“Nothing Changes”: Trump Says India-US Trade Deal Remains Unchanged After Court Ruling, Praises PM Modi

• Donald Trump says India-US trade deal will remain unchanged despite US Supreme Court ruling on tariffs.
• Top court struck down his earlier global tariffs imposed under emergency powers.
• Interim trade pact between India and US likely to be signed in March and implemented by April.

US President Donald Trump on Friday said the ongoing India-US trade agreement will not be affected by the recent US Supreme Court decision that invalidated his earlier reciprocal tariffs. His remarks came as both countries continue negotiations on a bilateral trade arrangement expected to be finalised soon.

Trump says 'nothing changes'

Responding to questions on the court ruling, Trump maintained that the agreement with India will proceed as planned. He said the United States will not pay tariffs while India will continue to face duties under the new understanding, calling it a fair and balanced arrangement.

Trump described the deal as a reversal of previous trade patterns and stated that it reflects a shift in favour of the United States. He also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi while claiming that earlier trade equations had benefited India more.

Supreme Court strikes down tariff move

In a 6-3 decision authored by Chief Justice John Roberts, the US Supreme Court ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not give the president authority to impose tariffs. The judgment invalidated Trump's global tariff measures that had been introduced under emergency powers.

Despite the setback, Trump criticised the ruling and announced a fresh 10% global tariff under a separate legal route, signalling that tariffs will remain central to his trade policy.
The court emphasised that tariff and tax powers are constitutionally assigned to Congress, not the president.

Tariffs remain key policy tool

Trump has repeatedly used tariffs as a major economic and foreign policy instrument, arguing they help correct trade imbalances and protect domestic industries. He called the Supreme Court verdict flawed and expressed dissatisfaction with parts of the judiciary.

However, he stressed that ongoing trade negotiations with India and other countries will continue without disruption.

Interim India-US trade pact soon

Meanwhile, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said an interim trade agreement between India and the United States is likely to be signed in March and could come into force by April. Negotiators from both sides are set to meet in Washington from February 23 for final discussions.

The proposed arrangement includes a reduction in reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods by the US and removal of certain punitive duties linked to India's purchase of Russian crude oil. The move is expected to offer relief to Indian exporters and provide momentum to bilateral trade ties.