Recent statements from businessman Howard Lutnick have highlighted ongoing trade tensions between the United States and India, amid fluctuating negotiation prospects for a trade agreement.
Speaking at a press conference on September 13, Lutnick defended tariffs implemented during the Trump administration against India. He criticized India for what he termed “taking advantage” of the US and specifically questioned why India, with a population of 1.4 billion, was not purchasing American corn. Lutnick asserted that India imposes high tariffs on various goods and warned that New Delhi must reduce its tariffs or face significant challenges in its trade relationship with the US.
The Trump administration had imposed tariffs on India, reportedly as high as 50%, which included a 25% tariff specifically related to India’s purchases of Russian oil. These US actions have been officially characterized by India as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.”
Source: www.livemint.com