US Slams India, Brazil on Trade Barriers

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has intensified his criticism of key trading partners, singling out India and Brazil for what he calls unfair market practices.

In a recent media appearance, Lutnick said these countries must “react correctly” to the United States by opening their markets and avoiding policies that damage American interests. He argued that the US, with its $30 trillion economy, remains the world’s largest consumer base and that “eventually the customer is always right.”

Lutnick also aimed at India’s trade and energy policies, describing New Delhi’s approach to tariffs and negotiations as “bravado.” He predicted that Indian businesses would pressure Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government to return to talks with Washington soon.

In addition, the US official criticised India’s continued imports of discounted Russian crude oil following the Ukraine invasion, calling it “plain wrong” and warning that New Delhi must decide “which side it wants to be on.”

The remarks underscore growing tensions between Washington and New Delhi over trade barriers, tariffs, and energy choices, issues that could shape future negotiations between the two nations.