In a dramatic escalation of trade tensions, US President Donald Trump has ruled out further negotiations with India after imposing a sweeping 50 per cent tariff on Indian imports. The move, triggered by New Delhi’s continued purchases of Russian oil, marks one of the lowest points in US-India trade relations in more than two decades.
India Slams “Unfair” Move, PM Modi Vows to Protect Farmers at Any Cost
“Not until we get it resolved,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office when asked about the possibility of resuming talks. His comments follow an executive order signed on Wednesday, adding an additional 25 per cent trade levy to existing duties on Indian goods, effective August 27. The decision came days after Trump warned of “secondary sanctions” on countries maintaining trade ties with Moscow.
India swiftly condemned the tariff hike as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable,” with the Ministry of External Affairs stressing that energy imports were “based on market factors” and aimed at securing energy supplies for 1.4 billion citizens.
Modi Pledges to Put Farmers First, Challenges US Double Standards
Addressing the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made it clear that India would not compromise on agricultural interests despite the steepest tariffs imposed by the US.
“For us, the interest of our farmers is our top priority,” Modi said. “India will never compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers. I know I will have to pay a heavy price for it personally, and I am ready for it. India is ready for it.”
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New Delhi also accused Washington of applying double standards, noting that other major importers of Russian oil — including China and Turkey — had not faced similar penalties. India, China, and Turkey remain the top three buyers of Russian oil.
In a twist, while Trump penalises India, the US maintains a temporary tariff truce with China, keeping a 145 per cent duty on Chinese goods suspended. That arrangement, designed to facilitate negotiations between Washington and Beijing, is set to expire on August 12.
