US President Donald Trump on Thursday ruled out any further trade negotiations with India until New Delhi addresses Washington’s concerns over its energy ties with Moscow. Speaking to ANI at the Oval Office, Trump was asked whether talks could resume following his administration’s imposition of a steep new tariff. “No, not until we get it resolved,” he replied, repeating the statement for emphasis.
The administration cited national security and foreign policy concerns, specifically pointing to India’s continued imports of Russian oil, whether purchased directly or through intermediaries. The order described these imports as an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to the United States, justifying emergency economic measures.
#WATCH | Responding to ANI’s question, ‘Just to follow up India’s tariff, do you expect increased trade negotiations since you have announced the 50% tariffs?’, US President Donald Trump says, “No, not until we get it resolved.”
(Source: US Network Pool via Reuters) pic.twitter.com/exAQCiKSJd
— ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2025
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Bilateral Talks Put On Hold
This decision marks a significant setback in bilateral trade talks, which had made modest progress earlier this year. The fifth round of negotiations for a proposed trade agreement concluded in July in Washington, just ahead of the August 1 deadline for Trump’s earlier tariff suspension. A US delegation had been scheduled to visit India on August 25 for the next round, but those plans have now been put on hold indefinitely.
India Calls Tariffs ‘Unfair and Unjustified’
India condemned the new tariffs, describing them as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.” The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reiterated that India’s energy purchases are guided by market considerations and the imperative of ensuring affordable supplies for its 1.4 billion citizens. “We have already made clear our position on these issues, including the fact that our imports are based on market factors and done with the overall objective of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people of India,” the MEA stated.
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PM Modi Vows To Protect Farmers’ Interests
PM Modi, speaking at the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference on Thursday, made it clear that India would not compromise on its domestic priorities, even in the face of steep US tariffs. “For us, the interest of our farmers is our top priority,” he said, vowing to protect the livelihoods of farmers, fishermen, and dairy producers. “India will never compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers. I know I will have to pay a heavy price for it personally, and I am ready for it. India is ready for it.”