Trump Says U.S., India Moving Toward Trade Deal
Washington — President Donald Trump said the United States and India are moving toward a trade agreement, describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “good friend” and expressing confidence that the two countries will reach a deal.
Speaking at the White House during an event focused on coal and energy policy, Trump said trade negotiations with India were progressing despite his long-standing criticism of the country’s tariff structure.
Asked about reports that a trade agreement was close after Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent visit to India, Trump said: “Well, we have it.”
“We’ll get to a deal because I like — you know, I like your prime minister a lot. He’s a good friend of mine, get along great and we’re going to make a deal. We get we have a very good relationship,” Trump said.
Trump also repeated his criticism that India has maintained high tariffs on American products.
“India, for years, really took advantage of the United States,” he said. “They charged us tremendous tariffs, and they paid nothing.”
Trump pointed to Harley-Davidson motorcycles as an example, saying high import duties had limited access for American manufacturers.
“As an example, in the past, they wouldn’t let Harley Davidson sell its motor — they would charge a 200 per cent tariff,” Trump said. “So Harley Davidson was precluded. They ended up going to India and building their own plants.”
Trump contrasted what he described as past trade arrangements with his administration’s current approach.
“They charged tremendous amounts of tariffs to our –, and we didn’t charge them anything,” he said. “And now it’s the exact reverse, and we’re making a lot of money with India.”
The remarks come as expectations grow in Washington and New Delhi that negotiators are narrowing differences on a bilateral trade package aimed at expanding market access and reducing tariff disputes.
Trade has become a major part of the broader U.S.-India strategic partnership. Both governments have emphasized strengthening economic ties alongside cooperation in defense, technology, energy and critical supply chains.
Trump’s comments also underscored the personal rapport he has often highlighted with Modi. During Trump’s first term, the two leaders appeared together at high-profile public events, including the “Howdy Modi” gathering in Houston and the “Namaste Trump” event in Ahmedabad. (Source: IANS)
