Trump Slams US-India Trade as 'One-Sided Disaster'; Criticises Russian Oil, Arms Deals

US President Donald Trump on Monday sharply criticised the trade relationship between the United States and India, calling it 'one-sided' and unfair. He said that while India now plans to lower tariffs on American goods, it is 'getting late.' Trump’s comments came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China. Posting on his Truth Social account, Trump said that the US sells very little to India, while India sells a large amount of goods to the US, making the trade heavily one-sided. He also blamed India’s high tariffs for blocking American companies from entering its market.

High Tariffs and Russian Trade

Trump explained, “India has charged us very high tariffs, more than any other country, which makes it hard for US businesses to sell there. It’s been a total disaster for decades. Additionally, India buys most of its oil and military equipment from Russia and very little from the US. He mentioned that India has now offered to reduce tariffs but noted, “It’s getting late. They should have done this years ago. Just simple facts for people to think about. His criticism comes just after the US announced a 50% tariff on Indian goods, citing India’s purchases of Russian oil. This is part of Washington’s continued pressure on India over its growing ties with Russia and China.

Modi Meets Xi Jinping

On the first day of his SCO visit, PM Modi held a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Modi said that cooperation between India and China can benefit “all of humanity. Xi extended a friendly message to Modi, saying the “Dragon and the Elephant” should work together as the world is changing.

India-Russia-China Relations

On the second day, Modi met both Putin and Xi on the sidelines of the summit. The leaders exchanged handshakes, hugs, and smiles, showing a rare moment of friendliness. Modi shared photos on X, writing, “Interactions in Tianjin continue! Sharing perspectives with President Putin and President Xi during the SCO Summit.” He also posted pictures of traveling with Putin to the meeting venue.

US Criticism and Oil Concerns

The Trump administration, including senior advisor Peter Navarro, has sharply criticized India for its closeness with Russia and China. Navarro told Fox News that India’s discounted oil from Russia indirectly supports the Ukraine war and claimed that “Brahmins are profiteering at the expense of ordinary Indians.” Navarro said, “Modi is a strong leader, but I don’t understand why he is aligning so closely with Putin and Xi. Before the Ukraine war, India bought little Russian oil. Now they buy at discounts, refine it, and sell it at higher prices to Europe, Africa, and Asia. This fuels Russia’s war efforts.”

US Tariffs on India

The tariffs and repeated US criticism show the ongoing pressure from Washington on India’s ties with Russia and China. Starting August 7, the US imposed a 25% tariff on selected Indian imports, followed by another 25% ad valorem duty a few days later. From August 27, a 50% tariff will target key sectors including textiles, gems and jewelry, shrimp, leather, footwear, chemicals, and machinery.