Donald Trump has once again voiced strong concerns about the trade relationship between the United States and India, labeling it a "one-sided disaster". His remarks, made on Monday, September 1, 2025, follow a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, where discussions centered on strengthening economic ties. Trump's statements suggest growing frustration with the perceived imbalance in trade between the two nations.

Trump asserted that the U.S. conducts very little business with India, while India exports massive amounts of goods to the U.S., characterizing India as its "biggest client". He attributes this disparity to high tariffs imposed by India, which he claims are the highest of any country, hindering American businesses' ability to sell their products in the Indian market. Trump stated that India's offer to cut tariffs to nothing has come too late, after what he describes as decades of a one-sided relationship.

Adding to his concerns, Trump highlighted India's reliance on Russia for oil and military products, with minimal purchases from the U.S. He has previously cited India's purchase of Russian oil as a reason for imposing additional tariffs. He has imposed a 25% reciprocal tariff on India and an additional 25% levy for Delhi's purchases of Russian oil.

These remarks follow earlier frustrations expressed by the Trump administration regarding the pace of trade negotiations between the two countries. The Indian government has not yet responded to Trump's claims regarding the offer to eliminate tariffs. Some reports indicate that the offer to cut tariffs may be connected to stalled talks between the two countries for a trade deal.