According to a June 3 report by the South China Morning Post, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick expressed optimism that the United States could reach a trade agreement with India in the short term. However, he also began to criticize India, urging it to open its domestic market, reduce purchases of Russian weapons, and decrease ties with the BRICS countries.

"I believe India is striving to become one of the first countries to reach a trade agreement with the United States, and I appreciate this," Lutnick said during a speech at an event aimed at promoting economic cooperation between the U.S. and India. "But we want market access; we want American businesses to enter the Indian market fairly, and we want to narrow the trade deficit."

In terms of conditions from the Indian side, Lutnick stated, "In return, India wants...market access in certain key areas...India hopes to enter the U.S. market in a special way."

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick Reuters

Moreover, although there are currently significant differences between China and the U.S. on trade issues, with intermittent conflicts and negotiations, Lutnick did not talk much about China-related topics in his speech this time. Instead, he mentioned Russia and urged India to distance itself from both China and Russia and reduce purchases of weapons from Russia.

"Some measures taken by the Indian government usually make the U.S. unhappy. For example...they typically purchase military equipment from Russia," Lutnick said. "Therefore, I think India will turn to purchasing military equipment from the U.S., which will have far-reaching impacts."

Lutnick also requested that India distance itself from the BRICS countries, particularly mentioning the ongoing "de-dollarization" process within the BRICS. The BRICS is an international cooperation organization composed of multiple emerging market countries, with its acronym formed by the English initials of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the five founding member countries. It has also admitted several other countries as formal members and partner countries of the BRICS.

The U.S. clearly does not like the BRICS' approach of "starting anew." Lutnick claimed, "This is not an effective way for India to make friends with the U.S. or influence others."

In fact, the U.S.' bias and even threats against the BRICS are not surprising. Shortly after being elected, U.S. President Trump even issued a threat before taking office, saying, "The U.S. will impose a 100% tariff on them."

Regarding this, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian once responded: The BRICS countries, as an important platform for cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries, advocate openness, inclusiveness, win-win cooperation, do not form cliques or engage in confrontation, do not target third parties, aiming to achieve common development and universal prosperity. China is willing to continue working with BRICS partners to deepen practical cooperation in all fields and contribute more to the sustained and stable growth of the world economy.

This article is an exclusive piece by Guancha Observer, unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7511895392376767012/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author. Feel free to express your attitude by using the [Like/Dislike] buttons below.