Bangladesh, July 30 -- US President Donald Trump has once again thrust global trade relations into uncertainty, this time by threatening to impose tariffs of up to 25% on imports from India. The remarks came during an informal exchange with reporters aboard Air Force One on July 29, as the clock ticks down toward a self-imposed August 1 deadline for a US-India trade agreement.

“India has been a good friend,” Trump said, “but India has charged basically more tariffs than almost any other country over the years.” His comments suggest a deepening frustration with what he perceives as an unbalanced trade relationship – a stance consistent with his long-held “America First” economic doctrine.

The thr...