Donald Trump has issued a fresh warning to India, stating he may substantially increase tariffs within 24 hours, escalating trade tensions between the two nations.

In a fiery statement made during his campaign trail, former US President and 2024 Republican nominee Donald Trump hinted at a possible escalation in trade measures against India. He criticized what he called "unfair trade practices" and threatened to slap a significant hike in tariffs on Indian goods entering the United States.

This bold move, if implemented, could strain the already delicate economic ties between the two nations. Trump, known for his “America First” approach, reiterated that India has long benefited from US trade concessions and claimed that his administration—and any future one led by him—would not tolerate imbalances in trade.

The Indian government has yet to officially respond, but analysts suggest that such a hike could impact major Indian export sectors including pharmaceuticals, textiles, and IT services. Indian markets reacted cautiously to the news, with the rupee witnessing slight volatility and investor sentiment turning wary.

Trump's statement comes at a time when global trade alliances are shifting rapidly, and many nations are reassessing their economic dependencies. If the tariff hike is enacted, it may trigger a tit-for-tat response from India, potentially leading to another trade standoff similar to the 2019 episode during Trump’s presidency.

Whether this is a strategic move to gain leverage or a serious policy proposal remains to be seen, but it has certainly put India on high alert just ahead of crucial bilateral di

scussions.