MJ Akbar: Tariffs Part of Trump’s Drama Tactic, India Engages Moscow and Beijing

By A Staff Reporter

New Delhi: Former Minister of State for External Affairs, MJ Akbar, has described US President Donald Trump’s latest move—slapping a 25% tariff on India for its continued oil trade with Russia—as part of a “drama” tactic used for negotiation. In a strategic response, India has launched parallel high-level diplomatic engagements with both Moscow and Beijing, suggesting an assertive recalibration of its foreign policy amidst rising geopolitical tensions.

Akbar revealed that National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, now functioning as the Prime Minister’s crisis manager, is currently in Moscow where he is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The talks are expected to cover crucial matters such as tariffs, trade relations, and regional security.