Donald Trump's Fresh Attack, Says India Kills Us With Tariffs, Claims 'No Duty' Offer From New Delhi Again

US President Donald Trump has reignited his criticism of India's trade practices, branding it the "most tariffed nation" in the world. Speaking on The Scott Jennings Radio Show, Trump claimed New Delhi had once offered to scrap tariffs entirely, crediting his tough stance for forcing that proposal.

"China kills us with tariffs, India kills us with tariffs, Brazil kills us with tariffs... India was the most highly tariffed nation in the world. They offered me no tariffs anymore. No tariffs," Trump asserted, adding that without his pressure, such an offer would not have been possible.

India's Position

Indian officials, however, maintain that trade talks with Washington are ongoing. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal recently said both sides are working toward a bilateral trade agreement by November, while stressing that national interests-particularly the protection of farmers, fishermen, and dairy producers-will not be compromised.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also defended India's trade policies as being domestically driven, pointing to affordable energy imports from Russia as an example of prioritising citizens' needs over foreign pressure.

Fallout of Tariff Battles

Trump's tariff-heavy policies have drawn sharp domestic criticism in the US. Economists argue they often raise costs for American consumers and manufacturers, while foreign policy experts say they strained ties with India. Former NSA Jake Sullivan even accused Trump of weakening strategic relations with New Delhi while leaning toward Pakistan.

On social media, Trump described trade with India as a "totally one-sided disaster," repeatedly citing the imbalance between Indian exports to the US and limited American sales to India. He has often highlighted cases like Harley-Davidson, which faced a 200% duty before opening a local plant, as evidence of unfair practices.

Bigger Picture

Tensions worsened when Trump imposed 25% tariffs on Indian goods, later raising them to 50%, partly over India's purchase of Russian crude oil. Despite pressure, New Delhi has refused to back down, insisting its oil imports are driven by market economics.

For Trump, tariffs remain a negotiating weapon. For India, they are a shield for domestic priorities. As both nations navigate these competing agendas, the future of US-India trade relations will depend on whether upcoming negotiations bridge the gap-or widen it further.