The Narendra Modi administration has made it clear that the United States has not even levied any country-specific or retaliatory tariffs on India. Jitin Prasada, Minister of State (MoS) for Commerce and Industry, said this in response to a question during the Rajya Sabha on Friday.

Prasada said, “The United States has issued a Memorandum on Reciprocal Trade and Tariffs on February 13, 2025, wherein the Secretary of Commerce and United States Trade Representative are to take necessary actions to investigate harm to the US from any non-reciprocal trade arrangements adopted by trading Partners and provide a report with detailed proposed remedies for each trading Partner, based on which, US action against relevant trading partner could, thereafter be undertaken under any of the relevant US legislations.”

Related News

US and India Remain Engaged in Negotiations over Trade Agreements

Even with US President Donald Trump’s strong word against India’s high tariffs, the government of India ensured that no such reciprocal tariffs have been imposed on Indian exports at this point in time. But the US imposed further duties on steel and aluminium imports from every country without exemptions.

“As of date, there has been no imposition of country-specific, including reciprocal tariffs by the US on India. There has been the imposition of additional duties on steel and aluminium imports by the US from all countries without any exemption,” added Prasada. “The impact of these duties which are an enhancement over existing additional duties, is being closely evaluated due to the fact that there are no exemptions as compared to exemptions earlier to certain major exporting countries in these sectors.”

Strengthening Economic Ties Under “Mission 500”

In spite of trade tensions, India and the US are still cooperating to further enhance their economic relations. The two countries issued a joint statement on February 13, 2025, reiterating their commitment to expanding economic ties. Through the ambitious “Mission 500,” both countries are targeting to double US-India trade more than five times to $500 billion by 2030. To achieve this aim, the trade relationship will be intensified across various sectors.

Prasada stressed, “Both countries have committed to negotiate a mutually beneficial, multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement under which the countries would focus on increasing market access, reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers, enhancing supply chain integration, and resolving key trade issues bilaterally.”

Trump’s Remarks about India’s Tariffs

US President Donald Trump, who has been outspoken on trade policies, reaffirmed his issues with India’s tariffs. Trump said on Thursday that though he has a “very good relationship” with India, the nation is “one of the highest tariffing nations in the world.”

“I have a very good relationship with India, but the only problem I have with India is they’re one of the highest tariffing nations in the world. I believe they’re going to probably be lowering those tariffs substantially, but on April 2, we will be charging them the same tariffs they charge us,” Trump stated.

Future Outlook on US-India Trade Relations

India and the US continue to be major trade partners, and current negotiations will set the direction for future tariffs and trade agreements. With “Mission 500” underway, both nations seek to achieve a more balanced trade relationship as well as settle issues of tariffs and non-reciprocal trade policies.

With the looming deadline for reciprocal tariffs, industry players and policymakers alike will keep a close watch on further US-India trade relations developments.