US Commerce Minister’s Warning to India on Tariffs
Trade tensions between India and the United States have resurfaced as US Commerce Minister Howard Lutnick issued a sharp warning to New Delhi. Lutnick stated that if India does not reduce its tariffs and continues to refuse American corn imports, the country could face “tough times” in accessing the US market.
Pressure Despite Trump’s Softer Stance
The warning comes at a crucial moment when President Donald Trump has recently shown signs of easing his stance towards India. Despite this, Washington is maintaining pressure on New Delhi during ongoing trade negotiations.
Lutnick’s Strong Remarks on Trade Imbalance
In a recent interview, Lutnick accused India of maintaining a one-sided relationship with the US.
“They sell their goods to us and take advantage of us. They keep us out of their economy, while we are completely open to them,” he said.
He further criticized India’s trade policy, pointing out the contradiction in its approach:
“India boasts of 1.4 billion people. Can’t 1.4 billion people buy a bushel of American corn? They sell us everything and don’t buy our corn. They put tariffs on everything.”
India-US Trade Relations Under Strain
The remarks highlight the friction in India-US trade ties, with Washington repeatedly asking India to ease tariff barriers. While Trump’s softer tone indicates room for negotiation, Lutnick’s statement signals that the US is not willing to compromise on agricultural exports.
The coming rounds of talks will decide whether both countries can resolve these differences or whether tensions will escalate further.
