Trump calls US-India trade a ‘one-sided disaster’; says tariffs forced concessions
US President Donald Trump has once again asserted that India proposed a “no tariff” agreement during his administration, despite his imposition of a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods. Speaking on The Scott Jennings Radio Show, Trump described India as the most heavily tariffed country in the world and argued that the tariffs were necessary to compel New Delhi to negotiate.
"China kills us with tariffs, India kills us with tariffs, Brazil kills us with tariffs. I've understood tariffs better than they did; I understood tariffs better than any human beings in the world. India was the most highly tariffed nation in the world, and you know what, they've offered me no tariffs in India anymore. No tariffs. If I didn't have tariffs, they would never make that offer. So you have to have tariffs," Donald Trump said on The Scott Jennings Radio Show, according to an ANI report.
Earlier this week, Trump referred to the trade relationship between the US and India as a “totally one-sided disaster,” explaining that India sells a substantial amount of goods to the US while American exports to India remain limited. “Until now a totally one-sided relationship, and it has been for many decades,” Trump said. He noted India’s reliance on Russian crude oil and military equipment, adding, “They have now offered to cut their Tariffs to nothing, but it's getting late. They should have done so years ago.”
Trade tensions escalate
The US tariffs on Indian imports reached 50 percent after America imposed a 25 percent levy, followed by an additional 25 percent duty tied to India’s purchase of Russian oil. This has placed India among the nations with the highest US tariffs.
There has been backlash to Trump’s tariff decisions within the US itself. A US appeals court recently ruled the tariffs illegal, and political opposition in Washington continues to grow. Jake Sullivan, former US National Security Advisor, criticised Trump for damaging ties with India, calling India an essential partner in technology, talent, and countering strategic threats from China. Sullivan expressed concern that Trump’s approach risks alienating India and weakening US alliances.
India maintains its position that the tariffs are unfair and is actively engaging in talks to resolve trade issues. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said discussions with the US are underway, with hopes for a bilateral trade agreement by November. India defends its oil imports from Russia as dictated by strategic interests and market realities.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit signalled India’s continuing efforts to balance international relations amid rising geopolitical challenges.