India Not Targeted by US Tariffs Yet, Despite Trump’s April 2 Deadline

India clarified that the US has not yet imposed any reciprocal tariffs despite President Trump's April 2 warning. While trade tensions remain, both countries are negotiating a comprehensive agreement under "Mission 500" to deepen economic ties and double bilateral trade by 2030.

Amid ongoing concerns over trade tensions, the Indian government clarified in the Rajya Sabha that the United States has not imposed any country-specific or reciprocal tariffs on India so far. This clarification comes after recent remarks by US President Donald Trump, who labeled India as “one of the highest tariffing nations in the world.” Trump warned that reciprocal tariffs on countries taxing American goods, including India, would take effect from April 2.

Responding to a query in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada stated that the US issued a Memorandum on Reciprocal Trade and Tariffs on February 13, 2025. However, he emphasized that this memorandum only directed an investigation into potential harm caused by non-reciprocal trade arrangements. Actual implementation of tariffs would depend on the outcome of these investigations and subsequent legislative action in the US.

Prasada added that while additional duties on steel and aluminium imports have been imposed globally by the US, they were not specifically targeted at India. He noted that India is closely monitoring the impact of these duties, especially since earlier exemptions for major exporting countries no longer apply.

Despite the trade rhetoric, both nations remain committed to strengthening economic cooperation. Prasada highlighted the joint US-India statement released in February, which introduced "Mission 500"—an ambitious plan to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. Negotiations are ongoing for a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement aimed at reducing barriers and improving market access.

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Trump reiterated his friendly ties with India but maintained his stance on the tariff issue, suggesting the US would match the tariffs imposed by India if no resolution is reached by April 2.