Trump Threatens India With Reciprocal Tariffs from April 2
Trump Expects India to Cut Tariffs, Signals Reciprocal Action
President Donald Trump expressed confidence that India will lower its tariffs on U.S. goods, while warning of reciprocal tariffs starting April 2, in a Breitbart News interview. Reflecting on his recent summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump praised their “very good relationship” but criticized India as “one of the highest tariffing nations in the world.” He predicted a substantial reduction in Indian tariffs, adding, “On April 2, we will be charging them the same tariffs they charge us.”
Trump also referenced the India-Middle East-Europe-Economic Corridor (IMEC), a trade pact signed during Modi’s U.S. visit last month, calling it a coalition of “wonderful nations” countering trade adversaries. He stressed fair treatment from allies, noting, “We do better with our foes than our friends,” citing the European Union’s trade practices as an example. India, though an ally, must align with U.S. expectations, he suggested.
Earlier this month, Trump claimed India agreed to slash tariffs “way down,” a point he raised in his March 4 Congress address, where he decried high tariffs by India and others as “very unfair.” Known for calling India a “tariff king,” he has long targeted its duties, like those exceeding 100% on cars. However, India’s Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal clarified on March 10 that no agreement exists yet, with talks ongoing.
Modi’s visit last month saw both nations pledge a Bilateral Trade Agreement to ease trade barriers, but Trump’s deadline looms large. His approach—optimism paired with a firm reciprocal threat—underscores his trade philosophy as he begins his second term. With less than two weeks until April 2, the outcome will test U.S.-India ties, balancing alliance with economic pressure as negotiations race against the clock.
