'Stupidest tactical move': US economist Jeffrey Sachs slams Trump for oil tariffs on India

All the efforts to build the ties ended overnight because of Trump and this will leave a lasting impact on the relations, the economist said

American economist Jeffrey Sachs slammed US President Donald Trump for imposing tariffs on India and unifying the BRICS nations with his “stupid moves”.

“The imposition of 25 percent penalty tariffs on India is the stupidest tactical move in US foreign policy for a long time,” Sachs said during a political news and opinion show Breaking Points, co-hosted by Saagar Enjeti and Krystal Ball.

Sachs said that Trump’s tariff decisions led to a flurry of calls between the leaders of BRICS nation within 24-28 hours. “What he did overnight was to unify the BRICS countries as never before,” he said.

India Tariffs Are The 'Stupidest Tactical Move In US Foreign Policy,' Says Top Economist Professor Jeffrey Sachs

"Lindsey Graham is the worst senator in the US. He’s a fool. Just a fool," he adds.

📹 Breaking Points / YouTube pic.twitter.com/zFE46xmmUf

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BRICS is a bloc five major nations, which includes Brazil, India, Russia, China and South Africa.

Moreover, he took pot shots at Peter Navarro, who is a counselor to Trump. “I would put him on the list of probably the most incompetent PhD that my former department ever granted,” Sachs said, who earned his doctorate from the Harvard University.

Sachs said targeting India was a major mistake as the US has been trying to cultivate strategic and diplomatic relations. Washington has also been trying to make New Delhi a counter to China in Asia. However, all these efforts ended overnight because of Trump, leaving a lasting impact on the ties, Sachs said.

“Even if the 25 percent tariff penalty is removed, India can't trust the US. There is now no ability to have a trusting relationship with the US.”