Trump’s Fresh Attack on India Trade: Calls It “One-Sided Disaster” Amid Soaring Tariff Battle

New Delhi / Washington, September 1, 2025 — Former U.S. President Donald Trump once again hit out at India over what he called a deeply “unfair” trade relationship. In a fiery Truth Social post on Monday, Trump described U.S.–India trade as “one-sided” and even branded it a “disaster” for American businesses. His remarks came at a time when economic ties between the two countries are already under serious strain due to a tariff war.

Trump said that India has been selling a huge volume of products to the United States for decades while American goods continue to face sky-high tariffs in India. “We do very little business with India, but they do a tremendous amount of business with us,” Trump wrote. He called the situation “a totally one-sided relationship that has lasted for many decades.”

Trump’s Anger Over Tariffs

According to Trump, India has some of the highest tariffs in the world. He argued that American exporters have been unable to reach Indian consumers because of these restrictions. “Our businesses are unable to sell into India,” he wrote, stressing that U.S. companies have suffered for years while India has reaped the benefits.

In the same message, Trump claimed that India has recently offered to reduce its tariffs on American products to zero. However, he dismissed the gesture as “too late,” saying that such a step should have been taken many years ago. “It’s getting late. They should have done this years ago,” he posted.

Background: The U.S.–India Tariff War

Trump’s latest comments are not isolated. They come just weeks after he escalated his trade war with India.

• In July 2025, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods, citing India’s continued purchase of Russian oil and weapons.
• In August 2025, he doubled down by adding another 25% penalty tariff, taking the total to a record-high 50% on a wide list of Indian exports.

These tariffs hit major Indian sectors like textiles, leather, gems, machinery, furniture, and marine products. Electronics and semiconductors were largely spared, but most traditional export categories have been badly affected.

The U.S. justified the move by accusing India of giving an unfair advantage to Russian energy companies and undermining Western sanctions. Trump openly stated that America would “no longer tolerate” such behavior while India continues to enjoy unrestricted access to U.S. markets.

India’s Reaction: “Unfair and Unjustified”

The Indian government strongly rejected these punitive tariffs. Officials described them as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.” New Delhi said it would defend the interests of its exporters and pointed out that India’s policies reflect its right to maintain strategic autonomy, especially in energy security.

Indian trade bodies warned that the steep tariffs could hurt small and medium exporters across Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. These exporters supply goods like garments, jewelry, seafood, and chemicals to the U.S. Many fear that jobs could be lost if the trade dispute continues.

Strategic Angle: Beyond Trade

The timing of Trump’s statements has also drawn attention. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Analysts believe India is sending a signal that it will not be pressured into limiting its partnerships.

For Washington, this has raised concerns about India’s growing alignment with non-Western powers. Experts warn that the dispute could damage not only trade but also larger strategic frameworks like the Quad (the U.S., India, Japan, and Australia), which was designed to balance China’s rise in the Indo-Pacific.

Impact on U.S. and Indian Economies

For the U.S.:

Trump’s tariff policy is popular among some domestic manufacturers who argue that India has long exploited open U.S. markets. They believe that raising tariffs will create a level playing field. However, economists caution that American importers who rely on low-cost Indian goods could face higher costs, which may lead to price increases for U.S. consumers.

For India:

Indian exporters are worried about losing their biggest overseas market. The U.S. is India’s largest trading partner, with exports worth tens of billions of dollars annually. With tariffs now doubled, many small exporters may find themselves priced out of the U.S. market. This could have ripple effects across India’s export-driven industries.

For the World:

Global trade experts say this clash is part of a wider trend of protectionism and economic nationalism. With the U.S. and India locking horns, supply chains may shift, and new alliances may emerge. Countries in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America could benefit if India and the U.S. move away from each other economically.

Political Undertone

Trump’s latest attack on India also has a domestic angle. As he campaigns for a return to the White House in 2025, he has revived his familiar theme of protecting American workers against “unfair” trade partners. India, with its large export base, has become an easy target in his rhetoric.

By branding India’s policies as a “disaster,” Trump aims to appeal to American voters who believe that foreign nations take advantage of U.S. openness. His call for “zero tariffs” plays well with his base, which has long supported tough trade measures.

What Lies Ahead

For now, the U.S.–India trade relationship is at its most tense point in decades. While India’s late offer to reduce tariffs could open a door for negotiation, Trump’s dismissive tone suggests little room for compromise.

Diplomatic observers warn that unless both countries find common ground, the fallout could extend beyond trade. Technology cooperation, defense ties, and even joint climate projects may come under pressure if the rhetoric continues to harden.