Economist Biswajit Dhar of the Council for Social Development in New Delhi has raised concerns about the harshness of Donald Trump's rhetoric as he prepares to return to the White House. Trump has threatened to impose tariffs ranging from 10-20% on all U.S. imports and as high as 60% on Chinese goods. This bold stance has cast a shadow over international relations, particularly among Brics members, including India and China, who may face additional economic challenges.
Beijing's plan to construct the world's largest hydroelectric dam has emerged as a new flashpoint along the disputed border between India and China. The two nations share a complex relationship marked by shared geography but divided history, borders, and ambitions. Amid these tensions, the Brics alliance, which recently welcomed Indonesia as a full member, has been perceived as a potential counterbalance to Western economic dominance.
Trump's threats extend further, with warnings of imposing a 100% tariff on Brics members should they pursue their long-standing plan to create a rival currency to the U.S. dollar. This raises critical questions about whether India and China can reconcile their differences to tackle a mutual economic challenge posed by Trump's policies.
The sensitive issue of the disputed border adds another layer of complexity to India-China relations. Beijing's hydroelectric dam plan has intensified tensions, making it difficult for the two nations to find common ground. Yet, the economic implications of Trump's policies could potentially encourage cooperation.
"This time Trump’s rhetoric has been really shrill," – Biswajit Dhar
Dhar's observation underscores the growing unease among international observers regarding Trump's approach to global trade and its potential impact on the Brics bloc. The alliance, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, now faces an uncertain future as they navigate these complex geopolitical waters.
Leave a Reply