New York: US President Donald Trump expressed his belief that India will significantly reduce tariffs on American goods, while simultaneously reaffirming his intention to impose reciprocal tariffs on India starting April 2.
As per agency report, Trump discussed US-India trade relations in an interview with American news website Breitbart News. When asked about his recent discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he stated that he has "very good relations" with India but highlighted concerns over high tariffs imposed by the country. He described India as one of the highest tariff-imposing nations in the world and stated that he expects India to reduce them substantially. However, he also warned that from April 2, the US would impose the same tariffs on India that it levies on American products.
When questioned about the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), Trump did not specifically mention China but described the initiative as a coalition of "wonderful nations coming together to counter countries that have been damaging us in trade." He noted that this corridor, which was signed during Modi’s visit to the US, reflects the strength of America's trade partnerships.
Earlier this month, Trump had claimed that India had agreed to "significant tariff reductions," reiterating his long-standing assertion that India imposes high tariffs, making it difficult for American products to compete in its market. However, Indian Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal clarified on March 10 before a parliamentary committee in New Delhi that discussions were still ongoing and no formal agreement on trade tariffs had been reached between the two countries.
