US President Donald Trump has ruled out trade negotiations with India until a tariff dispute is resolved, following his administration’s move to double tariffs on Indian imports from 25% to 50%.
The additional levy, set to take effect in 21 days, applies to all Indian goods entering US ports, except for items in transit and exempt categories. The White House cited national security concerns, pointing to India’s continued imports of Russian oil as an “unusual and extraordinary threat.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded defiantly, saying India will not compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen, and dairy producers, even if it means paying a “heavy price.” India has long resisted opening sensitive sectors like agriculture and dairy to foreign competition, citing the risk to rural livelihoods.
The move marks a sharp escalation in US-India trade tensions.
