"Will Put Tariffs On You That Are So High" Trump’s Warning To India, Pakistan

Washington, D.C. — U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to both India and Pakistan this weekend, stating he would impose tariffs “so high” if trade disputes with either nation continue. His remarks, delivered during an unscripted exchange with reporters, quickly ignited global attention, particularly as tensions between the two South Asian neighbors remain a constant flashpoint.

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Trump, who has built much of his 2025 agenda around aggressive trade negotiations and tariff threats, directly tied his warning to what he called the “centuries-old friction” between India and Pakistan. “These countries have been fighting for a hell of a long time, sometimes with different names, sometimes with the same problems. But if they try to take advantage of the United States, I’ll put tariffs on them that are so high, they won’t know what hit them,” Trump declared.

A Familiar Trump Strategy

The president’s remarks are consistent with his broader use of tariffs as leverage. Already this year, his administration has placed new duties on Chinese electronics, Mexican steel, and European cars, creating ripple effects in global markets. With India and Pakistan, however, the warning carries a dual edge: trade policy on one hand, and geopolitics on the other.

India, one of the fastest-growing U.S. trading partners, has faced prior clashes with Washington over pharmaceutical exports, agricultural imports, and technology tariffs. Pakistan, though a smaller trade partner, remains strategically important due to its geography and U.S. counterterrorism cooperation.

The Long Shadow of Indo-Pak Tensions

Trump’s comment that India and Pakistan have been in conflict “for hundreds of years” echoes a popular narrative about the subcontinent’s history. From the partition of 1947 to ongoing disputes in Kashmir, tensions have repeatedly flared, often drawing in international powers.

His framing of the conflict, though blunt, underscores the challenge Washington faces in balancing ties with both nations. While India has been courted as a counterweight to China, Pakistan has often been seen through the lens of security and military cooperation.

Trade Stakes in 2025

Trump’s “tariffs so high” warning comes as his administration reevaluates H1B visa programs, foreign direct investment rules, and agricultural subsidies. For India, any punitive tariffs could disrupt its $80 billion export market to the U.S., particularly in textiles, pharmaceuticals, and IT services. Pakistan, which relies heavily on textile exports to the U.S., could face devastating losses if hit by steep tariffs.

Global trade analysts warn that such threats risk unsettling already fragile economies in South Asia. “The U.S. has leverage, yes, but tariffs on India or Pakistan could backfire by destabilizing supply chains and fueling anti-American sentiment,” one Washington-based policy expert noted.

Political Timing and 2026 Midterms

Trump’s comments also carry domestic weight. With the 2026 midterm elections on the horizon, the president continues to position himself as a hardliner on trade, seeking to appeal to blue-collar voters who see tariffs as a defense against outsourcing. At the same time, critics argue that his unpredictability risks alienating allies and undermining U.S. credibility.

What Comes Next?

For now, neither India nor Pakistan has issued a formal response to Trump’s warning. Diplomats in New Delhi and Islamabad, however, are expected to weigh the risks carefully, especially given Washington’s growing influence in energy, defense, and technology partnerships across the region.

The coming weeks may reveal whether Trump’s words are a negotiating tactic—or the first step toward a new chapter in South Asia’s already turbulent trade and security landscape.