The United States has implemented additional tariffs on India, largely due to India’s continued procurement of oil from Russia, leading to a rise in tariffs, reaching up to 50%. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick made comments criticizing key trading partners, particularly India and Brazil, suggesting they adjust their markets to better serve American interests. He emphasized the need for these nations to respond appropriately to US demands.
Lutnick singled out India, Brazil, and Switzerland as nations that need to be ‘fixed,’ indicating they must open their markets and cease actions that are detrimental to American interests.
Previously, Lutnick had portrayed India’s trade negotiation resistance as mainly symbolic, anticipating India to return to the discussion table within a month or two. He suggested Indian business interests would pressure the Modi government to strike a deal with the US.
Furthermore, the US official criticized India’s purchase of discounted Russian crude oil following the Ukraine conflict, viewing it as improper and unreasonable. He underscored the need for India to choose a side.
Highlighting America’s economic strength, the official reminded these countries that the US remains the world’s largest consumer market. He asserted, “We are the consumers of the world. People have to remember, our $30 trillion economy is the world’s consumer. Therefore, they have to return to the customer because we all know that in the end, the customer is always right.” These critical statements surfaced as the US and India engaged in trade talks, along with reactions to the additional tariffs the US placed on India.