— A heated exchange on trade policy has emerged following U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to double tariffs on Indian exports. The move has drawn sharp rebuke from U.S. lawmakers, who see it as jeopardizing hard-earned U.S.–India ties.
Trump Unveils 50% Tariff on Indian Goods
President Trump signed an executive order imposing an additional 25-percentage-point tariff on Indian imports, bringing the total to a steep 50% duty. The administration justified the measure as a response to India’s continued imports of Russian oil, which the White House described as an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to national security. This move follows an earlier 25% tariff that came into effect on August 7.
When questioned at the Oval Office about whether trade negotiations would resume soon, Trump replied flatly, “No, not until we get it resolved.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded from New Delhi with defiance, asserting that India would not yield to external pressure.
U.S. House Foreign Affairs’ Response
Representative Gregory Meeks, the ranking Democrat on the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, criticized the tariff increase as harmful to bilateral ties. In a post on X, the Committee’s account quoted Meeks saying:
“Trump’s latest tariff tantrum risks years of careful work to build a stronger U.S.–India partnership. We have deep strategic, economic, and people-to-people ties. Concerns should be addressed in a mutually respectful way consistent with our democratic values.”
These remarks come amid rising anxiety about the future of U.S.–India engagement and reflect bipartisan support for preserving the relationship.
Trade Implications and Strategic Fallout
Trade experts warn the 50% tariff will inflict significant economic pain on Indian exporters—particularly in key sectors like textiles, pharmaceuticals, IT, and agricultural products. The steep duty could severely undermine India’s cost competitiveness in its largest export markets.
The doubling of import duties may also slow or halt ongoing bilateral trade negotiations. India has yet to commit to any tariff reductions, maintaining that talks must yield a mutually beneficial agreement and safeguard national interests. This stance was reaffirmed by Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal to a parliamentary committee.
What Comes Next?
With both economies deeply intertwined through people-to-people ties, strategic alignment, and growing multi-sector trade, the relationship has proven resilient. Still, tariffs this high introduce serious friction and disrupt the collaborative groundwork built over years.
Singapore-based defense and trade analyst Mason told The Indian Express that despite this deep freeze, “There is potential for this relationship to be salvaged, not just because of the natural, shared interests and the strategic convergences, but this is a relationship that is multifaceted… and has the insulation to withstand shocks to the broader relationship