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Key Points

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is publicly pressuring India to open its markets. He stated that India needs to stop taking actions that harm American interests. Lutnick warned that countries wanting to sell to US consumers must "play ball" with the president. This comes even as Indian and US trade delegations continue negotiations on a bilateral trade agreement.

Key Points: US Commerce Secretary Lutnick Demands India Open Markets

  • Lutnick warns India must react correctly to US market demands
  • He cites Switzerland and Brazil as other countries needing to adjust policies
  • US Commerce Secretary says market access requires playing by US rules
  • Both sides continue trade negotiations despite these public comments
2 min read

US Commerce Secy calls for India to 'open markets', 'stop actions that harm America'

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick tells India to "open markets" and "stop actions that harm America," warning countries must "play ball" to access US consumers.

"You've got to play ball with the president of the United States. - Howard Lutnick"

Washington DC, September 28

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Sunday in an interview with News Nation said that India needs to 'react correctly' to the US.

Lutnick said that India must open its markets and take actions that would not 'harm' the US.

"We have a bunch of countries to fix like Switzerland, Brazil, right? It's got an issue. India, these are countries that need to really react correctly to America. Open their markets, stop taking actions that harm America, and that's why we're off sides with them," he said.

He then said that the issues would be sorted, but India must 'play ball' with the US.

"Those, I think, will be sorted out, but they take time. And these countries have to understand that if you want to sell to the US consumer, right? You've got to play ball with the president of the United States. So those are still coming. A bunch of countries left but the big ones maybe the big ones you know India we'll sort it out over time," he said in the News Nation interview.

Earlier on September 26, a high-level Indian delegation, led by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal during a recent visit to the United States (US), engaged in a series of productive discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral trade deal and investment ties between the two countries, the Commerce and Industry Ministry said in a statement.

The Ministry added that the Minister held key meetings with Ambassador Jamieson Greer, United States Trade Representative, and Sergio Gor, the US Ambassador-designate to India.

A delegation led by the Commerce and Industries Minister visited the United States of America from 22nd to 24th September 2025.

During these discussions, both sides exchanged views on various facets of the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) deal. It was mutually agreed to continue engagements to expedite the early conclusion of a trade agreement that benefits both countries, the Ministry added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This "play ball" language is so condescending. India is not some small country that can be bullied. We have our own economic priorities and development goals. Mutual respect is key in any partnership.
R
Rohit P
Actually, I think we need to be more open to foreign investment. Look at how China grew by opening up. Some reforms could benefit our economy too. Let's not be too protectionist. 🤔
M
Michael C
As someone working in IT exports, I see both sides. We need US market access, but also need to protect our domestic industries. Hope the negotiations find a balanced approach.
S
Shreya B
America wants our markets but restricts H1B visas and imposes tariffs on our products. Where's the fairness? Our ministers are right to take their time and negotiate properly. Jai Hind! 🙏
K
Karthik V
The timing is interesting - right after our commerce minister's productive US visit. Seems like pressure tactics. But India has come a long way and won't bend to unreasonable demands.

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