India’s Population vs. U.S. Corn Demand: Lutnick Criticizes Trade Approach

Speedy Summary

• U.S. Commerce Secretary’s Remarks: U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick criticized India during a September 13, 2025 interview, stating that India refuses to buy American corn while benefiting from easy access to the U.S. market for its exports.
• Trade Complaints: Lutnick claimed the trade relationship is one-sided, calling for “fair and reciprocal trade” and urging India to reduce tariffs on American products or face challenges in doing business with the U.S.
• Trump Administration’s Tariffs: Under President Trump’s leadership, hefty tariffs (up to 50%) have been imposed on indian imports, including a 25% tariff specifically targeting India’s purchase of Russian oil.
• India’s Response: India responded by labeling these actions as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable,” asserting its energy purchases are based solely on national interests and market dynamics.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The statements by U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick signal rising tensions in U.S.-India trade relations under President Trump’s administration.While the emphasis is placed on reducing Indian tariffs to achieve reciprocity in bilateral trade ties, such critical remarks overlook complex economic factors like domestic priorities and sovereignty over tariff policies.

The challenge posed to India’s commitment toward “national interest-driven” procurement may signify broader geopolitical pressures amid major global shifts affecting trade alignments post-pandemic recovery and conflicts like Ukraine-Russia shaping interdependent negotiations-driven systems intact ! Full Editorialhttps://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/doublespeak-on