Former US Senate Deputy Secretary Kurt Campbell has voiced strong support for India and sharply criticised US President Donald Trump following the announcement of a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods. Campbell said Trump’s stance had pushed India–US relations into crisis and urged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should “never kneel” before the US leader. In an interview with CNBC, Campbell emphasised that ties between Washington and New Delhi have deteriorated significantly since the tariff announcement.
“The most important relationship for the United States in the 21st century was with India. But it is now in crisis. The way President Trump spoke about India and Prime Minister Modi has made matters very difficult for the Indian government,” Campbell said. He stressed that Modi should not bow to Trump under any circumstances.
Campbell also commented on India’s ties with Russia, warning that it would be counterproductive for Washington to pressure New Delhi on the issue. “If India is told to abandon its relationship with Russia, it will only strengthen it further,” he said, adding that the US should avoid making such demands.
The United States has suspended all trade talks with India following the imposition of an additional 10 per cent tariff. According to international media reports, Trump told reporters there would be no discussions on the tariff issue until it was resolved.
On August 6th, Trump signed an executive order imposing a further 25 per cent tax on Indian imports, in addition to the 25 per cent already in place. The administration cited India’s trade with Russia as the reason for the new measures, which will come into effect on August 27.
India condemned the decision, calling it a “disrespectful and unjustified” move, and vowed to explore all possible means to safeguard its national interests. In the wake of the announcement, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a move widely seen as a direct response to Washington. Putin is expected to visit India by December.
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