Wed Jul 30 19:53:47 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewritten news article from an Indian perspective:

**Summary:**

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a 25% tariff on India, with an additional “penalty” tariff potentially levied due to India’s purchase of Russian energy and arms, as well as its membership in BRICS. Trump claims BRICS is anti-U.S. and an attack on the dollar. These tariffs are being considered despite ongoing negotiations for a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). Trump cites the trade deficit between the U.S. and India as a key reason for the tariffs, claiming India’s high tariffs prevent the U.S. from selling goods to India. While acknowledging a friendship with PM Modi, Trump insists India isn’t buying enough from the U.S. Negotiations are ongoing, and Trump has indicated a decision will be made by the end of the week, with significant financial inflows into the U.S. expected on August 1st.

**News Article (The Hindu):**

**Trump Slaps India with Tariffs, Cites BRICS and Russian Ties as Justification**

**Washington D.C., July 31, 2025:** In a move likely to escalate trade tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump announced yesterday a 25% tariff on Indian goods, coupled with a potential “penalty” tariff related to India’s energy and defense cooperation with Russia and its membership in the BRICS economic bloc.

“We’re negotiating right now,” Trump stated, addressing reporters. He characterized BRICS, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, as being “anti-United States” and declared it an “attack on the dollar.” He also cited the trade deficit between the two nations as a key point of contention. “It’s partially BRICS, and it’s partially the trade… this trade situation… it’s a deficit, we had a tremendous deficit,” he added.

The announcement comes amidst ongoing negotiations for a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), initiated during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the White House in February. While a “reciprocal tariff” schedule of 26% for India was previously proposed in April, it was put on hold, pending a “mini trade deal” expected earlier this month.

President Trump, despite acknowledging a friendly relationship with Prime Minister Modi, asserted that India does not conduct enough business with the U.S. He has repeatedly criticized India’s import tariffs, claiming they are among the highest globally, preventing the U.S. from reducing its trade deficit.

According to government data, the U.S. is India’s largest trade partner, with India enjoying a trade surplus of $41.18 billion in the last fiscal year.

President Trump indicated a decision regarding the final tariffs will be made by the end of the week, promising a significant influx of capital into the U.S. on August 1st. He maintained that he remains open to further negotiations with India.

The move has sparked concern among Indian trade officials and analysts, who are assessing the potential economic and strategic impact of the tariffs. Observers here in India suggest that the move could be interpreted as another example of the USA placing its interests above international norms and established bilateral agreements. Concerns are also rising over the future of India’s energy and defence partnerships with Russia, given potential secondary sanctions.

Read More