The United States has imposed tariffs of up to 50% on Indian exports. For a country that calls us a “strategic partner,” this feels less like friendship and more like a cold shoulder.
India–US trade is worth over $100 billion a year. Our exports – from life-saving medicines to gold jewellery to the iPhones Americans use – are more than just goods, they are the outcome of decades of trust and cooperation.
Take medicines, for example. India supplies half of all generic drugs sold in the US, keeping healthcare affordable for millions of Americans. Yet, even while depending on us for such essentials, Washington has chosen to make many of our other exports more expensive.
The Easy Excuse
The official justification? India buys oil from Russia, refines it, and sells it to Europe – allegedly “profiting from the war.” The irony is hard to miss: the US itself trades in items like enriched uranium and mercury with Russia. Apparently, it’s only wrong when others do it.
The truth is, this “war” reason is a curtain. The real driver is politics. Donald Trump’s voter base includes American farmers who have long been eyeing India’s vast market.
Why They Want Our Market
India restricts US farm imports to protect our farmers – and for good reason. American farms run on massive machinery, cutting-edge tech, and industrial-scale production. This makes their goods much cheaper than what small Indian farmers can produce.
If those products are allowed in without limits, cheap US wheat, corn, and dairy could flood our markets – most likely sold through retail giants like Amazon, Walmart, and Flipkart. Once foreign goods take over prime shelf space, local produce will be pushed aside.
The Subsidy Gap
Here’s what most people don’t talk about: US farmers get around $30,000 each in government support every year. Indian farmers? About $69.
When heavily subsidised, high-tech American crops compete with Indian produce, it’s not a level playing field. It’s like putting a rookie boxer in the ring with a heavyweight champion.
The Danger for India
Farming here isn’t just an industry – it’s the livelihood of majority of our population. Our farmers lack the tools, technology, and state support that their American counterparts enjoy. If they have to compete directly, many could lose both income and land.
So yes, today’s tariffs hurt exporters. But the larger goal seems to be to pressure India into opening its doors wider to US farm goods.
The WTO Rule – And the Loophole
Normally, the World Trade Organization doesn’t allow sudden, steep tariffs like this. But the US is exploiting a loophole – Article XXI of GATT 1994 – which says:
“Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed… to prevent any contracting party from taking any action which it considers necessary for the protection of its essential security interests… taken in time of war or other emergency in international relations.”
In plain English: if a country claims it’s about “national security,” it can get away with almost anything.
The Choice Before Us
This fight isn’t just about exporters – it’s about protecting our economy and our independence. Every strong economy – Japan, South Korea, even the US – strengthened its industries before opening them up to global competition. India must do the same.
That means consciously choosing Indian-made products, even if they cost a bit more. Every rupee spent on Indian goods is for our farmers, our workers, and our future and some any foreign company like Boeing and Lockheed Martin