Trump Critiques India’s High Tariffs Amid Strong Relationship

President Trump acknowledged his strong relationship with India but criticized its high tariffs, reiterating plans to impose reciprocal tariffs starting April 2. He discussed the IMEC and underlined the need for fair trade practices, while ongoing negotiations for a Bilateral Trade Agreement aim to enhance U.S.-India trade relations.

President Donald Trump expressed having a “very good relationship” with India; however, he identified high tariffs as his principal concern. He reiterated his intention to implement reciprocal tariffs against India starting April 2. Trump’s comments were made in an interview with Breitbart News, where he discussed the dynamics of US-India relations.

During the interview, Trump reflected on his recent summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing, “the only problem I have with India is they’re one of the highest tariffing nations in the world.” He suggested that he believes India will likely lower their tariffs significantly. Furthermore, he asserted that on April 2, the US would impose tariffs equivalent to those charged by India.

Trump also mentioned the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), describing it as a coalition of “wonderful nations” united against countries that undercut trade with the United States. He emphasized that, although some countries unfriendly to the US may treat it better than its allies, the IMEC represents a strong trading partnership to counterbalance unfriendly trade practices.

The President has consistently criticized India’s high tariff rates, labeling it a “tariff king” and a “big abuser.” During a press conference with Modi, he noted that India’s high tariffs create significant barriers for U.S. goods entering the Indian market. Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal recently informed a Parliamentary panel that trade negotiations between India and the United States are ongoing without yet reaching an agreement.

India has expressed a desire to strengthen trade ties with the U.S. by potentially reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers within a bilateral trade framework. During Modi’s recent U.S. visit, both nations affirmed plans to work towards a multi-sectoral Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).

In conclusion, President Trump’s comments highlight the ongoing tensions regarding tariff rates between the United States and India. Despite a strong relationship, high tariffs imposed by India remain a significant issue. Both nations are engaged in negotiations to establish a mutually beneficial trade agreement, emphasizing the importance of addressing these tariff barriers to enhance trade relations moving forward.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com