**‘India Needs Fixing’: Trump Aide Howard Lutnick Renews Trade Warning**
*By Snehil Singh | September 28, 2025, 2:17 PM*
Howard Lutnick, Commerce Secretary during the Trump administration, has issued a renewed warning to India regarding its trade relationship with the United States. In a recent interview with NewsNation, Lutnick remarked that New Delhi “needs fixing” and cautioned that if India wants to sell products to American consumers, it must “play ball with the President.”
### Trade Tensions Between the US and India
Lutnick criticized both India and Brazil for not sufficiently opening their markets and taking actions that adversely affect US interests. Currently, India faces steep tariffs imposed by the US, with duties reaching up to 50% on certain goods. Notably, a recent 100% tariff on branded and patented pharmaceutical products has dealt a significant blow to Indian pharmaceutical companies, which depend heavily on the US market for revenue.
Additionally, the 50% tariffs include a 25% penalty linked to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, further complicating trade relations.
### The Deal Dynamics: “First Deal is Always the Best Deal”
Highlighting the importance of cooperation, Lutnick emphasized that countries like India and Brazil need to understand the value of working with the US to gain access to its expansive consumer market. He stated, “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.”
Despite ongoing negotiations with multiple countries, Lutnick identified India and Brazil as key priorities on America’s trade agenda.
### Resumption of Trade Talks
Amid these tensions, trade discussions between India and the US have resumed. A delegation led by India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal visited Washington from September 22 to 24. During the visit, they met with US Trade Representative Katherine Tai and other officials to explore the prospects of a trade agreement.
The Indian Commerce Ministry described the meetings as productive, noting that both sides deliberated on the potential framework of a mutually beneficial trade deal.
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The evolving trade dynamics between India and the US remain critical, with high stakes for industries and consumers on both sides. Stakeholders will be watching closely as negotiations continue.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/need-to-fix-india-stop-actions-harming-us-interests-lutnick/story
