☰
US President Donald Trump called PM Modi a "great friend" while discussing India-US tariff talks. India is reducing tariffs on US imports, aiming to avoid Trump's reciprocal duties. A potential trade deal is in the works.
US President Donald Trump has once again praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a "great friend" and a "very smart man," while addressing ongoing India-US tariff discussions. His comments came during a media interaction at the swearing-in ceremony of the US Attorney for New Jersey.
| Washington, US: On India-US tariff talks, US President Donald Trump says, "Prime Minister Modi was here just recently, and we've always been very good friends. India is one of the highest tariffing nations in the world... They're very smart. He (PM Modi) is a very smart… pic.twitter.com/7O4adE7F9f
— ANI (@ANI)Also read: India not a tariff abuser, Modi govt will handle trade tensions: Ex-US official
"Prime Minister Modi was here just recently, and we've always been very good friends. India is one of the highest tariffing nations in the world... They're very smart. He (PM Modi) is a very smart man and a great friend of mine. We had very good talks. I think it's going to work out very well between India and our country," Trump said.
Trump has long been vocal about what he perceives as high tariffs imposed by India on American goods, especially automobiles. This week, his administration announced a 25% tariff on all imported vehicles, set to take effect from April 2. This policy aims to boost local manufacturing but is expected to affect nearly half of all vehicles sold in the US, including those made by American automakers overseas.
In response, Trump reiterated his "reciprocal tax" approach, stating, "We will soon apply reciprocal tariffs – they charge us, and we charge them. Whatever a country, like India or China, imposes, we want to be fair." He had previously criticized India for levying over 100% tariffs on automobile imports.
To avoid potential retaliatory tariffs, India is reportedly working on reducing duties on over 50% of American imports worth $23 billion. According to sources, the Indian government is considering tariff cuts on bourbon whiskey, almonds, walnuts, cranberries, pistachios, and lentils. Last month, India lowered bourbon whiskey tariffs from 150% to 100%.
These discussions, led by US Trade Representative Brendan Lynch and Indian officials in New Delhi, signal progress towards a broader trade deal. While no formal agreement has been reached yet, Trump's latest remarks suggest a more balanced tariff structure could be on the horizon.
"I think it’s going to work out very well between India and our country," Trump said, hinting at a possible trade breakthrough in the near future.
Trump’s latest remarks indicate that a more balanced tariff structure could be in the works.
subscribe to Asianet Newsable WhatsApp channel by clicking here.