**‘India Needs Fixing’: Trump Aide Howard Lutnick Renews Trade Warning**
*By Snehil Singh | September 28, 2025, 2:17 PM*
Howard Lutnick, Commerce Secretary under the Trump administration, has issued a renewed warning to India, asserting that New Delhi “needs fixing” to continue selling products to the American market. Speaking in an interview with NewsNation, Lutnick stressed that India must “play ball with the President” to maintain its trade relations with the United States.
### Trade Tensions and US Tariffs on Indian Goods
The backdrop to Lutnick’s remarks is the ongoing trade tension between the US and India, marked by steep tariffs imposed by the US on Indian imports. Some products now face duties as high as 50%, including a recent 100% tariff on branded and patented pharmaceutical products — a significant blow to India’s pharmaceutical sector, which heavily depends on the US market.
Additionally, the 50% tariffs include a 25% penalty tariff related to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, further complicating trade dynamics between the two countries.
### Lutnick on Deal Dynamics: “The First Deal Is Always the Best Deal”
Lutnick emphasized the need for cooperation, not only from India but also Brazil, to unlock access to the lucrative US consumer market. He 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 identified India and Brazil as key players on America’s trade agenda and highlighted the importance of making favorable agreements early in negotiations.
### Resumption of Trade Talks Between India and the US
Despite these tensions, diplomatic efforts continue. Trade negotiations between India and the US have recently resumed, with a delegation led by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal visiting Washington from September 22 to 24.
During the visit, the delegation met with US Trade Representative Katherine Tai and other officials to explore the possibility of a mutually beneficial trade agreement. The Indian Commerce Ministry described the discussions as “productive” and emphasized that both sides are working toward establishing potential contours of a new trade deal.
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As negotiations progress, all eyes remain on how India navigates these complex trade challenges amid growing pressure from the US to align more closely with American trade policies.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/need-to-fix-india-stop-actions-harming-us-interests-lutnick/story
