncertainty currently hangs thick, with New Delhi’s economic and strategic planners glued to every development emanating from Anchorage.
ALSO READ: Trump Says India Tariffs Meant to Push Putin Into Ukraine Talks
