In a stunning remark, former US President Donald Trump said today that India is planning to “drop its tariffs very substantially” for US imports, just ahead of his contentious reciprocal tariffs becoming effective.
Addressing the White House on Monday, Trump suggested a possible progress in US-India trade ties, saying, “I heard they (India) are going to be dropping their tariffs very substantially.” He refused to provide any official sources or evidence to back up his statement. Indian government is yet to confirm any such a move.
Trump’s comments come leading to April 2, declared “Liberation Day” by the earlier US chief executive, that the United States will enforce matching tariffs on respective countries with great emphasis earnings for household items coming from the United States. The decision has been met with world wide worries, with many anticipating a trade war. 
India has been seeking to lower tensions by removing duties on Harley Davidson motorbikes, bourbon whiskey and other selected farm products. Reports are also indicating that India’s the, offer however to cut tariffs on more than 50 percent Indian goods valued at $23 billion being imported from US but only if spared from Trump’s retaliatory measures.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt slammed India’s past tariffs policies pointing out 100pc duties on US farm products. But recent India budget cuts on solar cells, machinery and digital ad taxes betrays willingness to talk.
As time runs out, the whole world is watching to see whether India will make a big concession – or whether Trump’s boastful statement is nothing more than a negotiating ploy.
