'Make No Sense': US Economist Slams Trump's Tariffs On India As ‘Stupid, Delusional'

Last Updated:August 16, 2025, 19:29 IST

US economist Jeffrey Sachs criticized Donald Trump’s tariffs on India, calling them “stupid” and damaging to the US economy.

US economist Jeffrey Sachs described Donald Trump as “delusional."

Prominent US economist Jeffrey Sachs sharply criticized US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose steep tariffs on India, calling the move “stupid" and saying it “serves no purpose." In an interview with news agency ANI, Jeffrey Sachs accused Donald Trump of acting out of hostility toward the BRICS bloc, which includes India, China, Russia, Brazil and South Africa.

“This makes no sense. It’s not true. It’s failing. Putting the surcharge on India was as stupid as it could be from any norm. It serves no purpose," he said.

Jeffrey Sachs described Donald Trump as “delusional," arguing that Washington has grown accustomed to exercising global dominance.

“The US has exercised its dominant power for so long, they think they can boss every other part of the world around," he added.

The economist warned that the tariffs, imposed at 50% on imports from India over New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil, are damaging for the US economy and in violation of international law.

“Everything about the tariffs is wrong. It’s destructive for the US economy. It violates international law. It’s a breakdown of our political system. Trump’s policies are doomed to fail," he said.

Jeffrey Sachs urged India not to rely on the US for long-term strategic security or trade benefits, cautioning that Washington’s interests do not align with New Delhi’s.

“US politicians don’t care at all about India. Please understand this. India is not going to reap long-term security by siding with the United States in the Quad against China. India is a great power that has an independent standing in the world," he said.

Instead, Jeffrey Sachs called China, Russia and Brazil India’s “real partners" and warned against believing New Delhi could simply replace China in the global value chain. He stressed that India should not expect a “great trade relationship" with Washington, even if it helps diversify US supply chains. Jeffrey Sachs had previously labeled Donald Trump’s tariffs “unconstitutional" and argued they reflect a broader failure in US foreign and economic policy.

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Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

News world 'Make No Sense': US Economist Slams Trump's Tariffs On India As ‘Stupid, Delusional'

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