US President Donald Trump reignited tensions with India by claiming that New Delhi has long exploited a “one-sided” trade relationship. In a Truth Social post, Trump said that while India sells “massive amounts of goods” to the US, American businesses face sky-high tariffs — “the most of any country” — making it “a totally one-sided disaster.” He added that India should have cut tariffs “years ago” and accused New Delhi of favoring Russia over the US for oil and military imports.
The remarks come as Washington recently imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods, escalating a trade conflict that analysts say has political undertones. Reports suggest the US action was influenced by India’s refusal to endorse Trump’s claims of brokering peace in the May 2025 conflict with Pakistan.
“Belittling a country like India…”
Reacting to Trump’s comments, geopolitical expert Einar Tangen blasted the US President’s tariff war, calling it an attempt to “force India into submission.” Tangen said New Delhi has a chance to stand up to the “bully,” stressing: “Belittling a country like India, which is of such great importance for markets and labour, I don’t think it makes sense.”
Amid the row, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin has been seen as a signal to Washington. A Beijing-based commentator described it as a “moment of optics” sending a strong message to the US as the global economy reels under Trump’s aggressive trade policies.
