US President Donald Trump has claimed that India is willing to slash tariffs on American goods down to zero, a surprising move that could reshape bilateral trade dynamics. However, Indian officials have downplayed any notion of a finalised agreement, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar asserting that negotiations are still underway and far from complete.
India denies final trade deal amid Donald Trump’s claim
Donald Trump suggested India had agreed to cut 100% of its tariffs on US goods. Calling India “a top example” of countries with high trade barriers, he said, “They make it almost impossible to do business. Do you know they’re willing to cut 100% of their tariffs for the United States?”
Despite these bold remarks, Donald Trump also appeared ambivalent about the timeline, stating, “That’ll come soon. I’m in no rush. Look, everybody wants to make a deal with us.” He further clarified that the US isn’t seeking to make deals with every nation and will be selective in its engagements.
India, meanwhile, pushed back on the narrative. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar responded to media queries by emphasizing the complexity of the ongoing discussions. “These are complicated negotiations. Nothing is decided till everything is. Any trade deal has to be mutually beneficial; it has to work for both countries,” he noted.
US eyes broader global trade reset
Donald Trump’s remarks come at a time when his administration is aiming to reshape global trade policies. Speaking on Friday, he hinted that new import duty rates for several trading partners could be introduced within the next two to three weeks. His administration recently made headway with China, reducing US tariffs from 145% to 30%, while China brought theirs down from 125% to 10%.
Donald Trump also used the occasion to dangle the possibility of expanded trade with Pakistan, India’s regional rival, citing it as part of a broader peace strategy amid escalating tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack. “I’m using trade to settle scores and make peace,” he said.
As speculation swirls, any concrete deal between India and the US still appears distant. Donald Trump’s statements may signal intent, but India’s insistence on a fair and reciprocal agreement ensures that negotiations will continue with caution and scrutiny.
The broader reshaping of trade dynamics also has implications for nations using key international gateways. Any shift in trade volumes could affect transport corridors involving New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, and Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, all crucial in India’s trade logistics ecosystem.
