‘I Think We’ll Come Together’: Trump Aide Expresses Optimism as 50% Tariffs Hit India

Even as a steep 50% US tariff on Indian goods officially took effect on Wednesday, a top aide to President Donald Trump struck a surprisingly optimistic tone, describing the relationship as “complicated” but expressing confidence that the two nations would ultimately “come together.” US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s comments came just as the punitive levies, imposed over India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, began to bite.

In an interview with Fox Business, Bessent acknowledged the strained trade ties, noting that he had expected a deal to be reached with India months ago. He characterized India’s negotiating stance as “performative,” a slight softening of his previous description of New Delhi as “a bit uncooperative.” He pointed to India’s “profiteering” from discounted Russian crude as a key point of contention, but also highlighted the strong personal bond between President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“This is a very complicated relationship. PM Modi and Trump have a very good relationship at that level… I do think India is the world’s largest democracy and the US is the world’s largest economy. I think at the end of the day we will come together,” Bessent said. He also underlined the large US trade deficit with India and New Delhi’s “very high” tariffs on American goods as underlying issues.

The additional 25% tariff, which brings the total levy to 50% on a wide range of goods, kicked in at 9:31 am IST. The move is expected to severely impact Indian exports, with some estimates suggesting a potential fall of up to 70% in labour-intensive sectors like textiles and jewellery, affecting millions of workers. The Indian rupee has already weakened against the dollar in anticipation of the economic shock.

Despite the pressure, India has remained defiant. Prime Minister Modi has vowed not to compromise on national interests and to withstand any pressure, while also urging a greater focus on ‘swadeshi’ (Made in India) goods. New Delhi has also consistently called out what it sees as Western double standards, as many countries continue their own trade with Moscow.