Trump Slams the Door on India Trade Talks, Imposes Double Tariffs Amid Fury Over Russian Oil Imports
Washington DC(The Uttam Hindu): Former US President Donald Trump has categorically refused to hold talks on a trade deal with India, stating that discussions will only be possible once the ongoing tariff dispute is resolved. This statement has put an end to earlier media reports claiming that a US delegation might soon visit India to discuss a trade agreement. Currently, US tariffs on Indian goods have reached up to 50%, with Trump recently signing an executive order to impose an additional 25% tariff effective from August 27, while another 25% tariff was enforced from Thursday.
According to the White House, this tough measure comes in response to India continuing oil imports from Russia, which Trump believes undermines America’s economic and strategic interests. While the US State Department still describes India as a strategic partner, spokesperson Tommy Pigott noted that tariff disputes are straining bilateral ties. Trump has expressed concerns over trade imbalance and oil imports from Russia, emphasizing that disagreements should be resolved through direct dialogue.