New Delhi:A new book on Donald Trump's presidency has revealed a tense exchange between the US President and his Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick over India's tariffs on American goods. According to the book Regime Change, Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump, Trump became frustrated during internal discussions on trade and accused officials of providing incorrect information about the tariffs imposed by India on US products.
The book by New York Times reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan takes readers inside key decisions and disputes in the Trump administration.
Trump questions official figures“Trump was made to believe that the tariffs India put on American goods were much higher than the numbers given to him by U.S. trade officials,” the authors write. In one meeting, Trump reportedly demanded “hard facts” about tariffs imposed by countries such as India and China. When officials presented data from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), Trump reportedly dismissed the figures and accused his team of providing faulty information.
The book says Trump believed India’s tariff rates to be in the vicinity of 175 per cent or more, well above the figures cited by US agencies.
Trade tensions were already risingThe reported disagreement came as trade relations between Washington and New Delhi were becoming increasingly strained. The White House has long criticized India’s tariff structure, saying some duties are among the highest levied by major economies. U.S. exporters faced serious barriers trying to enter the Indian market, American officials said.
It became a central issue in Trump’s larger tariff policy later. The row finally boiled over into real policy movement.
First, Trump imposed a 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods, as part of his broader trade actions. His administration later announced a further 25 per cent tariff, citing India’s continued purchase of Russian oil.
The move pushed total US tariffs on some Indian imports to 50 percent, placing India among the countries facing some of Washington's toughest trade measures at the time. The decision created diplomatic and trade tensions between the two countries and affected negotiations that were going on.
Trade talks return to the tableEven with the disagreements, the two countries continued to work to enhance economic ties. In February 2026, India and the United States announced a framework for a bilateral trade agreement to reduce trade barriers and improve market access.
Under the proposed deal, tariffs are expected to be reduced on both sides. The pact also includes provisions for greater access to agricultural and other products. The US administration later removed the additional 25 per cent tariff after India agreed to halt purchases of Russian oil, according to a White House fact sheet.
Officials from both countries are now working to finalize the deal. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Union Commerce Minister have met recently to discuss ironing out final issues before the deal is formally put into effect.
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