Web desk: In an interview with Bloomberg, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said that the Indian government will not be able to withstand mounting pressure for long and will eventually be forced back to the negotiating table with Washington.
According to Lutnick, India could return to talks within one or two months and may even seek to deal directly with President Trump, possibly offering an apology in the process.
He added that while Indian authorities are currently showing a tough stance against US sanctions, these steps are largely symbolic.
In reality, he said, India’s business community will pressure the government to compromise with the US in order to avoid heavy trade losses.
Lutnick also warned that if India fails to cooperate, Washington could impose additional tariffs on its exports.
He criticised the Modi government for continuing to buy cheap oil from Russia while at the same time strengthening ties within the BRICS alliance, a move he described as directly undermining US interests.
The US Commerce Secretary cautioned that unless New Delhi halts Russian oil imports and distances itself from BRICS, India could face tariffs increased by as much as 50 per cent.
It is worth noting that President Donald Trump has previously voiced disapproval over India’s continued oil imports from Russia.
In response, the Indian government has said it is working on alternative strategies to shield its exporters from the impact of US sanctions and higher tariffs.
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