India US Trade Deal | First Russian Oil, Now American Corn: How US Is Using Tariffs Against India Even before trade negotiations between India and the United States resumed, Washington continued its arm-twisting tactics, with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick warning that New Delhi could lose its access to the American market if it refuses to purchase US-grown corn. Speaking to Axios in an interview, Lutnick threatened that New Delhi could face a "tough time" if it doesn't bring down its tariffs, even as President Donald Trump himself is dialling down the heat on India.