Trump: “India, Russia can take their dead economies down together”

Trump Targets India-Russia Ties, Calls Economies ‘Dead’ Amid Tariff Surge
Ex-US President’s explosive remarks trigger diplomatic ripples

The U.S. President’s remarks follow Washington’s decision to impose a 25% tariff on nearly all imports from India, effective 1 August. Trump, widely tipped to be the Republican nominee in the 2024 presidential race, defended the decision by alleging that India conducts “very little business” with the United States while maintaining “some of the highest tariffs in the world.”

“I don’t care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care,” Trump declared. He also downplayed the relevance of Russia to U.S. trade, adding, “Russia and the USA do almost no business together. Let’s keep it that way.”

Clash with Medvedev Escalates Tensions
Trump’s tirade appeared to be a pointed response to former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who had warned that Trump’s rhetoric could push the world toward wider conflict. Medvedev accused Trump of playing “the ultimatum game” and inflaming global instability.

Unfazed, Trump fired back: “Tell Medvedev, the failed former President of Russia, who thinks he’s still President, to watch his words. He’s entering very dangerous territory!”

The escalating war of words underscores rising geopolitical tensions amid shifting global alliances. Trump’s remarks are likely to provoke concern in both New Delhi and Moscow, as well as among U.S. allies wary of aggressive trade policies and heightened rhetoric ahead of a contentious U.S. election season.