Trump announces reciprocal tariffs from April 2, criticizes India for imposing high tariffs

US President Donald Trump criticized India on March 5 for its high tariffs, suggesting that New Delhi may not be able to make any concessions on sweeping levies such as reciprocal tariffs set to take effect on April 2.

"Whatever they tariff us, other countries, we will tariff them. That's reciprocal - back and forth. Whatever they tax us, we will tax them. If they do non-monetary tariffs to keep us out of their market, then we will do non-monetary barriers to keep them out of our market," he said.

Targeting the auto sector, the United States President said India charges tariffs of over 100%.

“India charges us 100% tariffs; the system is not fair to the US, it never was. On April 2, reciprocal tariffs kick in. Whatever they tax us, we will tax them. If they use non-monetary tariffs to keep us out of their market, then we will use non-monetary barriers to keep them out of our market,” Trump said during a Joint Session of the US Congress.

His statement comes just weeks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US, which had raised hopes within Indian industry for a trade deal that could secure relief from broad-ranging tariffs in exchange for greater market access for American products.

Even before negotiations began, India had proactively reduced tariffs on several items, including bourbon whiskey.

"Other countries have used tariffs against us for decades, and now it's our turn to start using them against those other countries," Trump said in his address.

"On average, the European Union, China, Brazil, India, Mexico and Canada - have you heard of them? - and countless other nations charge us tremendously higher tariffs than we charge them. It's very unfair,” he continued.

"India charges us auto tariffs higher than 100%,” Trump said while citing India as an example.

He reiterated his stance that his administration would impose reciprocal tariffs on countries like India and China, a comment that he also made during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington last month.

He said he had clarified to PM Modi that India would not be exempted from the new tariff measures. "Nobody can argue with me" on this, he added.

Trump’s move has garnered sharp reactions from World leaders, with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accusing Trump of “trying to cripple Canada’s economy” in a bid to facilitate its annexation by the US.

He also criticized Washington for targeting close allies while "appeasing" Russia over its actions in Ukraine.