Months before the recently announced trade agreement between India and the United States, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval conveyed a firm message to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio: India would not be bullied into accepting unfavorable terms, even if it meant waiting out President Trump's term. This resolute stance, delivered during a meeting in Washington in early September 2025, underscores India's commitment to protecting its interests in the face of escalating trade tensions.
The meeting between Doval and Rubio took place against a backdrop of increasing friction between the two countries, marked by Trump's administration's criticism of India and the imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian exports. These tariffs, among the highest globally, had become a major point of contention. According to a Bloomberg report, Doval made it clear that India was prepared to wait until 2029 for a fair trade deal, demonstrating a long-term strategic vision. He emphasized that India had dealt with difficult US administrations in the past and was prepared to do so again.
Doval also conveyed that the Trump administration should refrain from publicly criticizing India to improve bilateral relations, as New Delhi considered Washington a long-term strategic partner. The meeting occurred shortly after Prime Minister Modi's interactions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit.
The recent announcement of a trade deal, featuring reduced tariffs and expanded market access, comes months after the Doval-Rubio meeting, adding a new layer of understanding to the negotiations. Trump announced on Truth Social that the United States would lower tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18%. While India has confirmed the tariff reduction, Modi's statement did not explicitly mention a comprehensive trade deal or specific commitments regarding Russian oil purchases or zero tariffs on US goods. Trump also claimed India would cease purchasing Russian oil and increase imports from the United States.
Despite Trump's portrayal of the deal as a major win for the United States, particularly its agricultural sector, the details of the agreement and the context of the Doval-Rubio meeting suggest a more nuanced picture. Agriculture and dairy had been areas where India was firm. The Indian government has not yet officially commented on the Bloomberg report detailing the Doval-Rubio meeting. A US State Department spokesperson declined to comment on the specifics of private diplomatic discussions.
The Indian government's willingness to stand firm against perceived bullying tactics highlights its increasing assertiveness on the global stage and its commitment to protecting its economic interests. The trade deal signifies a step towards resolving trade tensions between the two countries, the road to the agreement was paved with tough negotiations and a clear message that India would not compromise its principles.