Trump's 500% Tariff: A Vindictive Act Towards Jaishankar-Lavrov Meet?

US President Donald Trump has once again taken a sharp punitive step, announcing a 500% tariff even as India and Russia engage in high-level diplomatic meetings ahead of the SCO Council of Heads of Government hosted by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is leading India’s participation and holding detailed discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, signalling a continued strengthening of India–Russia relations.

Trump’s move also comes as India prepares to receive the S-400 air defence system from Russia, adding to the debate over whether Washington’s latest tariff escalation is a reaction to New Delhi’s deepening partnership with Moscow.