US President Donald Trump's new tariffs could weaken India's ties with the US and strengthen its relations with China and Russia, The New York Times reported, citing analysts.

It is difficult to quantify what exactly America stands to lose if its relations with India cool. India is a valuable strategic partner for the United States, acting as a counterweight to China, the authors of the article noted. The largest US companies, including Apple, also depend on the relations between New Delhi and Washington, as some of their production has been moved from China to India.

In addition, the newspaper cites data from the Indian research center Global Trade Research Initiative, according to which the country's exports to the United States amount to more than $86 billion per year. Increasing tariffs on these products could reduce the figure by about half.

Trump's actions also put Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a difficult position, as he is forced to give up Russian oil (a decision he rejects) even though New Delhi gets a 45% share of the resource from Moscow. Stopping purchases would mean higher prices for consumers and domestic producers, and would hurt Modi's government.

On August 7, the Indian Foreign Ministry said that New Delhi would respond to Trump's 50% tariffs. The Indian ministry pointed to the double standards of Western countries. According to New Delhi, the US and EU continue to trade with Russia, while putting pressure on India for its cooperation with Moscow.