Amid the ongoing tariff row, a top Trump aide, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, said India is among the countries the US needs to ‘fix,’ accusing New Delhi of restricting market access and taking actions that harm American interests.
Speaking to NewsNation, Lutnick remarked, “We have a bunch of countries to fix, like Switzerland, Brazil, India – these are countries that need to really react correctly to America. Open their markets, stop taking actions that harm America, and that’s why we’re at odds with them.”
Lutnick’s recent statements continue his critique of India’s trade and energy policies. He has earlier referred to India’s reaction to the tariffs imposed during the Trump administration as “bravado.”
He cautioned, “Countries like India and Brazil need to recognize that selling to US consumers requires cooperating with the US president.”
Trump 50% Tariff
The ongoing tariff row began after US President Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods, citing unfair trade practices, and later added another 25% tariff in response to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. This brought the total tariffs on India to 50%, the highest imposed by the US on any country.
India On 50% Tariff
India has strongly opposed these tariffs, arguing that the country is being unfairly targeted while European nations continue significant imports of Russian energy. New Delhi highlighted that in 2024, Europe traded goods worth EUR 67.5 billion with Russia and services worth EUR 17.2 billion in 2023, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions. Indian officials argue that the US approach demonstrates a double standard, as European countries have not faced similar punitive actions despite their extensive trade with Moscow.
Lutnick’s remarks come as India and the United States have resumed trade negotiations. A delegation led by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal visited Washington from September 22 to 24. During the visit, the delegation met with US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer and US Ambassador-designate to India Sergio Gor to discuss a potential trade agreement.
