Addressing the NDTV World Summit, former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott commented that US President Donald Trump “misplayed his hand” by imposing steep tariffs on India. Abbott, who describes himself as a supporter of Trump, said that the move was ill-advised, especially when countries like China accused of unfair trade practices avoided similar penalties.
He told NDTV that while the tariffs present a “serious setback,” he believes they are temporary and can be resolved quickly, noting India’s strong alignment with other major democracies. “India shares key interests and values with the democratic world, so I see this as a short-term issue,” Abbott said. “Let’s hope it is corrected soon.”
Abbott also criticized Washington’s historical preference for Pakistan calling it a policy mistake during the Cold War and argued that America’s strategic interests are better served by strengthening ties with India, a liberal democracy, rather than Pakistan, a military dictatorship.
The US recently levied a 50% tariff on Indian exports, with an additional 25% penalty targeting purchases of Russian energy, asserting such deals help fund Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. India has maintained that its energy sourcing is based on national security and affordability, not geopolitical pressures, and continues to defend its procurement policy.
Meanwhile, President Trump claimed earlier this week that Prime Minister Modi assured him India would stop buying Russian oil a conversation New Delhi has categorically denied.
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