President Trump criticized India’s steep tariffs following a public display of camaraderie between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin at an anti-NATO summit in China.
Many saw Modi’s warm interaction with Putin as a response to Trump’s tariffs on India for its Russian oil purchases, prompting a sharp reaction from Trump.
'Few realize that our trade with India is minimal, while they export massive quantities of goods to us, their largest market. It’s been a completely lopsided relationship for decades. The issue is India’s sky-high tariffs, the highest of any nation, which have blocked our businesses from selling there. It’s been a one-sided catastrophe! India also buys most of its oil and military equipment from Russia, not the U.S. They’ve now offered to eliminate their tariffs, but it’s late. They should’ve acted years ago. Just some facts to consider!!!'
Trump enjoyed a friendly relationship with Modi during his first term, but his second-term economic policies have created friction.
According to the Wall Street Journal, India’s import tariffs average 14 percent, far higher than many nations, earning Modi the nickname “tariff king” from Trump. By contrast, China’s import tariffs average 6.5 percent.