Talking to US Media throughout a White Home gaggle, Hassett linked the US tariffs imposed on India to broader geopolitical efforts to strain Russia over the Ukraine battle.
“I feel it is a difficult relationship. A part of it has been tied to the strain we have been attempting to placed on Russia in an effort to safe a peace deal and save hundreds of thousands of lives. After which there's the Indian intransigence about opening their markets to our merchandise,” Hassett mentioned.
His remarks got here after Washington's 50 per cent tariffs on Indian imports to the US took impact earlier at present, following a draft discover revealed by the US Customs and Border Safety (CBP), which said that the order would take impact on August 27.
In line with the discover, the extra duties are being imposed to present impact to the President's Government Order 14329 of August 6, 2025, which specifies a brand new fee of obligation on imports of articles which can be merchandise of India.
The extra 25 per cent tariffs by the US, bringing the tariff to 50 per cent, have been imposed on account of India's buy of Russian oil.Hassett framed the commerce negotiations as a marathon with inevitable ups and downs, advising a long-term perspective. “Whenever you take a look at commerce negotiations, one lesson we have all learnt is that it's essential preserve your eyes on the horizon and recognise that there are going to be ebbs and flows earlier than we attain the ultimate place,” he famous.
Nonetheless, he hinted at a possible hardline stance from US President Donald Trump, including, “And if the Indians do not budge, I do not suppose President Trump will want it,” suggesting escalating strain if India stays agency.
