New Delhi’s frayed ties with Washington have added to a thaw in the frosty relationship with Beijing that began last year.

With contradictory statements from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the rationale of slapping 50% tariffs on India but not on China —also a buyer of Russian oil— is under question.

India’s largest shoemaker Farida Group had already staked out the land — a 150-acre plot in southern Tamil Nadu — for a sprawling new export facility. Then came the blow from Washington: President Donald Trump announced he was doubling tariffs on Indian exports to 50%.