The BRICS TimesThe Finnish President’s comments emerge as trade frictions continue between India and the US, primarily due to sweeping 50% tariffs imposed by Donald Trump on Indian goods.’
Finnish President Alexander Stubb has advocated for a more “respectful and collaborative” foreign policy approach towards the global south, specifically highlighting India. Directing a message to the United States, Stubb warned that failing to adopt a more cooperative stance would mean “we are going to lose this game.”
In his statement, Stubb said, “My message, not only to my European colleagues, but especially to the United States, is that if we don’t derive a more cooperative and dignified foreign policy towards Global South, the likes of India, we are going to lose this game.”
He also commented on the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit held in Tianjin, China, which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Stubb noted that “The meeting is a good reminder to all of us in the global west of what is at stake. We’re trying to preserve the remnants of the old order.”
These observations from Stubb come at a time of ongoing trade tensions between India and the US, fueled by former President Donald Trump’s significant 50% tariffs on imports from India.
President Stubb is known to share a friendly relationship with Trump. The two leaders bonded during a lengthy seven-hour golf game at the Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida back in March.
According to some reports, Stubb is one of the few European leaders whose perspective may hold sway with Donald Trump. Jan Hallenberg of the Swedish Institute of International Affairs told AFP, “Among small countries, there is no equivalent whatsoever. (Stubb) has gained unique access to Trump that no one else from a smaller European country has ever had.”
Earlier in August, the Finnish President also joined Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on a visit to the White House to address the ongoing situation with Russia.
Trump has previously praised Stubb, referring to him as a “young, powerful man,” and stated, “we wanted to have you here because you are somebody that we all respect.”
A significant portion of the 50% tariffs on Indian imports was justified by Trump citing India’s purchase of oil from Russia. In a recent remark, Trump reiterated that India’s tariffs on US products are among the highest globally, using the example of Harley Davidson motorcycles. He stated, “We get along with India very well, but for many years it was a one-sided relationship… India was charging us tremendous tariffs, the highest in the world.”
The tariffs were implemented on August 27, and sectors such as textiles and diamonds in India are among those feeling the impact of these duties.
