U.S. President Donald Trump recently announced that India has proposed to eliminate tariffs on American goods. This statement comes amid rising tensions between the U.S. and India, especially as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends a summit in China with leaders from Russia and other nations.
On his Truth Social platform, Trump described the U.S.-India relationship as “one sided” and expressed frustration that India had not made this offer sooner. He emphasized that it was “getting late” for India to act, suggesting that they should have reduced tariffs long ago.
This development follows a period where India faced tariffs as high as 50% on its goods, raising concerns about the future of trade relations between the two nations. The Indian Embassy in Washington has not yet responded to Trump’s comments.
As Trump voiced these concerns, Modi was in China for a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, which includes leaders from countries that often oppose U.S. policies. At this summit, Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized their nations as partners in development rather than rivals, indicating a potential shift in regional dynamics.
The U.S. has been pressuring India to stop purchasing Russian oil, especially in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Trump’s tough stance on tariffs seems to be a response to India’s refusal to comply with this demand.
The State Department and the White House have not commented on the recent meetings in China, leaving many questions about the future of U.S.-India relations unanswered. As both countries navigate these complex issues, the outcome of their trade discussions remains to be seen.
