'No Trade Talks With India Until...', Says Donald Trump Amid Tariff Tensions

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.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump (File Photo: IANS)

US President Donald Trump has stated that trade negotiations with India will not proceed until the ongoing tariff dispute is resolved, following his administration's move to double tariffs on Indian imports.

In an interview with ANI at the Oval Office if talks could resume after the new 50% tariff, Trump said, “No, not until we get it resolved.”

#WATCH | Responding to ANI's question, 'Just to follow up India's tariff, do you expect increased trade negotiations since you have announced the 50% tariffs?', US President Donald Trump says, "No, not until we get it resolved."

(Source: US Network Pool via Reuters) pic.twitter.com/exAQCiKSJd — ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2025

On Wednesday, the White House issued an Executive Order adding another 25% tariff on Indian goods, taking the total to 50%. The US government said the move was due to national security and foreign policy concerns, pointing to India’s continued imports of Russian oil.

The order stated that these oil imports, whether bought directly or through other countries, pose an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to the US, justifying emergency economic action.

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.

The order also provides flexibility for the president to modify the measures, depending on changing geopolitical circumstances or retaliatory actions by India or other nations.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded defiantly during a speech at the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in New Delhi, signalling that New Delhi would not back down in the face of economic pressure.

"For us, the interest of our farmers is our top priority," PM Modi said. "India will never compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers. 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.

(With inputs of ANI))