US In Rocky Place With Top Trade Ally
Trump Administration Holds Firm on India Trade Talks
The Trump White House is holding the line on tough tariffs with India as part of its America First trade policy. While negotiations between Washington and New Delhi continue, India’s foreign minister has drawn a hard line on defending his country’s farmers and small businesses.
At an Economic Times forum, Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar confirmed the talks are not over. “Negotiations are still going on. Nobody has said talks are off. People do talk to each other,” he said.
Trump’s 50% Tariff Hits India Over Russian Oil Purchases
President Donald Trump has announced a 50% tariff on Indian imports, effective August 27. A central part of the measure is a 25% duty tied to India’s ongoing purchase of Russian oil—a move Trump argues is indirectly fueling Vladimir Putin’s war machine in Ukraine.
White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said there is “no plan to extend the timeline” for doubling tariffs. In fact, next week’s scheduled U.S.-India trade meeting has already been scrapped.
India Draws “Red Lines” in Trade Dispute
India has made it clear that its “red lines” are focused on protecting its farmers and small producers. Jaishankar stressed: “We are committed to defend the interests of our farmers and our small producers. That’s not something we can compromise on.”
Last year, U.S. trade with India totaled $212.3 billion, showing the high stakes for both sides.
India Pushes Back on Russia Sanctions Pressure
Jaishankar rejected claims that India is funding Moscow’s war effort, pointing out the double standard:
- China is the world’s largest oil importer.
- The European Union is the top buyer of liquefied natural gas.
- Yet, India is the one being singled out.
“India-EU trade is bigger than India-Russia trade,” Jaishankar argued. “So isn’t European money also putting funds into Putin’s coffers?”
Trump’s America First Trade Strategy
By holding firm on tariffs, President Trump is sending a clear signal: U.S. workers, farmers, and national security come first. India may be a partner, but when it comes to trade, Trump is proving that no country gets a free pass.
