🚨 India Faces Trump’s 20–25% Tariff Threat if No US Deal by Aug 1! 🇺🇸🇮🇳

TL;DR: India–US trade talks are reaching a critical point ahead of the August 1, 2025 deadline 🗓️—President Donald Trump has warned that 20–25% tariffs may be slapped on Indian imports if no deal is sealed. India claims #fantastic progress in negotiations and is aiming for a broader bilateral deal by September or October, while markets brace for rupee weakness.🧵

🔍 What’s Going On?

• Trump warned that India could face 20–25% reciprocal tariffs if the trade agreement isn't finalised by August 1.

• He emphasised that “India is my friend… but India has charged basically more tariffs than almost any other country”.

• Though he sees India as an ally, he criticised its protectionist tariff regime and said it can’t continue like this anymore.

🇮🇳 India’s Side of the Story

• Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal called the negotiations “fantastic” and optimistic about reaching an agreement—even if partial or sectoral.

• Despite five previous rounds of talks, no full breakthrough yet; India is cautious about opening its agricultural and dairy sectors, calling them non-negotiables.

• New Delhi is holding off on fresh concessions before the August 1 deadline, aiming for final deal talks mid‑August when a U.S. delegation visits.

📉 Market Pressure & Currency Impact

• The Indian rupee slumped nearly 0.5%, touching its lowest in four months (below ₹87/USD), as traders reacted to tariff threat news.

• Outflows from foreign portfolio investors added fuel—over USD 1.5 billion in equities sold in July alone.

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) likely intervened to steady the rupee, though firm support above ₹86.62 seems critical.

📊 Stakes & Stats at a Glance

Item	Details
Trade volume	US–India goods trade: ~USD 129 billion in 2024
India surplus	India posted ~USD 46 billion surplus in bilateral goods trade in 2024
Potential tariff impact	Experts warn a 20–25% duty could hit 87% of India’s exports to the US, especially pharma & auto parts

✊ MediaFx Take: From the People’s Perspective

From the grassroots view, India's delaying tactic is savvy—not rushing into unfair trade concessions and protecting small farmers and local industries from agricultural liberalisation pressures. 💬 The August 1 window is a client check; even if talks go longer, India holds the line. 👷‍♂️ Only a real deal—ensuring fair access and protecting domestic livelihoods—is acceptable. Pressure tactics may harm ordinary workers and exporters more than elites.

🗣️ Engage with Us!

What do you think, #India? Should we accept interim tariffs to get a deal quickly, or hold firm for a fairer agreement? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 💬👇

#TradeTalks #TariffAlert #IndiaUS #TradeDeadline #MarketVolatility