Image Source: Agencies

Washington, D.C. [US] August 8, 2025: US President Donald Trump has said there will be no trade negotiations with India until a dispute over tariffs is resolved, following his administration's decision to double tariffs on Indian imports.
When ANI pressed him in the Oval Office, he said that he did not anticipate talks to resume given the new 50% tariff. He responded, "No, not until we get it resolved." The White House on Wednesday issued an Executive Order imposing an additional 25 percentage points in tariffs on Indian goods, raising the total levy to 50%. Concerns about national security and foreign policy were cited by the administration, specifically India's ongoing importation of Russian oil. The order says that these imports, whether they come directly from other countries or through intermediaries, pose an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to the United States and call for emergency economic measures. According to US officials, the initial 25% tariff came into effect on 7 August. The additional levy will take effect in 21 days and apply to all Indian goods entering US ports with exceptions for items already in transit and certain exempt categories.
In addition, the order grants the president the flexibility to alter the measures in response to shifting geopolitical circumstances or retaliatory actions by India or other nations. During a speech at the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in New Delhi, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded with defiance, indicating that the country would not yield to economic pressure. "For us, the interest of our farmers is our top priority," PM Modi said. "India will never compromise the dairy farmers, fishermen, or farmers' interests." I know we will have to pay a heavy price for it, and I am ready for it. India is ready for it."
India has consistently pushed back against opening sensitive sectors such as agriculture and dairy to international competition, citing the potential impact on millions of rural livelihoods.
The standoff marks a sharp escalation in trade tensions between the two countries, as both sides dig in over economic policy and matters of national interest.