New Delhi
US President Donald Trump considers himself the ‘Chaudhary’ of the whole world. These days, he is trying to intimidate the world with tariff arrows. The countries who do not talk about their mind, hit the tariff on it. Trump has imposed 50 percent tariff on India. But Trump’s ‘America First’ Dadagiri is now becoming a burden for him. The heavy tariffs on BRICS countries India, China, Russia, Brazil and South Africa have united these ‘five Pandavas’, which are now preparing to turn Trump’s game. Trump thought that these countries would bow down, but instead they are renewing the global economy. This tariff war is now proving to be Trump’s biggest mistake, as the strength of BRICs can isolate America. Let us understand how the strut of Trump will be reversed to him.
Trump’s tariff bomb
Trump targeted the BRICS countries in 2025, further aggressive his tariff policy. 50% tariff on India and Brazil, 30% on China (which was earlier threatened up to 245%), 30% on South Africa and 100% tariffs on Russia already with stringent sanctions. Trump claims that these steps are to reduce the US trade deficit and teach a lesson to countries buying oil from Russia. In particular, India is facing 25% additional tariffs due to importing oil from Russia, causing the total tariff to reach 50%. But this Dadagiri of Trump is now becoming a problem for him.
Five ‘Pandavs’ became one
Fed up with Trump’s threats, five BRICS founders India, China, Russia, Brazil and South Africa are now coming on one stage. These countries are not only making a strategy to respond to Trump’s policies, but are also taking steps towards challenging the dollar domination in the global economic system. The combined GDP of BRICS countries is $ 26.6 trillion, which is almost equal to the US $ 27.36 trillion economy. These countries have a 35.6% contribution to global GDP and a quarter of the world trade for Trump.
Brazil’s attitude: Lula’s reply to Trump
Brazilian President Lula de Silva dismissed Trump’s threats outright. Lula clearly said, ‘I will not talk to Trump. When Trump will be ready to talk, I will talk to him on the phone, but I will not let myself be humiliated. ‘ Lula preferred talks with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, Russia President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Lula and Modi have targeted to take bilateral trade to $ 20 billion by 2030, which is a clear message of solidarity against Trump’s policies.
India’s diplomacy, Modi’s masterstroke
India, which became the biggest victim of Trump’s tariff war, is now responding to diplomatic tricks. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will go to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting later this month, where he will discuss the break of Trump’s tariff with Jinping. India has termed Trump’s 50% tariff as ‘inappropriate, unjust and irrational’. The Ministry of External Affairs clearly stated that India’s oil imports from Russia are for the needs of the market and the energy security of 1.4 billion people. In addition, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s meeting with Putin in Moscow and Putin’s visit to India this year is bringing Trump to the backfoot.
Russia’s attitude, Putin’s Chanakya policy
Russia, which is already facing US sanctions, is now playing an important role in uniting other countries of BRICS. Putin waged the talk of BRICS Mudra in 2022 and now this discussion is intensifying. It is clear from Putin’s visit to India and his recent telephonic conversation with Modi that Russia wants to further strengthen its friendship with India. Russia’s energy supply is the spinal cord for BRICS countries and Trump’s tariffs are unable to stop it.
China supports India
China, which has been a old victim of Trump’s tariff war, is now standing with India. China’s official newspaper Global Times has issued statements in India’s favor and Jinping has described Trump’s tariff as a violation of the World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. Modi’s upcoming China and SCO Summit is expected to give a befitting reply to Trump’s policies due to the solidarity of BRICS countries.
South Africa angry against Trump
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was humiliated by Trump by accusing him of ‘discrimination against white minorities’. Trump imposed 30% tariff on South Africa and welcomed some white refugees from there to the US, which was claimed to avoid ‘White Genocide’. Ramaphosa strongly condemned this and intensified talks with other BRICS leaders. South Africa’s strategic metal export capacity makes it an important part of the BRICS.
Danger bell for BRICS Currency Trump
Trump’s biggest concern is the plan of BRICS countries to trade in its own currency. Russia proposed a new international reserve currency in 2022 and now BRICS countries are promoting trade in national currencies like rupee, yuan, ruble. If this scheme is successful, 80% of the dollar stake in global trade can get a serious challenge. Trump has started promoting crypto currency, sensing this danger, but the solidarity of BRICS can prove to be a major setback for them.
What will be the end of Trump’s Dadagiri?
Trump tried to intimidate the BRICS countries by launching a tariff war, but it is proving to be his biggest mistake. The solidarity of India, China, Russia, Brazil and South Africa has not only challenged Trump’s policies, but has laid the foundation of a new global system. The discussion of BRICS currency and the joint economic strength of these countries is a danger bell for Trump. If these five ‘Pandavas’ stand on their strategy, then Trump’s tariff war may be reverse for America. This war has now become a game of balance not only economic, but also global power.
