US-India Relations Strained as Washington Imposes Trade Tariffs

The US government has initiated 50% tariffs on Indian goods, leading Kevin Hassett, US National Economic Council Director, to label the relationship between the US and India as “complicated.” Hassett, speaking during a White House briefing, suggested that these tariffs are partly related to the ongoing efforts to influence Russia’s actions regarding the Ukraine conflict. He noted India’s lack of openness to American products as a contributing factor. The tariffs went into effect following a notice from the US Customs and Border Protection, which cited President’s Executive Order 14329. The additional 25% tariffs, increasing the total to 50%, were specifically levied due to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. Hassett framed trade negotiations as a long-term process, emphasizing that progress would likely fluctuate. He also suggested that President Trump might be prepared to take a tougher position should India maintain its current stance on trade.