Washington
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has made it clear that he has no plans to reduce the steep tariffs imposed on Indian imports. Speaking on September 2, 2025, Trump reaffirmed that the duties, which were doubled earlier this year from 25% to 50%, will remain unchanged despite mounting concerns over trade tensions and economic fallout.
Trump’s stance on tariffs
Trump reiterated his longstanding criticism of India’s trade practices, once again calling India a “tariff king.” While acknowledging that the U.S. maintains good relations with India, he argued that New Delhi imposes excessively high duties on American products. He defended the 50% tariffs as necessary to address what he sees as a one-sided trade imbalance.
Responding to a direct question on whether the U.S. administration would consider lowering tariffs on Indian imports, Trump said, “No, we are not looking at that right now.” His remarks indicate that Washington’s current hardline approach towards India is unlikely to soften in the immediate future.
Economic impact on India
The increase in tariffs has dealt a significant blow to several Indian export sectors. Industries such as textiles, gems and jewellery, footwear, and pharmaceuticals are among the hardest hit. Exporters warn of job losses and reduced competitiveness, particularly in labour-intensive hubs such as Tiruppur, Surat, and Agra.
Indian trade bodies have described the U.S. action as “unfair and unreasonable,” urging the government in New Delhi to explore retaliatory measures or seek relief through multilateral trade forums.
Legal uncertainty in the U.S.
Adding another layer of complexity, a U.S. federal appeals court recently ruled that sweeping tariffs imposed by Trump in his earlier term may have exceeded presidential authority. However, sector-specific tariffs, including those applied on Indian goods, remain unaffected for now. This legal development has created uncertainty in markets, with businesses unclear about the long-term trade environment.
Political reactions in the U.S.
The move has drawn criticism from Trump’s political opponents. Democrats have argued that the tariffs hurt American consumers by raising prices and limit U.S. exporters’ access to a growing Indian market. They warn that the policy risks damaging broader U.S.–India relations at a time when both countries share strategic interests in defence, technology, and counterbalancing China.
Conclusion
Trump’s refusal to lower tariffs on Indian imports has left the future of U.S.–India trade relations uncertain. With India facing mounting export losses and American businesses uneasy about higher costs, pressure is likely to build on both governments to find a compromise. Until then, the elevated tariffs remain a flashpoint in one of the world’s most important strategic partnerships.