Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited tensions over U.S.–India trade ties, claiming on Truth Social that India has now offered to slash tariffs on American goods to zero. While calling the move “positive,” Trump slammed the decades-long trade relationship as a “totally one-sided disaster,” saying the offer comes far too late. His comments follow Washington’s decision to impose tariffs of up to 50% on Indian exports, including apparel, seafood, and jewelry, in retaliation for New Delhi’s high duties and continued imports of Russian oil.
Trade talks between the two nations have collapsed after five rounds, despite India reportedly offering sweeping concessions on industrial goods, energy, and defense purchases. Agriculture and dairy remain major sticking points. The fallout has hit India’s economy hard, with experts warning of shrinking exports and a slowdown in GDP. Trump’s sharp rebuke also came on the heels of the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen in close engagement with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping—a geopolitical signal that added fuel to Trump’s critique.
