US President Donald Trump has once again taken aim at India, calling the trade relationship between the two countries a “one-sided disaster” and expressing frustration that India’s offer to slash import duties on American goods has come too late.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump claimed that India has offered to reduce its import tariffs on US products to zero — but added, “It’s getting late for that now.”

His comments come shortly after his administration imposed a steep 50% tariff on Indian goods, citing the lack of progress on a long-awaited trade deal and India’s growing economic relationship with Russia — especially in oil and defense.

While the Modi government has yet to respond publicly, Trump’s comments follow recent remarks by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who expressed concern over India’s slow pace in finalizing a trade agreement. Bessent also flagged India’s continued oil imports from Russia as one of the reasons for the punitive tariffs.

Trump’s top trade advisor Peter Navarro added fuel to the fire, controversially accusing “Brahmin oil refiners” in India of profiteering by reselling discounted Russian oil.

Despite the growing pressure from Washington, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been strengthening ties with countries in Asia, including recent visits to Japan and China, while reiterating India’s long-standing relationship with Russia — signaling a possible shift in global alliances.

Trump Cites Trade Gap and Military Purchases from Russia

In his social media post, Trump claimed the US does “very little business” with India compared to what India gains from the trade relationship. “India has charged us, until now, such high tariffs that our businesses are unable to sell into India,” he wrote. “It has been a totally one-sided disaster.”

According to US Trade Representative data, India exported $87.3 billion worth of goods to the US in 2024, while importing only $41.5 billion — resulting in a $45.8 billion trade surplus in India’s favor. In the first half of 2025, that gap has widened further, with Indian exports to the US at $56.3 billion, and imports at just $22.1 billion.

Trump also criticized India’s defense and energy dealings with Russia, noting that India continues to buy most of its oil and military supplies from Moscow, rather than from the US. He reiterated that this was part of the reason for the recent 25% “penalty” component of the full 50% tariff.

He added, “They have now offered to cut their tariffs to nothing, but it’s getting late. They should have done so years ago.”

Some reports suggest Trump may also be frustrated that India rejected his claim that he personally intervened to halt India’s military Operation Sindoor against Pakistan in May.

Tariffs Could Hit Indian Exports Hard

The new tariffs, which went into full effect three weeks after the initial 25% hike, target several of India’s key labor-intensive export sectors — including textiles, footwear, leather goods, gems and jewellery, and shrimp. However, some sectors like pharmaceuticals and electronics have been spared for now.

Economic forecasts suggest these tariffs could cause Indian exports to the US to drop sharply — from $87 billion in 2024 to around $50 billion by 2026. That could shave off up to 1% of India’s GDP and result in major job losses across affected industries.