Washington – According to a recent Washington Post report, an internal document reveals that the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump planned to impose tariff pressures on India, Taiwan, and Indonesia to increase their defense spending and promote the purchase of American weapons. This strategy was designed to benefit U.S. defense industries and counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Posts found on X indicate that the document outlines a plan to push countries like India, Taiwan, and Indonesia to either increase their defense budgets or procure more U.S.-made arms. This move is part of Trump’s “America First” policy, aimed at bolstering defense exports.

India, a key power in the Indo-Pacific and a partner in the Quad alliance with the U.S., was reportedly targeted with tariff threats to accelerate its defense purchases.

The report states that the U.S. sought to reduce India’s reliance on Russian arms and oil, urging it to buy more weapons from the U.S. A similar strategy was applied to Taiwan, a key ally in countering China, and Indonesia, an emerging strategic partner.

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While the Washington Post report does not specify the scale of the tariffs or their implementation timeline, it suggests that this strategy was part of a broader diplomatic push. Critics argue that such measures could strain relations with India, which values its strategic autonomy. However, supporters view it as a pragmatic step to strengthen U.S. influence and ensure mutual defense commitments.

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Discussions on X have intensified, with some users raising concerns about the long-term implications of pressuring allied nations like India.