‘In 2 months, India will say sorry’: US official’s sharp remark amid tariff row
Washington: US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has suggested that while India is currently standing firm against American pressure not to buy Russian oil, it will eventually return to the negotiating table with Washington.
Speaking to Bloomberg, he said, “So I think, yes, in a month or two months, I think India is going to be at the table and they're going to say they're sorry and they're going to try to make a deal with Donald Trump.”
Lutnick also cautioned that if India does not “support the United States,” it would face heavy tariffs. “They will have to pay 50 percent tariffs on its exports to the US,” he said.
What has Donald Trump said?
The comments came soon after US President Donald Trump posted on social media that it “looks like we've lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China,” before sarcastically wishing all three countries a “prosperous” future.
Trump’s remarks highlight Washington’s concerns about India’s closer ties with Moscow and Beijing, with the US historically viewing New Delhi as a counterweight to China’s influence.
How did Lutnick criticise India’s approach?
Taking aim at India’s trade and energy decisions, Lutnick commented, “It's all bravado because it feels good to fight with the biggest client. But eventually, businesses will demand a deal with America.”
He further set out conditions for avoiding tariffs, saying, “India doesn't want to open their market, stop buying Russian oil, and stop being a part of BRICS. If you want to be the bridge between Russia and China, go be it! But either support the dollar, support the United States of America, support your biggest client, or pay 50 percent tariffs. And let's see how long this lasts.”
On India’s decision to buy Russian crude, Lutnick remarked: “Because the crude is sanctioned and really, really cheap, and because the Russians are trying to find people to buy it, the Indians have just decided, 'Ah, the heck with it. Let's buy it cheap and make a ton of money.'”
How has India responded?
Earlier in the day, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made it clear that India would continue purchasing Russian oil.
“Whether it is Russian oil or anything else, we will take a call based on what suits our needs in terms of rates, logistics, or whatever. Where we buy our oil from, especially since it is a big-ticket foreign exchange-related item, is a call we will take based on what suits us best. So, we will undoubtedly be buying Russian oil,” she said.
At the Ministry of External Affairs’ weekly briefing, spokespersons dismissed remarks from Trump’s senior trade advisor Peter Navarro. “We have seen inaccurate and misleading statements made by Mr Navarro. Obviously, we reject them,” an official said.
US tariffs
The United States has already imposed 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods, one of the highest rates applied globally. This includes a 25 per cent tariff linked to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil.
New Delhi has criticised these duties, calling them “unjustified and unreasonable.” Officials have underlined that India, as a major economy, will continue to take all steps necessary to protect its national interests and economic security.
(With Agency Inputs)