US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that India needs to be “fixed” for American trade. This has escalated tensions in India-US relations. India clarified that its energy and trade policies are based solely on its national interest.
Trump Tariff: US President Donald Trump decided last month to impose a 50 percent tariff on goods imported from India. Following this unilateral move, trade tensions between India and the US increased. This decision by the Trump administration was specifically focused on India, with the highest tariff being imposed on India compared to other countries. The tariff also included a 25 percent additional duty imposed on the purchase of Russian oil.
Howard Lutnick's Controversial Statement
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick recently made an absurd statement. He said that the US needs to "fix" countries like India, Brazil, Switzerland, and Taiwan. Lutnick also stated that these countries should open their markets to the US and would have to cooperate with the US President to sell anything to American consumers.
What is the Need to Fix India and Brazil?
According to Lutnick's statement, many of America's trade issues with these countries are still unresolved. He suggested that these countries would have to align themselves with US trade policies. Many experts called his statement absurd and inconsistent because every country has its own economic and national priorities.
India's Reaction
India has clarified that its energy purchases and market operations are based on national interest and market dynamics. India rejected the US accusation that it is helping Russia in the Ukraine war by purchasing oil from Russia. Indian officials state that India's policies are entirely in the economic interest of the country and cannot be changed under pressure from any single nation.
