New Delhi [India], August 13 (ANI): Former diplomat Vikas Swarup on Wednesday stated that the United States’ imposition of 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods is a pressure tactic aimed at securing India’s agreement to its trade demands, but New Delhi has not caved in.
In an interview with ANI, Swarup, a former High Commissioner to Canada and renowned author, explained that the tariffs are motivated by three key factors, including US President Donald Trump’s displeasure over India not acknowledging his role in facilitating the cessation of hostilities with Pakistan following Operation Sindoor. He added that a positive outcome from the upcoming Alaska summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin could remove the Russia sanctions from the table.
“The US is exerting pressure to get India to sign on the dotted line regarding maximalist demands for greater access to our agriculture, dairy, and GM crop sectors. We have not caved in,” Swarup said. He also noted that Trump’s dissatisfaction stems from India’s BRICS membership and the perception that the group challenges US global economic influence.
Swarup highlighted that India handled Operation Sindoor independently, responding to the Pahalgam terror attack with precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK, and successfully repelling subsequent Pakistani aggression. “Trump is frustrated that India has not acknowledged his role, whereas Pakistan has not only acknowledged him but has even nominated him for a Nobel Peace Prize,” he said.
Regarding the upcoming Alaska summit on August 15, Swarup said, “If there is a positive outcome, I am 100% sure that the Russia sanctions will be off the table because Putin is not going to accept a ceasefire and yet be saddled with economic sanctions.”
India and the US initiated talks for a just, balanced, and mutually beneficial Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) in March 2025, aiming to complete the first stage by October–November 2025. President Trump had earlier imposed reciprocal tariffs on multiple trade partners, ranging from 10 to 50 per cent, while temporarily keeping them in abeyance with a 10 per cent baseline tariff.
During the ongoing Monsoon session of Parliament, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal affirmed that the government is assessing the impact of the tariffs and will take all necessary measures to safeguard national interests. (ANI)
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