 "Millben pointed out that the 'tariff tug of war' is hurting 'countless small businesses in the US and India'.")
The growing friction over trade policies between the United States and India has drawn sharp reactions from public figures, with African-American singer Mary Millben urging both nations to prioritise their strategic partnership.
In a heartfelt social media post, Millben highlighted the mutual dependence of the two countries, warning that the escalating “muscular verbiage” on tariffs is causing widespread concern.
“I’ll say again: America needs India, and India needs America. Any direction in policy that strains our strategic alliance is the wrong direction,” Millben wrote on X.
She highlighted the ripple effects of the ongoing “tariff tug of war,” noting that countless small businesses in both nations are suffering. “@POTUS and @NarendraModi, my beloved leaders, this exchange of ‘muscular verbiage’ on tariffs is troubling us all. Furthermore, countless small businesses in the US and India are hurting in this ‘tariff tug of war.’ I speak to them daily,” she added, calling for negotiations rooted in friendship.
“Remember, we need each other. Negotiate as real friends. Find common ground. Your legacies and the well-being of our countries depend on this moment.”
The singer’s comments come in the wake of President Donald Trump’s remarks on Tuesday (August 5), where he labelled India as an unfavourable trading partner and announced plans to “very substantially” increase tariffs on New Delhi within 24 hours.
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Speaking with CNBC News, Trump criticised India’s high tariffs, claiming, “They have the highest tariff of anybody. We do very, very little business with India because their tariffs are so high.” He further justified his stance by pointing to India’s purchase of Russian oil, stating, “They’re buying Russian oil. They’re fueling the war machine. And if they’re going to do that, then I’m not going to be happy.” Trump also noted that a potential trade deal with India had hit a “sticking point” due to its high tariffs.
India swiftly responded with a rare and pointed rebuttal , accusing the US and the European Union of unfairly targeting New Delhi for its procurement of Russian crude oil. In a statement, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) called the criticism “unjustified and unreasonable,” highlighting what it described as double standards.
“Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, noting that both the US and EU maintain trade relations with Russia despite their criticisms.
Nikki Haley warns Trump against jeopardising ties with India
The tariff dispute has also drawn a reaction from former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, who sharply criticised Trump’s proposed tariffs on Indian exports.
In a post on X, Haley warned that such a move could jeopardise the critical US-India relationship at a time when global alliances are vital.
“India should not be buying oil from Russia. But China, an adversary and the number one buyer of Russian and Iranian oil, got a 90-day tariff pause,” she wrote.
“Don’t give China a pass and burn a relationship with a strong ally like India.” Haley, a longtime advocate for stronger U.S.-India ties, has consistently stressed the importance of countering China’s influence by fostering partnerships with democratic nations like India.