United States – Donald Trump has defended his decision to impose 50% tariffs on Indian goods, saying that while he shares “very good relations” with India, trade must be fair.

Trump said that the current system was “totally one-sided” and claimed that the US had been at a disadvantage in trade with India for years. “I get along very well with India. But at the same time, we can’t allow such massive trade imbalances,” he said.

The former US President emphasized that the move was aimed at protecting American manufacturers and workers. He reiterated that India is a “friend,” but insisted that friendship should not come at the cost of America’s economy.

The new tariffs have triggered strong responses from Indian trade bodies, with concerns about their potential impact on sectors such as textiles, jewelry, and IT services.