India continues to face sharp words and threats from Washington. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick predicted that New Delhi will “say sorry” within two months and return to the table for a trade deal—or else pay 50% tariffs. Adding fuel, Trump adviser Peter Navarro accused India of acting as a “laundromat” for Russian oil, even making casteist remarks about “Brahmins profiteering.” The Ministry of External Affairs dismissed the comments as “inaccurate and misleading,” asserting India’s sovereign choices. As the US issues ultimatums, the question remains: will India bend under pressure or chart its own independent path?