Washington/New Delhi : Former US President Donald Trump has reignited trade tensions with India, calling the decades-long economic relationship between the two countries a “totally one-sided disaster.” In a post on his social media platform Truth Social on Monday, Trump criticized India’s high import tariffs on American goods and claimed that the country has now offered to reduce its tariffs to zero — but, he added, “it’s getting late.”
The comments come amid rising friction between Washington and New Delhi following the imposition of fresh US tariffs on Indian goods, which took effect on August 27. The Trump-led administration has introduced steep duties — including a 50% tariff on several Indian exports — along with secondary sanctions targeting India’s imports of Russian oil.
Trump: “We Sell Them Very Little”
Trump alleged that India has historically charged the US some of the highest tariffs in the world, leaving American businesses unable to effectively compete in the Indian market.
“What few people understand is that we do very little business with India, but they do a tremendous amount of business with us,” Trump wrote. “They sell us massive amounts of goods… but we sell them very little. Until now, a totally one-sided relationship.”
He further criticized India’s defense and energy partnerships with Russia, claiming that India “buys most of its oil and military products from Russia, very little from the U.S.”
Trump added that while India has now offered to eliminate tariffs, the move comes too late:
“They should have done so years ago. Just some simple facts for people to ponder!!!”
India Calls US Tariffs “Unfortunate” and “Unjustified”
India responded sharply to the new tariffs and Trump’s remarks. The Ministry of External Affairs said the duties are “unfortunate” and “unjustified,” especially given that other countries also import Russian oil.
“Our imports are based on market factors and done with the overall objective of ensuring energy security for 1.4 billion people,” the ministry said in a statement last month.
“It is therefore extremely unfortunate that the US should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest.”
The statement reaffirmed India’s intention to take “all necessary actions” to protect its national interests.
US Embassy Highlights Broader Ties Amid Trade Tensions
Despite the escalating trade dispute, the US Embassy in India struck a more conciliatory tone, emphasizing the broader scope of the US-India relationship. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the embassy described the partnership as a “defining relationship of the 21st century.”
“From innovation and entrepreneurship to defense and bilateral ties, it’s the enduring friendship between our two peoples that fuels this journey,” the post said, using the hashtag #USIndiaFWDforOurPeople.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was also quoted as saying that the friendship between the American and Indian peoples is the “bedrock” of cooperation and economic partnership.
India Defends Its Agriculture and Small Enterprises
One of the major sticking points in trade talks has been the US push for greater access to India’s agriculture and dairy sectors — sensitive areas that employ millions in rural India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly stressed that his government will not compromise the interests of small farmers, entrepreneurs, and livestock rearers.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal told Parliament last month that the government is closely evaluating the impact of the new US tariffs and will take all necessary steps to safeguard India’s economic interests.
Hope for a Trade Deal
India and the US had launched talks earlier this year toward a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), aiming to finalize the first stage by October–November 2025. However, Trump’s recent remarks and the imposition of new tariffs have cast doubt on the progress of those negotiations.
While both sides have emphasized the strategic and diplomatic strength of their partnership, the current trade standoff underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing national interests with global cooperation.
