Amid growing trade tensions, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick issued a sharp warning to India over its tariff policies. Speaking at a recent event, he said that unless India reduces its tariffs, trade relations with the United States could face serious challenges.
Lutnick questioned why a country of 1.4 billion people proudly boasts of its size but refuses to purchase even a bushel of American corn. He expressed surprise that India exports a wide range of products to the United States yet restricts American agricultural imports.
He argued that India continues to impose tariffs on almost everything while simultaneously benefitting from access to U.S. markets. Stressing former President Donald Trump’s stance, he said that America only seeks fair and reciprocal trade. Lutnick added that the U.S. will respond to India in the same way India treats it.
Highlighting that Washington has already imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods, Lutnick said this was part of efforts to correct long-standing imbalances in bilateral trade. His remarks underline the rising friction in Indo-U.S. trade ties, especially in agriculture and manufacturing.
