US President Donald Trump, speaking at a Washington, D.C. news conference on February 20, 2026, criticized India’s past trade practices, claiming the U.S. had been treated unfairly. Trump said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was “much smarter” than previous American leaders in securing advantageous trade terms for India. He pointed to a reversed trade arrangement under which India will pay tariffs to the United States, arguing the move restores fairness and better protects American workers and businesses.