Trump Claims India Offers Zero Tariffs on US Goods

US – India – (Special Correspondent / Web Desk) – US President Donald Trump said on Monday that India has offered to reduce tariffs on American goods to zero. This comes as trade tensions between the two nations grow.

Calling the trade relationship “one-sided,” Trump posted on Truth Social, “They now offer zero tariffs, but it’s too late. They should have done this years ago.”

The Indian Embassy in Washington has not yet responded. This statement follows heavy US duties of up to 50% on Indian products, imposed last week due to India’s large purchases of Russian oil. The move is part of US efforts to pressure Moscow over the war in Ukraine.

Since returning to the White House this year, Trump has used tariffs as a key trade tool, disrupting global markets.

Amid the dispute, India is strengthening ties with China and Russia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin, where he met Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

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The new US tariffs have strained ties with India. New Delhi has criticized the levies as “unfair and unjustified.” Trade talks remain stuck over agriculture and dairy access. Trump wants more US access, while Modi aims to protect India’s farmers, a major voter group.

The US was India’s top export market in 2024, with goods worth $87.3 billion. But analysts warn that a 50% tariff is almost like a trade ban and will hurt small businesses.

Exporters of textiles, seafood, and jewelry are already reporting canceled US orders and losing business to countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam. This has raised fears of job losses across India.