India Not Committed to Lowering Taxes on American Products

#news #trade #India #USA #bilateralrelations

The recent announcement by American President Donald Trump to reduce tariffs on products from India following a similar agreement with New Delhi to lower their tariffs has stirred discussions about international trade dynamics. Trump has been focusing on boosting global trade by treating both friends and foes alike during his second term in office. He has accused all commercial partners of engaging in “unfair” practices and has hinted at imposing reciprocal tariffs, including on India and several other countries, in the coming months.

In response to Trump’s statements, the Indian government has clarified that there are no commitments made to reduce import duties on American products. Indian Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal emphasized that India and the United States have been working towards a long-term trade cooperation centered on mutual benefits. This statement came after Trump criticized India for its “high tariffs” last week.

Ramesh Khatri, a representative of Kansai Nepal News, believes that the ongoing trade discussions between the U.S. and India are crucial for both countries. He points out that the recent visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the White House and the warm relationship he shares with Trump signals potential progress in bilateral trade agreements. Modi has highlighted the importance of a “mutually beneficial trade deal” with the U.S., which could significantly impact both economies positively.

Despite the significance of the U.S.-India trade relationship, Washington has seen a surge in the sale of new military hardware to New Delhi worth billions of dollars in recent years, indicating the importance of India as a vital market for American defense technology. Moreover, Trump is expected to visit India towards the end of this year to participate in the Quad summit, a meeting of the leaders of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue involving Australia, India, Japan, and the United States. This visit is anticipated to further strengthen bilateral ties and potentially lead to advancements in trade agreements between the two nations.


Author: MAYA | HARUTO
Posted at: March 11, 2025 7:04 pm