US Commerce Secretary Signals Renewed Trade Strain, Urges India to Open Markets

The United States Commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnick, has reportedly issued a strong public statement regarding trade relations with India, asserting that New Delhi must further open its markets and cease taking actions that are detrimental to American interests. The comments come amidst ongoing, sensitive negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement.

In an interview on Sunday, the Secretary reportedly stated, “We have a bunch of countries to fix... like India. These are countries that need to really react correctly to America. Open their markets. Stop taking actions that harm America.” He stressed that countries wishing to sell goods to the U.S. consumer market must "play ball with the President of the United States."

The remarks escalate rhetoric surrounding current trade disputes. Washington's stated concerns primarily revolve around India’s high tariffs on various U.S. goods and perceived lack of market access in key sectors. Specific policies considered "harmful" have been linked to India’s continued substantial purchases of discounted Russian crude oil, which the U.S. has penalized with additional tariffs on Indian imports. Currently, Indian goods entering the U.S. face combined duties as high as 50% in certain categories.

The Secretary’s statement follows a high level visit by an Indian trade delegation to Washington last week. Following those discussions, the Indian Commerce Ministry released a statement describing the meetings as "constructive" and confirming an agreement to continue engagements to achieve an early conclusion of a mutually beneficial trade pact. The two nations are aiming to increase their bilateral trade volume, which currently stands at over $190 billion.

The public call for India to "fix" its approach underscores the significant and unresolved differences remaining on the path to a formal trade deal. India has consistently defended its energy procurement as a matter of national interest, citing a need for affordable supplies to meet the demands of its large population. While both nations remain strategically important partners, the trade dialogue continues to be marked by competing priorities over market liberalization and diplomatic alignment.

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