**‘India Needs Fixing’: Trump Aide Howard Lutnick Renews Trade Warning**
*By Snehil Singh | September 28, 2025*
Howard Lutnick, Commerce Secretary under the Trump administration, has issued a renewed warning to India, stating that New Delhi “needs fixing” if it wants to maintain access to the lucrative American consumer market. Speaking in an interview with NewsNation, Lutnick criticized both India and Brazil for their reluctance to open markets and their policies, which he claims work against U.S. interests.
**Trade Tensions and Tariffs**
Currently, India faces steep tariffs imposed by the United States, with duties reaching as high as 50% on certain products. Of particular concern is the recent 100% tariff on branded and patented pharmaceutical products—a significant blow to Indian pharmaceutical companies that rely heavily on the U.S. market for revenue.
The 50% tariffs also include a 25% penalty related to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, adding further strain to bilateral trade relations.
**The ‘First Deal’ Approach**
Lutnick emphasized that countries like India and Brazil need to recognize the importance of cooperating with the U.S. to gain or retain market access. “The way that President Trump does deals, the first deal is always the best deal. And then the next deal is higher, the next deal is higher,” he remarked, signaling tougher future negotiations.
He identified India and Brazil as among the “big ones” on America’s trade agenda, underscoring the significance of their cooperation in ongoing trade discussions.
**Ongoing Trade Negotiations**
Despite the heightened tensions, trade talks between India and the U.S. have recently resumed. A delegation led by Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal visited Washington from September 22 to 24. During the visit, they met with U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and other officials to discuss a potential trade agreement.
The Indian Commerce Ministry described the meetings as productive, highlighting that both sides explored the contours of a mutually beneficial trade deal aimed at resolving existing disputes and fostering stronger economic ties.
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As the trade dialogue continues, all eyes remain on how India and the U.S. navigate these challenges to reach a deal that supports both nations’ economic interests.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/need-to-fix-india-stop-actions-harming-us-interests-lutnick/story
