US President Donald Trump on Friday expressed optimism concerning the ongoing commerce discussions between the USA and India, whereas additionally praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s management. Chatting with reporters on the swearing-in ceremony of US Legal professional for New Jersey Alina Habba, Trump described PM Modi as a “very sensible man” and a “nice good friend.”
“Prime Minister Modi was right here only in the near past, and we have at all times been excellent buddies,” Trump mentioned. “India is without doubt one of the highest tariffing nations on this planet… They’re very sensible. He (PM Modi) is a really sensible man and an amazing good friend of mine. We had excellent talks. I believe it is going to work out very nicely between India and our nation. And I wish to say you will have an amazing prime minister.”
His remarks adopted PM Modi’s go to to the US in February, throughout which each leaders introduced plans to barter the primary section of a Bilateral Commerce Settlement (BTA) by fall 2025 to reinforce financial cooperation.
PM Modi recollects bond with Trump
Earlier this week, PM Modi mirrored on his relationship with Trump, citing the Howdy Modi occasion throughout Trump’s first time period as a defining second.
“I used to be touched by his braveness and his belief in me,” PM Modi mentioned, recalling how Trump ignored safety protocol to take a lap of the stadium with him. He additionally recommended Trump for his resilience after surviving an assassination try throughout his marketing campaign.
US to impose 25% tariff on imported automobiles
In a serious coverage shift, Trump introduced a 25% tariff on all imported automobiles set to take impact on April 2. The choice, geared toward boosting home manufacturing, will influence practically half of all automobiles bought within the US, together with American manufacturers assembled abroad.
“That is very thrilling for home manufacturing,” Trump mentioned. “We want extra carmakers producing inside our nation, not simply promoting right here.”
Trump requires “reciprocal tariffs” on India
Trump has beforehand criticised India’s commerce insurance policies, calling it one of the crucial protectionist economies.
“We’ll quickly impose reciprocal tariffs—they cost us, we cost them,” Trump mentioned in February, referring to international locations like India and China. “No matter an organization or a rustic, corresponding to India or China, fees, we wish to be truthful; therefore, reciprocal.”
He particularly pointed to India’s excessive car tariffs, stating, “India fees us auto tariffs greater than 100%.”
Throughout a joint session of Congress, Trump declared that the US has been taken benefit of for many years by practically each nation, together with the European Union, China, Brazil, and Mexico, and vowed to finish the pattern.
“We received’t let that occur any longer,” he asserted.
Tensions rise as April 2 deadline nears
With Trump’s tariffs set to take impact quickly, the Bilateral Commerce Settlement stays a possible avenue for resolving disputes.
