Howard Lutnick: Controversial Remarks on India Ignite Debate
Howard Lutnick Sparks Backlash After Saying US Needs to “Fix” Countries Like India and Brazil
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has triggered a diplomatic storm after declaring that countries such as India, Brazil, and Switzerland need to be “fixed” if they wish to secure favorable trade deals with America. The blunt remarks, delivered during an interview on the right-leaning News Nation network, were quickly branded by critics as mafia-style rhetoric, while allies defended his tone as plainspoken New York bravado.
“We have a bunch of countries to fix… like Switzerland, Brazil, India. These are countries that need to react correctly to America. Open the market. Stop taking actions that harm America. That’s why we are offsides with them,” US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said, justifying recent tariffs in the range of 40 to 50 percent against the three nations.
Howard Lutnick: A Trade Doctrine with Teeth
Explaining President Donald Trump’s trade approach, Lutnick warned that foreign governments must “play ball” with Washington if they want access to the American consumer market. He added that those who reach agreements early secure the best terms, citing Switzerland’s $40 billion trade surplus with the US—largely fueled by luxury watch exports—as an example of a partner that is now scrambling to negotiate a deal.
India and Brazil, he added, would eventually be “sorted out” if they did not recalibrate their trade policies.
Critics Call Him a “Consigliere”
The remarks immediately drew sharp criticism online. Analysts and legal experts compared Lutnick’s language to that of a mafia consigliere rather than a diplomat.
“Lutnick the American Mercenary still talks like viceroy of American Empire not realizing that India & Brazil are sovereign nations,” Navroop Singh, an intellectual property rights attorney, posted on X.
Even American commentators were unsettled, with some describing the statements as “embarrassing” and “undermining America’s global image.”
Howard Lutnick: India Responds with Caution
Despite the noise, India’s official response remained measured. Negotiators conveyed that while New Delhi is willing to expand purchases of US energy resources if commercially viable, it will not allow itself to be “bullied” into trade concessions. Officials emphasized that India’s choices will always prioritize national interest, regardless of pressure from Washington.
The H-1B Fee Clarification
Beyond trade tariffs, Lutnick also addressed concerns about the proposed $100,000 H-1B visa fee. After earlier remarks sparked alarm among Indian IT companies, the Commerce Secretary clarified that the hefty charge would be a one-time fee, not an annual levy, and would take effect from February 2026 after further fine-tuning.
A New Yorker’s Blunt Style
Supporters of Lutnick argued that his words reflect his “blustery New Yorker style” rather than hostility. A former CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald and a long-time Trump associate, he is known for his directness. In fact, he has often professed admiration for India, recalling cricket games in Mumbai with billionaire friend Nikesh Arora of Palo Alto Networks.
Still, many observers believe his combative phrasing risks alienating allies at a delicate time for global trade. Whether US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is seen as a straight-talking negotiator or an “attack dog,” his words have already made clear that Washington intends to drive hard bargains in the months ahead.
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