Amid the announcement of reciprocal tariffs and criticism of India for charging some of the highest trade tariffs in the world, US President Donald Trump praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s negotiating skills.
“Traditionally, India is right at the top of the pack pretty much. There are a couple of smaller countries that are actually more but India charges tremendous tariffs. I remember when Harley-Davidson couldn’t sell their motorbikes in India because of the fact that in India – the tax was so high, the tariff was so high,” Trump said after a meeting with PM Modi at the White House.
During a joint press briefing, the US President was asked who was the better negotiator when it comes to tariffs, him or Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he responded by praising PM Modi.
Trump acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s negotiation skills, stating, “He is a much tougher negotiator than me, and he is a much better negotiator than me. There’s not even a contest.”
On Thursday, Trump signed an order implementing broad reciprocal tariffs, ensuring that US import duties match those imposed by its trading partners on American goods. He argued that this measure would establish a “level playing field.”
The announcement came just hours before Trump’s scheduled meeting with PM Modi. “Don’t expect any exemptions or waivers,” and further claiming that “India imposes more tariffs than any other country,” Trump said.
Addressing reporters at the White House, Trump defended his reciprocal tariff policy, suggesting that other nations could avoid US trade penalties by lowering or eliminating their own tariffs.
During their meeting, Prime Minister Modi and President Trump engaged in bilateral talks, focusing on key issues such as trade, defence, and immigration. Notable outcomes from the discussions, which took place within Trump’s first month in office, included the extradition of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Rana to India and progress on the F-35 jet deal.
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