India Rules Out Retaliation as Trump Slaps 25% Tariff, Rejects F-35 Jet Offer

New Delhi: India is carefully evaluating its response to US President Donald Trump’s unilateral decision to impose a 25% tariff on Indian goods, but has ruled out any immediate retaliation, Bloomberg reported on Monday.

The announcement, made by Trump via Truth Social, is part of a broader trade move targeting multiple countries. It triggered concerns within India’s trade and diplomatic circles, but the Modi government aims to keep trade talks on track rather than escalate tensions.

India “Shocked and Disappointed”

Quoting people familiar with the matter, Bloomberg said officials in New Delhi were “shocked and disappointed” by the announcement. However, retaliatory tariffs or trade war escalation have been ruled out for now.

India is reportedly exploring ways to ease the situation, including increasing imports from the United States, particularly in sectors like natural gas, gold, and communications equipment.

No Interest in F-35 Jets

One of the key revelations from the Bloomberg report is that India has informed the US it is not interested in purchasing F-35 stealth fighter jets.

Despite repeated pitches from the US side, including during Prime Minister Modi’s White House visit in February, Indian officials have emphasized a preference for joint design and manufacturing under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, rather than outright procurement.

“Despite considering a boost in purchases of American goods, the Modi government is unlikely to buy additional defense equipment from the US,” Bloomberg quoted sources as saying.

Trump’s Explosive Rant on India

In a pair of aggressive social media posts, Trump claimed:

“India is our friend, but they have the highest tariffs and the most obnoxious trade barriers in the world.”

He further accused India of:

• Buying too much military hardware from Russia
• Being Russia’s top energy buyer along with China
• Undermining US-led global pressure on Moscow over Ukraine

In an even sharper remark, Trump wrote:

“I don’t care what India does with Russia… They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care.”

He also took a jab at former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, saying:

“Tell Medvedev to watch his words. He’s entering very dangerous territory!”

Trade Talks Continue, But Clouds Loom

While India is looking to expand economic ties with the US to avoid a breakdown in relations, no major new defence deals are being considered at the moment.

India has also refused to link energy and defence decisions with Washington’s Ukraine stance, citing strategic autonomy in foreign policy.

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