A AKHTER
— US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Friday said he expects India to resume trade negotiations with Washington in the coming months, predicting that New Delhi will “apologise” and seek a deal directly with President Donald Trump.
“In a month or two, I think India will be back at the table. They’re going to say they’re sorry and try to make a deal with Donald Trump,” Lutnick told Bloomberg, adding that the decision would ultimately rest with Trump.
Lutnick also criticised India’s ongoing imports of discounted Russian crude oil, calling them “wrong” and “ridiculous.” He linked the move to last week’s Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit where Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, suggesting India must choose its side.
The comments come amid heightened trade tensions. The Trump administration recently imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, including a 25% penalty tied to Russian oil imports, after the two sides failed to finalise an interim trade agreement by August.
“India and China both rely on the US market,” Lutnick said, stressing that America’s $30 trillion economy gives it unmatched leverage. “Eventually, they all come back. The customer is always right.”
Meanwhile the India’s Ministry of External Affairs said it remained engaged with the US on trade issues.
“We see the Quad as a valuable forum for discussion among the four member countries on shared interests on several issues. The leaders’ summit is scheduled through diplomatic consultations among the member countries…We remain focused on the substantive agenda that our two countries have committed to, and we hope that the relationship will continue to move forward based on mutual respect and shared interests. As you would have seen, I would draw your attention to a joint military exercise that is underway in Alaska. A few days ago, there was a 2+2 inter-sessional meeting… Talks between both countries is going on and we are committed to strengthening our partnership,” said MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.