Trump’s Statement Exposes India-US Trade Deal, Reveals One-Sided Economic Pressure on India

Washington, February 21, 2026: US President Donald Trump’s recent statement has challenged India’s claims over the historic trade deal announced with the US on February 2, 2026. Experts say his remarks reveal that the agreement heavily favors the US while India bears the economic burden.

Trump clarified that “nothing has changed; India is still paying tariffs fowhile the US benefits,” contradicting earlier reports celebrating India’s perceived gains from the deal.

Background of the Trade Deal

The India-US trade agreement was announced by Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this month. India’s media and government circles hailed it as a historic victory. However, analysts now say the deal is one-sided, giving the US a clear advantage while imposing heavy tariffs and financial pressure on India.

Trump’s recent comments come as a blow to those celebrating India’s success. He emphasized that the US gains from the deal, while India continues to face economic costs.

Previous Trade Tensions

Experts note that Trump’s tough approach toward India is not new:

• May 2025: Trump warned India that iPhones must be manufactured in the US, or a 25% tariff would apply.

• July 2025: A 25% tariff was imposed on India, highlighting global trade barriers.

• August 2025: Additional 25% tariffs on Russian oil imports increased India’s economic pressure.

According to economists, India’s claims of the trade deal being mutually beneficial are misleading if it continues to pay the costs while the US profits.

Expert Opinion

Trade analysts say:

• Trump’s statement exposes the failure of India’s diplomatic narrative on the deal.

• The agreement is not a partnership but a tool of economic pressure on India.

• Celebrating the deal as a victory for India could be considered self-deception.

The recent comments are expected to trigger debates in India over the effectiveness and consequences of the US-India trade deal.