Trade tensions remain high as Washington doubles tariffs on Indian exports, accusing New Delhi of profiteering on Russian crude.
BY PC Bureau
White House trade adviser Peter Navarro took a swipe at New Delhi, saying India is “coming to the table” just ahead of trade negotiations with Washington on Tuesday.
The talks follow weeks of tension after US President Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs on Indian exports, driving shipments to their lowest in nine months.
Navarro’s comments follow a string of sharp criticisms. Last week, he warned India “must come around” on negotiations or “it won’t end well” for Delhi. In an interview with Real America’s Voice, he branded India the “Maharajah of tariffs,” alleging it levies the highest duties of any major economy on US goods.
He also targeted India’s Russian crude purchases, saying the country bought only “tiny drops” before the Ukraine war but had since shifted to “profiteering” with Russian refiners. “American taxpayers end up having to send more money for the conflict,” he argued.
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Last month, Washington doubled tariffs on Indian exports to 50 percent, citing Delhi’s refusal to curb Russian oil imports. Trump acknowledged India’s counter-offer to cut tariffs on US goods to zero, but dismissed it as “too late.”
Yet signs of a thaw have emerged. Trump recently called Modi a “great Prime Minister” and said he would “always be friends” with him. Modi quickly responded, saying he “deeply appreciates and fully reciprocates” Trump’s sentiments.
Indian trade negotiator Rajesh Agarwal confirmed that both sides will “fast-track” discussions but declined to share details. US trade envoy Brendan Lynch is scheduled to visit New Delhi for the one-day meeting.
Despite the sharp rhetoric, recent exchanges between Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggest a thaw. Trump praised Modi as a “great Prime Minister” and said he would “always be friends” with him — a message Modi quickly welcomed, saying he “deeply appreciates and reciprocates” the sentiment.
