The US-India trade relationship is strained, largely due to the imposition of tariffs by the Trump administration. Strategic analyst Ashley J. Tellis indicated that President Trump perceives a lack of acknowledgment for his efforts in the India-Pakistan conflict of May 2025, contributing to the current friction. Tellis suggested in an interview that Trump’s resentment might be stemming from a perceived lack of recognition for resolving the India-Pakistan dispute. The US imposed a 25% tariff on India in July, followed by a 25% secondary tariff on Indian oil imports and a 50% tariff on Indian goods from August 27. These measures have hindered trade negotiations. The tension escalated when the Trump administration placed heavy tariffs on India over its purchase of Russian oil, while allegedly dismissing India’s role in maintaining peace during the recent conflict (Operation Sindoor) with Pakistan. US tariffs on Indian exports are now above 50%, making them the highest, alongside Brazil, according to Trump’s tariff list. Tellis stated that Trump’s actions were influenced by the perception that he wasn’t given credit for his role in bringing peace between India and Pakistan. He also pointed out that while China is the largest buyer of Russian oil, Trump has focused his criticism mainly on India. Tellis also targeted Peter Navarro, Trump’s trade advisor, for worsening relations between Delhi and Washington. Since the tariff implementation, US officials have voiced strong disapproval of India’s continued purchase of Russian crude oil, arguing that it supports Putin’s war on Ukraine, which Trump had earlier said he could end quickly.
