The United States may soon impose steep tariffs of 20 to 25 percent on imports from India, President Donald Trump announced on Monday, signaling increased pressure as the two nations negotiate a new trade agreement ahead of an August 1 deadline. Speaking aboard Air Force One during his return from Scotland, Trump remarked, “India has been a good friend, but India has charged basically more tariffs, almost more than any other country.”
The statement follows Trump’s broader warning that countries not entering bilateral trade deals with the US could face tariffs of 15-20 percent—significantly higher than the 10 percent general tariff imposed earlier this year. The new policy, dubbed a ‘world tariff’ plan, is expected to be officially communicated to around 200 countries in the coming days.
US Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer told media that while India is showing “strong interest in opening portions of its market,” more time is required to finalize negotiations. He emphasized that President Trump seeks “good deals, not fast ones.”
On the Indian side, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal expressed optimism, stating last week that India is making “fantastic” progress in the ongoing trade talks.
