Lutnick raises concern over US-India trade balance
Washington: US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has once again raised concerns about India’s trade practices, particularly New Delhi’s decision not to import American corn. Speaking during an interview, Lutnick said India imposes “high tariffs on everything,” making trade relations “one way.”
“India brags that they have 1.4 billion people. Why won’t 1.4 billion people buy one bushel of US corn? Doesn’t that rub you the wrong way that they sell everything to us, and they won’t buy our corn,” Lutnick remarked.
He reiterated that the United States seeks “fair and reciprocal trade,” echoing the position of former President Donald Trump.
Tariffs and Russian oil complicate talks
Lutnick noted that progress on a trade agreement has been slowed by disagreements on tariffs and India’s continued purchase of Russian crude oil. The Trump administration previously imposed steep tariffs on Indian goods, some as high as 50 per cent, in response to what it called an “imbalanced” relationship.
According to Lutnick, reducing tariffs and rethinking energy imports could help move negotiations forward. “That’s the president’s model, and you either accept it or you’re going to have a tough time doing business with the world’s greatest consumer,” he said.
India’s response: protecting farmers and national interests
India has pushed back strongly against Washington’s criticisms, describing the US actions as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has defended New Delhi’s stance, stressing that protecting the interests of farmers, fishermen, and dairy workers is non-negotiable. “We will never compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen, and dairy workers, their welfare is our top priority. I know I will have to pay a heavy price for it personally, and I am ready for it. India is ready for it,” Modi said.
On energy imports, Indian officials maintain that the country’s procurement of Russian oil is based on national interest and market conditions, not politics.
What lies ahead
Trade experts note that despite frictions, both countries have strong incentives to deepen economic ties. The US is one of India’s largest export markets, while American companies view India as a fast-growing destination for investment.
Whether the disputes over tariffs and energy imports can be resolved remains to be seen. Analysts say that upcoming negotiations may determine the future trajectory of US-India trade relations.