Trump announces 26% ‘reciprocal’ tariffs on India, describing New Delhi as ‘very tough’ in trade negotiations

Trump Vows 26% Tariffs on Indian Goods if Re-elected, Calls India 'Very Tough' in Trade Deals

In a fiery campaign speech that could reshape U.S.-India trade relations, former President Donald Trump announced plans to impose 26% "reciprocal" tariffs on Indian imports if he wins November's election. The Republican candidate singled out India as one of the toughest negotiators his administration faced, claiming New Delhi imposes "unfair" duties on American products while benefiting from lower U.S. tariffs.  

Standing before thousands of supporters at a rally in Ohio, Trump highlighted specific examples where India charges significantly higher import taxes than the U.S. "They slap 100% tariffs on our Harley-Davidsons and 70% on Kentucky bourbon, then expect us to take their goods at 3%?" Trump said, his voice rising in frustration. "When I'm back in the Oval Office, we're playing by the same rules—if they charge us 50%, we charge them 50%."  

The proposal marks an escalation of Trump's long-running trade disputes with India, which began during his first term when he removed the country from the Generalized System of Preferences program in 2019. While bilateral relations have strengthened in defense and technology cooperation under both Trump and Biden administrations, persistent trade imbalances continue to cause friction.  

Indian officials reacted cautiously to the announcement. A senior Commerce Ministry official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told reporters that New Delhi "remains committed to mutually beneficial trade" but would "respond appropriately to any unilateral measures." The comments suggest potential retaliation could target American agricultural exports like almonds and apples, which have become vital to U.S. farmers in recent years.  

Business leaders on both sides expressed concern about the economic fallout. The U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum warned that reciprocal tariffs could disrupt supply chains in pharmaceuticals, electronics and manufacturing. "This isn't 2018 anymore—our economies are deeply interconnected," said forum president Mukesh Aghi. "Artificial trade barriers now would hurt companies and workers in both nations."  

Political analysts note the timing complicates ongoing trade talks between the two democracies. While the Biden administration has pursued limited sectoral agreements, Trump's maximalist approach could derail negotiations entirely. The former president's supporters, however, cheered the tough stance, with many in the Ohio crowd chanting "USA! USA!" as he detailed his trade plans.  

As the election approaches, the proposal raises larger questions about the future of U.S. trade policy. Trump's "America First" doctrine appears poised for a more aggressive second act, potentially reshaping not just relations with India but global economic alliances. For now, businesses and diplomats are left wondering whether campaign rhetoric will become policy—and how the world's largest democracy might respond.