US President Donald Trump reiterated his strong criticism of India’s high tariffs on Friday, calling them “massive” and emphasizing that they make it difficult for American businesses to sell products in the Indian market. Trump, addressing reporters at the White House, stated that India has now agreed to reduce these tariffs significantly, following continuous pressure and public scrutiny from his administration."India charges us massive tariffs. Massive. You can't even sell anything in India," Trump remarked during his White House briefing. He further claimed that India had finally agreed to lower these tariffs after being exposed for what he described as unfair trade practices.Trump’s remarks reflect his longstanding stance on international trade, where he has repeatedly criticized countries such as India, China, Brazil, Mexico, and the European Union for imposing disproportionately high tariffs on American goods. Throughout his presidency, Trump has pushed for what he calls “fair trade” policies that involve reciprocal tariffs — a strategy aimed at matching the tariffs imposed by other countries with equal duties on US imports.
 

In his address to Congress earlier this week, Trump stressed that tariffs had been unfairly used against the United States for decades. He argued that while the US has long maintained low import duties, other major economies have taken advantage of this leniency."Other countries have used tariffs against us for decades, and now it's our turn to start using them against those other countries," Trump told lawmakers. He specifically singled out India, pointing out that the country imposes extremely high tariffs on auto imports — reportedly exceeding 100 percent in some cases.During a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House last month, Trump addressed India’s trade policies directly. He described India as being "very strong on tariffs" and acknowledged that while he doesn’t blame India entirely, the country’s trade barriers have made it challenging for American businesses to penetrate the Indian market effectively.
 

“I don't blame them, necessarily, but it's a different way of doing business. It's very hard to sell into India because they have trade barriers, very strong tariffs,” Trump commented during his remarks alongside Modi.This recent development follows a series of tariff measures initiated by Trump, which have targeted multiple nations in an effort to reduce the US trade deficit. He also mentioned his plan to implement “reciprocal tariffs,” emphasizing his belief in a balanced trade model.“An eye for an eye, a tariff for a tariff, same exact amount,” Trump had stated during his presidential campaign, reinforcing his commitment to aggressive trade strategies.The growing tension between India and the United States over trade comes amid increasing trade volumes between the two nations. According to reports, the total US-India goods trade value reached an estimated USD 129.2 billion in 2024. While the US exported approximately USD 41.8 billion worth of goods to India during the year, the trade deficit between the two countries expanded to USD 45.7 billion — marking a 5.4 percent increase (USD 2.4 billion) from 2023.
 

The widening trade deficit highlights the persistent imbalance in bilateral trade and underscores Trump’s concern about US exports facing difficulties in accessing Indian markets.While details of India’s proposed tariff reduction remain unclear, analysts predict that key sectors such as agriculture, electronics, and industrial goods could witness lowered import duties. The development is seen as part of India’s effort to enhance its global trade presence while addressing the concerns raised by the United States.The Trump administration’s aggressive push for fair trade has resulted in significant shifts in US trade policies. As India moves toward reducing its tariffs, both countries may see improved trade relations in the coming months. However, experts caution that such changes may take time to fully reflect in the trade deficit figures, given the complexity of global trade dynamics.India’s potential tariff reductions could provide new opportunities for American businesses seeking to expand their footprint in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. As negotiations unfold, businesses in sectors like technology, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods may gain improved access to the Indian market, paving the way for stronger economic ties between the two nations.