A 3D-printed miniature model of U.S. President Donald Trump and the Indian flag are seen in this illustration taken July 23, 2025. REUTERS
NEW DELHI, Aug 6 (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump last Wednesday announced 25% tariffs on Indian imports from August 7 and threatened more penalties over New Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil.
Below is a timeline of how India, once seen as the frontrunner for a U.S. deal, ended up facing steep tariffs after Trump escalated tensions, and called it a “dead economy.”
February Modi visits Washington
* Indian Prime Minister Narendra agrees to work toward a limited trade deal by fall 2025 with the United States and expand the bilateral trade deal to $500 billion by 2030. He also pledged to boost energy purchases from the U.S.
March
Bilateral talks gain momentum
- Trade Minister Piyush Goyal visits Washington; meets Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamisen Greer. Later in March, U.S. officials visit Delhi for talks.
- India says negotiations are progressing well.
- USTR annual report flags India’s high tariffs, non-tariff barriers, data laws, and patent issues.
April Breakthrough signs emerge
- During Vice President J.D. Vance’s visit, both sides finalise the terms of reference for bilateral talks.
- Indian officials say a deal could be signed before the July 9 deadline.
May
Further rounds of talks
- Goyal travels to Washington with lead negotiator Rajesh Agrawal for trade talks. India expects a favourable outcome is near.
June
Mixed signals
* U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on June 3 says the U.S. and India are making progress and a deal could be finalised soon.
* Trump says a “big” trade deal with India is coming soon.
- Indian officials tell Reuters that trade talks have hit a roadblock over disagreements on import duties largely over farm goods, dashing hopes of a deal ahead of July 9.
- At a rally in the eastern Indian state of Odisha on June 20, Modi says he declined Trump’s invitation to Washington.
JULY
Hardening of stance
- Delegation returns to New Delhi without a breakthrough.
- Trade Minister Piyush Goyal says on July 4 that India will not do trade deals to meet deadlines and national interest will be “supreme.”
- Indian trade delegation travels to Washington again in mid-July for the fifth round of talks, aiming to break the deadlock.
- Modi responds in Parliament about ceasefire with Pakistan: “No world leader asked us to stop the operation.”
- No high-level outreach from Indian leadership.
- On July 31, Trump imposes 25% tariffs on Indian imports, warns of further penalties for countries buying Russian oil.
Reporting by Manoj Kumar; Editing by Saad Sayeed
