**‘India Needs Fixing’: Trump Aide Howard Lutnick Renews Trade Threat**
*By Snehil Singh | Sep 28, 2025, 02:17 PM*
Howard Lutnick, former Commerce Secretary under the Trump administration, has issued a renewed warning to India amid ongoing trade tensions between the two nations. In a recent interview with NewsNation, Lutnick stated that New Delhi “needs fixing” and cautioned that if India wants to sell products to American consumers, it must “play ball with the President.”
### Trade Tensions Escalate
Lutnick criticized both India and Brazil for not sufficiently opening their markets and for actions perceived to be against U.S. interests. Currently, India faces steep tariffs imposed by the U.S., with duties reaching up to 50% on certain goods. A significant concern is the recent implementation of a 100% tariff on branded and patented pharmaceutical products—a major setback for Indian pharmaceutical companies that rely heavily on the U.S. market for revenue.
The 50% tariffs also include a 25% penalty related to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, further straining trade relations.
### Deal Dynamics: The First Deal Is the Best Deal
Emphasizing the U.S. approach to trade agreements, Lutnick stated, “The way that President Trump does deals, the first deal is always the best deal. And then the next deal is higher, the next deal is higher.” He urged countries like India and Brazil to recognize the importance of cooperating with the U.S. if they want access to its vast consumer market.
Lutnick singled out India and Brazil as among the “big ones” on America’s trade agenda, underscoring the strategic importance of reaching mutually beneficial agreements.
### Ongoing Negotiations Resume
Amid these tensions, trade talks between India and the U.S. have recently resumed. A delegation led by India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal visited Washington from September 22 to 24, meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and other officials to discuss a potential trade agreement.
The Indian Commerce Ministry described the meetings as productive, noting that both sides explored possible contours of a mutually beneficial Trade Agreement.
### Looking Ahead
As trade discussions continue, the spotlight remains on whether India and the U.S. can find common ground that balances market access with strategic interests. The evolving negotiations will be closely watched by businesses and policymakers on both sides.
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*Stay tuned for further updates on India-U.S. trade relations.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/need-to-fix-india-stop-actions-harming-us-interests-lutnick/story
