[jfengel]

Tariffs aren't specifically about hostility to India. They're hostile to literally everybody, including uninhabited islands.

Potentially, these tariffs could be used as bargaining chips for other policy goals, including foreign policy. Which could mean eliminating tariffs in exchange for cutting off Russia. Except:

* India may not accept the offer. Oil is a hugely important driver of any economy. Paying more for oil would make everything you manufacture cost more -- possibly offsetting any gains from removing tariffs. And it makes everything in the country cost more, including food. This may just not be a good deal.

* The current administration is ambivalent about Russia. They apply some pressure to Russia, but only within limited bounds. Sacrificing their bargaining chip (tariffs) just to nudge Russia away from war isn't a high priority for them.