US President Donald Trump sharply criticized India’s trade practices, branding US-India trade ties a “one-sided disaster.” His comments came just hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s high-profile meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump Slams High Indian Tariffs
Trump alleged that India’s steep tariffs have long restricted US businesses from entering the Indian market.
“What few people understand is that we do very little business with India, but they do a tremendous amount with us. They sell us massive amounts of goods, but we sell them very little,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
He further claimed that India purchases most of its oil and defense products from Russia, while buying little from the US. Trump noted that India has now offered to cut tariffs but said it was “too late” and should have been done years earlier.
Democratic Criticism of Tariff Policy
Trump’s tariff policies have drawn strong criticism from US Democrats, particularly those on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. They accused him of undermining a crucial strategic partnership, warning that singling out India with tariffs “hurts Americans and sabotages the US-India relationship.”
They also questioned why China, one of the largest importers of Russian oil, has not faced similar penalties despite its trade practices.
Civil Society Pushback in India
In India, civil society groups under the Forum for Trade Justice voiced concern over any potential bilateral trade deal with the US. The network, which includes farmers’ unions, health groups, and trade organizations, argued that such an agreement could compromise India’s sovereignty and tilt policies in favor of Washington’s interests.
They urged Indian negotiators to remain firm, safeguard long-term economic and ecological priorities, and avoid undue concessions. Pointing to China’s exemption from similar penalties, the forum said India should draw lessons in resisting external pressure.
Strained Trade Ties
The renewed tensions highlight the fragile nature of US-India trade relations, which remain complicated by tariffs, defense partnerships, and geopolitical rivalries involving Russia and China.
Nithin Rosh