US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Washington would not enter trade talks with India until the tariff dispute is resolved.“No, not until we solve it,” Trump said in the Oval Office if he was asked if he was expected to resume after his administration’s decision of double tariffs on Indian imports.Earlier, Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigot for the US State Department described the implementation of tariffs on India as part of “Full and Frank Samvad” with New Delhi to pursue Washington’s major concerns.Pigot said during a press briefing, “It is about an honest, complete and clear dialogue about real concerns that this administration is – the President has very clearly underlined.”“Addressing those concerns through his actions – he talks about them, whether it is about the purchase of Russian oil or business imbalance. It is important to address those concerns … The President has been very clear … Finally, it’s about a clear and complete dialogue, “he said.This came after Trump announced a 50% tariff on Indian exports to the United States – the most imposed on a major Asian partner.Trump accused India of “funding Russia’s war machine” through continuous procurement of crude oil from Moscow and warned of further punishment whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi does not stop imports. The new remedy follows Trump’s first 25% tariff on Indian goods, and a bill moving through Congress wants to authorize up to 500% tariffs on any country buying Russian oil.However, PM Modi has not shown any indication of retreat. Speaking at a National Agricultural Conference in New Delhi on Thursday, he said, “India will never compromise on the interests of its farmers, dairy farmers and fishermen … I am ready to pay a heavy price personally.”
