Trump Claims India Proposed Eliminating Tariffs on US Products

WASHINGTON / BEIJING  — Former US President Donald Trump on Monday claimed that India has offered to eliminate tariffs on American goods, but dismissed the gesture as “too late,” pointing to what he called a “one-sided” trade relationship between Washington and New Delhi.

Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated, “They have now offered to cut their Tariffs to nothing, but it’s getting late. They should have done so years ago.” His comments come amid renewed questions over the future of the US-India relationship, especially as India deepens its diplomatic engagement with China and Russia.

The Indian Embassy in Washington has not responded to Trump’s remarks, which follow the imposition of US duties on Indian goods, reportedly as high as 50% in some sectors.

Modi Meets Xi, Putin at China-Led Summit

Trump’s post coincided with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s high-profile appearance in China, where he attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit — a China-backed initiative drawing together more than 20 leaders from non-Western nations.

In a symbolic moment captured by international media, Modi was seen walking hand-in-hand with Russian President Vladimir Putin before being greeted by Chinese President Xi Jinping. The three leaders stood together, smiling and engaging in what appeared to be a friendly conversation — a powerful visual of unity amid strained US ties.

At the summit, President Xi pushed for a restructured global economic and security order favoring the “Global South,” in what many analysts view as a direct counterbalance to US-led alliances and economic policies.

Tensions Over Trade and Oil

Although US-India ties have generally improved in recent years, shared concerns over China notwithstanding, friction has emerged over trade and India’s continued purchase of Russian oil — something Trump publicly criticized during his presidency, urging India to join US-led efforts to isolate Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine.

The offer to cut tariffs comes at a time when New Delhi and Beijing appear to be mending fences. Modi’s visit marks his first trip to China in seven years, and follows bilateral talks with Xi in which the two leaders emphasized cooperation over competition and explored options for enhanced trade and regional stability.

Read more: Putin Claims Agreement Reached with Trump to End Ukraine War

No Official US Response Yet

Neither the White House nor the State Department has issued a statement regarding the developments in China or Trump’s remarks. Analysts suggest the US may be watching India’s diplomatic overtures to Beijing and Moscow with caution, particularly as Washington attempts to strengthen its influence in the Indo-Pacific.

With global alliances shifting and economic strategies evolving, India’s balancing act between East and West could significantly impact the trajectory of its relationships with both the United States and China in the months ahead.