India’s Tariff Offer Comes “Too Late,” Says Trump
Former US President Donald Trump has reignited his criticism of India’s trade policies, describing the relationship as a “totally one-sided disaster.” In a recent Truth Social post, Trump claimed that India has now offered to reduce tariffs on American goods to zero, but insisted that the move is “too late” and should have been implemented years earlier.
He alleged that while India sells “massive amounts of goods” to the United States, it purchases very little in return due to what he described as “the highest tariffs of any country.”
Trump Targets India’s Oil and Defense Deals With Russia
According to Trump, New Delhi sources most of its oil and defense equipment from Russia instead of the United States. He suggested that India’s tariff-cutting gesture does not offset years of what he sees as an unbalanced trade relationship.
“They have now offered to cut their tariffs to nothing, but it’s getting late. They should have done so years ago. Just some simple facts for people to ponder!!!” Trump said.
Modi Meets Xi and Putin at SCO Summit
Trump’s remarks came just hours after the conclusion of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with both Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The interactions between Modi, Xi, and Putin stood out for their warmth and symbolism, with handshakes, hugs, and close discussions highlighting the camaraderie among the leaders.
US Tariffs on Indian Goods Escalate Trade Tensions
The trade friction intensified after Washington announced a 25% tariff on Indian goods on July 31. A week later, on August 6, Trump signed an executive order imposing an additional 25% tariff, citing India’s continued purchase of Russian oil and military equipment.
Since then, Trump has repeatedly accused India of indirectly funding Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine.
India Pushes Back Against US Pressure
New Delhi has strongly rejected Washington’s accusations, calling the US tariffs “unjustified and unreasonable.” Indian officials emphasized that, as a major economy, the country will take all necessary steps to protect its economic security and national interests.
Prime Minister Modi stressed that he would not compromise on the welfare of farmers, cattle-rearers, and small-scale industries, stating:
“Pressure on us may increase, but we will bear it.”
Double Standards in US-Russia Trade
While Trump continues to frame India as a supporter of Russia’s war machine, US trade data reveals a more complex picture. Despite sanctions, the United States has maintained significant economic ties with Moscow.
- In 2022, US-Russia trade was valued at $15 billion.
- By 2024, the figure fell to $3.5 billion.
- In 2025 (up to May), US imports from Russia already reached $2.1 billion, compared to exports worth just $232 million, leaving a deficit of $1.86 billion.
The US continues to import crucial Russian goods, including:
- Enriched uranium ($596 million)
- Palladium ($502 million)
- Fertilizers, chemicals, wood, and machinery
These imports remain critical for national security and industrial needs, highlighting contradictions in Washington’s stance.
When discussing trade tariffs (Investopedia).
When explaining US-Russia trade statistics (US Department of Commerce resource).
Conclusion
The escalating rhetoric between Washington and New Delhi underscores growing trade tensions, with both sides defending their economic interests. As India strengthens ties with global powers like Russia and China, the US faces criticism for its own continued reliance on Russian imports, raising questions about double standards in international trade policies.
