House Democrats sharply criticised Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick following his testimony before the Oversight and Government Reform Committee on Wednesday (May 6), accusing him of claiming ignorance about Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes as part of what they described as an ‘egregious cover-up’. Lutnick appeared for a closed-door, transcribed interview tied to the committee’s ongoing investigation into Epstein. Lawmakers have pushed to question Lutnick after documents from the Epstein files suggested he remained in contact with the convicted sex offender more recently than previously disclosed. Earlier this year, Lutnick also acknowledged visiting Epstein’s private island in 2012. He had previously told senators he ended contact with Epstein after first meeting him in 2005. Lutnick has denied any wrongdoing.&nbsp;Democrats accused the Commerce Secretary of dodging questions during the session and criticized the committee’s decision not to record the interview on video.Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-Va.) told reporters that Lutnick, among other things, didn’t “remember why he went” to Epstein’s Island, calling the response “mind-boggling.” “He somehow remembers going to the island after pictures surfaced of him being at the island, but he doesn’t remember why he went to the island, and we had the emails. That’s why we found out he was on the island. This is absolutely absurd, and he should resign,” Subramanyam said alongside fellow Democrats outside the hearing room.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/idf-soldier-sparks-outrage-after-viral-virgin-mary-statue-photo-in-lebanon-1778100901900">IDF soldier sparks outrage after viral Virgin Mary statue photo in Lebanon</a>&nbsp;Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.) echoed those concerns, calling Lutnick a “pathological liar who is enabling the most egregious cover-up in American history.” Last year, Lutnick told “Pod Force One” host Miranda Devine that Epstein was a “disgusting person” from whom he and his wife kept their distance. Lutnick also described visiting Epstein’s home, saying the area was centered around a massage table surrounded by candles. Ansari said her questions focused on why Lutnick would visit Epstein’s island “if he and his wife were truly so uncomfortable, especially when in 2008, we know that Jeffrey Epstein was accused and the sweetheart deal took place for soliciting a minor.” “Howard Lutnick tried to tell us in that room that he essentially didn’t know any of that,” she said.&nbsp;“I asked him, ‘How did I, as a child at the time, see this all over the media about Jeffrey Epstein and you, an adult who was this person’s neighbor, who had engaged with him before, how could you possibly not have known?’ I mean, the level of the lies that are taking place inside that room without video is unbelievable,” she added. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) also criticized the closed-door format, saying, “We know why that interview was not videotaped. If Donald Trump had seen the video transcript, he would have fired Howard Lutnick.”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/punjab-twin-blasts-explosions-in-amritsar-jalandhar-nia-steps-in-to-probe-threats-1778088567982/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/punjab-twin-blasts-explosions-in-amritsar-jalandhar-nia-steps-in-to-probe-threats-1778088567982/embed</a>&nbsp;House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) dismissed Democratic criticism, arguing they were “telling you all stuff that was said that was not said.”“So we asked some very substantive questions in the first hour. The Democrats, during their hour, repeated the exact same questions, because there’s only so many questions you can ask Howard Lutnick, who lived, had a property next door to Epstein in New York, talked to him three times over a decade, three interactions over a decade,” Comer said. “He was on the island with his family, with his wife and kids, six people in his family and six people in his friend’s family for lunch for two hours, and he has admitted that.”&nbsp;Comer added that he believed Lutnick had been “very transparent.” “The only thing that I’ve seen that Lutnick did wrong … wasn’t 100 percent truthful on the brief visit to the island with his family. He corrected that in his opening statement. And you know, we’ll see. We’ll continue our investigation, and if we find that there were any misstatements by Lutnick. It’s a felony to lie to Congress, and he’ll be held accountable,” Comer added.&nbsp;Lutnick is the latest high-profile figure — and the first Cabinet official — to testify in the House Oversight Committee’s Epstein investigation. Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have already appeared before the panel, while former Attorney General Pam Bondi is expected to testify later this month.

Democrats slam Howard Lutnick over Epstein testimony, accusing him of evasive answers and involvement in an 'egregious cover-up'

House Democrats sharply criticised Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick following his testimony before the Oversight and Government Reform Committee on Wednesday (May 6), accusing him of claiming ignorance about Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes as part of what they described as an ‘egregious cover-up’. Lutnick appeared for a closed-door, transcribed interview tied to the committee’s ongoing investigation into Epstein. Lawmakers have pushed to question Lutnick after documents from the Epstein files suggested he remained in contact with the convicted sex offender more recently than previously disclosed. Earlier this year, Lutnick also acknowledged visiting Epstein’s private island in 2012. He had previously told senators he ended contact with Epstein after first meeting him in 2005. Lutnick has denied any wrongdoing. Democrats accused the Commerce Secretary of dodging questions during the session and criticized the committee’s decision not to record the interview on video. Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-Va.) told reporters that Lutnick, among other things, didn’t “remember why he went” to Epstein’s Island, calling the response “mind-boggling.” “He somehow remembers going to the island after pictures surfaced of him being at the island, but he doesn’t remember why he went to the island, and we had the emails. That’s why we found out he was on the island. This is absolutely absurd, and he should resign,” Subramanyam said alongside fellow Democrats outside the hearing room. Also Read: IDF soldier sparks outrage after viral Virgin Mary statue photo in Lebanon Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.) echoed those concerns, calling Lutnick a “pathological liar who is enabling the most egregious cover-up in American history.” Last year, Lutnick told “Pod Force One” host Miranda Devine that Epstein was a “disgusting person” from whom he and his wife kept their distance. Lutnick also described visiting Epstein’s home, saying the area was centered around a massage table surrounded by candles. Ansari said her questions focused on why Lutnick would visit Epstein’s island “if he and his wife were truly so uncomfortable, especially when in 2008, we know that Jeffrey Epstein was accused and the sweetheart deal took place for soliciting a minor.” “Howard Lutnick tried to tell us in that room that he essentially didn’t know any of that,” she said. “I asked him, ‘How did I, as a child at the time, see this all over the media about Jeffrey Epstein and you, an adult who was this person’s neighbor, who had engaged with him before, how could you possibly not have known?’ I mean, the level of the lies that are taking place inside that room without video is unbelievable,” she added. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) also criticized the closed-door format, saying, “We know why that interview was not videotaped. If Donald Trump had seen the video transcript, he would have fired Howard Lutnick.” https://www.wionews.com/videos/punjab-twin-blasts-explosions-in-amritsar-jalandhar-nia-steps-in-to-probe-threats-1778088567982/embed House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) dismissed Democratic criticism, arguing they were “telling you all stuff that was said that was not said.” “So we asked some very substantive questions in the first hour. The Democrats, during their hour, repeated the exact same questions, because there’s only so many questions you can ask Howard Lutnick, who lived, had a property next door to Epstein in New York, talked to him three times over a decade, three interactions over a decade,” Comer said. “He was on the island with his family, with his wife and kids, six people in his family and six people in his friend’s family for lunch for two hours, and he has admitted that.” Comer added that he believed Lutnick had been “very transparent.” “The only thing that I’ve seen that Lutnick did wrong … wasn’t 100 percent truthful on the brief visit to the island with his family. He corrected that in his opening statement. And you know, we’ll see. We’ll continue our investigation, and if we find that there were any misstatements by Lutnick. It’s a felony to lie to Congress, and he’ll be held accountable,” Comer added. Lutnick is the latest high-profile figure — and the first Cabinet official — to testify in the House Oversight Committee’s Epstein investigation. Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have already appeared before the panel, while former Attorney General Pam Bondi is expected to testify later this month.

House Democrats accuse Howard Lutnick of dodging Epstein questions during closed-door testimony, calling it an 'egregious cover-up'

'Pathological liar': Democrats accuse Howard Lutnick of ‘egregious cover-up’ in Epstein investigation

US President Donald Trump's top aide, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has finally agreed to testify about his friendship with sex offender, paedophile Jeffrey Epstein before Congress. Lutnick's whose photographs hanging out on Epstein's "paedophile island" made headlines recently has agreed to testify in front of House Oversight Committee, revealed James Comer, the chairman of the committee on Tuesday (Mar 3).Aso read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosive-epstein-files-accuse-trump-of-raping-13-year-old-murdering-a-new-born-white-house-says-this-about-allegations-1769823565436">Explosive Epstein files accuse Trump of raping 13-year-old, murdering a newborn; White House says THIS about allegations</a><h2>Lutnick will testify but conditions apply</h2>According to reports, Lutnick only agreed to testify behind closed doors after Republican Representative Nancy Mace threatened to subpoena him."Secretary Lutnick has proactively agreed to appear voluntarily before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform," Republican chairman James Comer said in a statement. However, when will Lutnick do so remains unclear as a date is yet to be announced.Talking to Axios, Trump's commerce secretary said, "I look forward to appearing before the committee." He asserted that he had "nothing wrong, and I want to set the record straight."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-i-loved-the-torture-video-recipient-of-horrifying-epstein-email-finally-identified-doj-epstein-files-release-1770782784202">‘I loved the torture video’: Recipient of horrifying Epstein email FINALLY identified</a><h2>How close were Lutnick and Epstein?</h2>Lutnick, a billionaire former New York financier, has earlier claimed that he was not friends with the disgraced financier. Appearing in a podcast last year, he claimed that in 2005 he gave Epstein a house tour which left him disturbed. Lutnick stated that following this, he and his wife decided that he would "never be in the room with that disgusting person, ever again…So I was never in the room with him socially, for business or even philanthropy," he said.However, the recently released Epstein Files revealed that Lutnick and Epstein traded emails well beyond 2005, including after Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution from a minor in 2008.In 2012, Lutnick even had plans to meet Epstein for lunch on Little Saint James, notoriously known as "Epstein Island." After being caught in a lie, last month, Lutnick confirmed that he did, in fact, meet Jeffrey Epstein on the Caribbean island, but claimed that his family was with him and that he saw nothing untoward on 'Epstein Island'. &nbsp;

Why has Trump’s commerce secretary suddenly agreed to testify about Jeffrey Epstein? Howard Lutnick will appear before Congress after pressure from lawmakers over photos and emails linked to Epstein.

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US President Donald Trump's top aide, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has finally agreed to testify about his friendship with sex offender, paedophile Jeffrey Epstein before Congress. Lutnick's whose photographs hanging out on Epstein's "paedophile island" made headlines recently has agreed to testify in front of House Oversight Committee, revealed James Comer, the chairman of the committee on Tuesday (Mar 3). Aso read | Explosive Epstein files accuse Trump of raping 13-year-old, murdering a newborn; White House says THIS about allegations Lutnick will testify but conditions apply According to reports, Lutnick only agreed to testify behind closed doors after Republican Representative Nancy Mace threatened to subpoena him. "Secretary Lutnick has proactively agreed to appear voluntarily before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform," Republican chairman James Comer said in a statement. However, when will Lutnick do so remains unclear as a date is yet to be announced. Talking to Axios, Trump's commerce secretary said, "I look forward to appearing before the committee." He asserted that he had "nothing wrong, and I want to set the record straight." Also read | ‘I loved the torture video’: Recipient of horrifying Epstein email FINALLY identified How close were Lutnick and Epstein? Lutnick, a billionaire former New York financier, has earlier claimed that he was not friends with the disgraced financier. Appearing in a podcast last year, he claimed that in 2005 he gave Epstein a house tour which left him disturbed. Lutnick stated that following this, he and his wife decided that he would "never be in the room with that disgusting person, ever again…So I was never in the room with him socially, for business or even philanthropy," he said. However, the recently released Epstein Files revealed that Lutnick and Epstein traded emails well beyond 2005, including after Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution from a minor in 2008. In 2012, Lutnick even had plans to meet Epstein for lunch on Little Saint James, notoriously known as "Epstein Island." After being caught in a lie, last month, Lutnick confirmed that he did, in fact, meet Jeffrey Epstein on the Caribbean island, but claimed that his family was with him and that he saw nothing untoward on 'Epstein Island'.

Why has Trump’s commerce secretary suddenly agreed to testify about Jeffrey Epstein? Howard Lutnick will appear before Congress after pressure from lawmakers over photos and emails linked to Epstein.Scroll down to read more.

After subpoena threats, Howard Lutnick agrees to face House Committee over 'Epstein Island' links

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Ambassador Sergio Gor on Thursday and discussed trade and economic partnership between India and the United States. Goyal confirmed the talks on trade expansion in a statement on X. “Hosted US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick &amp; US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor. Engaged in very fruitful discussions to expand our trade and economic partnership,” Goyal wrote on X without divulging much on the meeting, but the mention of ‘trade’ and ‘economic partnership’ gave enough hints that the proposed trade deal was the focal point of talks.The three leaders were all smiles as they posed for a photo.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Hosted US Secretary of Commerce <a href="https://twitter.com/howardlutnick?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HowardLutnick</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/USAmbIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USAmbIndia</a> Sergio Gor. Engaged in very fruitful discussions to expand our trade and economic partnership. 🇮🇳🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/UjfExNj6wi">pic.twitter.com/UjfExNj6wi</a>&mdash; Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/PiyushGoyal/status/2026933594493681742?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/danish-pm-mette-frederiksen-calls-snap-election-amid-popularity-surge-for-resisting-trump-s-bid-to-acquire-greenland-1772120220927">Danish PM Mette Frederiksen calls snap election amid popularity surge for resisting Trump’s bid to acquire Greenland</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;It was not until Goyal tweeted on Thursday that India came to know of Lutnick’s visit.&nbsp;Gor also shared that they had met but did not divulge much. “So many areas of cooperation for our two nations. A highly productive lunch with Howard Lutnick and Piyush Goyal,” he tweeted.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A highly productive lunch with ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/howardlutnick?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@howardlutnick</a>⁩ and ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/PiyushGoyal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PiyushGoyal</a>⁩. So many areas of cooperation for our two nations! <a href="https://t.co/C3CDN3Wopg">pic.twitter.com/C3CDN3Wopg</a>&mdash; Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAmbIndia/status/2026928790115332549?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-economic-forum-chief-borge-brende-quits-over-his-links-with-epstein-1772107692150">World Economic Forum chief Borge Brende quits over his links with Epstein</a>&nbsp;The timing of Lutnick’s visit is crucial. Lutnick had famously claimed in a podcast that the trade deal with India could not materialise last year because Prime Minister Modi refused to directly call Trump.Some months ago, Lutnick had made another bold prediction amid the trade deal logjam. He said India would eventually give in to the tariff pressure, say sorry, and try to make an agreement. However, it was Lutnick who travelled all the way to Delhi.&nbsp;The US embassy in India also shared photos of Lutnick with Goyal.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Welcome to India, Secretary <a href="https://twitter.com/howardlutnick?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HowardLutnick</a>! Your visit celebrates the enduring friendship between our two great democracies. Thanks to your support, the U.S.-India economic relationship has never been stronger. With our new target of $500 billion in bilateral trade, the United… <a href="https://t.co/QP0VsPwQiA">pic.twitter.com/QP0VsPwQiA</a>&mdash; U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAndIndia/status/2027027505396560214?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suicide-bomber-blows-himself-up-near-pakistan-checkpost-4-cops-dead-1772038584936">Suicide bomber blows himself up near Pakistan checkpost; 4 cops dead | Video</a>&nbsp;Earlier this week, Goyal had said that trade talks between the two countries would resume once there was greater clarity, following the US Supreme Court’s invalidation of President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs. Several countries that struck trade deals are now reassessing their positions.&nbsp;Earlier this month, India and the US agreed on an initial framework to reduce US tariffs on Indian exports from 50 per cent to 18 per cent.&nbsp;The US Supreme Court invalidated Trump’s emergency tariffs, creating more negotiation space for India.India postponed a planned delegation trip to Washington that was intended to finalise the interim deal, though it is not reconsidering the agreement itself.Indian officials are cautiously evaluating next steps to protect commercial interests without disrupting bilateral relations.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-orders-blanket-ban-on-ncert-textbook-says-heads-must-roll-1772104695420">Supreme Court orders blanket ban on NCERT textbook, says ‘heads must roll’</a>&nbsp;Trump has rampantly used reciprocal tariffs as leverage in finalising trade deals.After the Supreme Court ruling, an infuriated Trump warned countries against ‘playing games’ and walking back on trade commitments.“Any country that wants to play games with the ridiculous Supreme Court decision, especially those that have ripped off the US for years, and even decades, will be met with a much higher tariff, and worse, than that which they just recently agreed to,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick had famously claimed in a podcast that the trade deal with India could not materialise last year because PM Modi refused to call Trump. He also said earlier that India would eventually give in to the pressure, say sorry, and try to make an agreement.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Ambassador Sergio Gor on Thursday and discussed trade and economic partnership between India and the United States. Goyal confirmed the talks on trade expansion in a statement on X. “Hosted US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick & US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor. Engaged in very fruitful discussions to expand our trade and economic partnership,” Goyal wrote on X without divulging much on the meeting, but the mention of ‘trade’ and ‘economic partnership’ gave enough hints that the proposed trade deal was the focal point of talks. The three leaders were all smiles as they posed for a photo.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick had famously claimed in a podcast that the trade deal with India could not materialise last year because PM Modi refused to call Trump. He also said earlier that India would eventually give in to the pressure, say sorry, and try to make an agreement.

‘Fruitful discussions to expand trade ties’: US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick travels to India, meets Piyush Goyal

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Tuesday (February 10) admitted that he and his family had lunch with Jeffrey Epstein on the private island of the convicted sex offender in 2012. However, he denied having any close connection with Epstein, saying he barely had any relationship with him and met him only three times over 14 years.&nbsp;“I did have lunch with him, as I was on a boat during a family vacation” in 2012, Lutnick said in testimony before the Senate Appropriations Committee.&nbsp;“My wife was with me, as were my four children and their nannies,” he said. “Another couple was also there with their children. And we had lunch on the island, that is true — for about an hour.”&nbsp;Lutnick made the admission after his position in the Trump administration came under threat amid growing bipartisan calls for his resignation, following the release of a new cache of Epstein files that revealed his personal and business connections with the disgraced financier.&nbsp;“Over a 14-year period, I did not have any relationship with him. I barely had anything to do with that person,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-i-will-never-walk-away-starmer-stands-firm-as-epstein-fallout-rocks-uk-government-1770738602217">‘I will never walk away’: Starmer stands firm as Epstein fallout rocks UK government</a>&nbsp;The new revelations contradicted Lutnick’s earlier claims that he had cut off contact with Epstein after 2005, years before the financier was convicted on child sex trafficking charges.&nbsp;In his testimony on Tuesday morning before the Appropriations panel’s subcommittee on commerce, justice, science and related agencies, Lutnick said he met Epstein after moving into a house next door to him in New York.&nbsp;“I’m glad to be here to make it clear that I met Jeffrey Epstein when he moved, when I moved, to a house next door to him in New York,” the Cabinet secretary testified.

Howard Lutnick denied any relationship with the convicted sex offender, saying he met Epstein only three times over 14 years.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Tuesday (February 10) admitted that he and his family had lunch with Jeffrey Epstein on the private island of the convicted sex offender in 2012. However, he denied having any close connection with Epstein, saying he barely had any relationship with him and met him only three times over 14 years. “I did have lunch with him, as I was on a boat during a family vacation” in 2012, Lutnick said in testimony before the Senate Appropriations Committee. “My wife was with me, as were my four children and their nannies,” he said. “Another couple was also there with their children. And we had lunch on the island, that is true — for about an hour.” Lutnick made the admission after his position in the Trump administration came under threat amid growing bipartisan calls for his resignation, following the release of a new cache of Epstein files that revealed his personal and business connections with the disgraced financier. “Over a 14-year period, I did not have any relationship with him. I barely had anything to do with that person,” he said. Also Read: ‘I will never walk away’: Starmer stands firm as Epstein fallout rocks UK government The new revelations contradicted Lutnick’s earlier claims that he had cut off contact with Epstein after 2005, years before the financier was convicted on child sex trafficking charges. In his testimony on Tuesday morning before the Appropriations panel’s subcommittee on commerce, justice, science and related agencies, Lutnick said he met Epstein after moving into a house next door to him in New York. “I’m glad to be here to make it clear that I met Jeffrey Epstein when he moved, when I moved, to a house next door to him in New York,” the Cabinet secretary testified.

Howard Lutnick denied any relationship with the convicted sex offender, saying he met Epstein only three times over 14 years.

Trump’s Commerce Secretary Lutnick admits visiting Epstein’s infamous island during family vacation

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has said that globalisation has proved to be a failed policy as it has failed the West and the United States. Lutnick said that the Trump Administration is very clear that the existing global economic model has left American workers behind. Speaking in Davos, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, Lutnick said the policies followed by the West for decades on exports, offshoring, and finding the cheapest labour worldwide damaged the domestic industries and workers.“We are in Davos at the World Economic Forum, and the Trump administration and myself. We are here to make a very clear point. Globalisation has failed the West and the United States of America. It’s a failed policy,” Lutnick said.&nbsp;<h2>‘Globalisation hollowed out domestic industrial bases’</h2>&nbsp;Globalisation was promoted as a way to make the world a better place, but in reality, it hollowed out domestic industrial bases and weakened national economies. The model prioritised offshoring production and far-shoring supply chains, which left America and its workers behind in the long run, he added.&nbsp;Under its ‘America First’ policy, the Trump administration is advocating a different approach, placing domestic workers and national interests at the centre of economic decision-making, said Lutnick, adding that other countries should also consider adopting this model.&nbsp;“And what we are here to say is that America first is a different model, one that we encourage other countries to consider, which is that our workers come first,” he said.Linking economic policy closely with sovereignty, he said that control over critical industries is fundamental and argued that countries should not offshore essential sectors like medicines and semiconductors.“And if you’re going to be dependent on someone, it darn well better be your best allies."&nbsp;<h2>‘Europe’s carbon neutrality goals mean becoming dependent on China’</h2>&nbsp;He pointed out the West’s policy inconsistency on energy and climate and questioned why major European countries are focusing on developing solar and wind energy to achieve ‘carbon neutrality’ goals when they don’t have the battery manufacturing capabilities.&nbsp;“Committing to carbon neutrality by 2030 is no different from deciding to become dependent on battery-producing China,” he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>‘Lutnick is factually wrong. Why engage in convenient deception’</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;Reacting to Lutnick’s comments, India’s former foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal said no one forced globalisation on the US, and it was, in fact, the main force behind it.&nbsp;“The US itself was the main force behind globalisation. It was made possible by the collapse of the Soviet Union and US unilateralism that followed. Globalisation was a product of the belief in the end of history in US circles. Globalisation became integral to the unchallenged assertion of America’s global hegemony,” he said in a post on X.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The US itself was the main force behind globalisation . It was made possible by the collapse of the Soviet Union and US unilateralism that followed. Globalisation was a product of the belief in the end of history in US circles. Globalisation became integral to the… <a href="https://t.co/b6lHB00pPI">https://t.co/b6lHB00pPI</a>&mdash; Kanwal Sibal (@KanwalSibal) <a href="https://twitter.com/KanwalSibal/status/2013863207962845315?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;“The US let this happen as it preferred to concentrate on maintaining its advance in high technology areas and wield its financial domination,” he said,“Lutnick is factually wrong. Why engage in convenient deception?” he said.&nbsp;The 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum is underway in Davos from January 19 to January 23, 2026, bringing together nearly 3,000 leaders from more than 130 countries.

Under its ‘America First’ policy, the Trump administration is advocating a different approach, placing domestic workers and national interests at the centre of economic decision-making, said Lutnick, adding that other countries should also consider adopting this model.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has said that globalisation has proved to be a failed policy as it has failed the West and the United States. Lutnick said that the Trump Administration is very clear that the existing global economic model has left American workers behind. Speaking in Davos, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, Lutnick said the policies followed by the West for decades on exports, offshoring, and finding the cheapest labour worldwide damaged the domestic industries and workers. “We are in Davos at the World Economic Forum, and the Trump administration and myself. We are here to make a very clear point. Globalisation has failed the West and the United States of America. It’s a failed policy,” Lutnick said. ‘Globalisation hollowed out domestic industrial bases’ Globalisation was promoted as a way to make the world a better place, but in reality, it hollowed out domestic industrial bases and weakened national economies. The model prioritised offshoring production and far-shoring supply chains, which left America and its workers behind in the long run, he added. Under its ‘America First’ policy, the Trump administration is advocating a different approach, placing domestic workers and national interests at the centre of economic decision-making, said Lutnick, adding that other countries should also consider adopting this model. “And what we are here to say is that America first is a different model, one that we encourage other countries to consider, which is that our workers come first,” he said. Linking economic policy closely with sovereignty, he said that control over critical industries is fundamental and argued that countries should not offshore essential sectors like medicines and semiconductors. “And if you’re going to be dependent on someone, it darn well better be your best allies." ‘Europe’s carbon neutrality goals mean becoming dependent on China’ He pointed out the West’s policy inconsistency on energy and climate and questioned why major European countries are focusing on developing solar and wind energy to achieve ‘carbon neutrality’ goals when they don’t have the battery manufacturing capabilities. “Committing to carbon neutrality by 2030 is no different from deciding to become dependent on battery-producing China,” he added. ‘Lutnick is factually wrong. Why engage in convenient deception’ Reacting to Lutnick’s comments, India’s former foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal said no one forced globalisation on the US, and it was, in fact, the main force behind it. “The US itself was the main force behind globalisation. It was made possible by the collapse of the Soviet Union and US unilateralism that followed. Globalisation was a product of the belief in the end of history in US circles. Globalisation became integral to the unchallenged assertion of America’s global hegemony,” he said in a post on X.

Under its ‘America First’ policy, the Trump administration is advocating a different approach, placing domestic workers and national interests at the centre of economic decision-making, said Lutnick, adding that other countries should also consider adopting this model.

‘Globalisation failed the West and US’: says US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick at Davos 2026

US President Donald Trump has asked India to stop purchasing oil from Russia, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said. This comes amid the US Supreme Court hearings that are underway over the legal status of the sweeping tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Lutnick said that the court will rule in favour of the US president’s policies despite scepticism from some justices.&nbsp;“The President is using these tariffs to end the war in Russia and Ukraine. He has told India to stop buying (Russian) oil. If you take these (IEEPA) powers away from the President, he can’t make the world and the United States of America a safer place," Lutnick said on Fox News.&nbsp;“I think the Justices know it, they know the law. It was crystal clear if you sat through the second half of today, the President of the USA, Donald Trump, is going to win this case. These powers protect America,” he added.&nbsp;Lutnick’s remarks come as the US Supreme Court started hearings on the legality of sweeping tariffs imposed by Trump. The US president used the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which is only invoked in case of a national emergency. While the law allows a US president to regulate economic transactions under IEEPA, it does not explicitly mention tariffs.&nbsp;Reuters reported that the Supreme Court justices remained unconvinced after hearing arguements from the Trump administration on Wednesday (Nov 5).&nbsp;“All the court’s justices, barring two, seemed sceptical that IEEPA gives President Trump the power to levy unlimited tariffs on every product imported from every country around the world,” Damon Pike, a principal with BDO USA’s customs and trade services practice, told the news agency.&nbsp;While Trump’s tariff policies have been challenged by businesses and 12 Democrat-led states, the administration defended by saying that they generated about $89 billion in revenue between February and September, adding that they were intended to address national emergencies such as trade imbalances and drug trafficking.&nbsp;The US president imposed 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods, citing New Delhi’s Russian oil purchases. Recently, he claimed that India agreed to cut its crude imports under new US sanctions. However, India has firmly denied the statement, insisting that the country’s energy policy is driven by national interest and economic considerations.

This comes amid the US Supreme Court hearings that are underway over the legal status of the sweeping tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

US President Donald Trump has asked India to stop purchasing oil from Russia, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said. This comes amid the US Supreme Court hearings that are underway over the legal status of the sweeping tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Lutnick said that the court will rule in favour of the US president’s policies despite scepticism from some justices. “The President is using these tariffs to end the war in Russia and Ukraine. He has told India to stop buying (Russian) oil. If you take these (IEEPA) powers away from the President, he can’t make the world and the United States of America a safer place," Lutnick said on Fox News. “I think the Justices know it, they know the law. It was crystal clear if you sat through the second half of today, the President of the USA, Donald Trump, is going to win this case. These powers protect America,” he added. Lutnick’s remarks come as the US Supreme Court started hearings on the legality of sweeping tariffs imposed by Trump. The US president used the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which is only invoked in case of a national emergency. While the law allows a US president to regulate economic transactions under IEEPA, it does not explicitly mention tariffs. Reuters reported that the Supreme Court justices remained unconvinced after hearing arguements from the Trump administration on Wednesday (Nov 5). “All the court’s justices, barring two, seemed sceptical that IEEPA gives President Trump the power to levy unlimited tariffs on every product imported from every country around the world,” Damon Pike, a principal with BDO USA’s customs and trade services practice, told the news agency. While Trump’s tariff policies have been challenged by businesses and 12 Democrat-led states, the administration defended by saying that they generated about $89 billion in revenue between February and September, adding that they were intended to address national emergencies such as trade imbalances and drug trafficking. The US president imposed 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods, citing New Delhi’s Russian oil purchases. Recently, he claimed that India agreed to cut its crude imports under new US sanctions. However, India has firmly denied the statement, insisting that the country’s energy policy is driven by national interest and economic considerations.

This comes amid the US Supreme Court hearings that are underway over the legal status of the sweeping tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

‘To end Russia-Ukraine war...’: Lutnick defends Trump's sweeping tariffs amid legal logjam, mentions India’s Russian oil purchase

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has said there will be big changes in the H-1B visa process before the revised fee of $100,000 comes into effect from February 2026. He also dubbed the current visa process as “just wrong” as it enables low-cost tech consultants to enter the US and bring their families instead of bringing highly skilled professionals like doctors and educators. “This procedure and process goes into effect in February of 2026, so my guess is going to be, there are going to be a significant number of changes between now and 2026,” Lutnick told NewsNation. Donald Trump recently imposed a steep fee of $100,000 on fresh H-1B visa petitions. The White House later clarified that the existing visa-holders do not fall under the new system and can move in and out of the US without any fee.&nbsp;Lutnick stood behind Trump in the Oval Office when he signed the H-1B proclamation and had said that USD 100,000 will be an annual fee for all H1B visas, including renewals and first-time applicants.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-once-again-claims-ending-military-conflict-between-india-and-pakistan-among-other-wars-1759245521816">Trump once again claims ending military conflict between India and Pakistan, other wars</a><h2>‘Doing a lottery for skilled workers coming into America is bizarre’</h2>&nbsp;Lutnick said that while there are questions about how the lottery system will operate for the H-1B visas, all of it will be resolved by February 2026. He maintained that the one-time fee of USD 100,000 will be there to get in “as of now”.“There was a lottery. The H1B is a lottery,” Lutnick said. He claimed that heads of two biggest tech companies in the world said to him that “doing a lottery for skilled workers coming into America is bizarre.”“That just doesn’t make any sense,” he said on the lottery system to bring in skilled workers and added that the H-1B process that was set up in 1990 has been “sort of butchered along the way”, and that there is consensus for changing the system. “H1B visas are for tech consultants? Like, somehow, that’s like important that tech consultants are onshore versus offshore. They’re all in other countries anyway,” he said.&nbsp;Lutnick said the US should only give “highly-skilled jobs” to the “most highly-skilled people”. He added that doctors and educators with high degrees should be able to come in, but if companies want to hire engineers, they should employ only the highly paid ones.“The idea of having tech consultants and trainees who are inexpensive should be eliminated. I have a strong opinion that way. I think the President’s right with me on those same topics... I am completely of the view that this idea that inexpensive tech consultants should be coming into this country and bringing their families, I find it just wrong, and so it sits wrong with me,” Lutnick said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-powerful-quakes-hit-philippines-within-minutes-people-dash-out-of-homes-1759256914867">Three powerful quakes hit Philippines within minutes, people dash out of homes</a><h2>Project Firewall to ensure employers prefer qualified Americans</h2>&nbsp;The US Department of Labour has announced the launch of ‘Project Firewall’ to ensure that employers prioritise qualified Americans when hiring workers and will hold employers accountable if they abuse the H1B visa process.“Launching Project Firewall will help us ensure no employers are abusing H1B visas at the expense of our workforce,” US Secretary of Labour Lori Chavez-DeRemer said. “By rooting out fraud and abuse, the Department of Labour and our federal partners will ensure that highly skilled jobs go to Americans first.”

Lutnick said the US should only give “highly-skilled jobs” to the “most highly-skilled people”. He added that doctors and educators with high degrees should be able to come in, but if companies want to hire engineers, they should employ only the highly paid ones.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has said there will be big changes in the H-1B visa process before the revised fee of $100,000 comes into effect from February 2026. He also dubbed the current visa process as “just wrong” as it enables low-cost tech consultants to enter the US and bring their families instead of bringing highly skilled professionals like doctors and educators. “This procedure and process goes into effect in February of 2026, so my guess is going to be, there are going to be a significant number of changes between now and 2026,” Lutnick told NewsNation. Donald Trump recently imposed a steep fee of $100,000 on fresh H-1B visa petitions. The White House later clarified that the existing visa-holders do not fall under the new system and can move in and out of the US without any fee. Lutnick stood behind Trump in the Oval Office when he signed the H-1B proclamation and had said that USD 100,000 will be an annual fee for all H1B visas, including renewals and first-time applicants. Also Read: Trump once again claims ending military conflict between India and Pakistan, other wars ‘Doing a lottery for skilled workers coming into America is bizarre’ Lutnick said that while there are questions about how the lottery system will operate for the H-1B visas, all of it will be resolved by February 2026. He maintained that the one-time fee of USD 100,000 will be there to get in “as of now”. “There was a lottery. The H1B is a lottery,” Lutnick said. He claimed that heads of two biggest tech companies in the world said to him that “doing a lottery for skilled workers coming into America is bizarre.” “That just doesn’t make any sense,” he said on the lottery system to bring in skilled workers and added that the H-1B process that was set up in 1990 has been “sort of butchered along the way”, and that there is consensus for changing the system. “H1B visas are for tech consultants? Like, somehow, that’s like important that tech consultants are onshore versus offshore. They’re all in other countries anyway,” he said. Lutnick said the US should only give “highly-skilled jobs” to the “most highly-skilled people”. He added that doctors and educators with high degrees should be able to come in, but if companies want to hire engineers, they should employ only the highly paid ones. “The idea of having tech consultants and trainees who are inexpensive should be eliminated. I have a strong opinion that way. I think the President’s right with me on those same topics... I am completely of the view that this idea that inexpensive tech consultants should be coming into this country and bringing their families, I find it just wrong, and so it sits wrong with me,” Lutnick said. Also Read: Three powerful quakes hit Philippines within minutes, people dash out of homes Project Firewall to ensure employers prefer qualified Americans The US Department of Labour has announced the launch of ‘Project Firewall’ to ensure that employers prioritise qualified Americans when hiring workers and will hold employers accountable if they abuse the H1B visa process. “Launching Project Firewall will help us ensure no employers are abusing H1B visas at the expense of our workforce,” US Secretary of Labour Lori Chavez-DeRemer said. “By rooting out fraud and abuse, the Department of Labour and our federal partners will ensure that highly skilled jobs go to Americans first.”

Lutnick said the US should only give “highly-skilled jobs” to the “most highly-skilled people”. He added that doctors and educators with high degrees should be able to come in, but if companies want to hire engineers, they should employ only the highly paid ones.

Trump aide Lutnick says H-1B visa process ‘just wrong’, vows major overhaul before 2026

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said that the United States will have to “fix” a bunch of countries, including India, saying that they need to “react correctly” to the US by opening their markets and stop making decisions that harm America. This comes amid the trade tension between India and the US after President Donald Trump imposed 50 per cent tariffs on New Delhi, citing India’s unfair trade policies and Russian oil purchases.“We have a bunch of countries to fix, like Switzerland, Brazil, and India. These are countries that need to really react correctly to America,” Lutnick said during an interview with NewsNation. “They need to open their markets and stop taking actions that harm America.”“These countries (India, Brazil) 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,” Lutnick said.Days earlier, the Trump aide said India’s defiance in trade negotiations was largely symbolic, adding that New Delhi would return to the table “in a month or two.” He also said that Indian business would push Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government to finalise a deal with the US.“So I think what happens is it’s all bravado, because you think it feels good to fight with the biggest client in the world, but eventually your businesses are going to say you’ve got to stop this and go make a deal with America,” Lutnick told Bloomberg.The US commerce secretary has also criticised India’s purchases of Russian crude oil since the Ukraine invasion, saying that India needs to decide “which side it wants to be on”.Lutnick also said, “We are the consumer of the world. People have to remember, it’s our $30 trillion economy that is the consumer of the world. So eventually they all have to come back to the customer, because we all know eventually the customer is always right.”Meanwhile, talks are ongoing between Indian and US officials to discuss a Bilateral Trade Agreement.

The US commerce secretary has also criticised India’s purchases of Russian crude oil since the Ukraine invasion, saying that India needs to decide “which side it wants to be on”.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said that the United States will have to “fix” a bunch of countries, including India, saying that they need to “react correctly” to the US by opening their markets and stop making decisions that harm America. This comes amid the trade tension between India and the US after President Donald Trump imposed 50 per cent tariffs on New Delhi, citing India’s unfair trade policies and Russian oil purchases. “We have a bunch of countries to fix, like Switzerland, Brazil, and India. These are countries that need to really react correctly to America,” Lutnick said during an interview with NewsNation. “They need to open their markets and stop taking actions that harm America.” “These countries (India, Brazil) 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,” Lutnick said. Days earlier, the Trump aide said India’s defiance in trade negotiations was largely symbolic, adding that New Delhi would return to the table “in a month or two.” He also said that Indian business would push Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government to finalise a deal with the US. “So I think what happens is it’s all bravado, because you think it feels good to fight with the biggest client in the world, but eventually your businesses are going to say you’ve got to stop this and go make a deal with America,” Lutnick told Bloomberg. The US commerce secretary has also criticised India’s purchases of Russian crude oil since the Ukraine invasion, saying that India needs to decide “which side it wants to be on”. Lutnick also said, “We are the consumer of the world. People have to remember, it’s our $30 trillion economy that is the consumer of the world. So eventually they all have to come back to the customer, because we all know eventually the customer is always right.” Meanwhile, talks are ongoing between Indian and US officials to discuss a Bilateral Trade Agreement.

The US commerce secretary has also criticised India’s purchases of Russian crude oil since the Ukraine invasion, saying that India needs to decide “which side it wants to be on”.

India a country US needs to fix: Lutnick criticises New Delhi amid Trump’s tariff tensions

Former Indian envoy to France, Jawed Ashraf, on Saturday (September 6) dismissed suggestions that New Delhi must choose between rival global blocs, insisting India’s foreign policy must be anchored in its own principles and interests rather than external pressure. His remarks came a day after US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick warned India to align with Washington or face steep trade barriers if it continued engaging closely with Russia and China. Lutnick bluntly said in a Bloomberg interview: “Either support the dollar, support the United States and its consumers, or be ready for a 50% tariff.”&nbsp;Rejecting this binary framing, Ashraf emphasised that India was no longer a country that needed to “lean on camps” for survival. “We are capable of pursuing independent ties with all powers, even if they differ among themselves. Each relationship will stand on its own merit,” ANI quoted him as saying.&nbsp;He stressed that India never compromises one partnership to favor another: “We do not act against one country on behalf of another.” Ashraf’s intervention followed recent comments from US President Donald Trump, who suggested America had “lost India to China” — remarks he later softened by clarifying his frustration stemmed from India’s continued imports of Russian crude. Trump added that Washington had already imposed 25% tariffs on Indian goods, with another 25% penalty tied to oil imports from Moscow.&nbsp;Despite these tensions, Ashraf noted a “lowering of the temperature” in ongoing dialogue, signaling that space still exists to stabilise relations. Drawing from history, he reminded that India has consistently rejected third-party mediation, particularly on issues with Pakistan. He also recalled earlier pressure from Washington over the S-400 missile deal with Russia, when India stood firm despite threats of sanctions. On China, Ashraf underlined that India’s challenge is far more layered: “It is our foremost geopolitical, security, and economic rival, with complications at the bilateral, regional, and global levels.”

'India strong enough to stand lone, doesn’t need crutches', says former envoy as Trump talks tariffs

Former Indian envoy to France, Jawed Ashraf, on Saturday (September 6) dismissed suggestions that New Delhi must choose between rival global blocs, insisting India’s foreign policy must be anchored in its own principles and interests rather than external pressure. His remarks came a day after US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick warned India to align with Washington or face steep trade barriers if it continued engaging closely with Russia and China. Lutnick bluntly said in a Bloomberg interview: “Either support the dollar, support the United States and its consumers, or be ready for a 50% tariff.” Rejecting this binary framing, Ashraf emphasised that India was no longer a country that needed to “lean on camps” for survival. “We are capable of pursuing independent ties with all powers, even if they differ among themselves. Each relationship will stand on its own merit,” ANI quoted him as saying. He stressed that India never compromises one partnership to favor another: “We do not act against one country on behalf of another.” Ashraf’s intervention followed recent comments from US President Donald Trump, who suggested America had “lost India to China” — remarks he later softened by clarifying his frustration stemmed from India’s continued imports of Russian crude. Trump added that Washington had already imposed 25% tariffs on Indian goods, with another 25% penalty tied to oil imports from Moscow. Despite these tensions, Ashraf noted a “lowering of the temperature” in ongoing dialogue, signaling that space still exists to stabilise relations. Drawing from history, he reminded that India has consistently rejected third-party mediation, particularly on issues with Pakistan. He also recalled earlier pressure from Washington over the S-400 missile deal with Russia, when India stood firm despite threats of sanctions. On China, Ashraf underlined that India’s challenge is far more layered: “It is our foremost geopolitical, security, and economic rival, with complications at the bilateral, regional, and global levels.”

Ex-envoy Jawed Ashraf says India will pursue ties on its own terms, rejecting US calls to pick sides between Washington, Russia, and China

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Friday (September 5) suggested that India will soon begin trade negotiations with US President Donald Trump, even as Washington warns New Delhi against moving too close to Russia and China within the BRICS bloc. Speaking to Bloomberg, Lutnick said discussions could take place “within a month or two,” predicting that India would eventually seek to reach a compromise with the White House. “It will then be up to President Trump to decide how he wishes to engage with Prime Minister Modi,” he remarked.&nbsp;Lutnick’s remarks followed a sharply worded post by Trump on Truth Social, where the Republican leader claimed, “Looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China,” alongside an old photograph of Modi with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Lutnick pressed India to choose between Washington and the BRICS alignment, describing the country as the “vowel” connecting Russia and China in the grouping. He warned that aligning against the US could trigger punitive tariffs of up to 50%.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-people-can-get-younger-even-immortal-hot-mic-catches-putin-and-xi-discussing-organ-transplant-to-stay-young-1757091453467">‘People can get younger, even immortal’: Hot mic catches Putin and Xi discussing organ transplant to stay young</a>&nbsp;“Either you stand with the dollar and with America—your biggest customer—or you face the consequences. Let’s see how long businesses can sustain that,” Lutnick said. He stressed that the US remains the primary market for global exports, noting its $30 trillion economy. “At the end of the day, everyone comes back to the consumer. And the customer is always right,” he said.&nbsp;On India’s energy purchases, Lutnick echoed Trump’s criticism of New Delhi’s increased reliance on Russian crude. “Before the conflict, India sourced less than two percent of its oil from Russia; now it’s closer to 40%,” he pointed out.Despite US pressure, India has maintained that its decisions are guided by energy security and affordability, particularly as Russian supplies became available at steep discounts after Western sanctions on Moscow in 2022.&nbsp;Lutnick, however, expressed confidence that business lobbies in India would eventually push for a settlement. “It may feel good politically to spar with your largest client, but in the end, economics will bring India back to the table,” he said, citing similar views shared by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

'India is going to be at the table soon, and they're going to say...', says US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Friday (September 5) suggested that India will soon begin trade negotiations with US President Donald Trump, even as Washington warns New Delhi against moving too close to Russia and China within the BRICS bloc. Speaking to Bloomberg, Lutnick said discussions could take place “within a month or two,” predicting that India would eventually seek to reach a compromise with the White House. “It will then be up to President Trump to decide how he wishes to engage with Prime Minister Modi,” he remarked. Lutnick’s remarks followed a sharply worded post by Trump on Truth Social, where the Republican leader claimed, “Looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China,” alongside an old photograph of Modi with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Lutnick pressed India to choose between Washington and the BRICS alignment, describing the country as the “vowel” connecting Russia and China in the grouping. He warned that aligning against the US could trigger punitive tariffs of up to 50%. Also Read: ‘People can get younger, even immortal’: Hot mic catches Putin and Xi discussing organ transplant to stay young “Either you stand with the dollar and with America—your biggest customer—or you face the consequences. Let’s see how long businesses can sustain that,” Lutnick said. He stressed that the US remains the primary market for global exports, noting its $30 trillion economy. “At the end of the day, everyone comes back to the consumer. And the customer is always right,” he said. On India’s energy purchases, Lutnick echoed Trump’s criticism of New Delhi’s increased reliance on Russian crude. “Before the conflict, India sourced less than two percent of its oil from Russia; now it’s closer to 40%,” he pointed out. Despite US pressure, India has maintained that its decisions are guided by energy security and affordability, particularly as Russian supplies became available at steep discounts after Western sanctions on Moscow in 2022. Lutnick, however, expressed confidence that business lobbies in India would eventually push for a settlement. “It may feel good politically to spar with your largest client, but in the end, economics will bring India back to the table,” he said, citing similar views shared by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

US commerce secretary Lutnick warns India over BRICS tilt, predicts talks with Trump soon, cites tariffs threat and Russian oil reliance

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