Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow. US president Donald trump has landed a triple whammy on India by torpedoing the H-1B visa programme, days after revoking sanctions waiver on Chabahar port in Iran and weeks after imposing a 50% tariff on Indian exports to the US. The White House also maintained a conspicuous silence on the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia mutual defence treaty amid reports that neither country informed Washington of the pact, suggesting a growing US indifference to India’s concerns.
The triple blow has shaken US-India ties to the foundation, mystifying experts who expected a reset after an exchange of friendly messages between Modi and Trump. While some observers see in the crackdown on H-1B a pressure tactic to make India bend on the trade deal, sources familiar with the dynamics of the current White House say the two issues are unrelated and Trump was convinced of the need to ”reform” the guest worker visa programme ever since MAGA hardliners persuaded him that American workers were being gamed out of jobs by foreign companies and US big tech acting in tandem. (174 words) [Extracted from the newspaper, The Times of India, September 21, 2025]
What strategic reason did Donald Trump cite for penalizing India with additional tariffs apart from trade imbalances?
Correct Answer :
India’s defense and energy ties with Russia
Solution :
The correct answer is: India’s defense and energy ties with Russia.
Detailed Explanation:
1. Understanding the Prompt:
The question seeks to identify the key strategic concern beyond trade imbalances that led to penalizing India with higher trade tariffs.
2. Analyzing the Options:
• India’s defense and energy ties with Russia: Geopolitical measures and trade sanctions are often used as leverage against nations engaging in significant energy purchases and defense procurement contracts with international trade rivals like Russia.
• India's IT service exports / Immigration / Demonetization: These options represent economic segments or domestic policies rather than the external strategic defense/energy alignment cited for geopolitical penalties.
3. Conclusion:
Therefore, the primary strategic driver behind these additional trade measures is India’s defense and energy ties with Russia.
Access expert-curated educational resources and study materials—completely free.
Create, conduct, and manage professional online assessments with Mindyard. Perfect for teachers and institutes.
Copyright © 2026 Mindyard. All Rights Reserved.
