US, Sep.02,2025:India offered zero tariffs — that’s how former U.S. President Donald Trump framed the situation in a post on Truth Social on September 1, 2025. He called the U.S.–India trade relationship “totally one-sided,” stating that India “has now offered to cut their tariffs to nothing, but it’s getting late. They should have done so years ago.”
Why the Offer Came “Too Late”
Advertisement
Trump’s comments reflect growing tensions: earlier, the U.S. slapped India with exceptionally high tariffs—up to 50%—largely in retaliation for India importing discounted Russian oil. India viewed these tariffs as “unjustified and unreasonable,” pushing it to reaffirm strategic autonomy.
Navarro’s Sharp Criticism: “Maharaja of Tariffs”
White House trade adviser Peter Navarro didn’t hold back. Labeling India the “Maharaja of tariffs”, he accused it of erecting trade barriers that hurt U.S. businesses while acting in denial about its own policies. He added that India was “nothing but a laundromat for the Kremlin,” condemning its profitable refined oil trade with Russia. Navarro went further, calling it a “shame” to see Modi align with Putin and Xi at the SCO summit, urging India to side with Western democracies instead.
Advertisement
SCO Summit: Modi’s Balancing Act
At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin, PM Modi stood alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin in a highly visible display of solidarity. Although no major agreements emerged, the optics sent a clear signal of India’s intent to maintain a multipolar posture. Modi emphasized the “special and privileged” nature of India-Russia ties even as Indian-Russian trade surged to a record $68.7 billion in 2024-25. Analysts note that Trump’s punitive tariffs are nudging India closer to Russia and China.
Geopolitical Fallout & Strategic Autonomy
Advertisement
India’s refusal to cede to U.S. pressure isn’t just economic—it’s strategic. Analysts warn that such aggressive, transactional diplomacy by the U.S. could weaken long-term alliances. Meanwhile, ex-U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan called Trump’s policies toward India a “strategic loss” for Washington, arguing that sacrificing India undermines U.S. interests.
Shocking Consequences If This Deal Moves Forward
Consequence
Why It Matters
Erosion of U.S. Leverage
A zero-tariff deal now would simply reward India after months of confrontation—weakening future negotiating power.
Short-Term PR, Long-Term Rift
A tariff cut may look like peace, but lingering distrust and strategic missteps could irreversibly fracture the relationship.
Empowering Rival Alliances
Seen through today’s lens, India stepping back into the U.S. orbit risks being interpreted as capitulation rather than cooperation.
Undermining Quad Cohesion
The Quad’s strength depends on perceived commitment—India’s oscillation raises doubts about its alignment.
Domestic Blowback in India
Nationalistic sentiment runs high. A perceived U.S. win could trigger pushback across India’s political spectrum.
Toward a Multipolar Trade Era
Advertisement
India offered zero tariffs—but the response was electric, charged with geopolitics, pride, and strategy. This moment underscores a broader global realignment: nations now prioritize autonomy, multipolar engagement, and pragmatic balancing.
For the U.S., the move should be a reminder: hard-ball tactics may win headlines—but lasting alliances require trust and shared vision. For India, it’s a moment to reaffirm that strategic autonomy isn’t isolation—it’s sovereignty.
