India Tiptoes Around BRICS Tariffs as U.S. Trade Deal Hangs in Balance

India is walking a diplomatic tightrope as President Trump ramps up tariffs on BRICS countries and accuses the group of trying to undermine the U.S. dollar. While Trump has threatened a 10% tariff on all BRICS members — including India — New Delhi is distancing itself from anti-dollar efforts and positioning itself as a neutral player focused on reducing risk, not de-dollarization.

India’s strategy: stay quiet on Trump’s rhetoric, avoid public criticism, and emphasize its lack of interest in a joint BRICS currency. Officials hope this stance — along with India’s long-standing strategic ties with the U.S. — will shield it from future tariffs as the two nations near a long-awaited trade deal.

With India set to chair BRICS in 2026, the challenge will be balancing its role in the bloc with maintaining strong ties to Washington — especially as the U.S. eyes the region as a counterweight to China.