The ongoing trade dispute between India and the United States escalated further after US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, a close aide of President Donald Trump, claimed that India was among the countries America needs to “fix.”
Speaking to NewsNation, Lutnick said, “We have a bunch of countries to fix, like Switzerland, Brazil, India – these are countries that need to really react correctly to America. Open their markets, stop taking actions that harm America, and that’s why we’re at odds with them.”
Criticism of India’s Trade Policies
Lutnick has repeatedly criticized India’s trade and energy policies. Earlier, he described New Delhi’s reaction to American tariffs as “bravado.” He also warned that countries like India and Brazil must “recognize that selling to US consumers requires cooperating with the US president.”
Trump’s 50% Tariff on Indian Goods
The tariff row began after President Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods, citing “unfair trade practices.” This was later doubled with an additional 25% tariff, bringing the total to 50%—the highest imposed by Washington on any country.
India’s Strong Objection
India strongly opposed the move, accusing the US of unfair targeting while European nations continued large-scale energy imports from Russia. New Delhi pointed out that in 2024 alone, Europe traded goods worth EUR 67.5 billion with Russia and services worth EUR 17.2 billion in 2023, but has not faced similar punitive measures. Indian officials said the US action reflects “double standards.”
Trade Talks Resume
Despite tensions, trade negotiations between the two sides have resumed. A delegation led by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal visited Washington from September 22 to 24, holding talks with US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer and US Ambassador-designate to India Sergio Gor to explore the possibility of a new trade agreement.
