A top US economist, Jeffrey Sachs, has strongly criticized former US President Donald Trump's tariffs on India, calling them "stupid" and "delusional". Sachs stated that these tariffs "serve no purpose" and are detrimental to the US economy. He believes that the US has been exercising its dominant power for too long and mistakenly thinks it can control other countries.

Sachs' criticism comes in the wake of Trump's imposition of 50% tariffs on imports from India. Sachs argues that "US politicians don't care at all about India". He suggests that India should not rely on the United States for long-term security by joining the Quad against China. Instead, India, as a major power, should maintain an independent stance in the world. Sachs identifies China, Russia, and Brazil as India's "real partners".

According to Sachs, Trump's tariff policies are flawed on multiple levels. He argues that they are destructive to the US economy, violate international law, and represent a breakdown of the US political system. He has also previously stated that Trump's tariffs are unconstitutional.

Sachs advises India not to trust the United States and to dismiss the idea of replacing China in the global value chain. He views Trump's actions as an attempt to undermine the BRICS bloc because these countries challenge the US's perceived global dominance.

Sachs doesn't believe that India should align itself with the United States against China. He advocates for India to maintain its independent status as the world's most populous country and a major power, fostering good relations with both the US and China. He sees the Quad as a crude US attempt to subordinate India into its conflict with China. He also acknowledges the frustration within India regarding Trump's dealings with Pakistan.