Former US President Donald Trump has weighed in on the ongoing trade tensions between India and the United States, making it clear that existing tariffs on Indian goods will remain in place — at least for the time being. His comments come shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the US tariff policy, calling it unfair to Indian exporters.
Speaking at a press briefing, Trump said there would be “no relief” from the current duties until certain trade concerns were addressed. While he did not specify exact conditions, he hinted that issues related to market access and what he described as “imbalances” in trade would need to be resolved first.
The remarks are the latest in a series of back-and-forth exchanges between the two countries over tariffs. The US currently imposes duties on a range of Indian exports, including textiles, electronics, and agricultural products. India has argued that such measures hurt its businesses and disrupt supply chains.
Trade experts note that while both countries benefit from strong economic ties, tariffs have become a sticking point. Without progress in talks, they say, these frictions could impact investment and market confidence.
For Indian exporters, especially small and medium-sized businesses, the uncertainty makes long-term planning difficult. Many are now looking at diversifying into other markets to reduce their reliance on US buyers.
The US-India trade relationship has weathered similar disputes in the past, and analysts believe negotiations will continue despite the heated rhetoric. For now, though, the message from Trump is clear: the tariffs aren’t going anywhere soon.