As US President Donald Trump imposes 25 per cent tariffs on India, with another 25 per cent set for August 27, noted American investor and financial commentator Jim Rogers said on Friday that Trump “doesn’t understand much of the world,” especially Asia and India.

Speaking to IANS, Rogers highlighted that India remains the fastest-growing economy and Washington should be expanding business ties with New Delhi instead of disrupting them through “unrealistic” tariffs.

“Trump wakes up, watches TV and then decides what to do,” Rogers remarked, stressing that both nations have the potential to raise bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, as once envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump himself—provided Washington makes reasonable overtures.

Rogers praised India’s current economic outlook, saying, “For the first time in my life, I see people in New Delhi who understand economics, prosperity, and success. It is a very exciting and wonderful change.” He predicted that India could become one of the most attractive investment destinations globally, potentially rivaling or even surpassing China in the coming years.

On Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), Rogers underscored the benefits of greater trade openness. “More free trade is better for the world, especially India. It will be extremely exciting for global investors,” he said.

India has so far signed 13 FTAs with various partners and is negotiating several more, including the India-EU FTA, India-Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), India-Peru Trade Agreement, India-Sri Lanka Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement (ETCA), and India-Oman FTA.