<Russia immediately responds to Trump's tariffs
Story by Diego Pérez Morales
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US President Donald Trump speaks before signing the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on July 30, 2025. The bill aims to help veterans receive improved federal assistance for home mortgages. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP)
The recent decision by President Donald Trump to impose new tariffs on several BRICS nations has stirred significant reactions. Despite this aggressive move, the Kremlin has reiterated the BRICS bloc's commitment to cooperation rather than confrontation. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin's spokesperson, emphasized that BRICS, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, was established to foster cooperation among emerging economies for mutual benefit, not to oppose other states.
In a strategic move, BRICS has expanded its membership as of July 2025, including nations like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, and Indonesia. This expansion underscores the bloc's focus on economic cooperation rather than confrontation. The inclusion of these countries aims to strengthen economic ties and enhance collaborative efforts, reinforcing the bloc's commitment to mutual growth and development.
Trump's Tariff Strategy: Targeting India and Brazil
Trump's new tariffs include a 25% duty on Indian imports starting August 1 and a 50% increase on Brazilian imports. These measures are part of his strategy to restore American manufacturing and prevent what he perceives as exploitation by trade partners. Although Russia is currently exempt from reciprocal tariffs, there are looming threats of future tariffs, reflecting the ongoing tension in international trade relations.
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India-Russia oil deal is point of irritation, says Marco Rubio
India's Economic Ties with Russia: A Point of Contention
The core of Trump's friction with Russia is evident in his criticism of other countries' economic relations with Moscow, particularly India. Trump's administration, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, has expressed frustration over India's continued purchase of Russian crude oil and military equipment. They argue that these purchases directly fund Russia's war efforts in Ukraine, labeling India as "not a great global player" for its role in the sanctioned oil trade.
In his public statements, Trump has been vocal in his criticism of Russia and India. On Truth Social, he dismissed India's actions with Russia, suggesting that they can "drag their dead economies together." He also described India's membership in BRICS as an "irritant," accusing the group of being "anti-American" and attempting to undermine the US dollar, despite no such intentions being expressed by BRICS nations.
Despite Trump's direct criticisms and tariff pressures, Russia, through BRICS, remains steadfast in its commitment to economic cooperation and mutual benefit. The bloc's official stance is to avoid confrontation, focusing instead on strengthening economic ties and collaborative efforts among its members. This approach highlights the complex interplay of global trade policies and the importance of diplomatic engagement in resolving trade disputes.>
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