US President Donald Trump calls India ‘friend’ but criticises trade imbalance, warns of 25% tariff

US President Donald Trump has warned of a 25 per cent tariff for India. The development comes as both sides await an unresolved trade deal between the two nations ahead of Trump's August 1 deadline when a 90-day pause on his retaliatory duties will be lifted for most of America's trade partners. The US president also reiterated concerns about trade imbalances during his presidency.

“India is my friend... but they charged us more tariffs than any other country,” Trump said, adding that the trade deal is not yet done.

The president also revisited his earlier claims of mediating between India and Pakistan during his term.

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He stated that he “ended the war between India and Pakistan,” although no formal conflict took place during his tenure.

His remarks appear to reference past diplomatic tensions between the two South Asian neighbours.

Trump’s comments come as he continues to highlight trade protectionism as a key policy stance, ahead of a possible return to office. While he described India as a “friend,” he maintained that US trade partners must adhere to what he called “fair and reciprocal” trade practices.

The 25 per cent tariff he mentioned was not detailed in terms of the specific goods or categories it would apply to, and there has been no official confirmation of such a measure from the US government.