US President Donald Trump has categorically ruled out any trade negotiations with India for the foreseeable future, following his administration’s imposition of sweeping 50 percent tariffs on Indian imports. The move marks a significant escalation in trade tensions between the two countries — the sharpest in over two decades.
When asked by reporters whether he expected renewed trade talks with India in light of the latest tariff measures, Trump made his position unambiguous. “No, not until we get it resolved,” he said, signalling that negotiations would remain suspended until the dispute was addressed to Washington’s satisfaction.
Trump reiterated the same stance during another Oval Office interaction, further reinforcing the administration’s hardening posture towards India. His remarks came after the White House issued an executive order imposing an additional 25 percent tariff on Indian goods, raising the total levy to 50 percent. Trump contends that India’s continued oil purchases from Russia, whether direct or routed through intermediaries, constitute an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to the United States and warrant emergency economic measures.
Defending his administration’s decision during a White House press briefing, Trump responded to a question on why India had been singled out despite other countries, including China, maintaining energy ties with Russia. “It’s only been 8 hours. So let’s see what happens,” he said. “You’re going to see a lot more... You’re going to see so much secondary sanctions.”
The threat of secondary sanctions — targeting third countries or entities that do business with Russia — appears to be the next pressure point in the Trump administration’s wider economic and geopolitical strategy.
India has condemned the US move in strong terms. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the issue just hours after Trump's executive order, underscored that India would not compromise on core economic priorities, especially those affecting its agrarian sectors.
“For us, the interest of our farmers is our top priority. India will never compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers,” Modi said. “I know we will have to pay a heavy price for it and I am ready for it. India is ready for it.”
The 50 percent tariff hike — one of the most aggressive trade actions taken by either country in recent memory — is expected to affect a broad swathe of Indian exports, including textiles, pharmaceuticals, auto components, engineering goods, and agricultural products. The absence of a negotiation track raises concerns about long-term damage to the $120 billion bilateral trade relationship.
Analysts say New Delhi may now accelerate efforts to diversify export markets and reduce dependency on politically sensitive trade routes.
With trade talks on hold, secondary sanctions looming, and domestic political optics hardening on both sides, the US-India trade partnership faces its most serious test in years.