September 6, 2025
Apparently, US tariffs have come into effect since August 27, affecting goods exported to the US. Certainly, US tariffs will affect $ 48.2 billion worth of export merchandise to America. The US has already implemented a 25% reciprocal tariff on Indian imports on August 7. In addition, a 25% extra duty has come into effect from August 27, as a punishment to India, since the country is importing Russian oil.
What did the US President Donald Trump say amid the US Tariffs on India?
Additionally, on Friday, September 5, Trump called India-US ties a very special relationship and reaffirmed that he and PM Modi would always be friends. However, he expressed disappointment with what PM Modi is doing at the moment, signalling towards India’s Russian oil imports.
While talking to the reporters at the Oval Office, Trump said: I’ll always be friends with PM Modi. He’s a great Prime Minister. I’ll always be friends, but I just don’t like what he is doing at this particular moment. But India and the United States have a very special relationship. There is nothing to worry about. We just have moments on occasion,”. Furthermore, the US President also said that trade talks with India are going well.
PM Modi replied, “fully reciprocates his sentiments”
On Saturday, September 6, Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to US President Donald Trump’s “always be friends” statement, saying he fully reciprocates his sentiments, as Prime Minister Modi said that India and the US have a very positive global strategic partnership. Taking to X, PM Modi wrote: “Deeply appreciate and fully reciprocate President Trump’s sentiments and positive assessment of our ties. India and the US have a very positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership.”
Diplomacy or Damaged control
Although the tariffs signal some tension between the U.S. and India at present, both sides seem to be trying to stabilise the global strategic partnership from getting worse. Notably, the US is heavily disappointed concerning India’s oil imports from Russia. In the aftermath, they’ve responded by adding more tariffs. However, both of the leaders have ensured to speak positively about each other and the overall relationship between the two countries.
This signifies that, still after the brutal US tariffs, neither side wants to damage the strong partnership they’ve built over the years. Trade talks are still underway. However, India is devising some strategies to reduce the impact of the tariffs by helping its exporters or expanding their market options for trade. For the U.S., keeping a good relationship with India is significant, especially as both countries deal with global challenges like China’s growing influence and supply chain issues.
Hence, is this just a bump in the road or something more serious? It’s hard to say right now. But clearly, both sides are trying to manage the situation carefully, without letting it hurt their long-term ties.