Washington, Sept 4 (AP LIVE 24.com):
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has once again stirred the global trade debate by targeting India over tariffs. In a recent statement, Trump defended the United States’ 50% tariff on certain Indian goods, claiming that New Delhi had initially promised “no tariffs” but later imposed what he described as “unfair trade barriers.”
Trump said, “India kills us with tariffs. They take advantage of our markets, and we had no choice but to act. We put a 50% levy in place to protect American businesses.” His remarks have quickly gained attention in both Washington and New Delhi, reigniting discussions around the future of U.S.–India trade relations.
This is not the first time Trump has accused India of unfair practices. During his presidency, he repeatedly criticized India’s import duties, especially on products like motorcycles, steel, and agricultural goods. While Trump argues that high tariffs hurt American industries, Indian officials have previously countered by highlighting the importance of balanced trade policies to protect domestic markets.
Experts note that such statements may play a role in Trump’s campaign narrative as he seeks to position himself as a defender of American manufacturing and jobs. On the other hand, trade analysts caution that such rhetoric could complicate ongoing U.S.–India negotiations aimed at expanding bilateral trade, which already exceeds $190 billion annually.
India has so far not issued an official response to Trump’s latest comments. However, diplomats suggest that New Delhi may take a cautious approach, especially given the current global economic climate and the strategic importance of U.S.–India ties in defense and technology cooperation.
The renewed debate underscores how trade remains a sensitive issue between the two democracies, with tariffs continuing to be a flashpoint. Whether Trump’s claims will influence future trade talks remains to be seen, but his comments have already placed India back at the center of U.S. political discourse.
